The Gourmet Traveller: Rocket's Top Travel Tips for Food Lovers

As August draws near, our thoughts naturally drift towards sun-soaked getaways and the culinary adventures that come with them. Nothing sets the tone for a perfect holiday like indulging in the local flavours of a new or favourite destination and the team at Rocket is always on the lookout for the finest local culinary insights. Here, our team shares some of their recent travel destinations and the culinary highlights that you shouldn’t miss.  

Corfu's North-East Coast

We recently returned from a week on the North-East coast of Corfu, where we dove headfirst into the island’s vibrant culinary scene, overdosed on tzatziki, and went through enough sunscreen to protect a small army. Though we left feeling there was so much more to explore, these were some of our favourite spots in this stunning location.  

Head to the tranquil Kalami Bay for a sundowner at The White House, the former residence of British author Lawrence Durrell who lived there in the 1930s. The kitchen is headed up by Lefteris Lazarou, the first Greek chef awarded with a Michelin star, so it’s perfect for a special occasion, or do as we did and snag a dockside table for a pre-dinner drink and fried calamari while you watch the boats come into the harbour. 

Ask for a waterside table at Eucalyptus, a seafood restaurant in the quiet bay of San Stefano. The whole menu is excellent, but don’t miss the fried courgette flowers stuffed with feta and herbs, the seafood risotto, or the fresh fish of the day. For an equally delicious meal, take a boat taxi to Agni Bay and dine at either Taverna Agni (amazing seafood platters and people watching) or Nikolas Taverna, a more traditional restaurant which hosts Greek night every Thursday.  

Pignata Patisserie is an unassuming bakery in Sinies that has croissants to rival some of France’s finest. We especially loved their pistachio baklava and walnut cake, both of which are made fresh in the bakery each day. Guided by the fishmongers at Kalami Fish Market, we cooked a delicious seafood feast on our final evening, following the owner’s advice to cook simply with the best possible ingredients – sea bream and prawns fresh off that boat that morning, combined with lemon, garlic, rosemary and wine – an ethos which shall be guiding my cooking for the rest of the summer, regardless of the British forecast.  – Celeste Good, Senior Marketing Manager

Paris

Any foodie is spoilt for choice in Paris but there’s nothing like word-of-mouth recommendations when navigating a big city. Below is a selection of places I visited on a recent trip with friends, mostly based on recommendations and some we found while exploring the Montmarte neighbourhood where we stayed – wandering around the streets of Paris and discovering small bakeries is a lovely way to spend your time! 

Start your morning with a café au lait and croissant at Boris Lumé Boulangerie, an iconic bakery run by a Franco-Japanese couple known for seasonal ingredients and modern creations. There is lots to marvel at within the glass cases, and we particularly loved the tart au citron with a touch of basil and the cream filled choux buns. For a taste of Parisian bistro tradition, queue up at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, renowned for its set menu – a perfect walnut salad followed by tender sirloin steak, their famous sauce, and some of the best frites in Paris. They don’t take reservations, but the wait is worth it!  

To further satisfy your carnivore cravings, head to Dumbo for their quality burgers and irresistible dipping sauce in a modern, hipster setting. My friend is a chef at Restaurant Au Passage where we were treated to a bespoke tasting menu featuring artistic small sharing plates and natural, organic wines. It has a super welcoming and homey feel, that perfect rustic-chic that the French do so well.  

If you prefer a more casual dining experience, explore Marché couvert des Enfants Rouges for global cuisine options and fresh produce stalls. If you can’t find a seat in the market, there’s a beautiful park nearby for al fresco dining. For a relaxed drink away from the tourist crowds, unwind at Le Relais de la Butte with some charcuterie in the sun. And for a taste of exquisite French patisserie, don’t miss Gilles Marchal Paris which offers delectable madeleines in flavours like lemon zest, dark chocolate, pine honey, and pistachio. Inspiration I will certainly be passing onto Rocket’s pastry chefs!  – Sarah Baumgartner, Senior Operations Manager

North Cornwall

I hate to admit it, but I’m often guilty of having my sights set abroad during the warm summer season. Having recently come back from my first trip to Cornwall, I’ve discovered that golden sandy beaches with blue waters and perfect surf spots have been right under my nose the whole time! Here are some of my top tips following a recent trip to Northern Cornwall.  

To begin, head down to Padstow, and stay at The Seafood Restaurant, a stylish seaside retreat situated in the heart of the marina where an array of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants are at your fingertips. The hotel houses an upscale restaurant that offers some of the freshest seafood you’ll find – their grilled turbot with hollandaise is a perennial favourite but make sure to also be on the lookout for their catch of the day. For fine dining and a special night out, there’s Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No.6. Above it is Cici’s, a relaxed cocktail and pintxos bar inspired by the founders’ trips to San Sebastián and Barcelona – don’t miss their Portside cocktail. 

Only a few minutes’ drive from the harbour are some of the most breathtaking beaches and National Trust sites you’ll come across in the country. Tucked away in the mouth of the Camel Estuary is Hawker’s Cove, a pristine beach unspoilt by crowds. The next day, drive further down to Watergate Bay, a two-mile stretch of fine sand beach, or Fistral Beach in Newquay for surfing. You’re sure to be hungry after catching some waves and there’s nothing like a box of classic fish & chips at The Boathouse to reward yourself. After sunset, Little Ears on Fore Street is a newly opened Italian bistro that offers fresh and handmade pasta. Their crab orecchiette is the best I’ve ever had but be sure to save room for dessert – the brioche col tuppo with homemade pistachio gelato rivals some of Sicily’s finest. Who says you need to go abroad for unforgettable food? – Erika Batty, Social Media & Content Manager

Rome

Last July, I spent two unforgettable weeks city hopping around Italy with my boyfriend. Our journey began in Milan, took us to the serene beauty of Lake Como, then southwards to the historic grandeur of Rome, and finally to the sun-soaked splendor of the Amalfi Coast. Among many memorable food experiences, one standout was our final lunch in Rome at Alfredo alla Scrofa, renowned as the birthplace of fettuccine Alfredo. This iconic restaurant, which has been open 110 years, is located a mere five-minute walk from the Pantheon. Request an outside table for unrivalled people watching in a small, picturesque square while you whet your appetite with an Aperol Spritz.   

After delicious Italian antipasti, we both ordered the fettuccine Alfredo, which was theatrically prepared tableside by a “matecatore”. The dish begins with very thin homemade egg pasta cooked in boiling water for just 30 seconds, then drained and tossed in fresh butter and covered with finely grated parmesan cheese. Although this sounds deceptively simple, we realised the process is key – it’s all about the rotational motion which melts the butter and cheese into a sweet creamy consistency. We have since tried to recreate this dish since and believe me, it’s impossible! The entire experience was so memorable and one you definitely shouldn’t miss if you travel to Rome this summer. – Ellie Collison, Events Manager

Hay-on-Wye, Wales

Nestled in the Golden Valley, tucked between the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, is the tiny market town of Hay-on-Wye, perfect for the outdoor loving foodie to explore. Though known for its annual Book Festival in May, summer is the perfect time to visit, as you have access to plenty of fantastic shops, pubs, and restaurants, plus longer hours of evening light, beautiful scenery, and more promising weather. 

The place I always recommend staying is The Felin Fach Griffin, at the foot of Landefalle Common. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, and the menu features the finest Welsh ingredients. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lowland hills, it’s the perfect spot for an evening stroll before a cosy supper in the Aga Room. If you want to be even more immersed in nature, Wye Glamping offers picturesque wooden and canvas yurts so you can wake up among birdsong and babbling brooks.  

The town is brimming with book shops, each specialising in something different. Mostly Maps is great shop to get lost in and the nearby Hay Antique Market is a treasure trove of finds. If you need a sugar pick-me-up after all that shopping, head to Shepherd’s Parlour for locally made ice cream. We particularly love the mint chocolate chip and toffee honeycomb.  

Stock up your picnic basket at Oakchurch, the most amazing farm shop brimming with local cheeses and award-winning pies, then climb the Hay Bluff to admire the views at the most northern tip of the Black Mountains. You can canoe down the River Wye (we hire canoes from Wye Valley Canoes) and end up at The Boat Inn where you can enjoy a pint of the local Herefordshire cider on the banks of the river. If you have more time to explore and wish to venture further afield, The Walnut Tree Inn is perfect for special occasions. Tucked away at the bottom of Skirrid Mountain, this Michelin starred restaurant is a favourite among the team at Rocket and gets better every time I visit.  – Nell Stebbings, Account Manager, Pocket Rocket