Planning to holiday throughout Europe and not sure how to decide which cities to visit? Some people might base their itinerary on famous or historical sights, but we foodies look to research which cities will be the best food and wine destinations to enhance our overall travel experience.
You might ask yourself which are the most foodie cities in Europe? When thinking about food in Europe, the first places that come to mind are probably Italy and France, because the traditions grab at those heart strings.
Strangely enough, though, some of the best European restaurants are located in northern countries; and often, as is the case in France and Italy, you must leave the biggest towns to have the most genuine foodie experience.
So which could be a suitable metric to decide where to go?
Surely, the Michelin star ranking is a good starting point, as this guarantees a perfect dining experience. In my opinion, however, a star (or even 3 stars!) is not enough. You have to adjust your ranking, because a city can be a real “foodie city” even without boasting any stars… let me explain in the following list, in reverse order from 15th through to number 1!
15. Palermo (Italy)
The capital of Sicily is – no doubt – a foodie city. Food origins are a mixture of cultures combining Roman, African and Arabic influences. There is only one Michelin starred restaurant, the Bye Bye Blues, located in Mondello, an amazing beach not far from the center. But food is all around you, with lots of markets where you can taste the best street food. First of all the so-called pane ‘ca meusa (bread with spleen). And then the arancine (fried rice balls), and all the traditional Sicilian pastries, like cannoli, cassata– not forgetting their amazing gelato.
14. Girona (Spain)
Spanish cuisine, once well-known maybe only for paella, has really became the center of the new way of cooking over the past 15 years, especially under the influence of the famous chef Ferran Adrià. In the little old town of Girona, in the south of Spain, you will find El Celler de Can Roca, a family owned restaurant often described as one of the best in the world. You may think it’s a long way to go for just one restaurant, but it is well worth it to discover the innovative and award-winning menu. The 3 owners, who happen to be brothers, are responsible for the magic created in this restaurant, and their 3 Michelin stars are absolutely deserved!
13. Girona (Italy)
How can I forget to talk about the land of pizza? Pizza was invented in Naples, and it is probably the most iconic food in the world. But Naples is not only about pizza; you mustn’t pass up the seafood or the timballo di maccheroni (a sort of pasta bake), and no meal is complete without a sweet sfogliatella (a type of pastry) and perhaps the best coffee in the world. You will never complain about dinner in Naples! Lose yourself in the narrow streets in the historical center or grab a pizza (folded in four, like a napkin) and eat it walking by the sea.
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