Europe offers a huge array of luxury travel destinations designed for foodies who want to experience the best food in beautiful, culturally rich surroundings. Whether you want to indulge in the finest Michelin-star dining experiences or enjoy delicious, authentic street food, there is something for every palate.
Experience the best of European cuisine with our handpicked selection of the “Top 5 Foodie Destinations in Europe”
Paris, France
Best for: Family-friendly options.
Paris, often hailed as the “City of Lights”, is an unrivalled European destination for food enthusiasts. Renowned for its rich culinary and cultural heritage, Paris provides travellers with a wealth of gastronomic delights. Whether you’re seeking Michelin-starred haute cuisine, or charming cosy bistros tucked away on cobblestone streets, the city’s gastronomic landscape is a testament to its enduring commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.
Characterised by its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, Parisian cuisine is an exquisite fusion of traditional and contemporary culinary expressions that captures the essence of French culinary artistry.
Paris offers a range of cultural experiences, with museums, art galleries, catacombs, and walking tours where you can take in the sights, the fashion and the bustle of the city. Between activities you can fuel yourself with delicious fresh breads and cheeses from local boulangeries and fromageries, leaving room for a decadent evening meal.
With a constellation’s worth of Michelin-starred dining choices, the city promises an indulgent, sophisticated feast, showcasing the finest in French gastronomic mastery. For contemporary creativity, a visit to Le Pré Catelan can’t be missed, as the precision and passion of the revolutionary chef Pierre-Yves Rochon combines balance, harmony, and generosity with creative plate design. With dishes that typically focus on a single ingredient, a prestigious wine selection, and perfect service, foodies are in for an unmissable dining experience.
For a fusion food adventure, Akabeko is a new addition to the Michelin star list, and balances familiar French favourites with Asian twists that reflect the Japanese culture of chef Yasuo Nanaumi. Enjoy dishes like foie gras with teriyaki sauce, or indulge in the surprise omakase menu – which translates as “I leave it up to you”. Diners can relax while the attentive team takes care of your every need.
Paris also embraces a vibrant street food culture that celebrates the convergence of global flavours. With bustling markets brimming with seasonal produce and artisanal delights teeming with exotic spices and aromas, the city streets offer an eclectic fusion of international culinary influences – a true sensory odyssey for adventurous palates. Notable markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges and Marché d’Aligre are perfect for food enthusiasts and families to explore and taste local specialities.
For foodies looking for a more immersive experience, they can partake in gourmet food tours, cooking classes, and exclusive wine tastings, providing an inside look into the city’s culinary secrets and traditions Beyond the restaurants and bistros, Parisian hotels and accommodations also showcase their commitment to culinary excellence with avant-garde dining concepts to opulent afternoon teas and indulgent breakfasts. For luxury travellers, dining on a Seine River cruise or in a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views is an experience that can’t be missed.
The city extends a warm welcome to families with budding young gourmets, with a delightful array of family-friendly dining options and engaging activities. This ensures that even the littlest epicureans can savour the magic of Parisian cuisine in a delightful and inviting setting, making families feel welcomed and accommodated.
Porto, Portugal
Best for: Authentic and vibrant food.
With a vibrant food culture that blends traditional Portuguese flavours with innovative culinary techniques, the city of Porto offers diverse dining experiences. From upscale fine dining establishments, to charming family-friendly eateries there are options for all palates, including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan choices.
For luxury travellers seeking an elite experience, Porto is home to multiple renowned and emerging chefs, pushing the boundaries of traditional Portuguese cuisine. These culinary maestros are redefining the dining landscape, drawing inspiration from the city’s rich food heritage, infused with modern flair. From hidden gems tucked away in historic neighbourhoods to contemporary dining hotspots with scenic riverfront views, the city’s culinary landscape is a testament to its diverse food culture.
With its pleasant gardens and beautiful views of Douro, Antiqvvm offers two carefully curated tasting menus, one of which is vegetarian. The chef, Vitor Matos takes inspiration from his surroundings with his creative seasonal cuisine, with an emphasis on the ingredients he uses to enhance these dishes. After just one bite, diners can see how Antiqvvm achieved their two Michelin stars.
Vitor’s influence can be felt at Blind, a restaurant designed to surprise and entice visitors with their “Blind Emotions” tasting menu. Although the restaurant is overseen by Vitor, Rita Magro runs the kitchen. Built around the philosophy concepts of “to feel, to touch, and to provoke”, guests can expect dishes served blind, adding a fun twist to a delicious dining experience. For visitors that want to make the most of the luxury, they can book a stay at the Torel Palace Hotel where Blind is situated, meaning you won’t have far to go for the perfect evening meal.
Porto is home to a selection of boutique and luxury hotels that strongly emphasise food and dining experiences. These upscale accommodations offer immersive culinary experiences, from farm-to-table dining concepts to exclusive cooking classes and curated food and wine pairings, providing guests with a truly indulgent stay.
For families travelling with young foodies-in-training, Porto’s family-friendly options ensure that they can develop their palates from the start. With interactive cooking workshops and welcoming restaurants with child-friendly menus, parents can introduce their little ones to the world of wonderful food in a warm and inviting setting.
Florence, Italy
Best for: Decadent treats and historic settings.
Italy is a classic when it comes to European foodie adventures, for good reason. Whether you have a more adventurous palate, or perhaps need to cater for little ones who still crave comfort over contemporary, Florence will not leave anyone hungry.
The home of Tuscan food and Chianti, diners can feast on beautifully seasoned grilled meats and fish, or indulge their sweet tooth at a gelateria. For visitors wanting to get more hands-on with their holiday, they can sign up to one of the many pasta-making classes throughout the city, and learn the skills to make authentic Italian pasta.
Enjoy a meal at Procacci 1885, one of the oldest wine bars in Florence, where the servers will help you find the perfect food and wine pairing, to ensure you get the absolute most out of the scents, flavours, and colours of your meal. Soak up the history of the bar while you choose from the truffle-rich menu, and potentially find some delicious bites to take home too. For even more truffle savouring, La Bottega Del Tartufo offers a truffle tasting experience designed to guide your palate to the best truffle flavouring and pairing combinations with truffle dressings, honeys, creams and powders.
For a decadent, sweet treat, Caffe Gilli can’t be beaten. The oldest caffe in Florence offers a range of fresh cakes, pastries, and desserts as the perfect afternoon pick me up, that you can wash down with one of their delicious cocktails. Another of Florence’s oldest establishments is Vivoli, a gelateria serving artisanal gelato, desserts, and the unmissable affogato. With their delightful selection, they are bound to be a firm favourite with both adults and children.
Food is a huge part of the culture in Florence, with markets such as Mercato Centrale, located on the first floor of the historic San Lorenzo Market. The market hosts regular cultural events, and offers the chance for visitors to speak with the artisanal traders about their products, and watch live demonstrations while immersed in music and art.
Oslo, Norway
Best for: Fresh, local cuisine.
The vibrant capital city is truly a paradise for food enthusiasts, making it a top foodie destination in Europe.
With its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Norwegian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s natural abundance of seafood, wild game, and locally sourced produce.
Oslo has seen a surge in innovative and creative dining establishments in recent years, leading to a thriving culinary scene with diverse restaurants, trendy cafes, and food markets.
Food markets are an integral part of Oslo’s food culture, where visitors can explore the bustling markets such as Mathallen Oslo. With samples of a wide array of artisanal cheeses, breads, cured meats, and other delicacies, these markets provide an opportunity to taste the best of Norwegian and international cuisines while immersed in the city’s lively atmosphere.
Oslo’s commitment to sustainability is clear with the farm-to-table dining concepts, with many restaurants in the city prioritising locally sourced, organic, sustainably produced ingredients. One of the many notable restaurants that put sustainability at the forefront is Rest, where the talented chef Jimmy Øien and his enthusiastic team prepare multi-course dining menus and experiences using produce that would typically be discarded, earning them a Michelin green star for their efforts in sustainability.
Oslo’s food festivals and events are a must-visit for those passionate about exploring the culinary world. The city hosts various food-centric events throughout the year, providing an opportunity to interact with local chefs and food producers, creating a communal experience centred around the joy of food.
Split, Croatia
Best for: Up and coming gourmet gems.
Nestled along the stunning Dalmatian coast, this is the perfect foodie destination for those seeking culinary adventures and luxurious experiences. The city’s rich heritage and vibrant food scene make it an ideal choice for exploring diverse flavours and dining options.
With its thriving mix of traditional and modern gastronomy, Split offers a rich tapestry of culinary experiences. Visitors can savour an enticing blend of Mediterranean and Adriatic flavours, from freshly caught seafood, to locally sourced olive oils, cheeses, and wines. Whether you choose a family-owned konobas (local taverns) or fine-dining restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice.
Known for its bustling local markets, such as the vibrant Pazar Market, visitors can immerse themselves in a sensory extravaganza of colourful produce, aromatic spices, and artisanal delicacies. Connect with the region’s culinary traditions, and engage with local producers to gain a deeper appreciation of the local food culture.
Split also boasts a flourishing cocktail and wine scene, with numerous wine bars, and enotecas, showcasing an impressive selection of Croatian wines, including indigenous varietals from the Dalmatian region.
Combining the delicious food and wine options, Zinfandel Food & Wine bar offers an eclectic mix of Dalmatian recipes and internationally influenced cuisine. With many of their dishes designed for sharing, and a well-curated wine list, this is the perfect stop to sample fresh, home-made food inside the ancient walls of Diocletian’s palace.
For luxury gourmet travellers, Split is home to many talented chefs redefining the city’s dining landscape. These culinary visionaries draw from the region’s bounty of fresh ingredients, infusing their dishes with creativity and a profound respect for tradition.
In addition to the exceptional dining scene, Split offers luxury accommodations and boutique hotels. Many establishments offer immersive experiences, with farm-to-table dining concepts that highlight locally sourced ingredients, to cooking classes that provide hands-on insight into traditional recipes.
With its vibrant gastronomic culture, unique traditions, and commitment to culinary excellence, Split stands as one of the perfect foodie destinations for luxury travellers. Whether savouring authentic Dalmatian delicacies, exploring the local markets, or enjoying fine dining experiences, food enthusiasts are sure to embark on a luxurious culinary odyssey that celebrates the best of Croatian gastronomy.
