Hong Kong-raised Lara Jefferies is a new mother and the managing director of marketing and communications agency Plug. I can’t wait to go back to Montenegro. My husband’s family is from there and not only does it have the most beautiful coastlines, the food is fantastic. We married in Budva, a resort town on the Adriatic Sea, and return nearly every summer, staying in the old town (Stari Grad). Restaurants we love there include Restaurant Konoba Demizana (Slovenska Obala 3, Budva 85310, Montenegro, tel: +382 33 455 028), a tiny, tucked-away restaurant near the seafront perfect for a casual date night. Sit outside and try their amazing seafood like fish pate, grilled prawns with garlic and their fresh daily fish with potatoes and swiss chard. Salads in Montenegro are truly superior – must-tries include my personal favourite, sopska salata, pronounced shop-ska. Octopus salad with olive oil and garlic and the Nejgus prosciutto is a staple at every meal, too. Pair with some local wine – Plantaze Krstac or Vranac Pro Corde, or a shot of the local grape-based loza spirit. Restoran Porto (Gradska Luka Marina Budva, Budva, tel: +382 33 451 598) is also right on the sea. Everything is delicious – beginning with the huge, home-baked bread loaf they present you with at the start. And it just gets better – stuffed squid, mussels, stuffed pork, barbecue dishes. Something for everyone. For dessert, head to Caffe Restaurant Mozart (Stari Grad Njegoseva 1, Budva 85310, tel: +382 33 451 712). This is a cake lover’s paradise with around 20 types of cakes, and at least five of them are chocolate. Situated on the promenade by the old town’s walls, it’s perfect for people-watching during the day or early evening. They also do great breakfasts. Another fantastic summer escape is Barcelona, Spain. I like a hidden local gem called La Pubilla (Placa de la Llibertat 23, 08012 Barcelona 08012, Spain, tel: +34 932 18 29 94) in the Gracia district. It’s small, loud, casual and buzzy, with amazing Catalan dishes. Do book ahead as it gets packed out and they’ll turn you away. In Hong Kong, my special occasion go-to is Tate Dining Room (210 Hollywood Road, Central, tel: 2555 2172). I love their tasting menu, which is excellent and introduces new dishes that I’d never think of ordering myself. Another favourite is Caprice (Podium 6, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central, tel: 3196 8860). The food and service is flawless across the board. I live in Wan Chai, so my local haunts are Ruam (Shop 9, 1/F, J Senses, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, tel: 3160 8535) for Thai food like flat rice noodles and the grilled flank steak, and Emmer (Shop 407, Level 4, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, tel: 2780 1110) for pizza. The margherita and diavola are the best and the delicious aubergine salad is amazing. When I need a burger fix, I’ll go for an Impossible burger at Beef & Liberty (various locations including 252 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, tel: 2178 0522). For business lunches, 208 Duecento Otto (208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, tel: 2549 0208) is our regular option. They have a great weekday buffet and their pizza is pretty good too.