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Ladurée

Legendary Ladurée continues to draw in the crowds with its eye-popping pastry selection and sublime macaroons. Tea time at this genteel establishment is a journey back to the heyday of French refinement and elegance.

yao yang tea house

Established in 1886, this legendary tea house has now opened in Shanghai, bringing along its nostalgic interiors and famous, poetically-named teas such as White Snow Bud and Iron Goddess of Mercy. An ideal destination for tea connoisseurs or shoppers seeking a spiritual break.

dylan's candy bar

Sugar rushes are all the rage thanks to this amazing sweet-emporium helmed by NY's candy queen, Dylan (daughter of Ralph) Lauren. Willy Wonka himself would be dazzled by the mind blowing array of rare, custom made goodies, as well the chocolate baths at the Candy Spa.

Fauchon

Fauchon is a byword for fabulous, fine French food. In addition to a wide selection of foie gras, caviar, teas, coffees and wines, there's also an amazing array of fun novelties items like cherry éclairs and multi-colored Madeleine that are certain be a big hit at your next tea party.

Petrossian

Caviar, foie gras, vodka, smoked salmon and chocolates- for over 80 years, this boutique has been a tasty piece of paradise for hard-core foodies. It's the ideal place to stock up on mouth watering Russian delicacies for your next special reception, picnic or romantic night in.

Peck

First opened by Francesco Peck, a delicatessen owner from Prague, in 1883, this high-end gourmet grocer and restaurant boasts a mind-boggling selection of food and wine from every corner of the globe in its 3-level, 3,300 square meter space. On the top floor, park yourself at a table under the skylight and enjoy a moment of tea and sweets.

Le Palais des Thés

This soothing shop stocks a large variety of top quality teas from more than 20 countries in Asia, as well as Africa and South America. Beautifully-packaged and ready to go, they make the perfect gift... even for those who have everything.

Mariage Frères

For more than 300 years France's oldest teahouse has been sharing it's passion for the most exquisite ingredients around. Today celebs and tea junkies from around the globe flock to this boutique to sample some of the 500 fragrant blends and take away their own beautifully packaged taste of heaven.

Harrods Food Hall

A magnificent one-stop shop to fulfill the most elaborate gastronomic fantasies, from caviar and truffles to sushi to roast meat to cakes, chocolate and candies. Work up an appetite by touring around the gleaming glass cases of delectably presented food, then take a seat at one of the many food bars set up around the hall to indulge in a spot of lunch.

Habits Culti

Opened in 2004, Habits Culti is a lifestyle emporium that specializes in total wellness. From household objects to fine Italian chocolates and coffee to the new hammam spa treatment, this is the ultimate experience for relaxation and inspiration.

Da Rosa

Thanks to owner José Da Rosa's intrepid sourcing of fine produce around the world, Parisians can treat themselves to some of the best cured hams – including Spanish Bellota and Italian Culatello di Zibello – in this enticing store. Parmesan, truffles, olives oils, Iranian caviar, the best smoked salmon and other delectables are also available here. The charming, helpful staff will either wrap up your choice, or serve their ultra-fresh produce in the tapas café, decorated by Jacques Garcia, on the first floor. Check out the original selection of wines in the vaulted cellar, where Da Rosa hams hang from the ceiling.

Jean Paul Hévin

In the words of the Guide des Croqueurs de Chocolat (Chocolate Lovers' Guide), "the chocolates produced by that cocoa bean aficionado feature a bitterness so excellent that even the most finicky of purists will be won over. You can customize your box and choose an assortment from a selection of extra dark ganaches, pralines, and milk chocolates. Within each of these categories, however, you will find fruit fillings, spices, caramels, or liqueurs, over 40 different varieties."

caves legrand

Upon entering the Galerie Vivienne entrance, you'll find the degustation bar, in the middle of a large room with bottle lined walls . The new owners added this three sided horseshoe counter where the sommelier serves wines. You can also accommodate your appetite with eating fine and light foods, also served at the counter. The atmosphere is warm and cosy in wood and brass . In another room you'll find specialty food like foie gras and candy. On the other side of the passageway, there is another Legrand store selling wine accessories and literature .

caves taillevent

An unusual detail, unique to Paris, the bottles in this wine shop are all fake: the real ones are stored underground. Presented instead are the empty wine bottles consumed by celebrated Taillevent diners such such as Woody Allen, Frank Sinatra, Orson Welles, and Charles de Gaulle. So pick out your favorite cru, or the one preferred by your favorite celebrity, and have it sent up from the cellar for your private pleasure.

debauve & gallais

Sulpice Debauve, pharmacist of the King Louis XVI, opened in 1800 with his nephew, Mr. Gallais, a chocolate factory whose quickly rising fame made it the appointed supplier of the Kings Louis XVIII, Charles X and Louis-Philippe. The historical shop of the rue des Saint-Pères created by the architects of the Empress Joséphine, is inscribed on the French Historic Monument List. For two centuries now, the Debauve & Gallais establishment carries-on a tradition: health chocolates, pistols high in cocoa, Carré de Roy, Incroyables, Croquamandes and hot chocolate.

la grande épicerie du bon marché

La Grande Epicerie is one of the largest food halls in Paris and THE gourmet mecca. Right next door to the Bon Marché department store, it has the same mix of edge and elegance that the main store has. Foie gras, patés, oysters, fruits, vegetables, hundreds of cheeses, baked goods, fantasy pastries, champagne, Italian prosciutto, sushi–everything you need is available here. A sort of gourmet museum in itself!

terres de truffes

This boutique/take-away/restaurant is Bruno de Lorgues' latest homage to the subterranean fungi. Cooking lessons are also offered on the premises. Terres de Truffes sells truffles of all shades and seasons, even an eccentric truffle-flavored dessert featuring blancmange and apricot jam. The adjacent restaurant serves pâté with truffles, foie gras with truffles, cheese with truffles, potatoes with truffles, and even ice cream with truffles.

gérard mulot

Situated in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Gérard Mulot is popular for its rich confections. Mulot does several bakings during the day so that the pastries are always fresh. He also explores France's great regional specialties, such as the Alsatian kugelhopf, a round crunchy ribbed loaf that is more bread than cake. His other regional delicacy are rum-scented cannelés from Bordeaux.

the grocer on warwick

Vivienne Hayman & Ashley Sumner have transformed their Sugar Club restaurant into The Grocer on Warwick, a new concept in casual dining and food retail. The Grocer's ready-made meals and products are hand-made using fresh and seasonal ingredients from small artisan producers and quality suppliers. The Grocer's chefs have created easy to prepare meals and preserves for cooking and enjoying at home that are guaranteed to contain no artificial preservatives, flavorings, or coloring, and is GMO-free.

mariebelle

In the heart of SoHo, Mariebelle have been delighting dedicated fans with their chocolate delicacies since October 2000. This spacious boutique features impressive antique curved glass and Mahogany cases that display the MarieBelle edible treats as well as an extensive collection of china, glassware and table top items. Take your time lingering over the glass counter showcasing the 26 custom-made chocolate ganaches, as you decide whether to choose by flavor (Cardamom, Caipirinha, Dulce de Leche) or design (graphic, fashion, Deco, children's). The aroma of fresh-baked pastries, cookies, and cakes will almost undoubtedly lure you into the in-house Cacao Bar, where you can enjoy a mid-day treat.

la maison du chocolat

La Maison du Chocolat boutique actually appears to be steeped in cocoa, right down to the ribbons on their boxes. These handmade chocolates are regularly confirmed as being some of the best in the world. Scrumptious fillings known as ganache (a mix of dairy cream and chocolate) are dipped rather molded meaning the light covering of chocolate simply melts in the mouth. The ganaches are subtly flavored with a large variety of ingredients (almond, cinnamon, ginger, lemon, coffee, fennel...) that blend perfectly well with the rich tasting chocolate. While you're there, don't forget to indulge in a cup of wildly intense and decadently thick hot chocolate in the tearoom.

Kusmi Tea

Kusmi Tea supplied theTzars with their teas until the Revolution. Re-established in Paris in 1920, Kusmi is the only remaining genuine Russian tea company, providing great teas to people with discerning tastes. Kusmi teas are sold, in their original pre-Bolshevik Revolution packaging.

Faye Gastronomie

Dominique Faye opened this lovely boutique where we can buy fine food that he found in the best places in Europe: Smoked salmon, eggs of salmon, foie gras, truffles, caviar. The boutique is run by Jean-Claude Racic who will expertly advise you in choosing the right tea, coffee, oil or cheese. For the sweet tooth, a large selection of candies and chocolate is offered.

Dalloyau

This is one of Paris's landmark pâtisseries. Dalloyau (pronounced Dall-why-o) has been making its own chocolates and pastries since 1802 and to maintain a reputation of excellence for 200 years is some achievement. Everything in Dalloyau is luxury confectionalised. Of the sweet delights, the Opera is legendry - layer upon layer of textured chocolate. In a similar vein there is the equally sinful Louvre - shaped like the Louvre pyramid and consisting of a dark chocolate exterior protecting an even richer filling of chocolate mousse.

L'Atelier des Saveurs

L'Atelier des Saveurs is a "world épicerie" in the true sense of the word. It doesn't sell chichi packaged-for-tourists versions of the world's flavours but the real thing - baskets of dried fruit, spices, olives, rice and an amazing selection of tinned and bottled goods of the kind that can cure homesickness instantly. Best of all, they have recipes to help you discover the cuisines of the world.

Artisan du Chocolat

The preferred chocolate of many a London chef including a certain Gordon Ramsay. Although still relatively young in the scheme of things, Artisan du Chocolat—through its inventive mixing and its never before seen creative techniques—has proved itself to be a force to be reckoned with within the world of chocolatiers.

Richart

The famed chocolatier's New York outpost invites chocoholics to choose amongst the dizzying array of gourmet varietals freshly shipped from Richart's factory in Lyon, France.

Etik

A store with a mission: fine food and kitchen accessories brand Etik opens its first store in Paris' 17th arrondissement. Based on the concept of fair trade, this lovely boutique believes in selling with consciousness. Among its wide and varied selection, it offers products which are both delicious and elegant.

Hediard

Opened in Moscow in 2005, this gourmet boutique offers an exquisite selection of products from the venerable French delicatessen, delivering a sense of refinement and the serenity of an authentic French gastronomic tradition.

Volkonsky

The menu of this charming bakery counts 130 varieties of bread and pastries. Pass by early in the morning for the city's finest freshly baked croissants and a cup of steaming coffee.

La Maree

Sole, turbot, seabream, sea bass, swordfish and many other sorts of the freshest fish are delivered every Thursdays and Sundays to this superb seafood boutique La Marée.

A. Korkunov

The chocolate boutique A. Korkunov is the capital's best spot for handmade gourmet chocolates and delicious truffles.

Nespresso

You know a brand has made a name when it opens a boutique on the Champs Elysées. Nespresso's famous little coffee capsules have been round the world, and to celebrate their success, the brand has just opened a Parisian flagship store, on the world famous a venue. With its futuristic and utterly elegant design, this Gourmet landmark will attract more than one coffee lover. And who knows, you might even run into George....

Noka Chocolate

Dallas's favourite chocolate Noka has opened its first Japanese boutique in Tokyo's Midtown district. The seductive black and silver boxes on display enclose a selection of mouthwatering chocolates, all made from carefully selected cocoa from four different countries. With just one bite of the rich chocolate, you are transported to the most exotic destinations. Also to look out for is the boutique's spectacular interior design featuring high end furniture and audio equipment.

Pierre Hermé

On Paris' legendary Rue Cambon, just down the street from the iconic Chanel flagship store, the master of the macaroon, Pierre Herme, has opened his latest boutique. Designed by architect Olivier Lempereu, the gem of a patisserie is a stylish affair with macaroon and other delights presented jewelry-style in pristine glass cases. Don't leave without sampling his signature rose-flavored creations - delicious.

Acker, Merrall & Condit

On New York's Upper West Side, America's oldest fine wine store is also its best. Founded in 1820, Acker, Merrall & Condit offers a full wine experience, with tastings and education courses organized alongside an impressive warehouse-sized range of premium wines. Monthly auctions both online and in New York are rivaled only by those of Christie's Fine Wine in London. An oenophile's Mecca.

Jacques Genin

Paris chocolatier Jacques Genin may not (yet) have the public profile of Jean-Paul Hevin or Pierre Hermé, but in the small world of artisan chocolate makers he is a talent to be reckoned with. Just opened in the Marais district of Paris is Genin's first chocolate boutique, a sleek and elegant space that could just as easily sell high jewelry from its glass cabinets. But forget the luxurious surroundings (there is also a café) and exquisite packaging (minimalist boxes that John Pawson would be proud of) and focus on Genin's chocolates filled with his famous ganache. Mr. Hevin and Mr. Herme – watch out.

Sadaharu Aoki

Tokyo-born, Paris-based Sadaharu Aoki is a master pastry chef and chocolatier who trained at the renowned Chandon patisserie in Tokyo. After setting up shop in Paris in 1998, Aoki now operates from several locations in Paris and Tokyo. Don’t miss his innovative creations, including his signature white chocolate with green tea and dark chocolate with sesame.

Pralinor

The best – and in fact, the only – store in Shanghai that produces handmade Belgian chocolates, Pralinor is a local institution. Chocolatier Mehdi El Idrissi creates satisfyingly chunky bars, traditional pralines and an array of truffles that can be specially ordered with a choice of ganache fillings. Chocolate is the focus here with not even pastries on the menu. Sign up for one of Mr. Mehdi’s classes to learn how to make chocolate from the master himself.

Pierre Marcolini

Pierre Marcolini is one of the original master chocolatiers, with stores throughout his native Belgium as well as in Paris, New York and Tokyo. Just opened is his latest outpost on the Right Bank of Paris. Like the carefully considered design of the boutique, Marcolini’s chocolate creations are modern, understated and deliciously smooth.

Jacques Torres

Part factory and part retail outlet, Jacques Torres Chocolate Heaven in New York offers a unique experience to watch cocoa beans become chocolate truffles at this extravagant space filled with vintage chocolate-making equipment. Often cited as the best chocolate in New York, French chocolatier Torres is renowned for his unique creations such as the decadent chocolate quiche.

Chokladfabriken

With simply formed truffles, smoothly finished chocolate bars and minimal packaging, Chokladfabriken – which means chocolate factory in Swedish – has a distinct Scandinavian aesthetic. Beautifully designed and delicious, the chocolate here is the best in Stockholm. Pick up a copy of the recipe book written by the factory’s founders, Martin and Ellinor Isaksson, to discover how to achieve the understated finish.

Paul A. Young

Chic rustic is what best describes the elegant yet inviting interior of Paul Young’s award-winning London chocolatier. Adding to the country store feel, Young whips up his cocoa creations on the premises, serving up fresh fancies daily to discerning chocoholics. Regarded as one of London’s leading artisan chocolate makers, Young worked with luminaries such as Marco Pierre White before going solo. In 2006 the award-winning chocolatier/patissier became an honorary member of the Academy of Chocolate.

La Pâtisserie des Rêves

The Paris patisserie war continues with the opening of La Pâtisserie des Rêves (translation: the pastisserie of dreams), the latest outlet for the culinary creations of celebrated chef Philippe Conticini. Breaking conventional notions of what a patisserie should look like, the space – which was inspired by the work of Mondrian – showcases just fifteen cakes under temperature-controlled glass bells; visitors choose which sweet treat they would like before it is fetched directly from the kitchen. Another address to add to the gourmet itinerary of Ladurée, Pierre Hermé and Jean-Paul Hévin…

Besiktas Fish Market

Looking for great fish in Istanbul? Head to the Besiktas fish market, a buzzy all day retail venue for the freshest produce fished from the Bosphorus and beyond. Recently redesigned by local architects GAD and Gokhan Avcioglu, they summarize the project as, “a simple yet iconic concrete and steel seashell-like form covering the entire site,” and its hard to disagree that triangular structure is nothing if spectacular. You’re a strict vegetarian? Head to the flat roof of the shell, which will be used as a space for art and cultural events.

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