Which Are The Best Cities For Foodies In Europe?

Foodies seeking a new destination can rightfully choose from a range of the best cities in Europe. Each has its own unique dishes including traditional classics, or cuisine from new, Michelin-starred restaurants on the continent. Read on to find the best, traditional cuisine, the iconic original EU foodie scene and new European foodie locations.

Best cities for foodies in Europe

Whether Michelin-starred or not, Europe offers a great opportunity for foodies to explore classic and new cuisine. The following are among the best European cities to add to a foodie bucket list this year including some top favorites and other upcoming culinary destinations.

Lyon, France

While Paris may get most of the attention from foodies, the City of Light is not alone in offering a great food scene. However, those foodies in the know will tell you that Lyon is an excellent choice. The city’s no-nonsense and cozy restaurants serve delightful food at affordable prices. Among the local favorites are quenelles (pike fish dumplings in a creamy sauce, rosette (cured sausage) and paillasson Lyonais (a dish crafted from thickly sliced, stringed potato). Always end the meal with a delicious apple strudel!

Vienna, Austria

The beautiful city of Vienna is renowned for its cafés, serving a huge range of coffee choices, as well as a delicious choice of pastries and cakes. Moreover, it is renowned for some of the best street sausages in Europe and Wiener (Vienna) schnitzel – a favorite dish around the world, but always best enjoyed in its original source.

San Sebastian, Spain

Spain is well known for its delicious and healthy Mediterranean dishes, but heading up north is also a worthy foodie adventure. San Sebastian is renowned for its pintxo bars (the Basque name for tapas) in its narrow, winding streets. However, it is also worthwhile visiting the Michelin-starred restaurants in the city to get an idea of the local cuisine.

Rome, Italy

The city of Rome is known well for its pizza, and pasta like carbonara, cacao e pepe and amatriciana. Moreover, here is the perfect choice to enjoy the decadent maritozzi (cream-filled soft buns) and delicious fried dishes like suppli (rice balls).  Meanwhile, the city offers a range of places to enjoy the local cuisine, served at a traditional trattoria, or an upscale restaurant. Naturally, eating Italian food in Italy is always a good idea.

Bologna, Italy

Staying in Italy, Bologna also boasts a great foodie scene with its famous Bolognese sauce (ragù), tortellini and mortadella (known in the US as simply “Bologna”). Meanwhile, the great thing about Bologna is its location in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, the home of Modena’s balsamic vinegar which tastes so much better than back home and the original home of Parmesan cheese, grated on so many delicious dishes.

Stockholm, Sweden

Foodies have been visiting Copenhagen for its new Nordic scene. However, Stockholm is now ahead of the game with its gastronomic delights.  Being the 2023 European Capital of Gastronomy, the city continues to grow its food scene by mixing new and traditional ingredients and new takes on the classics, such as seafood and meatballs (so much better than in IKEA!). Those seeking the freshest shellfish should visit Stockholm’s historic Östermalm Market Hall, where visitors can also enjoy a cup of excellent coffee with freshly baked cinnamon buns.

Fall is one of the best times to visit Europe, so why not make plans for a foodie adventure before winter arrives?