12 Best European Cities for Foodies: A Guide to Traditional Delicious Foods
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
Sampling traditional cuisine is one of the best ways to explore a destination’s cultural heritage. After all, recipes for traditional dishes are carefully passed from one generation to another.
These European cities have rich culinary scenes that let you explore dishes that are more than bursting with flavors. Traditional dishes in these cities are a journey through locals’ livelihoods laced with external influences.
If you are a foodie, you know better than to eat fast food when traveling to a new destination. Whether you are looking for street foods, high-end dining, or cozy eateries, the traditional dishes in these cities are impressive. If you love food, you have every reason to book a trip to these European cities.
Paris, France
If Europe had a designated culinary capital, it would have to be Paris. The Parisian food scene is rich, with traditional recipes, snacks, and street foods. For an authentic Parisian breakfast experience, try out Pain au chocolat and croissants. You can do it in any regular bakery (boulangerie) or try out trendy bakeries like Du Pain et des Idées or La Maison d’Isabelle.
Try coq au vin, a chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and onions for dinner. The best places to get this are neighborhood bistros, or you can go to trendy spots like Chez L’Ami Louis or Le Bistrot Paul Bert.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Paris is second after Tokyo in cities with the highest number of Michelin-star rated restaurants. If you are into fine dining, you will be spoilt for choice.
If you are into street food, the best to try in Paris include Macarons, crepes, and falafel.
Read more: Top Gastronomic Destinations Around the World
Bologna, Italy
The Italian culinary scene is on a whole new level; it would be challenging to pick the best Italian city for foodies. Bologna is an excellent choice for foodies as it offers many traditional Italian dishes.
Tagliatelle al Ragù, the original version of spaghetti bolognese, is a must-try. If you love pasta, go ahead and sample Tortellini en Brodo, small pasta parcels filled with cheese or meat in a flavorful broth.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
If you want to try the best of Bolognese flavors, Mercato di Mezzo is the place to go. The market offers many local products, including fresh pasta, cheese, and curated meats. At the market stalls, you could try piadina, a traditional flatbread filled with cheese, vegetables, and curated meats.
Your trip to Bologna is never complete without trying gelato in joints such as Gelateria Gianni or Cremeria Funivia.
Read more: Best Culinary Destinations in Europe
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s culinary scene is unique because of its diversity and authenticity. While there are many Catalan dishes to sample, you should definitely get a taste of Paella in city restaurants such as Can Majo and Barraca. You can also explore the lively tapas bars along the El Born and Gracia neighborhoods.
Other unmissable goodies include croquetas, Spanish omelets, and patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce).
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Stop by Barcelona’s markets like La Boqueria or Mercat de Santa Caterina for quick and less-pricey bites, street food, and seafood. Other snacks you can enjoy from the market stalls include Churros con chocolate ( crispy churros dipped in thick hot chocolate).
Barcelona has a rich street food scene, with beachside kiosks and food trucks selling treats like grilled meats, as well as traditional Catalan snacks like ‘coca’ flatbreads.
Read also: Top Street Food Scenes in Europe
Istanbul, Turkey
Instabul’s culinary scene is a melting pot of influences from different parts of the world, including the Balkans and Middle Eastern countries. If you are after diversity like no other, you will love the food in this city.
As you would have expected, Kebabs here are like no other. You can enjoy various variations of kebabs, like döner, şiş, and Adana kebab, from local eateries. Beyond kebabs, try Baklava, which are layers of flaky pastry full of nuts and sweet syrup.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
If you are into street foods, catch grilled fish sandwiches served with salad and bread on waterfront stands along Bosphorus or at Karaköy fish market. Some more snacks and street foods to enjoy include Simit (dubbed Turkish bagels), corn on the cob (mısır), and stuffed flatbreads (gözleme).
Istanbul’s food scene represents the city’s multiculturalism, which any foodie would be delighted to explore.
Read also: Best Cities in Europe for Cultural Immersion
Athens, Greece
When in Athens, be sure to get the best of Greek cuisine, which is deeply rooted and influenced by Mediterranean flavors. Sampling traditional cuisine in Athens is an opportunity to get the best of fresh produce, including seafood, olive oil, grains, and vegetables.
Must-eats for foodies visiting Athens include Moussaka, made of layers of eggplants, minced meat, and baked béchamel sauce. Another option that will impress your taste glands is souvlaki, grilled meat skewers served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of Greek salad. You cannot afford to miss souvlaki, especially if you are into street food. Some more street snacks include Koulouri, a bread ring covered in sesame seed, and Loukoumades, Greek doughnuts drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
For the best authentic Athenian meals, find eateries in the narrow streets of the Psirri and Plaka Districts. You may also want to sample fresh seafood, olives, and other traditional Greek goodies at markets like Varvakios Agora.
Read also: Best Dishes To Try When Visiting Greece
Brussels, Belgium
If you have a sweet tooth, traditional Belgian snacks and foods will tickle your fancy. Visiting Brussels is an opportunity to indulge in many authentic chocolate delights, including pralines and truffles.
Make sure you savor Moule Frites, steamed mussels served with crispy fries and mayonnaise on the side. Another must-eat in Brussels is waffles topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fruit from street vendors or specialty shops.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Other impressive Belgian staples on restaurant menus include waterzooi (a creamy stew with fish) and carbonade flamande (a beef stew).
Many eateries are spread across the city, but for a fulfilling tourist adventure, your best bet is the restaurants and eateries at the Grand Place. You can go to the Sainte-Catherine District and discover restaurants and bistros serving seafood and other Belgian specialties.
Read also: European Capitals of Culture
Krakow, Poland
Polish traditional cuisine borrows flavors from Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Jewish cultures. From hearty stews to dumplings and street snacks, Krakow’s food scene has flavors sure to enchant any foodie.
Be sure to catch a bite of Pierogi, a traditional Polish dumpling filled with cheese, meat, and potatoes. Another must-try is Bigos, which is a stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and sausage.
There are many places to enjoy the best of Krakow, but Rynek Główny (Main Market Square) and Kazimierz District (Jewish Quarter) are the best places to do it like locals do.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
A popular snack in Krakow is Obwarzanek Krakowski, a traditional Polish pretzel-like bread ring often topped with salt or sesame seeds. Street vendors typically sell this in the city center.
If you would like to try more street foods, go for treats like grilled sausages (‘kiełbasa’), fried cheese (‘oscypek’), and traditional pastries like ‘pączki’ (Polish doughnuts) and ‘naleśniki’ (Polish pancakes).
Read also: Best Coffee Destinations in Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s food scene offers the best of Scandinavian cooking traditions, featuring lots of fresh ingredients, including seafood, berries, and root vegetables.
When visiting, try Smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches topped with ingredients like herring, smoked salmon, or roast beef.
If you would like to eat something on the go, consider getting Danish-style hot dogs (‘pølse’) from street vendors. These dogs come with a variety of toppings, such as remoulade, crispy onions, and pickles.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Copenhagen is also known for its mouth-watering pastry recipes. If pastries are your thing, stop by bakeries like Andersen Bakery or Lagkagehuset and order flaky pastries filled with custard, fruits, and almond paste.
Nyhavn, a picturesque waterfront district, is home to various restaurants and cafes serving authentic Danish dishes. Some noteworthy spots to try include Restaurant Cap Horn or Nyhavn 17.
If you want to try more authentic Danish flavors at lower prices, visit Torvehallerne Market, which is excellent for fresh produce, seafood, and treats from local vendors.
Read also: Best Europe Towns for Wine Connoisseurs
Naples, Italy
If there is a paradise for pizza lovers, it would have to be Naples! While there are numerous pizza types in Naples, the iconic Pizza Margherita is a must-try. It features simple toppings like tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. There are many historic pizzerias in Naples where you can enjoy this and many other pizza types.
Beyond pizzas, you can indulge in Sfogliatella, a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese and candied citrus peel.
If you are looking for a place to eat, do it in Spaccanapoli, a historic district home to authentic trattorias and pizzerias serving Neapolitan specialties. If you want to explore stylish restaurants and upscale dining in Naples, try the Chiaia District.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Naples street food scene is full of fried treats like arancini (fried rice balls), panzerotti (fried stuffed pastries), and frittata (fried pasta croquettes) from street vendors or food stalls around the city center.
You should also try gelatos from gelaterias like Gay-Odin, Fantasia Gelati, and many more in the city center.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a perfect destination to enjoy Mediterranean flavors infused with aromatic spices. Pasteis de Nata, an iconic Portuguese custard tart, is one of the must-tries in Lisbon. Be sure to sample Bacalhau à Brás, a traditional Portuguese dish with salted cod, eggs, onions, and potatoes.
You can get authentic Lisboa flavors at Time Out Market, known for seafood, grilled meats, and pastries.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Street food lovers should grab Bifana, a savory pork sandwich, and Ginjinha, a shot of cherry liqueur.
Lisbon’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its history of exploration and trade. Simply put, indulging in Lisboa’s culinary scene is like getting a little bit of something from different corners of the world, especially from places like Brazil or India.
Read also: Unique Places To Visit in Europe
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s street food scene offers flavors from different countries across the world. You can enjoy Vietnamese banh mi, Middle Eastern falafel, and Korean bibimbap. Make sure you stop by street food markets like Street Food Thursday at Markthalle Neun or Bite Club to sample dishes from around the world.
Berlin’s culinary scene highlights include Currywurst, a street food made of sliced sausage, curry ketchup, and curry powder.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
You should also try Doner Kebab sandwiches. While Turkish-influenced, the busting flavors are definitely worth trying in Berlin.
Kreuzberg District is home to a mix of international restaurants, trendy cafes, and traditional German beer gardens, perfect for exploring the city’s culinary scene.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Southern Europe
Rome, Italy
Italians take great pride in their cuisine, and after immersing yourself in it, you will see why. Rome’s culinary scene is known for its rich flavors of fresh pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, and local ingredients like Roman artichokes and porchetta.
Taste Cacio e Pepe, Rome’s classic pasta dish with cheese and pepper. In addition to pasta, try Suppli, Roman-style rice croquettes filled with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. These are typically available in pizzerias and Suppli shops around the city.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Trastevere District offers cozy wine bars and trendy restaurants where you can enjoy the best of the city.
A foodie’s trip to Rome is never complete without combing through Campo de Fiori. This bustling square features outdoor cafes, gelaterias, and gourmet food shops selling fresh produce and Italian delicacies.
Read also: Relaxing Small Villages in Europe
Taste the World
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Europe
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Follow Us
Travel Planning Resources
Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
