The 11 best European cities for foodies

The gastronomical capital of France is a great place to sample unique plates. Enjoy classic French dishes, Lyonnaise specialties such as Rosette de Lyon (saucisson) and Tablier de sapeur (tripe cooked in white wine), and a growing craft beer scene. You’ll also be a short train or bus ride from the Alps, which means raclette and fondu are also top-notch.

Home to one of Europe’s largest food markets, the capital of Portugal has become a great place for foodies. It’s a great place to sample Portuguese cuisine, wine, and street eats.

Dutch food might not inspire much thought, but the capital city is home to some of the best restaurants in all cuisine of Europe. From Chinese to Italian and everything in between, your tastebuds will never be disappointed in Amsterdam.

Spanish food conjures pictures of paella, ceviche, and various seafood dishes. Barcelona gives it all a Catalan twist that will delight any foodie.

Okay, honestly, any city in Italy could fill this category, but Bologna is worth a special mention because it gave the world parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, lasagna, and of course, bolognese. Despite this, the city isn’t as visited as others in the country, which makes dining there a special experience.

The Scandinavian capital might be best known for its design aesthetics, but its reputation as a food city has grown recently. Unlike much of northern Europe, the coffee is as amazing as the pastries. Additionally, the local chefs love playing with Nordic ingredients and traditional Danish plates like tartlets (a mix of chicken and veggies), fish meatballs, and Danish hot dogs.

The Czech capital is where to enjoy goulash and Czech beer, but it’s also where one should head in search of new treats. While the country can be difficult to eat vegetarian, Prague has numerous restaurants catering to those with all types of preferences. Additionally, it’s a surprising place for international cuisines like Vietnamese, Argentinian, and Italian.

The birthplace of pizza cannot be left off this list. However, Napoli has more to offer hungry stomachs beyond its staple. Homegrown tomatoes are some of the best on the continent, and the pasta dishes like gnocchi alla sorrentina and risotto alla pescatora will delight tastebuds.

The city where Asia and Europe meet will, of course, always be unique in many instances, including food. The grilled meats, falafel, and dips are a staple but don’t forget to try the börek pastries, lahmacun (Turkish Pizza), and baklava.

Traditional Slovenian cuisine is not well-known worldwide, but if you visit the capital, you’ll enjoy a unique culinary experience. Local chefs favor sustainable farming and nearby ingredients to make dishes like  Štruklji – rolled dumplings, Bujta repa — turnip and meat stew, and various pastries.

Of course, we cannot forget the City of Light, home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Enjoy drinks and meals at classic French brasseries, dine at Michelin-star restaurants, or enjoy a variety of international cuisines.