Are you a foodie planning a European vacation? Across the continent, you’ll encounter a diverse range of cuisines offered in spectacular restaurants. Dine at sophisticated restaurants that push boundaries through their creativity, urban eateries that have breathed new life into redundant industrial buildings, and rustic, characterful spaces serving up traditional fare. Take a look at these, our picks for the best restaurants in Europe.
Geranium - Copenhagen, Denmark
In 2022, Geranium was awarded the top spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, impressing a panel of more than a thousand culinary experts. Six years earlier, it was the first Danish restaurant to gain three Michelin stars. You’ll find it on the eighth floor of a building overlooking the Fælledparken gardens. Co-owners Rasmus Kofoed and Søren Ledet work hard to keep things interesting, drawing on nature for their inspiration. The menu is now meat-free, concentrating on seafood and plant-based dishes that utilize organic and sustainable produce.
Oblix at The Shard - London, England
It takes confidence in the kitchen to create plates of food that will hold their own against a jaw-dropping view. In Europe, views don’t get much better than those from high up The Shard, one of its tallest buildings. Diners at Oblix look out over the London skyline, the silvery outline of the River Thames drawing the eye to landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the O2. The restaurant’s formed of two sections and you’ll need to select either east or west; each has a different menu as a nod to the disparate elements of this multi-faceted city.
Ballekes - Brussels, Belgium
Ballekes are meatballs and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this simple restaurant in the Belgian capital. The restaurant’s founders grew up eating their grandmothers’ meatballs and as adults, wanted to share that tradition with others. Their meatballs are hand rolled every day using authentic family recipes. Start with your choice of pork/beef, chicken or vegan, then customize with your preferred sauce, such as tomato, mushroom, or Mimolette cheese with bacon.
Le Troquet des Kneckes - Strasbourg, France
The food of Alsace combines the ingredients and flavors of France and Germany, which will come as no surprise when you look at the geography of this border region. This laidback restaurant, whose name translates as The Urchin’s Café, serves up generous portions of tasty staples such as choucroute, knacks, and flammekueche. As you wait for your food to be cooked, check out the Alsatian expressions that cover the walls – come on a Tuesday evening and they’ll help you translate them during a fun language class.
KOKS - Ilimanaq, Greenland
This Faroese restaurant temporarily relocates to Ilimanaq Lodge in Greenland for the summer season, grabbing an opportunity to create an imaginative menu inspired by Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the helm is Poul Andrias Ziska, whose commitment to Faroese techniques such as fermenting, salting, smoking, and drying helped him build a reputation as one of the most exciting chefs in Europe. Come with an open mind and expect the unexpected – even if you think you know fine dining, you will not be disappointed.
L'Antic Molí - Ulldecona Spain
Located midway between Tarragona and Valencia, L'Antic Molí breathes new life into a disused flour mill. It’s one of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, offering a set lunch in its bistro for just 20 euros per head. Chef Vicent Guimerà is passionate about slow food, so you’ll find local ingredients center stage. Fortunately, the restaurant’s location, close to both the coast and the mountains, means there’s plenty of choice without straying too far.
Ferryman Taverna - Crete, Greece
The port of Elounda in Crete has attracted the attention of celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Leonardo di Caprio, but this popular taverna remains unpretentious and casual. Overseen by Greek celebrity chef Yiannis Baxevanis, expect updated Cretan classics at Ferryman Taverna. Try slow-cooked lamb or mountain goat, grilled prawns, or moussaka accompanied by freshly baked pita bread. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a sea-facing table for sparkling views to accompany your meal.
Max & Moritz - Berlin, Germany
Max & Moritz, a Kreuzberg institution, first opened its doors in 1902, taking its name from the two characters in the book by Wilhelm Busch. This popular gastro pub has changed little in the intervening years, as you’ll quickly see when you take in its Art Nouveau styling, such as its vivid blue-green wall tiles. The menu, too, sticks to what it knows best: traditional potato soup, pork knuckle with sauerkraut, veal schnitzel, meatballs, and Käsespätzle. Wash it down with a glass of Kreuzberger Molle beer.
Manna Noto - Sicily, Italy
Upscale Manna Noto knows how to make a statement. Bold design ideas and whimsical décor touches have transformed the ground floor of a historic palazzo into a chic contemporary space. But it’s the food that draws you to this corner of Sicily, and it doesn’t disappoint. Simple ingredients cooked to perfection are a work of art on the plate. The result is a triumph, no matter whether you order the homemade pasta or a plate of grilled fish.
