Food is an unmissable part of a travel agenda. Munching on “feels like home” dishes to savoring exotic flavors are a huge part of traveling. You can learn about new culture and different ways of life through your tastebuds. In this blog, we will explore the exquisite culinary scene of Europe. Pasta, wine, and everything nice. Europe is all about delicious dishes and sumptuous goodies. Thus, Europe’s diverse and indulgent culinary scene makes it a dream destination for foodies. Then, what are the best cities for food in Europe? Which destination has awesome selection of food that you shouldn’t miss?
Here are the 10 best cities for food in Europe. With their fabulous choices of cuisines, these destinations in Europe fit your foodie bucket list perfectly.
Bologna, Italy
Nobody can leave Italy out when it comes to food. The country is the birthplace of pizza, gelato, and other world-famous dishes that make your mouth water. However, the city of Bologna shines the brightest. It is the birthplace of the rich and tangy bolognese sauce, just like the name suggests. Moreover, Bologna was the witness of the first creation of world-renowned parmesan cheese. With that being said, you will know that the culinary scene of Bologna is exquisite.
Taking a food tour is a great idea when visiting Bologna. You can stroll through traditional markets, sampling some polenta and baked porchini mushrooms. Then, stop at a local-run restaurant to sample some authentic tortellini and tagliatelle. Also, there is always a room for dessert! End your meal with some a cup of crafted pistachio gelato.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels calls all sweet tooth lovers to visit. Belgium is famous for its high-quality chocolate, delicious waffles, and awesome beers. Thus, Brussels is an awesome city to get Belgium’s proud dishes on their best state. From indulgent dark chocolate to fizzy craft beers, you can find the best sweet treats in this city! Therefore, Brussels is one of Europe’s best cities for food.
Hop on a food tour as soon as you arrive in Brussels. You can take a tour to several famous chocolate shops and factories, like Godiva and Neuhaus. Additionally, make sure to pay a visit to some smaller chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini and Laurent Gerbaurd. Spoil your tastebuds with creamy pralines and melted chocolate bars. Then, get ready for some booze! Belgian beers are too fabulous to miss, as they are unique and tasty.
Barcelona, Spain
Spicy, flavorful, and delectable – those are what make Spanish dishes well-loved! Travel to Barcelona and get ready for a tasty adventure, as this city is not just about charming seaside -promenades and Moorish architecture. Barcelona is the getaway to Spain’s fantastic culinary scene. You can find authentic and luscious paella, delicious tapas, and unique jamon.
Find a myriad of Spanish culinary delights as you stroll through Barcelona. Whether you are looking for a delightful Mediterranean dishes to authentic Catalan goods, it is no rocket science to find an awesome restaurant to get them. Thus, Barcelona offers both fancy dining experience and humble visits to local restaurants. Additionally, don’t forget to have a bottle of cold Estrella, a local lager beer, to freshen your day in sunny Barcelona.
Lisbon, Portugal
This capital city of Portugal looks like it is out of a painting. The cobblestone streets are lined with intricate Manueline buildings, gorgeous marble statues, and laidback neighborhoods. Besides being beautiful, Lisbon is also well-known for its dazzling culinary scene. It is home to fresh seafood, creamy Portuguese egg tarts, and salty bacalhau that will make you crave for more.
Dining in Lisbon itself is a fabulous experience. Sit on a restaurant in the middle of the historic square while being served with flawless Portuguese cured meat and cheese platters. Stop by a market and grab a pork sandwich, which is an affordable Portuguese staple. Last but not least, wrap up your lovely day in Lisbon by having a glass of delightful Porto wine. Therefore, Lisbon is one of the best cities for food in Europe.
Greece
Nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, Greece is simply beautiful. Brilliant blue ocean collaborates with flawless white coastline, creating an extraordinary scene everyone wouldn’t want to miss. Not only its beaches and historical sites are fantastic, but also its cuisine. Greece is known for its fresh and flavorful Mediterranean dishes. Thus, if you are a big fan of healthy food, Greece’s cuisine is for you!
Traveling to Greece means munching on the freshest products from land and sea. Have a fresh salad topped with olive oil and feta cheese, which is a part of the country’s centuries old tradition. Moreover, head to a fishing village and order a freshly-caught fish. You will be surprised with how tasty and fresh the seafood is in the Mediterranean coastline! Furthermore, make sure to sample some specialty Greek wine, like Assyrtiko and Savatiano.
Nice, France
Sumptuous, delicate, and spectacular – those are the words that describe French food! We have heard about delicacies like escargot, quiche, and cassoulet. However, see a different side of French cuisine in Nice, a dazzling city in the South of France. Get a taste of authentic and traditional French cuisine from the region of Nissarde, which displays distinctive flavor profiles and ingredients.
Nissarde cuisine is characterized by its favorable amount of olive oil, lamb meat, and herbs. Get the first bite of a Nissarde dish by trying out salade nicoise, which is a vegetable salad topped with olive, tuna, and egg. Moreover, munch on delicious main dishes like ratatouille, a stewed vegetables dish, and socca, a crispy chickpea pancake. Tradition continues to live in the cuisine – that what makes Nice one of Europe’s best cities for food.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a paradise for foodies. Every corner of the city is adorned with star-restaurants and laidback street food vendors. Whether you are ordering a traditional Turkish breakfast in a famous restaurant or grabbing a sizzling baklava from a street vendor, get ready to fall in love with their amazing taste. Moreover, a lot of restaurants in Istanbul offer an exquisite dining scene. One of them is a rooftop dining experience in Istanbul’s historic hotspot. You can enjoy some delicious Turkish dishes while watching the glimmering sunset on Hagia Sophia’s ornate domes.
Nothing matches Turkey’s luscious flavors. The indulgent usage of herbs and spices in Turkish food makes it special and exquisite. From sugary knaffeh to juicy meat-based köfte, every dish in Turkey will make your mouth water. Besides that, Turkey also displays an amazing coffee culture. People in Turkey know how to brew and enjoy the perfect coffee. Therefore, head to Istanbul to get some of the best Turkish dishes. It is also one of the best cities for food in Europe.
Copenhagen, Denmark
A series of gaudy storybook houses, bustling canals, and the world-famous Little Mermaid statue make Copenhagen an enchanting destination to visit. Many have heard that Copenhagen is one of the happiest and most sustainable cities in the world, but only a few know about its delightful culinary scene. Copenhagen houses an unforgettable New Nordic cuisine, characterized by pork sandwiches, pastries, and gins.
Copenhagen is lined with top-quality and Michelin-starred restaurants, offering upscaled Danish dishes and sumptuous alcoholic beverages. However, you can also explore a more laid-back side of Copenhagen’s culinary scene. Take a tour of the Torvehallerne Market and find some local-crafted smørrebrød. Also, pay a visit to some local bakeries and find some hearty Danish pastries. With all it has to offer, Copenhagen is one of Europe’s best cities for food.
Samobor, Croatia
This dazzling city in Croatia will take you back in time with its beautiful Baroque buildings, stunning fortresses, and eye-catching monuments. Moreover, it houses lovely neighborhoods that look straight out of a fairytale. On the other hand, Samobor is not only about lovely architecture and impressive history. The city also offers a hidden gem in Europe that you shouldn’t miss, which is Croatian dishes.
Spend a day in Samobor by indulging in its culinary scene. As tradition and history become Samobor’s veins, traditional dishes and centuries-old restaurants are all over the city. Head to Cafe Livadic, a homey cafe that dates back to 1920. Try a piece of an authentic kremšnita, a creamy pie made out of pastry sheets and custard cream. Then, you can savor some Croatian dishes like samoborska salama, pork salami, and samoborski kotlet, pork with garlic sauce dish. Therefore, if you are feeling like walking off the beaten path and exploring new cuisine, Samobor is one of the best cities for food to visit.
Slovenia
Stays off the tourists’ radar, this Central European country is an incredible hidden gem. Slovenia is adorned with towering snow-capped mountains, enormous lakes, and enchanting Gothic-styled buildings. Thus, the landscape of Slovenia is simply dreamy and breathtaking. Besides that, the country offers a culinary scene like no other.
The country houses several Michelin-star restaurants and even one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Also, restaurants in Slovenia are frequently rewarded for their sustainable practices and ingredients. Besides that, Slovenian cuisine itself is delightful and hearty. The dishes are dominated by meat, beans, grains, and turnips. Moreover, Slovenians are known to excel at cooking seasonal food, like mushrooms and dandelions. Some of the must-try Slovenian dishes are Idrijski žlikrofi (dumplings with potato filling), pohorski pisker (meat and vegetable stew), and potica (rolled cakes).