Europe is an excellent travel destination for those who enjoy exploring a wide variety of food destinations. The continent’s small size doesn’t diminish the surprising and amazing food diversity that awaits around every corner, offering a wide range of gastronomic delights. If you plan a trip and enjoy good food, continue reading. We compiled a list of the top food destinations in Europe, along with some must-try local dishes!
1. Skopje, Macedonia
If you haven’t traveled extensively around Europe, you likely have limited knowledge about Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. Skopje might surprise you as one of Europe’s best food destinations. Enjoy the delicious blend of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines in the local food. Bread and cheese are the basic staples in Macedonia. You can compliment them with some fresh organic vegetables, which are heavily featured in most Macedonian dishes.
Try the local kebabs, sarma (sour cabbage rolls), burek (a meat pie), and Macedonia’s favorite- Tavche Gravche. Skopje offers a variety of dining options, from traditional to Western and Asian cuisine, catering to everyone’s taste buds. The city’s culinary scene is worth mentioning, especially around the Old Bazaar area.
2. Santorini, Greece
You’re likely aware of the incredible taste of Greek food. Enjoy fresh, tasty fish, dishes rich in olive oil, feta cheese that melts in your mouth, mouth-watering giros, and filo pastries. There are countless must-try Greek dishes, and Santorini is one of the most visited islands in Europe, where you can experience high-quality food.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is an essential addition to any list of the top food destinations in Europe. The nation, situated at the border between Europe and Asia, combines the best of both worlds. Istanbul offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Turkish restaurants and street food stalls with enticing aromas to renowned continental, Asian, and African establishments.
Make sure to try the traditional Turkish breakfast, considered one of the best value-for-money meals in the world. Don’t miss out on simit (Turkish bagel), Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), Turkish kebab, baklava, and a cup of chai to complete your food experience in Istanbul.
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
You probably didn’t expect to see Georgia’s capital on this list. In Tbilisi, food takes center stage, and Georgian cuisine truly shines. Just like Macedonia, bread and cheese are the basic staples. The main dishes include roasted meats, flavorful chorbas, and wine.
Historical sources confirm that the territory of the modern country of Georgia birthed wine with an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition that has produced some of the world’s finest wines.
5. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sarajevo stood at the border between the Western world and the Ottoman Empire for over four centuries. It later became the focal point of Yugoslavia, where individuals from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions coexisted peacefully. Sarajevo was arguably the most cosmopolitan city in the former Yugoslavia, even before it became trendy.
It’s no wonder that a vibrant, diverse city sitting on the crossroads between two worlds has an inspiring cuisine and is considered one of the best food destinations in Europe. The kebab originates from the Middle East, but the Bosnians have perfected the craft of kebab making, making Sarajevo home to some of the world’s best places.
Sarajevo offers a variety of dishes found in other Balkan countries, delicious local desserts, and a vibrant coffee culture centered around authentic coffee rather than Starbucks-style coffee shops. Experience the best of Sarajevo with a local guide on food tours starting at just $13! What other places in Europe offer that?
6. Istria, Croatia
It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with Croatia after visiting. The country boasts over 1,000 islands, numerous stunning beaches, cities steeped in romance and history at every turn, and a cuisine that can captivate you. Have you heard of Istria? It’s the largest peninsula on the Adriatic. Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia control the largest part of the peninsula. This region of Croatia offers a delightful blend of Balkan, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Amazing seafood, pasta almost as good as Italy’s, a frittata to die for, truffles out of this world, and many delicious meat dishes and wine because Istria is still part of the Balkan Peninsula.
7. Bologna, Italy
