The Top 7 European Cities for Foodies According to New Study

When you think of Europe, you think of food, and it’s not a surprise. According to a new report from Bounce (a luggage storage superstore that helps you store your luggage before or after your flight worldwide), Europe is the top continent for foodies, and we’ve rounded out the list to at least seven for you to check out.

Travelers in Paris france enjoying lunch on the streets

Europe has over 2,651 restaurants with at least one Michelin star. They range from Paris to Berlin and for different reasons. Some, like Madrid, have tapas that are globally known, and others, like Berlin’s Königsberger Klopse (meatballs), are not as well known, but they are all delicious and enough reason to travel to these countries.

Good food in Europe is a trend that has been around for a while. Countries like Italy have been boasting some of the most superb food for the last three decades, and we know why. What may surprise you is that some on this list do not include Italy. Amsterdam comes on this list for the first time, which is good. Europe has a diverse gastronomy that doesn’t depend on only one country. Check out this list of the top seven European cities for foodies according to the new study of Bounce.

Paris

The city of Paris has over 493 Michelin-recommended restaurants, and it’s no surprise it’s number one on this list. Serious foodies everywhere know the city of love is also the city of pastries and delicious gastronomy.

With over 128 Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s easy to find good eats in this destination. New contenders include Le Jules Verne and Le Cinq, which have garnered one or more stars. This proves that the city remains the major player in good food in western Europe.

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bourguignonne snail au gratin. Snail shells.

Madrid

The second on this list is Madrid, known for having some of the best finger food in Europe. Tapas are a global phenomenon that began in Spain, and according to locals, they started off as a way to cover your drinks from bugs when unattended. Pre-19th century folks would put these small pieces of food over their drinks when going outside for whatever reason.

Today travelers head to Madrid for their assortment of tapas, and some of the best places include Bodega de la Ardosa and Casa Revuelta. The great thing about finding good tapas is that you don’t have to be in a fancy restaurant to find them. Barrios (neighborhoods) like La Latina have small bodegas or bars that are just as delicious as any fancy spots.

Pinchos or pintxos, traditional Basque Country appetizer. Served with beer

Barcelona

Barcelona is often referred to as the Miami of Europe, and even though that may not be entirely true, one common trait it has is its assortment of seafood. The city has more Michelin-starred restaurants than Madrid and is widely known as a foodie’s paradise for Spanish, Catalan, and aquatic fare.

Lisboa (Lisbon)

Another coastal destination that has delicious seafood is Lisboa. Grilled sardines, caldeirada (fish stew), and arroz de marisco are local favorites and dishes that make this country famous for its gastronomy.

Pro tip: check out the Mercado da Ribeira if you’re in town and grab some bacalao.

Amsterdam

Dutch pancakes are everything; if you’ve been to Amsterdam, you know. If not, check out this destination. Cheese is massive here, too, and if you’re here, you have to partake. Remember to get a Dutch apple pie while you’re here.

The destination has over 29 Michelin-starred restaurants and three green stars. If not on your list yet, check it before it becomes too popular.

typical Dutch food - two circular pieces of waffle filled with caramel-like syrup.

London

You are severely mistaken if you think London only has breakfast as its claim to fame. London has an assortment of Indian food and is known as having the best Indian food outside of India.

Bibi in Mayfair has some of the best dishes in town and reinvents some favorites like yoghurty Lahore chicken. If you’re in the area, you have to check it out.

Variety of cooked curries on display at Camden Market in London

Berlin

The last on this list is Berlin, and while it may shock you, it’s due time this destination receives some notice for its gastronomy. While only having 23 Michelin-starred spots in the city, it’s growing as we speak. Some favorites include Eins44 and Kumpel & Keule.