3 Great European Destinations For Foodies
While many people travel for the history, scenery, beaches, theme parks and more, foodies tend to enjoy following their sensitive noses and finding out where the tastiest morsels can be found.
The following are three great destinations worth visiting, where the food is unique and delicious and the restaurants glitter with Michelin stars.
- San Sebastian, Spain
Located in the northern Basque Region of Spain, San Sebastian, or Donostia to the locals, is a stunningly beautiful city, full of history and a popular destination in itself. However, the city bears the nickname “Foodie Capital of Europe,” and for good reason too. The city is second in the world for the highest number of Michelin stars in each square meter, beaten only by Kyoto, Japan.
Choices here include some of the world’s best restaurants, like Mugaritz with its experimental molecular gastronomy, or the fabulous Arzak or Akelarre. For those on a budget, there are plenty of great and more casual dining establishments where foodies can enjoy the Basque version of tapas, in their tasty “pintxos,” including “bacalao” or salt cod, “pimientos di padron” or fried green peppers and tender slow-cooked veal.
More and more conscientious people are giving up on eating meat. It is good to note that San Sebastian and most major cities in Spain feature plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, with the country being at No. 10 on the Global Vegan Index. This is good news for veggie lovers worldwide.
- London, England
Many people think stodgy pudding, bangers and mash and fish and chips when speaking of dining in the UK and this is often the case. However, London, with its multi-cultural population of 12 million people, offers a world of different cuisines all in one city. The capital of England has around 67 Michelin-starred restaurants, some of which have top celebrity chefs holding the spatula. In fact, London is among some of the top cities for fine dining. The only drawback is that many of the top restaurants are out of the financial reach of the average Londoner.
Examples of fine dining in London include Chez Bruce in Wandsworth, with its Franco/European style of cuisine and one of the best wine lists in the city. City Social is another good choice, seated as it is on the 24th floor of Tower 42, the third-tallest skyscraper in London. Here foodies can enjoy contemporary flavors, surrounded by panoramic views of London. For Nordic cuisine and a typical Scandinavian decor, Aquavit London serves up smorgasbord, along with typical small plates and larger platters, typical of Nordic climes.
- Florence, Italy
For those who enjoy true and traditional Italian cuisine, Florence is renowned for its “bistecca alla florentina,” a large steak, but also for its delicious street food. While maybe not for everyone, the city is famous for what can be termed “poor food,” such as the “lampredotto” sandwich, crafted from part of the cow’s stomach, and served with a “salsa verde.” Some of the best street food can be discovered in the center of Florence in the Loggia del Porcellino.
Speaking of steak, one of the best restaurants to visit, according to Conde Nast, is Osteria dell’Enoteca, as long as you don’t like your steak served well done, that is. On their menu is a variety of T-bone steaks including the pricy “Chianina” from Tuscany, or the “Fassona” from Piedmont. If you can’t take steak with a little pink in it, enjoy their spicy octopus, chicken liver terrine or “Pappardelle” with venison sauce instead.
If you are not already a foodie, try eating your way around Europe this year, trying out the local delicacies and following the good reviews and trail of Michelin stars.
Author: Anne Sewell