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They’ve got a city that feels like a thriving metropolis despite its small size, beautiful buildings, clean streets, genuine people, and a forward thinking culture that has embraced expats, technology and its burgeoning startup scene. Not to mention the food – from stellar Sa Sa Zu to Meat and Greet (which might even rival Freddy Schilling in Cologne), Prague is dotted with go-to international foodie destinations. At the height of winter, the fruit selection at most markets is rather dull, so we have to raise our glass of orange juice to Můj šálek kávy for rounding up the best blueberries, kiwifruit, apple, pear and orange available. The real star of the show is the pancakes, a twinset of cinnamon dusted delight, with poached pears and yoghurt and a welcome absence of artificial syrups.

Prague also boasts exceptional food, whether you’re enjoying goulash with the locals at a Czech pub (highly recommended here), snacking on cinnamon dusted Trdelník at the markets, or having a lazy weekend brunch at La Bottega Tusarova. The greatest achievement on this plate though is the crusty yet moist Altamura bread, which is just outstanding, having been made by the La Bottega’s resident baker who hails from Altamura. Pass another slice of that Altamura bread, please… Much more than breakfast is on offer, with a deli full of smart salads that deviate from the usual lettuce-cucumber-tomato fare (we’re looking at you Germany) and into wild rice territory. The patisserie of La Bottega has been in action all morning, and through the glass viewing window you can watch these chefs churn out gorgeous cuore chocolates, panna cotta and tiramisu, apple and pineapple cake, Sacher tortes and much more.

Instead the lavish Piano Brunch buffet spans three rooms and three hours, and features white gloved waiters, silver cutlery, a spectacular cheese board, real honeycomb, freshly prepared sushi, and a chocolate fondue station… to name just a few things. Lots of little things on little plates will give you a chance to try all the different flavours of the day, but make sure you save some space for the very special main courses, a feast of classical German dishes. On a cold winter’s morning, eyes shine at the cornfed chicken breast with spätzle, and the beef fillet in mushroom sauce with creamy potato gratin. Excelsior Hotel Ernst shows off its fine dining expertise in the main serving room, ensuring all guests receive a grand experience.

It’s a beautiful, glamorous city that’s becoming more popular with tourists and rightly so. From here the gorgeous vineyard villages of Barolo, Asti, Alba and Barbaresco are only an hour away, where you’ll find stunning wine, risotto, hazelnuts, agnolotti and truffles galore. The scrambled eggs with prosciutto cotto (€6.00) are suspiciously fluffy yet creamy, and will love you for a little sprinkle of salt. It’s the little details that can really make your day, like the handpainted trees, flowers and lucky ladybirds on the tables of Teapot.