The food in Europe is a melting pot of national cuisines, reflecting the cultures that define it.
Whether it’s an age-old recipe perfected over generations or the latest and fanciest haute cuisine, this continent offers some fantastic culinary experiences.
In Part One of our Food Travel blog series, we introduced you to food tours across the world, from Budapest to Paris to Buenos Aires, among other cities. In this second part, we will take you to some more amazing neighborhoods and culinary hotspots in European cities waiting to be discovered.
While some are more famous than others, they all have a long-standing culinary culture and a passion for their own local delicacies. Let us take a look at some must-see European cities for culinary travel enthusiasts.
London
London, one of the most diverse cities in the world, is also home to a thriving culinary scene. The outer boroughs of London, in particular, have proven to be a foodie’s paradise.
Here you’ll find everything from fine dining establishments to cozy pubs.
Whether you are looking for a unique culinary experience or just a good meal, these London neighborhoods have you covered.
Brixton
This district in South London has always had a diverse, multi-ethnic population, which ensures a distinctive flair to the culinary scene.
These days, you’ll find a plethora of restaurants and pop-ups serving everything from Japanese and Thai to Italian and classic Americana.
Some of the best include Franco Manca with its wood-fired pizza, and Brixton Kricket, which specializes in meaty street food dishes. While you are there, check out Brixton Village, another perfect place to try local specialties.
Islington
This neighborhood in North London has long been synonymous with diverse culinary delights.
Some of the best restaurants include the Smokehouse, which offers deliciously smoked and grilled meats and Little Georgia Islington which offers a relaxed, friendly service and a sumptuous menu of authentic Georgian fare, cooked by Georgian chefs.
Soho
This part of London’s West End is now one of the capital’s most enticing areas when it comes to dining out.
One of the best small eateries is Hoppers, which serves mouth-watering Sri Lankan and South Indian-inspired dishes. Other hotspots include Ceviche Soho, serving Peruvian cuisine, and 10 Greek Street, with a seasonal menu that changes daily.
Paris
To say that Paris is quite famous for its dining options would be an understatement.
For one thing, France, a country known for its culinary prowess, holds the record for the most Michelin-starred restaurants.
A large percentage of these restaurants are located right in the capital. And that’s not even counting the hundreds of cafés, brasseries, auberges and gourmet food streets vying for your attention.
Even for a seasoned resident, it can be difficult to narrow down where to go out to dine in a particular neighborhood or area, let alone a specific restaurant.
Rue Cler
Rue Cler is undoubtedly one of the most popular pedestrian-only market streets in Paris. Located in the 7th arrondissement (near the Champs de Mars, the Eiffel Tower, and the Invalides), Rue Cler is brimming with cafés, boulangeries and specialty stores.
Related: 10 Old-school French Cuisines to Try in Paris
Here you will find a wonderful selection of specialty food stores, pastry shops, butcher shops, delicatessens, cheese specialists, fishmongers, greengrocers, chocolate shops and cafés.
I would recommend not going there on Mondays as some of the cafes are closed.
Le Marais
Since Le Marais was once the Jewish center of the city, this neighborhood boasts fantastic kosher dishes and Israeli cuisine. In addition, Le Marais is picture-perfect and full of French cafes, vegan eateries, takeaways, and conceptual dining experiences.
Rue Saint Dominique
This is the street for those who love pastries and sweets.
Follow your nose and try the meringues, croissants, chocolates and of course the macarons. Also worth mentioning is the Maison Dubernet, which specializes in traditional French delicacies such as foie gras, cassoulet and pâté. One of the most beautiful streets in Paris!
Budapest
From casual bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, there are plenty of dining options in this Hungarian capital – nowhere more so than in the Jewish Quarter, Szabadság tér and Bartók Béla út.
Bartók Béla út
Bartók Béla Boulevard in the 11th district stretches southwest of the Danube under the watchful gaze of the Liberty Statue. It is home to a variety of trendy cafes, wine bars, and vegan restaurants.
Here you’ll find the popular Hadik Kávéház café and Szatyor Bár, which share a compact space separated only by a door. The Hadik is a revamped 20th-century coffee house, while the Szatyor is a ruin bar where Buda residents like to unwind in the evening and enjoy dishes like grilled duck liver with pear and walnuts and sztrapacska – sheep’s cheese dumplings with bacon.
Just across the street is the ultra-cool Kelet Cafe & Gallery, a laid-back eatery lined with bookshelves that serves breakfast staples, as well as coffee and wine.
St. Stephen’s Basilica & Szabadság tér
This neighborhood around Szabadság tér, one of the city’s largest squares, is dominated by the beautiful St. Stephen’s Basilica.
When it comes to dining, the Belvárosi Piac (downtown market) is a local landmark. Once, it was an uninteresting roofed building. Today it’s a renovated singing, dancing market and food hall with about a dozen or so eateries.
In the upper gallery, they serve everything from Főzelék, a traditional Hungarian vegetable dish, to Thai noodles. Among the best eateries are Buja Disznó(k), which specializes in pork, Moszkva tér, which serves Russian classics, and Stand25 Bisztró, which serves a top-notch goulash.
Near the basilica – you will find DiVino Borbár, which has put Hungarian wine on the map. Here you can taste more than 120 wines from three dozen vintners, accompanied by scrumptious Hungarian bitings.
The Jewish Quarter
District VII is the heart of Budapest and is home to the city’s Jewish Quarter. The streets are lively & colorful, and the buildings narrate different histories through an assortment of architectural styles.
Here you will find Barack & Szilva, one of the many modern bistros. Regional dishes such as duck pâté with dried plums and grilled catfish with lecsó are served here. For typical Hungarian cuisine, head to Gettó Gulyás, where you can order everything from goulash to chicken paprikás.
Near the former Hungarian National Theater is the Tasting Table. This independent wine store and tasting cellar in Budapest’s Palace District offers a crash course in Hungarian wine. Look forward to tastings of up to five vintages paired with a rich cheese and sausage platter.
Dublin
Dublin’s multicultural heritage is most clearly reflected in its cuisine. These are the culinary hotspots you can not afford to miss.
Stoneybatter
Stoneybatter boasts some of the best bars, restaurants and things to do in Dublin.
The artisanal grocery store Lilliput Stores should be one of your first stops, followed by a trip to Love, Supreme for their excellent coffee and decadent artisan sausage rolls.
Book brunch at Slice and dinner at Grano, Ramen Co or the bustling L Mulligan Grocer.
Finish by stopping by any one of the cozy pubs in the area. I highly recommended The Belfry, The Glimmer Man and Walsh’s Pub.
Portobello
Portobello is by far the most vibrant neighborhood in Dublin, with an abundance of great and interesting bars and restaurants to choose from. Also, this neighborhood is within easy walking distance of the city center.
On Aungier and Camden Streets, you will find many of the city’s most popular, modern restaurants, such as Uno Mas, Sprezzatura and Mister S. For authentic Asian treats, check out Hang Dai or Big Fan Bao.
Further out toward the Grand Canal, you’ll find more fine dining restaurants like Locks, Richmond, Clanbrassil House, and the Michelin-starred Bastible.
Alternatively, if you are interested in something more laid back or casual daytime dining, head to Bibi’s, Alma or Brother Hubbard.
St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green (Irish: Faiche Stiabhna) is a lush green oasis in the heart of the bustling city. This garden square and public park is one of the most iconic and beloved locations in the Dublin city center.
Here you’ll find some of the best classic hotels and cafes in Dublin, and it’s just a stone’s throw from some of Dublin’s best museums, including The Little Museum of Dublin and the National Museum of Ireland. When it comes to food, the options are substantial.
To show how much Dublin appreciates international cuisine, there’s Chez Max, which combines the best of Parisian cuisine with world-famous Irish hospitality. Shanahan’s On The Green, an American-style steakhouse offers a rich selection of Irish seafood and excellent pastries, Bar Italia ristorante, a casual Italian eatery, while Cafe Oasis serves delicious Mediterranean dishes.
Rome
Rome has quickly become one of our favorite topics in our culinary posts.
And that’s not a surprise, as the Eternal City has proven its high standing in the global gastronomic scene time and time again.
Here is a quick rundown of some notable Roman neighborhoods that should be on every culinary traveler’s itinerary.
Testaccio
From the ancient port on the Tiber River where merchants traded olive oil, wine and grain, to Ex Mattatoio, Rome’s first municipal slaughterhouse, this Roman neighborhood has always been a visible part of Roman cuisine.
Today, you’ll find authentic restaurants, multi-generational artisan stores and fresh markets on almost every corner. For foodies, there is truly no better neighborhood than Testaccio.
To help you find your way to all these delights, here are some of my favorite restaurants.
La Stazione di Posta for gourmet dishes, Volpetti for the perfect pairing of wine and cheese, Flavio al Velavevodetto for the epitome of pasta and Bar Giolitti for the best gelato.
If you love street food, you should visit Trapizzino, which offers trapizzini, an artfully crafted pocket of pizza dough stuffed with all kinds of sauces.
Trastevere
The cobbled streets and winding alleys of Trastevere exude the charm of ancient Rome. In this bohemian neighborhood across the Tiber from the Jewish ghetto, you’ll find tiny osterias tucked away in the cobbled streets, established seafood restaurants and hidden pastry shops popular with locals.
Among the best restaurants are La Gensola, serving excellent seafood, Da Enzo for casual local fare, Osteria Fernand and Glass Hostaria for upscale cuisine.
Gelateria Fior di Luna makes some of the best gelato in town, and Proloco Trastevere offers charcuterie plates, pizza, pasta, and desserts made with quality local ingredients.
Jewish Ghetto
Restaurants, both kosher and non-kosher, offer a comprehensive look at the deep culture and remarkable heritage of this area. Locals even say that kosher foods are the foundation of Roman cuisine and of 80% of the Roman recipes and traditions they have today.
This is the profound influence of Roman Jewish cuisine.
Be sure to try Carciofi Alla Giudia (a type of deep-fried artichoke dish)which is one of the most famous dishes of Roman-Jewish cuisine.
Restaurants and cafes waiting to be discovered include Nonna Betta for ancient Jewish-Roman dishes, Yotvata for homemade kosher cheese and Roman-style kosher pizza, and Mondo di Laura for desserts and parve cookies.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that almost all restaurants and stores in this area are closed every Friday evening and Saturday for Shabbat.
Have a Condé Nast Top Travel Advisor Plan Your Culinary Trip
This list, while not exhaustive, highlights some of the neighborhoods that offer a worthwhile dining experience in these five European cities. I hope it inspires you to explore and try new dishes on your next trip.
If you need help planning a bespoke culinary experience that will ensure you experience the best of what your destination has to offer, do not hesitate to contact me.
As a travel consultant specializing in culinary and wellness travel, I am very passionate about planning unique and memorable culinary experiences for my clients.