Caleb and I have traveled extensively around Europe, primarily for food and drink, so we know a few things about its top gastronomic places!
After all of our exploration, these are the 7 locations we believed had the best food to discover if you’re a couple who loves to eat and drink everything while on vacation! This fast guide will explain why we enjoy it, what you should try, and where we like to dine!
Please forgive some of the photographs, since they were shot before I captured every living and breathing moment of our trip and learned how to take great photos. 😅
The Best Cities For Couples
01. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is a city that is all about the food, and we’ve spent countless evenings jumping from one tapa bar to the next, eating our way through the vibrant streets and sipping Rioja along the way. Because when it comes to wine? The response is always OH HECK YES, are we correct?
Why it’s awesome: It’s not just about the cuisine, but the entire experience—sharing plates of Croquetas de Jamón and Patatas Bravas, sipping vermouth (not sangria, which is for tourists), and bouncing from bar to bar like a native.
You’ll adore the laid-back dining atmosphere here, where meals last until the early hours of the morning. Madrid feels more authentic than other cities, such as Barcelona, which is why it’s our top selection!
Must-try dishes in Madrid include pan with tomato with Iberico ham, Spanish albondigas (meatballs), patas bravas, Tortilla Espanola, and Gilda (skewers of pickled peppers, olives, and anchovies). Promise they’re great with vermouth!)
MUST DO FOOD TOUR: If you want to avoid the headache of arranging restaurant reservations and perhaps ending up somewhere bad, you must go on a food tour. You will have VIP access to some of the top local restaurants!
02. Rome, Italy
Rome’s cuisine is centered on carbs and wine, making it easy to find delicious options everywhere. Rome is ideal for couples seeking romance and delicious food.
Why it’s awesome: Imagine meandering through scenic alleyways and finding small trattorias serving the finest pizza and spaghetti you’ve ever had, prepared by a little Italian grandmother. And there’s always gelato for dessert.
Must-try dishes include Cacio e Pepe, Saltimbocca, Supli, and Pasta all’Amatriciana (which is insanely delicious). Sweets include Sicilian pistachio gelato and pistachio cream-filled croissants. Yes, they are as amazing as they sound.
Recommended restaurant: Tonarello for dinner.
03. Paris, France
Do we need to explain why Paris made the list? It’s Paris, the home of food, wine, and love. It’s a no-brainer for food lovers like us!
Why it is awesome: From flaky pastries in the morning to refined dinners with classics like Coq au Vin, Paris knows how to eat, the café culture here is unrivaled—ideal for people-watching and sipping a glass of wine together!
Must-tries include almond croissants (the finest ones are pressed flat, FYI), macrons, escargot (really, they’re delicious!), all of the cheese, French onion soup, and crepes.
Recommended restaurants include Maison d’Isabel for almond croissants and Tradi for a classic meal.
04. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen cherishes ingredients for their simplicity, purity, and seasonal freshness, and we believe you can taste them in their cuisine! Did we mention that it serves the best-baked goods in the world? Seriously, we have never had nicer sweets anywhere in Europe! Perfect for sharing!
Or eating all by yourself. There is no shame.
Why it is awesome: This city is known for its smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) made with locally sourced ingredients. If you enjoy sustainable dining and vibrant flavors, you’ll adore Copenhagen’s culinary scene, which ranges from street markets to Michelin-starred restaurants!
Must-try: Traditional cinnamon rolls (kanelsnagel). We know, it’s fun to say) and the best cardamom buns ever. Make sure to buy these at Juno Bakery – they are our dream!
Recommend Juno for baked goods and Restaurant Schønnemann for traditional Danish cuisine and a great atmosphere.
05. Bologna, Italy
Bologna, sometimes ignored by its more famous neighbors, is an epicenter of Italian gastronomy, and it was here that we had some of the best charcuterie and wine experiences in Italy! It’s also a less touristy area, which is wonderful when you’re tired of all the people and want some alone time together!
Why it is awesome: Known as “La Grassa” for its rich culinary legacy, we discovered that every meal here feels like you’re part of an Italian family gathering. It’s ideal for couples like us who enjoy exciting dining experiences and sharing stuff. The atmosphere feels very genuinely Italian!
Must-tries: Try some Mortadella, particularly from a local deli. For pasta, try Tagliatelle al Ragù or Tortellini in Brodo. A Piadini sandwich is a must-have lunch!
Recommended restaurant: Salumeria Simoni for charcuterie and wine.
06. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian is a foodie’s dream, and it’s one of our top dining destinations in Europe.
Why it’s awesome: Pintxos (the Basque country’s version of tapas) are coupled with local Txakoli wine. This city has Michelin stars, but we believe the real enchantment takes place in the lively pubs of the Old Town. You can stroll from bar to bar, eating small bites on a stick along the way, and it’s so much fun. You’ll also like the proximity after a few glasses of wine.
….We don’t know anything about that.
Must-tries: The burned Cheesecake from La Viña has become world-famous for a reason and you won’t go wrong with basically any pintxos
Recommended restaurants include La Mejillonera for the finest mussels ever and Bar Txepetxa for toast which will make you fall in love with anchovies forever.
07. Istanbul, Turkey
We adore Turkey’s cuisine, even though it is both European and not. The flavors of East meets West differ from anywhere else in Europe!
Why it’s awesome: There’s so much diversity, from smoky kebabs to sweet, flaky Baklava, and everything in between. Exploring Istanbul’s bazaars and street food vendors is an unforgettable culinary adventure! We did a 6-hour culinary tour, and everything was delicious and savory!
Must-try dishes include Lahmacun flatbread, Beyran (lamb soup), Kofta, Pide, Borek, Turkish breakfast, and Turkish pleasure.
Recommended foot spot: Lezzet-i-Sark for the best hole in the wall with delicious Beyran and Kofta. We continue to talk about it daily.
Conclusion:
For couples who enjoy food and drink, Europe provides a unique gastronomic experience that spans centuries of tradition, creativity, and culture. Each of the seven towns featured in this guide has its distinct blend of flavors, ranging from the rustic charm of traditional meals to the daring experimentation of modern cuisine.
Whether you’re relishing Rome’s pasta, immersing yourself in Bordeaux’s wine culture, or discovering Barcelona’s street food scene, these places deliver more than simply meals.
In 2024, traveling as a foodie couple entails more than just sampling; it’s about immersing yourself in the essence of each city’s gastronomic scene. These seven European destinations, with their rich gastronomic options and scenic locations, make ideal backdrops for romantic, flavor-filled trips. Bon appétit!
There you have it! A quick guide on where you should go in Europe if you’re a foodie couple like us! If you have any questions, please ask in the comments!
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