One of the greatest joys of travelling across Europe is that you’ll never run out of fantastic dining options. From the pâtisseries in Paris to the pizzerias in Rome and the tavernas in Athens, you can eat your way around the continent, delving into its many cultures through your palate.
But where do you exactly start your gastronomic adventure? To help you plan your trip, we’ve shortlisted Europe’s top culinary hotspots. So, mark your map and prepare for a tasty journey to the continent’s best food destinations.
Spain
Spain’s sumptuous cuisine will satisfy even the perpetually hungry traveller. Add to this the country’s stunning landscapes and storied landmarks, and you have a destination that’s a whole package. Each region boasts a distinct taste, so you’ll always find new flavours to explore.
For staunch epicures, one of the best things to do in Spain is to enjoy tapas. Typically considered as snacks or appetisers, this assortment of small portions of savoury food (i.e., croquettes, spicy potatoes, cured ham) is best shared with friends over wine or beer. Tapa bars are everywhere in Spain, but Madrid and Seville are specifically known for their vibrant tapa scene.
Flanked by the Mediterranean in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west, Spain has an endless supply of fresh seafood. The seaside town of San Sebastian in the Basque Country is a go-to for delectable dishes made with various sea produce. Even its most iconic dish, pintxos (similar to tapas but served in skewers and toothpicks), often features seafood.
And because you’re in Spain, you can’t miss the star of Spanish cuisine, paella. The best place to try this dish is Valencia, where it originated. For some hands-on experience, consider taking a cooking class to learn the secrets of preparing the perfect paella. Better yet, join a wine tour and find out which vintage pairs well with this hearty dish.
Greece
Combine warm hospitality with time-honoured recipes and a passion for fresh local ingredients, and you have Greece, undoubtedly one of the best and healthiest culinary playgrounds in Europe. Even its king of fast food, souvlaki (grilled meat and vegetables wrapped in soft pita), is healthy. Anywhere in Greece, you’ll find nourishing yet mouthwatering dishes that fill your cravings without inducing a food coma.
While Athens is known for its moussaka (eggplant or potato with ground meat) and thriving street food scene, the Greek Islands are where you can taste Greece’s best-kept secrets. Why not hop on a Greek island cruise? Visit Mykonos and Santorini have an impressive lineup of tavernas serving succulent seafood, ranging from shrimp to octopus. You can join a cooking class and learn to make traditional favourites like tzatziki (yoghurt with cucumber and garlic) and dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.)
Tiropita, the Greek version of cheese pie, is another must-try. You’ll find varieties of this pastry in bakeries across the country. But if you’re visiting Crete, look for bougatsa, a decadent, custard-filled pie. Crete is also known for its hearty barbeque dishes, called antikristo, a term derived from an age-old method of cooking lamb or goat meat over an open fire.
If you want to delve deeper into Greek culinary culture, consider booking a food and wine tour. A food trip will allow you to discover the country’s lengthy catalogue of gastronomic delights, from cheeses and honey to olives and ouzo, Greece’s signature spirit.
Italy
Great food, great wine, and great time is a fitting recap of what to expect on a gastro adventure in Italy. But for a cuisine so captivatingly flavourful, Italian food is surprisingly simple. The secret to its magic? A deep-rooted love for quality ingredients and devotion to time-honoured cooking traditions.
Each region in Italy offers a different culinary experience. Bologna, famous for its tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese sauce), is the place to go for pasta lovers and those seeking to master the art of pasta-making. Parma is perfect for those who want to sample and understand the intricacies of producing prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano.
In Tuscany, food and wine tours reign supreme. Indulge in classic Tuscan fares like Bistecca all Fiorentina (Florentine steak) and ribollita (bread soup) and visit lush vineyards to try excellent dry red wines like Chianti.
If you’re a pizza fan, make a beeline for Naples, where pizza was born. To beat the heat, grab some sherbet or gelato along the way.
On the Amalfi Coast, you can have a seafood feast. This sun-drenched side of Italy offers a variety of fresh sea products, ranging from clams and anchovies to sardines and squid. Best pair the scrummy seafood dishes with Limoncello, a traditional Italian liqueur made from locally grown lemons.
France
From buttery croissants and gourmet cheeses to Michelin-starred restaurants and quaint streetside bistros – France is a dream destination for many food lovers. After all, French cooking is virtually synonymous with gourmet and haute cuisine. And oh, don’t forget the wines!
Paris is a must-visit, especially if you love French pastries, cafe culture, and gourmet dining. Beyond the capital, the sunny Côte d’Azur boasts stunning villas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where local cuisine features an abundance of seafood dishes and Provençal flavours. Not to miss are the classics, ratatouille, salade niçoise (salad with tuna, olives, and vegetables), and bouillabaisse (hearty fish stew.) Try the local specialities like olive oil, candied fruits, aioli, and eggplant caviar, usually found in the bustling food markets of Nice and Cannes.
Wine lovers will enjoy a trip to Bordeaux or Burgundy, where the wineries produce some of the finest blends in the world. If you’re feeling fancy, visit the province of Champagne, known for making the glamorous sparkling wine. Then, travel to Normandy and indulge in the region’s rich cheeses and the famous apple-based dish tarte tatin.
Croatia
Croatian cuisine is highly underrated. The country, known mainly for its gorgeous islands and majestic Medieval castles, is often overlooked by food travellers. But its culinary scene can be just as outstanding as its neighbours, Italy and Greece.
The Dalmatian Coast has an abundance of fresh seafood that encompasses the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and flavours. There’s black risotto made with cuttlefish ink, grilled octopus, and seafood platters. In Split, Kor?ula, and Hvar, you can dine in seaside taverns and indulge in great food while enjoying stunning ocean views.
If you’re looking for traditional dishes, try Peka, a dish made of slow-cooked meat and vegetables. This dish is popular in the countryside. Other dishes to try are sarma (stuffed pepper), Štrukle (cheese from the region of Zagorje), and kulen (dry sausage made of minced pork.)
Feature Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/french-riviera-arch-arched-market-85210/