Eat Your way Through Europe

Since we’re not here to divide, we want to clarify that this by no means is a list of the certifiably ranked best places for eating your way through Europe. We’ve seen a lot of hot takes, and will not be going down that tricky road. Instead, take this for what it is, a list of European cities with great food.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Yeah, you’ve heard of Noma, considered by many to be the best restaurant in the world, but there is more to this Scandinavian capital than Chef Rene Redzepi’s ultra-modern menu. The popular restaurant has offspring all over the city, with former Noma chefs now in charge of eateries like 108, Sanchez, and Amass.

Check out Michelin-rated Relae for an all-organic flavor experience that you won’t soon forget, or the two Michelin starred AOC.

For a more laid back dining experience, you can’t go wrong with Reffen. Head out to this industrial part of Copenhagen, and enjoy food trucks and stalls with a wide variety of international dishes that are to die for.

Budapest, Hungary

With so many reasons to visit Budapest, including the thermal baths, some people tend to forget about Hungarian cuisine. But with such a rich, varied, and delicious kitchen, it’s not a country in which you should go hung(a)ry.

Start with the goulash and learn what a perfect version of the popular dish should really taste like. Move on to the chicken paprikash, one of the most popular dishes in the entire city, and finish with palacsinta, which is Hungarian pancakes. The crepe-like cakes can be served either sweet or savory, and they’re delicious either way. Lastly, in between all of your meals, try to leave room for some world-renowned Kolbász sausage. With too many fantastic restaurants to mention by name, do your research before picking places to dine at.

Istanbul, Turkey

From the Mediterranean Sea to historical sites, Turkey has a lot to offer, including welcoming people, a rich culture, amazing museums, and unforgettable food. There’s a reason that it is one of the most visited countries in the world, and the spotlight is often rightfully on Turkish dishes. While you may have initially come for the cultural experience, please don’t leave without having feasted on special treats like meze, pide, baklava, and kebab.

Bordeaux, France

If you’re looking for great wines that pairs well with gorgeous views, look no further than Bordeaux. As a smart traveler, you split most of your time between the left bank and the right bank, only to realize that the six days you spent there wasn’t nearly enough. Whether you’re taking a winery biking tour or enjoying the centrally located wine museum, you can take comfort in the fact that you’re never more than a couple of minutes away from world-class bites and wineries. Don’t forget to use any extra time you have to explore the area around the quaint Saint-Émilion, a small commune in the Gironde department, and home to less than 2,000 people.

San Sebastian, Spain

It might not be a major cosmopolitan city like Paris or London, but San Sebastian is perhaps the greatest food destination in the world, with more Michelin stars per capita than any other city and a thriving pintxos scene that you won’t believe until you see it.

It makes the list not only because of the overabundance of haute cuisine, but because it is literally paradise, with its incredible view over the crescent bay and the beautiful La Concha Beach. There are three 3-star restaurants, among a handful of 1- and 2-starred places, plus a plethora of pintxos bars serving gourmet-style bites that are just as good as any fancy meal you’ve ever had.

Just an hour or so from San Sebastian is the Rioja wine region of Spain, where you’ll also find some really incredible food from Michelin star chefs and formidable home-style restaurants. One of the funnest foodie things we’ve ever done was a pinchos crawl down the tiny streets of Logrono, Spain. It’s a foodie’s dream!

Imagine foie gras, duck confit, and black truffles paired with bold and complex Bordeaux wines. You’ll be having gourmet lunches and dinners paired with world-class wine every day. It doesn’t get any better than this.