I’ve eaten at a lot of restaurants across Europe. Some have been great, others just okay, and a few were downright terrible. But no matter what, I’m always on the hunt for a good meal, and I want to share some of the best spots I’ve discovered on my travels. Here’s my list of 32 must-try restaurants in Europe — in no particular order.
1. Moeders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Moeders, meaning “mothers” in Dutch, serves classic Dutch comfort food in a cozy spot filled with portraits of people’s moms. It’s a small place, so reservations are a must. The Dutch sampler for two is the best value and gives you a taste of everything from potatoes to meat stews.
2. Pancakes (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
For a taste of traditional Dutch pancakes, head to Pancakes in Amsterdam. They serve large, thin pancakes with a variety of toppings — strawberries and whipped cream are a personal favorite. The portions are generous, and the place can get crowded, so try to go during off-peak hours.
3. Les Quinze Nits (Barcelona, Spain)
Located in the popular Plaça Reial, Les Quinze Nits offers delicious Spanish food at great prices. It’s a bit touristy, but even locals love it. Try to go for lunch to avoid the long dinner lines.
4. La Fonda (Barcelona, Spain)
Near Plaça Reial, La Fonda offers hearty meals with huge portions. Their set menu is packed with tasty options, and they have a solid wine selection. It’s a great spot for a filling meal.
5. Mustafa’s (Berlin, Germany)
Mustafa’s in Berlin serves the best kebabs and durums I’ve ever had. The line is often long, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. The parsley and lemon juice they use with the salad is a game-changer.
6. Thaipark (Berlin, Germany)
As a former resident of Thailand, I’m picky about Thai food. Thaipark, a weekend food market in Berlin, is one of the few places that satisfies my cravings. Thais run mini stalls selling authentic street food, and it’s unregulated, making the experience feel like being back in Thailand.
7. Le Petit Commerce (Bordeaux, France)
Located on one of Bordeaux’s most charming streets, Le Petit Commerce is a seafood lover’s dream. It’s a cozy spot where I always make sure to stop when I’m in the area. Don’t miss the sea snails!
8. Bratislava Flagship Restaurant (Bratislava, Slovakia)
This beer hall-turned-restaurant is popular with university students and serves affordable local dishes in a fun, communal setting. It’s great for groups.
9. Caru’ cu Bere (Bucharest, Romania)
Bucharest’s oldest German beer hall, Caru’ cu Bere, is known for its hearty Romanian and German food. The portions are massive, and the beer is strong. It’s a fun spot for a casual meal with friends.
10. Central Market Hall (Budapest, Hungary)
The Central Market Hall is a bustling spot filled with traditional Hungarian food vendors. It’s touristy, but you’ll still find plenty of delicious options, especially on the second floor near the front.
11. Leo Burdock (Dublin, Ireland)
If you’re craving classic fish and chips, Leo Burdock is the place to go. This over-100-year-old spot serves perfectly crispy fish and chips, without the greasy feel you often get from other places. It’s simple, affordable, and delicious.
12. Txalaka (Girona, Spain)
Though it’s a bit out of the way, Txalaka offers an amazing buffet of tapas. For just a few euros, you can try a wide variety of dishes, from shrimp to more traditional tapas. It’s a casual spot to enjoy some good food with a glass of wine.
13. Ravintola Aino (Helsinki, Finland)
If you’re looking to try traditional Finnish food, Ravintola Aino is the place. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the reindeer!
14. The Nest (Ios, Greece)
Hands down, the best Greek food I’ve had on the island. If you’re on Ios, make sure to visit The Nest. Their soup is also an incredible hangover cure.
15. Dishoom (London, UK)
Dishoom serves upscale Bombay-style food, and it’s as delicious as it is popular. Their take on a traditional British breakfast is a must-try. Be prepared for a wait, but trust me, it’s worth it.
16. Flat Iron Steak (London, UK)
Flat Iron serves some of the most affordable (and delicious) steaks in London. You can get a steak for just 11 GBP. The restaurant is always busy, so you’ll need to be patient, but it’s totally worth it.
17. Vinograf Míšenská (Prague, Czech Republic)
If you’re a wine lover, Vinograf is the place to go. They have a fantastic selection of Czech wines, along with great cheese and meat plates. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for a quiet evening away from the city bustle.
18. U Medvídku (Prague, Czech Republic)
This historic restaurant serves hearty Czech fare, including goulash, potato dumplings, and home-brewed beer. The portions are generous, so it’s great for sharing with friends.
19. Puzata Khata (Kyiv, Ukraine)
A local cafeteria-style restaurant, Puzata Khata offers cheap, authentic Ukrainian food. You can get a filling meal for just a few dollars, making it perfect for a quick, budget-friendly bite.
20. Augustiner Bräustuben (Munich, Germany)
This German beer hall is tucked away, but it’s worth seeking out. The atmosphere is lively, with communal seating perfect for meeting new people. Expect hearty German food and delicious beer.
21. Di Matteo (Naples, Italy)
If you’re in Naples, you have to try Di Matteo for pizza. It’s a local favorite, and I ended up eating here every day. The selection of toppings is impressive, and the pizza is top-notch.
22. La Rossettisserie (Nice, France)
A charming little rotisserie serving just five dishes: chicken, beef, lamb, veal, and pork, all paired with delicious potatoes. The intimate setting and candlelit ambiance make it perfect for a cozy meal.
23. La Crêperie des Arts (Paris, France)
For an unbeatable crêpe in Paris, head to La Crêperie des Arts. This tiny spot near the Saint-Michel station serves large, affordable crêpes with generous portions. The banana Nutella crêpe is a must.
24. Le Dit Vin (Paris, France)
A hidden gem in Paris, Le Dit Vin is a small, wine-focused restaurant that serves rich, savory dishes. The menu changes daily based on what’s fresh, but the cheese plate is always a winner.
25. Florence Kahn (Paris, France)
This charming little shop in the Le Marais district serves delicious sandwiches, including an amazing pastrami option. It’s a great place for a casual lunch.
26. ISTR (Paris, France)
ISTR is trendy and always busy, but their happy hour is a must-try. You can get cheap wine and 1 EUR oysters from 6-8 PM. It’s a great place to enjoy a light meal or snack.
27. The Laundromat Café (Reykjavík, Iceland)
The Laundromat Café is a cozy spot serving classic American fare like burgers, pasta, and sandwiches. Though it’s a bit pricey (it’s Iceland, after all), the food and coffee are top quality.
28. Al Vero Girarrosto Toscano (Rome, Italy)
If you’re craving traditional Tuscan food, Al Vero Girarrosto Toscano is the place to be. The antipasto is a standout, and they offer generous portions and great wine.
29. Hermans (Stockholm, Sweden)
Hermans is an all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet with a stunning view of Stockholm’s harbor. The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious, with lots of options for salads, hot dishes, and desserts. The lunch buffet is especially popular, so get there early.
30. Omnipollos Hatt (Stockholm, Sweden)
Omnipollos Hatt is a popular brewery and pizza spot with a fun, experimental menu. The wood-fired pizza is amazing, and it’s a great place to grab a drink or two with friends.
31. La Pepica (Valencia, Spain)
La Pepica is known for serving the best paella I’ve ever had. Located right on the beach, it’s a classic spot that’s been around since 1898.
32. The Naschmarkt (Vienna, Austria)
The Naschmarkt is a lively outdoor market filled with food stalls, cafés, and restaurants. It’s a great place to sample a variety of dishes, from kebabs to vegetarian options.
These spots are just a few of the amazing restaurants I’ve encountered during my travels across Europe. I’m no food critic, but trust me
