Planning a trip just to eat is a lifestyle, not a hobby. When you search for the 10 Best restaurants in Europe, you will find plenty of lists filled with places that require a reservation six months in advance. While some of those are included here, I have also added spots that focus on the soul of the country.
Here are the tables you need to book before you fly.
Asador Etxebarri, Spain
Located in the quiet Basque mountains, this is not your typical fine dining experience. Everything is grilled over wood fire. It is rustic, it is intense, and it is arguably the best meal you will have in your life. It is the definition of quality ingredients meeting raw skill.
Noma, Denmark
If you follow food trends at all, you know Noma. It is the birthplace of New Nordic cuisine. Located in Copenhagen, it changes its menu based on the season. It is more of an intellectual experience than just a dinner. If you go, make sure you book your trip to Copenhagen well in advance.
Le Comptoir du Relais, France
Forget the ultra-expensive white-tablecloth spots in Paris for a moment. This is a classic bistro in Saint Germain. It is loud, it is busy, and the food is perfect French comfort. It feels like the real Paris, the one where locals actually eat.
Osteria Francescana, Italy
Massimo Bottura is a rock star in Modena. This restaurant turns Italian tradition into modern art. It is the kind of place where you leave feeling like you have learned something new about Italian history. It is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Europe for a reason.
Frantzén, Sweden
Stockholm is home to this three-star powerhouse. It is a stunning, intimate dining experience inside an old townhouse. The service is impeccable, and the blending of Nordic and Japanese techniques creates flavors you simply cannot find anywhere else.
Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Germany
Berlin is known for late-night street food, but this spot offers a strict “locally sourced” menu. They do not use pepper, chocolate, or citrus because those do not grow in Germany. It is a bold, challenging, and fascinating look at what regional food can be.
Belcanto, Portugal
In the heart of Lisbon, Chef Jose Avillez elevates Portuguese cuisine to a level that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. It is bright, elegant, and perfectly captures the spirit of modern Lisbon.
The Jane, Belgium
Located in Antwerp, this restaurant is set inside a renovated chapel. The design alone is worth the trip, but the food is equally dramatic. It is the best place in Belgium to experience a high-end, visual, and culinary feast.
Varoulko Seaside, Greece
You cannot visit Europe without having the best seafood of your life. This Athens restaurant is the gold standard. Located right on the water, the chef focuses on fresh, seasonal Greek catches prepared with a refined, modern touch.
Schloss Schauenstein, Switzerland
In a historic castle tucked away in the Swiss Alps, Chef Andreas Caminada elevates local Alpine produce to a level that feels both rustic and revolutionary. It is serene, sophisticated, and perfectly captures the spirit of modern Swiss gastronomy.
How to Actually Get a Table
The biggest challenge with these spots is not the price, it is the availability. If you are serious about checking these off your list, follow these tips:
- Book Your Flights First: These restaurants are destinations in themselves. Use flight comparison tools to lock in the cheapest dates, then plan your reservation around that window.
- The Concierge Hack: If you are staying at a high-end hotel, call their concierge the moment you book your room. They often have relationships with these restaurants and can sometimes snag a cancelled table.
- Travel Insurance is Essential: When you are planning a trip specifically for reservations, a cancelled flight is a disaster. Buy a travel insurance policy that covers trip interruptions. It is a small price to pay to protect a high-stakes itinerary. Check out providers like SafetyWing or World Nomads for comprehensive coverage.
Ready to start eating? The best restaurants in Europe are waiting for you, but they will not stay empty for long. Start mapping out your route and locking in your stays today.
