Food is culture, history, and humanity expressed in one of the most intimate ways imaginable.
The best European country for food is the one that speaks to your soul. It’s the first bite of handmade pasta in Florence, the warmth of a fresh fondue in Geneva, and the instant familiarity of a doner kebab reminding you that even late-night takeaway in Europe is better than half the pub grub back home.
Bring your own bib and eat your way through Europe’s most gastronomic destinations.
Appetizers: Some FAQs For Your Mind To Nibble On
What is the gastronomical capital of Europe?
Such an official title is disputed over fierce appetites. Paris is always in the conversation; rightly so it's got a mouthful of Michelin Stars. Stockholm got the nod this year from the European Community of New Gastronomy, too. Still another survey led to Malta’s capital, Valletta, getting top marks as the gastronomical capital of Europe thanks in part to its many inspired vegan options.
What is the best European country for food?
Depends on who you ask and how hungry you are. Spain, Italy, France, they’re always the stars, but the best European country for eating bread and drinking wine is — wait for it — Georgia. At the far end of Europe you’ll find the oldest winemaking practices and some of the oldest evidence of bread baking in the world.
What are the best travel destinations for food lovers in Europe?
Greece and Italy are definitely two of the best destinations for food lovers in Europe. From a physical “travel” perspective, you can’t beat being able to go to virtually any town in either country and be surrounded by landmarks and recipes that are equally ancient.
Soup & Salad: 5 Must-Visit Foodie Hotspots in Europe
Here’s a sampling of not-so-obvious foodie hotspots in Europe you should take your taste buds to.
- Edinburgh for breakfast. Black pudding, haggis, fried eggs, baked beans, tattie scones, and more, all on the same plate. It’ll put ya right back in bed until lunch.
- Gothenburg for a coffee break. Remember the word fika. It’s like the Swedish version of British afternoon tea but with coffee and cakes.
- Vienna for lunch. Don’t bother sitting down; Vienna’s got great restaurants but trade the schnitzel for a stand-up Vienna sausage, Käsekrainer, or really any meat in tube form will do the trick.
- Lisbon for street eats. It’s impossible to spoil your dinner in Lisbon, so grab fistfulls of pasteis de bacalhau (fried potato and fish fritters) and pastel de nata (custard tarts).
- Prague for dinner. With neighbors like Poland, Germany, and Slovakia, Czechia’s capital serves up a dinner of dumplings, roast duck, beef steak tartare, pork knuckle, and hearty soups.
- Brussels for dessert. Beer and chocolate, Belgium does them both immaculately.
Entree: 3 Best Foodie Destinations in Western Europe
#1: The Meat Option: France
Paris may be the prima donna, but the French truly consider Lyon the gastronomic capital of France. Settle in for tripe marinated with wine white and covered in breadcrumbs or a French pork sausage with pistachios.
#2: The Fish Option: Spain
Trade one evening of all-out tapas eating in Madrid for a seafood lover’s feast in Vigo. As far as ports go, Vigo’s got one of the biggest on the continent and you can practically watch the fisher folk pull out monkfish, sardines, and cuttlefish destined for your plate that night.
#3: The Vegetarian Option: Italy
Not just for vegetarians, vegans and even gluten-free diners will love Turin in the Piedmont region. If not for the classic meat-free pasta and pizza dishes, then visit so you can sample some of the best white truffles in the world.
Dessert: A sweet treat awaits on Europe’s trains
Europe’s trains have food options for every taste: LNER trains in the UK have sandwiches while Spain’s Renfe trains have menus designed by a legit Michelin-star chef. Think you can whip up a better plate of pasta than one of Italy’s Frecciarossa trains? Be our guest. You can bring your own food and drink, including alcohol, on many of Europe’s trains.
Download the Trainline app and thumb through our menu of train tickets to the best foodie destinations in Europe that’ll satiate your wanderlust and budget.