So much of why I love to travel comes from enjoying cuisine around the world. I enjoy discovering new foods, local wines and spirits, and partaking in the food culture of a place. Food brings people together, and it also brings the world together – food is uniting. Here are some of the highlights from my foodie travels around Europe in recent years.
Foodie Travels in Europe : The Highlights
Tapas in Madrid – Spain
Madrid will give you an utterly gorgeous foodie experience. Madrid is famous for its calamari sandwiches, but the whole tapas experience across the city is brilliant. Try the Puerto de Indias strawberry gin from Sevilla – it takes gin to a whole new level.
The cheese and charcuterie from Arzabal (the restaurant at the Reina Sofia modern art museum) was refined and illuminating. For some fine dining with a Galician twist, head to Los Montes de Galicia – a chic restaurant situated in the suburbs.
Other exceptional Spanish foodie experiences can be found in Bilbao and Barcelona.
Wine & Ap̩ro in Beaune, Burgundy РFrance
The Bourgogne region of France is famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The city of Beaune is surrounded by hillside vineyards and wineries. In the centre of town you will find exquisite restaurants that serve tasting menus to match their superior wines, wine tastings; and wine bars serving delectable apéro snacks.
Absinthe in Val-de-Travers – Switzerland
We travel to the Val-de-Travers in Switzerland every June, where we meet with other absinthe enthusiasts and have a jolly good time at the Absinthe Festival. This famous valley of absinthe is full of restaurants, auberges and distilleries offering absinthe tastings and absinthe themed menus. Try absinthe ice-cream, a gateway food for absinthe-newbies.
Brunch & bar snacks in Amsterdam – Netherlands
One of my favourite brunch spots in the world is in Amsterdam. Bakers & Roasters in de Pijp (and Kadijksplein), serves a magnificent fusion of Brazilian and New Zealand food. I recommend the Huevos Rancheros, they will blow your mind. Having a slice of New Zealand in the middle of Amsterdam is a treat for this far-flung Kiwi too.
Our foodie travels in Amsterdam have taken us from bowls of bitterballen in dive bars, to genever tastings at ancient distilleries. Due to the diverse population of Amsterdam, there are restaurants showcasing all sorts of cuisines there.
Salad & Ap̩ro in Paris РFrance
Paris is always a delight food-wise. I will never tire of ap̩ro time in the Latin Quarter or of steak dinners at Polidor (made annoyingly famous by the movie Midnight in Paris). Not to mention the caf̩ culture Рpeople-watching over an espresso or kir p̻che is simply my favourite activity in all the world.
The best bistro and meal in Paris is the Salade Complet from Cave la Bourgogne at Place Saint Medard. I have been coming here for this same salad for more than 15 years, and it still wins the salad wars. With prosciutto, goats cheese on toast, a fried egg, cubes of sheep’s cheese, sautéed potatoes, tomato and dressed lettuce, it is one of the most delectable meals I’ve ever had.
Italy has the most incredible food tours and traditions – have you been?
Pizza in Naples – Italy
Nothing beats Neapolitan pizza. Naples is the birthplace of pizza and I’m happy to report that it’s not only the oldest, but also the best pizza. There are many great places around Naples to partake in these traditional thin but chewy pizzas, but my favourite is Add’ù Fratemo.
Bouchon in Lyon – France
Lyon is a haven of foodie adventures. You must try a traditional Bouchon – a restaurant that specialises in Lyonnaise sausages, offal, and pâté. It’s an adventure, and definitely not something for someone erring towards a vegetarian diet. There are only 20 real Bouchons left, so why not spend a weekend in Lyon and try a few.
bryndzové halušky in Bratislava, Slovakia
Tiny potato dough dumplings (like baby gnocchi), served with a sheep’s cheese sauce and fried bacon on top is Slovakia’s national dish. This absolutely delicious dish, bryndzové haluÅ¡ky, is like mac n’ cheese on steroids – it is SO good. I recommend a trip to Bratislava to try some Slovak food – it’s hearty, indulgent, and some of the most delightful European food we’ve had in a long time.
Where is your next foodie travel adventure? Share in the comments below!
Read more fabulous foodie posts about dog-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh, and wine tasting in Napa!
All photos © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!).
I agree with you completely on this Hannah! Travelling for food is one of the best reasons for travel! I have to admit, we also love to hike…so I normally plan adventures around walks, followed by epic dinners. 😉
My favourite spot for foodie travel has to be Japan. I love that each region has it’s own famous dish…you could travel around the country trying completely new, incredible dishes for yeeears! On mom nom!
I haven’t been to Japan in over 20 years, but would love to go back and eat my way around the country!
I´m such a foodie – can´t get enough of this post! I live in Spain, so will definitely try Puerto de Indias strawberry gin and head to Arzabal once in Marid! Thanks for the inspiration!
I, too, base a lot of our itineraries (and even travels!) on food. It’s such a wonderful – and delicious – way to immerse yourself in a culture!
I agree with you! Food brings people together. I’m a big foodie, and I love trying the local cuisine when I travel. All these meals look delicious.
I love trying local foods when I travel. I actually live in Italy now, less than an hour from Venice, and it’s killing me that I can’t go do a food tour because of all the COVID restrictions!
That sounds like heaven! Fingers crossed it’s not too long before you can explore more foodie places nearby!
Some lovely looking food here. Would love to try a traditional Italian pizza.
There’s in nothing better than a proper Neapolitan pizza – they are divine!