Chișinău

CoffeeMolka wears its speciality as a badge of honour, making for an entertaining look around with its impressive collection of vintage coffee grinders displayed proudly on shelves. Coffee is taken seriously here (try the traditional Turkish coffee), and casual live music evenings are hosted.

Rozmarin looks and feels like it could easily fit in anywhere in Europe, including upcoming neighbourhoods of trendsetting Scandinavian capitals. The menu is extensive and leans heavily towards Italian flavours. The main selling point is their bread: baked freshly in-house and used in the cooking of mouthwatering sandwiches.

For cheap and cheerful local eats, try one of La Plăcinte's several Chisianu locations. Finish off your meal of traditional Moldovan specialities with an actual placinta — a soft pastry of layered dough filled with soft cheese or another stuffing (these are ubiquitous in town).

The trendiest coffee shop chain in town continues to attract patrons to its four locations each named after an established coffee nation. Particular focus is placed on presentation, each cup crafted to look like a work of drinkable art. Sandwiches, bagels, salads, and a variety of desserts are on offer too.