Discover The Best Food In Europe In These Cities
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WHAT IS IT ABOUT FOOD ON VACATION, THE WAY THAT IT WELCOMES YOU TO A NEW PLACE AND COMFORTS YOU AFTER A LONG JOURNEY?
I love learning about a place’s food and wine, the customs that surround their enjoyment and the lure around their production.
If there’s one thing I’m thinking about on a trip, it’s probably where and when the next meal will be. 😋
Europe’s food scene is a mix of old and new, with classic local dishes and international influences that have made their mark.
EVERYBODY LOVES FOOD, AND (MOST) PLACES HOLD THE POTENTIAL FOR SERVING UP A GREAT MEAL.
But some of us are a bit obsessed with food, and are willing to plan entire itineraries around a specific region or cuisine.
To chase after that incredible, unmatched dining experience, or to sample that crucial ingredient right in the place it was made.
Eating your way through a place has become one of the most popular methods of experiencing a city, and experiences like food tours and cooking classes abound.
BELOW, I’VE COLLECTED A LIST OF MY FAVORITE EUROPEAN CITIES FOR DISCOVERING THE BEST FOOD IN EUROPE.
Discover The Best Food In Europe In These Cities
Lyon, France
LYON, NESTLED IN THE HEART OF FRANCE, IS RENOWNED AS THE GASTRONOMIC CAPITAL OF FRANCE.
From traditional bouchons serving hearty Lyonnaise cuisine to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, Lyon offers a diverse array of dining options to suit every palate and budget.
Visitors can indulge in iconic Lyonnaise dishes such as coq au vin, quenelle, and cervelle de canut, accompanied by world-class wines from nearby vineyards in the Rhône Valley and Beaujolais regions.
Lyon, France is the gastronomy capital of France.
Lyon’s mural dedicated to native son, Chef Paul Bocuse, affectionately nicknamed Monsieur Paul.
Beyond its eateries, Lyon is also celebrated for its bustling food markets and gourmet shops, where visitors can immerse themselves in the city's culinary soul.
The historic Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, named after the legendary French chef, is a food lover's paradise, brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and more.
Meanwhile, the vibrant open-air markets, such as the Marché Saint-Antoine Célestins and the Marché de la Croix-Rousse, offer a feast for the senses with their colorful stalls and tantalizing aromas.
FOR THOSE SEEKING HANDS-ON CULINARY EXPERIENCES, LYON OFFERS A VARIETY OF COOKING CLASSES AND GASTRONOMIC TOURS LED BY LOCAL CHEFS.
Best Culinary Experiences in Lyon
Lisbon, Portugal
Along the banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon, Portugal, beckons food and wine enthusiasts with its fresh seafood, delectable pastries, and world-class wines.
Wander through the historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa to discover charming eateries, bustling markets, and cozy wine bars tucked away in narrow cobblestone streets.
SAVOR TRADITIONAL PORTUGUESE DISHES SUCH AS BACALHAU (SALTED COD), GRILLED SARDINES, AND PASTÉIS DE NATA (CUSTARD TARTS) WHILE INDULGING IN VINHO VERDE AND PORT.
From the aroma of freshly grilled sardines to the sweet melodies of Fado drifting from taverns, Lisbon buzzes with tastes of Portugal's rich gastronomic heritage.
In Lisbon's bustling markets, salted and preserved bacalhau reigns supreme as a symbol of culinary tradition.
For an authentic taste of Lisbon's culinary culture, embark on a food and wine tour to explore the city's diverse flavors and hidden gems.
VISIT BUSTLING MARKETS LIKE THE TIME OUT MARKET IN THE MERCADO DA RIBEIRA AND MERCADO DE CAMPO DE OURIQUE TO SAMPLE AN ARRAY OF FRESH PRODUCE, ARTISANAL CHEESES, AND CURED MEATS.
Lisbon also has a vibrant cafe culture with spots such as A Brasileira, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or afternoon coffee paired with fresh pastries.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience a traditional fado performance while savoring a home cooked meal at one of Lisbon's many fado restaurants.
🔎 More to explore: A Laid-Back 2 Day Lisbon Itinerary 👉 Read here
Best Culinary Experiences in Lisbon
Bologna, Italy
BOLOGNA, ITALY, SITUATED IN THE EMILIA-ROMAGNA REGION, IS A PARADISE FOR FOOD AND WINE ENTHUSIASTS, LEGENDARY FOR ITS SAVORY CUISINE AND WORLD-CLASS WINES.
The city's culinary heart beats loudest at its historic markets, such as Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe, where you can sample an array of local delicacies, including fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats.
Local restaurants serve traditional dishes like tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese pasta), tortellini in brodo (stuffed pasta in broth), and mortadella, all washed down with a glass of Lambrusco or Sangiovese wine.
La Prosciutteria in Bologna is a great spot for tasting cured meats and the local specialty, mortadella.
Pasta artisans craft tortellini for delicate broths and tagliatelle for heartier dishes.
So much of Bologna’s charm comes from its reputation for fresh ingredients.
A local food guide will be able to navigate you through the city's winding streets and hidden alleyways, stopping at traditional trattorias, osterias, and wine bars along the way.
You can also learn about the art of pasta making, sample regional specialties like crescentine fritte (fried dough) and tigelle (flatbread), and savor the flavors of authentic gelato at one of Bologna's famed gelaterias.
DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO VISIT THE NEARBY TOWNS OF MODENA AND PARMA TO TASTE ICONIC PRODUCTS LIKE BALSAMIC VINEGAR, PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CHEESE, AND PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA.
All of these ingredients are celebrated throughout the world for their exceptional quality and flavor.
🔎 Want to dive deeper? 8 Reasons to Add Bologna to Your Next Italy Itinerary 👉 Read here
Best Culinary Experiences in Bologna
San Sebastian, Spain
Renowned as one of the world's top gastronomic destinations, the charming seaside city of San Sebastian boasts an array of Michelin-starred restaurants, pintxos bars, and lively food markets, making it a paradise for epicureans.
From its location on the coastline of Spain’s Basque Country, savory seafood dishes and delectable pintxos showcase the region's finest ingredients and bountiful seafood.
WASH IT ALL DOWN WITH TXAKOLI WINE, A LIGHTLY SPARKLING, VERY DRY WHITE WINE PRODUCED LOCALLY IN SAN SEBASTIAN.
For fine dining aficionados, the options are seemingly endless, as San Sebastian has the most Michelin starred restaurants, per capita, in the world.
In the labyrinthine alleys of San Sebastian, the scent of sizzling chorizo and smoky paprika fills the air.
In San Sebastian's pintxos bars, bites of Basque gastronomy are washed down with glasses of Txakoli wine.
EVEN MORE CULINARY CHARMS LIE IN THE VILLAGES AND COUNTRYSIDE SURROUNDING SAN SEBASTIAN.
The coastal town of Getaria is renowned for its fresh seafood and txakoli wine, while the picturesque wine region of Rioja Alavesa contains centuries-old wineries open for tours.
Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Basque cider house experience, where you can enjoy a hearty meal of cider-house steak, chorizo, and bacalao (salt cod) paired with unlimited cider straight from the barrel.
The unique combination of culinary excellence, natural beauty, and cultural heritage makes San Sebastian a food and wine destination that every enthusiast should visit.
Best Culinary Experiences in San Sebastian
Bordeaux, France
BORDEAUX HAS CAPTIVATED FOOD AND WINE ENTHUSIASTS FOR CENTURIES AS THE HEART OF FRANCE’S FAMED WINE COUNTRY.
Known as the capital of wine, Bordeaux boasts a prestigious wine-growing region that stretches across picturesque vineyards, producing some of the world's finest vintages.
There’s a lot to discover, from the historic wine estates of the Médoc, where you can sample acclaimed red wines such as Margaux, and Saint-Estèphe, to the rolling hills of Saint-Émilion, with its charming medieval villages and elegant Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends.
Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious wine neophyte, Bordeaux offers a plethora of wine-tasting experiences to suit every palate and knowledge level.
Encased in oak, grapes undergo a transformation into wines that embody the Bordeaux terroir.
Against a backdrop of rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards, Bordeaux's wine estates are a viticultural paradise.
BUT BORDEAUX IS MORE THAN JUST ITS WORLD-RENOWNED VINEYARDS.
The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene and rich gastronomic traditions.
At the city’s oldest market, Marché des Capucins, visitors can peruse stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and delectable pastries.
Traditional Bordelais meals are served up at the city's acclaimed bistros and brasseries.
HERE, YOU CAN FEAST ON REGIONAL SPECIALTIES SUCH AS CONFIT DE CANARD (DUCK CONFIT), FOIE GRAS, AND MAGRET DE CANARD (DUCK BREAST) PAIRED WITH ROBUST BORDEAUX WINES.
Best Culinary Experiences in Bordeaux
Edinburgh, Scotland
Tucked into the stunning landscapes of Scotland, Edinburgh is a haven for food, wine, and Scotch whisky enthusiasts alike.
The city's rich culinary scene reflects its vibrant cultural heritage, offering a tantalizing array of flavors and experiences to satisfy every palate.
ALONG THE HISTORIC STREETS OF THE OLD TOWN, TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH PUBS SERVE UP HEARTY DISHES SUCH AS HAGGIS, NEEPS, AND TATTIES ALONGSIDE A FINE SELECTION OF SCOTCH WHISKEY.
The city’s lively waterfront area of Leith offers a taste of Scotland's famed seafood, from fresh oysters to smoked salmon and beyond.
Edinburgh is regarded for its charming cobblestone streets as well as Scotland's rich whisky-making tradition.
Whiskey barrels stand in orderly rows at Deanston Distillery in nearby Doune.
NO VISIT TO EDINBURGH WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT SAMPLING THE CITY'S RENOWNED SCOTCH WHISKY.
Embark on a whisky tasting tour and journey through the iconic distilleries of Scotland's whisky trail, where you can learn about the age-old traditions of whisky production and sample a variety of single malts and blended whiskies.
Or venture to the charming village of Dufftown in Speyside, home to some of the country's most celebrated whisky distilleries.
Best Culinary Experiences in Edinburgh
Copenhagen, Denmark
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK'S VIBRANT CAPITAL CITY, HAS A CULINARY SCENE BURSTING WITH INNOVATION AND FLAVOR.
Its bustling food markets, like the Torvehallerne Market, is where local vendors showcase their fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet treats.
Indulge in traditional Danish smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches piled high with delectable toppings, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent Danish pastry paired with a rich cup of coffee.
Copenhagen's Smørrebrød restaurants beckon with their rustic charm and open-faced sandwiches.
Copenhagen’s colorful Nyhavn.
For an unforgettable dining experience, venture to the trendy neighborhood of Nørrebro, known for its eclectic mix of eateries and hip cafes.
The innovative flavors of New Nordic cuisine, where local ingredients are transformed into culinary showstoppers, can be found at several fine dining restaurants nearby.
Alternatively, the cozy ambiance of traditional Danish bistros offers dishes like frikadeller (meatballs) or stegt flæsk (crispy pork belly) paired with a locally brewed beer.
DON’T FORGET TO TAKE A STROLL ALONG THE CANALS OF NYHAVN.
This iconic waterfront district oozes charm, its streets dotted with colorful townhouses and lively outdoor cafes.
Best Culinary Experiences in Copenhagen
Conclusion
IF YOUR TRAVELS ARE GUIDED BY YOUR TASTE BUDS, THESE DESTINATIONS ARE SURE TO SATISFY YOUR APPETITE FOR DISCOVERY.
Whether you're indulging in a time-honored local dish or seeking out a buzzy food trend, eating your way through a city offers a deliciously immersive way to experience its culture.
From traditional markets to Michelin-starred dining, the cities on this list promise unforgettable gastronomic adventures.
Until next time,
Angela 🍷
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