20 European Cities with the Most Mouthwatering Dishes!
One of my favorite things about traveling is trying out local food. I always research the best places and can-not-miss dishes in each city I visit.
Recently, a Dutch lifestyle magazine, Dailybase, used information from Tripadvisor to compile a list of the best foodie cities in Europe. This study used 193 European cities and measured how many restaurants in those cities have 5-star reviews.
My favorite spot didn’t make the list (Istanbul); let’s see if your favorite foodie city made it!
1. London
The bustling metropolis of London tops our list with an impressive 2,906 5-star Tripadvisor reviews. A melting pot of cultures, London’s food scene offers an eclectic mix of traditional British fare and international cuisine. Fish and chips remain a must-try, with The Golden Chippy in Greenwich receiving rave reviews for its crispy batter and perfectly cooked fish.
London’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering everything from Michelin-starred dining experiences to historic pubs serving traditional British fare. Beyond the classic fish and chips, London is celebrated for its vibrant street food markets, such as Borough Market, where food lovers can explore flavors from around the globe.
The city’s innovation in gastronomy is paralleled by its commitment to sustainability and organic produce, making it a dynamic and continually evolving food capital.
2. Paris
Paris, the city of love, is a close second with 2,898 reviews. It is equally a city of gastronomic delights. Renowned for its patisseries and boulangeries, no visit is complete without indulging in a croissant. Du Pain et des Idées is an excellent choice for sampling what many consider the pinnacle of French baking.
Paris, often considered the heart of culinary sophistication, is a city where food is not just eaten but celebrated. From the flakiest croissants at sunrise to the most refined Michelin-starred experiences at night, Parisian cuisine is about excellence in simplicity.
The city’s bistros and cafes are not just places to eat but institutions where the art of dining is practiced with reverence. Paris’s dedication to preserving its culinary heritage while embracing innovation makes every meal an enjoyable experience.
3. Barcelona
With 1,475 5-star reviews, Barcelona’s vibrant food scene is a testament to its rich culinary heritage.
Tapas are the heart and soul of Barcelona’s dining, with Quimet & Quimet offering an unforgettable experience with their exquisite Montaditos and a selection of fine wines.
In Barcelona, food is a vibrant expression of Catalan culture, with tapas, bars, and seafood restaurants dotting the cityscape. Like the famous La Boqueria, the city’s markets offer a feast for the senses, with stalls laden with fresh produce, cured meats, and an array of cheeses.
Barcelona’s culinary scene combines tradition and avant-garde, where one can enjoy the timeless ritual of sharing tapas or indulge in the experimental dishes of Michelin-starred restaurants.
4. Rome
Rome is a feast for the eyes and palate, with 1,407 5-star reviews. The Eternal City is famous for its pizza, and Pizzeria Da Remo offers an authentic Roman pizza experience with its thin, crispy crust and fresh toppings.
Rome’s culinary offerings are a deep dive into the heart of Italian cuisine, where ancient recipes and family-run trattorias form the essence of the city’s food culture.
Roman dishes are characterized by their simplicity and reliance on high-quality ingredients – from the classic carbonara to the quintessential Roman pizza. The city’s historical layers are mirrored in its culinary traditions, offering a taste of history with every bite.
My favorite place in Rome is Tonnarello, located in Trastevere; I recommend the Tonnarello Carbonara and the fried artichoke (my favorite thing we ate in all of Italy!)
5. Athens
Athens, with 1,403 reviews, is a city where ancient history and gastronomy meet.
Souvlaki, a simple yet delicious fast food, is a must-try. Kostas Souvlaki in Plaka is one of the best restaurants in the city. It serves perfectly grilled meat and homemade tzatziki.
Athens marries its rich history with a lively modern food scene where ancient flavors meet contemporary culinary techniques. Greek cuisine, emphasizing fresh vegetables, olive oil, and grilled meats, is best in Athens’s bustling tavernas and chic eateries.
The city’s street food offers a quick and delicious insight into the flavors that have shaped Greek cuisine for millennia.
I can’t count how many Greek Salads I ate while we were in Greece, but yum!
6. Madrid
Madrid’s 1,395 reviews highlight its status as a culinary capital. The city’s tapas bars are legendary, with Casa Alberto offering traditional Spanish tapas that have delighted locals and visitors since 1827.
Madrid’s culinary scene is as lively and varied as its art and culture. The city thrives on its tapas culture, where dining is a communal affair meant to be enjoyed over hours. Beyond tapas, Madrid is home to various regional Spanish cuisines, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary landscape.
Like Mercado de San Miguel, the city’s markets provide a vibrant snapshot of Spain’s rich gastronomic heritage.
7. Lisbon
Lisbon’s culinary scene shines with its seafood dishes, which have 1,177 5-star reviews. Bacalhau (salted cod) is a national obsession, and Ramiro serves an exemplary version alongside a vast selection of shellfish.
Lisbon’s cuisine reflects the city’s seaside location, emphasizing fresh seafood. From traditional dishes like bacalhau to the custard tarts known as pastéis de nata, Lisbon’s food scene is deeply rooted in tradition and open to global influences.
The city’s steep streets and vibrant neighborhoods offer an array of dining experiences, from historic bakeries to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants.
8. Berlin
Berlin, with 1,074 reviews, challenges traditional notions of German cuisine. The city has embraced veganism, and Cookies Cream offers a high-end dining experience that even non-vegans will appreciate.
Berlin’s food scene is as eclectic and progressive as the city itself. Known for its vibrant street food culture, including the iconic currywurst, the city’s diverse culinary offerings are a testament to its multicultural population, with flavors from around the world found at every corner.
9. Prague
With 1,015 5-star reviews, Prague is not just about stunning architecture but also delicious food! Svíčková, a traditional braised beef dish with a creamy sauce, is a must-try. Lokál Dlouhááá offers an authentic taste of this Czech classic.
Prague’s culinary landscape is steeped in the city’s rich history. It offers hearty Central European fare that has comforted generations. Traditional Czech dishes, like svíčková and goulash, are staples in Prague’s pubs and restaurants, providing a warm welcome to visitors.
The city’s beer culture, renowned worldwide, offers the perfect accompaniment to its savory dishes, making dining in Prague a delightful experience. Be sure to grab a Trdelnik, a yummy donut-like pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar.
10. Milan
Milan’s 814 5-star reviews highlight its fashionable food scene. Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused risotto, is iconic. Trattoria Masuelli San Marco serves one of the best versions in the city.
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, is also a culinary destination, offering a sophisticated blend of traditional Lombard dishes and contemporary dining.
The city’s love affair with risotto, particularly Risotto alla Milanese, showcases Milan’s culinary prowess. Milan’s dynamic food scene, from historic cafes to cutting-edge restaurants, reflects its status as a city that honors its past while eagerly embracing the future.
11. Budapest
Hungary’s capital, Budapest, has 796 5-star reviews. It is a city of thermal baths and stunning architecture, with a culinary scene to match. Goulash, a hearty stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika, is a staple in Hungary. Gettó Gulyás is highly recommended for an authentic taste of this Hungarian classic.
Hungarian cuisine is on full display in the city’s restaurants and cafes with its robust flavors and hearty dishes.
The city’s café culture, reminiscent of its Austro-Hungarian past, offers a glimpse into the leisurely way of life, where coffee and cakes are enjoyed in grand, ornate settings.
12. Manchester
Manchester, boasting 779 reviews, is a city where traditional British cuisine meets modern gastronomic innovation. Fish and chips remain a local favorite, with The Hip Hop Chip Shop offering a creative take on this classic dish, combining great flavors with hip-hop culture.
Manchester, known for its industrial past and vibrant cultural scene, also boasts a dynamic food scene reflecting its diverse population. The city has embraced modern British cuisine while offering various international dining options.
The reinvention of the classic fish and chips served in more innovative and gourmet versions showcases Manchester’s ability to innovate while respecting tradition. The city’s thriving street food scene provides a platform for new flavors and culinary experimentation.
13. Naples
Naples, the birthplace of pizza with 734 reviews, offers an authentic pizza experience unlike any other. Pizza Margherita is a must-try, and Pizzeria Da Michele is considered one of the best places to enjoy this simple yet delicious dish, featuring tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
The simplicity of Pizza Margherita, with its fresh ingredients and traditional baking methods, captures the essence of Neapolitan cuisine. Naples’ culinary landscape is a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, where food is celebrated as an art form.
The city’s narrow streets and bustling piazzas are filled with eateries that offer pizza and a variety of local dishes that are as soulful as the city itself.
14. Vienna
With 724 reviews, Vienna is famous for its coffee culture and imperial pastries. Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet, is iconic. Figlmüller is renowned for serving the best schnitzel, which is so large it almost covers the plate.
Vienna’s culinary heritage is closely linked to its imperial past, offering a blend of opulence and tradition. The Wiener Schnitzel, a simple yet elegant dish, is a staple of Viennese cuisine, reflecting the city’s love for comfort food with a touch of sophistication.
Vienna’s coffee houses, recognized by UNESCO for their cultural significance, serve coffee but are also venues for social interaction, intellectual exchange, and indulgence in the city’s famed pastries.
15. Valencia
Valencia, accumulating 719 5-star reviews, is the birthplace of paella, Spain’s most famous dish.
For an authentic Valencian paella made with chicken, rabbit, and green beans, La Pepica offers a memorable and delicious beachside dining experience.
Valencia offers a culinary experience deeply rooted in the region’s fertile landscapes and maritime heritage. Valencia’s food scene extends beyond paella, offering a variety of dishes that celebrate the freshness and flavors of the Mediterranean.
16. Porto
With 688 reviews, Porto is not just about its namesake wine but also its rich culinary offerings.
Francesinha, a sandwich unlike any other, filled with meats and covered in cheese and a tomato-beer sauce, is a local specialty. Café Santiago offers one of the best versions in the city.
Porto’s culinary scene is as rich and complex as its famous Port wine. Porto’s riverside eateries and traditional taverns offer a gastronomic journey that complements the city’s stunning architecture and warm hospitality.
17. Amsterdam
With 672 reviews, Amsterdam combines a laid-back atmosphere with a vibrant food scene. Stroopwafel, a sweet treat made from two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle, is a must-try. Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is famous for its fresh and gooey stroopwafels.
Amsterdam combines its historic charm with a modern and diverse culinary scene. Beyond traditional dishes, Amsterdam is a city where global cuisines converge, offering a wide range of dining experiences that reflect its multicultural population.
The city’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in its food scene, emphasizing local and organic ingredients.
18. Malaga
Malaga, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, boasts 608 5-star reviews and offers a delightful array of Andalusian cuisine.
Espetos, sardines skewered and grilled over a pit of coals on the beach, is a local favorite. El Cabra on the Pedregalejo promenade is the perfect spot to enjoy this dish with a sea view.
Malaga, nestled along Spain’s Costa del Sol, offers a culinary experience that is as sunny and vibrant as its climate. Malaga’s food scene, with its blend of traditional tapas, bars, and contemporary restaurants, showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage while embracing new trends and flavors.
19. Warsaw
With 575 reviews, Warsaw’s food scene blends traditional Polish dishes with modern culinary trends.
Pierogi, Polish dumplings filled with various ingredients, are a must-try. Zapiecek is renowned for its wide selection of pierogi, served in a cozy and traditional setting.
Warsaw’s food scene reflects Poland’s rich culinary traditions, resilience, and innovation. Warsaw’s modern eateries and food markets showcase a vibrant food culture rooted in history yet dynamically looking forward.
20. Palma de Mallorca
Rounding off our list with 547 reviews, Palma de Mallorca is a paradise for seafood lovers. Seafood paella is a local specialty that captures the essence of the Mediterranean. Sa Cranca offers an unforgettable paella with breathtaking views of the sea.
Palma de Mallorca, a Mediterranean gem, offers a culinary scene that is as breathtaking as its landscapes.
Palma’s vibrant markets, seaside restaurants, and tapas bars invite visitors to indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean, making every meal a memorable part of the Mallorcan experience.
