Culinary tourism is growing in popularity, with the rise of tasting tours, cooking classes and fine dining experiences. For the foodies among us, culinary travel is not just an opportunity to indulge, it’s also a chance to learn about history, culture and tradition.
Europe has a rich culinary heritage, with regional flavours reflecting the continent’s diversity. From premier French cheeses to fresh Italian pasta and heartwarming Greek moussaka, the opportunities for gastronomic exploration are endless.
In this article, we’ll take you on a sensory journey through Europe’s finest food destinations. From Michelin restaurants to authentic tavernas, we’ll showcase the best that Europe offers, guaranteed to leave your heart warmed and tastebuds tickled.
France
France has a global reputation for its fine dining and ‘haute cuisine’, which are characterised by rich flavours, artistic presentation, and complex techniques. Paris, the capital city, is the epitome of luxurious dining, with an array of Michelin-star restaurants serving authentic dishes with modern twists. Le Cinq, for example, serves Foie Gras, a French delicacy that culinary enthusiasts must try.
Bordeaux is France’s premier wine region, with a wealth of prestigious estates such as Château Rothschild. Visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars, followed by a tasting of their rare vintages. Food and wine are interconnected in Bordeaux, and many Château offer food pairing experiences with cheeses, wines and charcuterie meats.
Provence is a region in southern France known for its vibrant food culture. The farmer’s markets here are especially high quality, brimming with seasonal fruits, vegetables and freshly baked goods. Be sure to explore the markets of Aix-en-Provence, where you can sample local delicacies like ratatouille.
Italy
Italian cooking has had a profound impact on the global culinary landscape, with iconic dishes like pasta, pizza, risotto and gelato tempting our taste buds for generations. Tuscany produces most of the country’s olive oil and wines, with some vineyards offering cooking classes. In Chianti, for example, expert chefs teach you how to prepare classic pasta dishes and pair them with wine for a memorable culinary experience.
Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza, with its origins dating back to the 18th century. Neapolitan pizza is a regional delicacy, characterised by its thin crust, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and olive oil. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a legendary Naplese pizzeria founded in 1870 and widely regarded as the best palace to try a classic Neapolitan.
Bolognese, or ragù alla Bolognese, is one of Italy’s most beloved dishes. This slow-cooked meaty sauce is paired with pasta and topped with parmesan cheese, creating irresistible flavours. Bologna is the best place to try this heartwarming dish, especially in Trattoria di Via Serra, an authentic eatery in the heart of the city.
Croatia has a growing food scene, especially along the Dalmatian Coast. With influences from Mediterranean and central European dishes, this Balkan gem is a unique and delicious destination for culinary enthusiasts.
Istria is often referred to as the ‘Tuscany of Croatia’ for its rolling hills and vineyards. Truffles, wine and olive oil are especially popular here, and visitors can sample these delicacies on a guided food tour.
Croatia
Dubrovnik is a popular city in Croatia, known for its Medieval old town. Here you can sample dishes like black risotto, grilled fish, and peka, a slow-cooked meat stew. If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Dubrovnik, there are some fantastic luxury Croatia vacations to discover with experts planning a bespoke itinerary for your dream getaway.
Hvar is a picturesque island in the central Adriatic known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful landscapes. For a trip that combines stunning views with incredible food, venture to Kanoba Menego Tavern where you can sample the best Indigenous red wine Plavac Mali, which pairs beautifully with local meats and seafood.
Greece
Greece’s rich culinary traditions are based on fresh, healthy ingredients like olive oil, herbs and vegetables. From gyros to moussaka and feta, the rich blend of flavours here is truly irresistible, making it a must on your European food tour.
Meze refers to the Greek culture of sharing small dishes, and traditional tavernas here offer a fantastic selection of traditional dishes. Tzatziki yoghurt, hummus, stuffed vine leaves and fried calamari are popular choices for meze platters. Whether it’s a tavern in ancient Athens or a luxury hilltop restaurant in Santorini, meze dishes are fantastic countrywide.
Crete is a paradise for food lovers, especially those who love cheese and honey. Cretan cheese pies and sweet baklava are popular on the island, and there are many affordable restaurants where you can savour these dishes. For travellers seeking cheap holidays to Greece, there are some fantastic deals across the country, with accommodation, food and wine all included.
Spain
From seafood paella to spicy tapas, salty jamón and sweet churros, Spain is a culinary paradise with dishes that both excite and comfort. Spanish cuisine is built around sharing, with small plates designed to be passed around and enjoyed with others. Restaurants in Seville are perfect for experiencing traditional tapas culture, where visitors can savour both the flavours and the lively atmosphere.
Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, covering Barcelona, Tarragona and Reus, and dishes here reflect traditional Catalan culture. Try calcots, a grilled green onion popular during the spring Calçotada festival, or the delicious crema Catalana, a rich custard dessert similar to crème brûlée.
Madrid, the Spanish capital, is a vibrant cosmopolitan city and its food culture reflects this. Restaurants range from elegant Michelin establishments to bustling tapas bars and street markets, making it a kaleidoscope of flavour. Mercado de San Miguel is a great place to explore the variety of local flavours, or for upscale dining, try out DiverXO serving premier international and Spanish dishes.
Summary
Food is more than just a blend of ingredients; it represents our heritage. Culinary tourism offers a wonderful opportunity to dive into the traditions, cultures, and stories that define the unique flavours of a place. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore Europe’s food scene and see for yourself what all the hype is about!
