Introduction
When you’re traveling, it’s always nice to find a restaurant that serves comfort food. If you’re in Italy, though, you might want to try something a bit more adventurous. The same goes for Spain. And France. And Greece. In fact, what I’ve learned after years of globe-trotting is that every country has its own specialties—and specific kinds of eateries where locals like to dine with their friends and family members. So why not check out some of Europe’s top culinary destinations? Here are my favorites:
Italy
Italy is a country in Europe and is located on the Mediterranean Sea. It has a unique geography, with an extensive coastline and a mountainous interior. The Alps and the Apennines form natural borders with France and Switzerland, respectively.
The northern part of Italy includes Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto; these regions all share similar characteristics: they’re known as “the North” because they’re colder than other parts of Italy (especially during winter), with higher rainfall rates that cause frequent floods during springtime rains (known locally as “torrenti”).
The central region contains Tuscany; Emilia Romagna; Umbria; Marche (formerly known as Le Marche); Lazio (formerly known as Latium); Abruzzo; Molise; Campania (formerly known as Terra di Lavoro); Apulia/Puglia – often referred to collectively as “Southeast Italy”; Basilicata/Calabria – often referred to collectively as “Southwest Italy”
Spain
Spain is known for its rich, flavorful dishes. The cuisine combines Mediterranean flavors with Arab influences, creating a fusion that’s both unique and delicious.
The country has more than 50 different types of tapas–small bites that are typically served on small plates at bars or restaurants. Paella is another classic dish you should try while visiting Spain; it’s made up of rice cooked with meat and seafood in an oven-safe pan. Tapas bars are the best places to sample these dishes because they’re typically small and crowded, so you’ll want to be patient and polite when ordering food!
France
The French have a reputation for their love of food and wine. And it’s no wonder: the country boasts a rich and diverse culinary history, with each region boasting its own unique cuisine.
French food is known for its simplicity, but it can be very complex–the simple preparation of meat or fish in Provence can result in an exquisite dish that highlights local ingredients like olives and tomatoes. In Lyon, devotees will tell you that the best bread comes from pain de mie (or “crumb bread”), which is baked twice so that all moisture is removed from the dough before being put through several pressing processes to create light layers inside each loaf.
Germany
Germany is a great place to eat. The food is hearty, delicious and well made. It’s also traditional–the sausages and breads you’ll find in Germany have been around for centuries. And if that weren’t enough, it’s affordable too!
But of course there are many other reasons why this country makes for such an excellent culinary destination: The food is good for you; it’s fresh and healthy (think seasonal fruits and vegetables); it’s bursting with flavor (thanks to herbs like dill); plus there are plenty of options available if you don’t want meat or dairy products at every meal (think vegan dishes).
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country that is known for its cheese, pancakes and waffles. If you are looking for seafood, this is the place to go! The Dutch have a unique way of serving their meals; they often serve them on small plates instead of dishes.
Greece
Greece has a long history of food and wine. The country’s cuisine is one of the most diverse and flavorful in Europe, featuring many different types of dishes across all regions. Greek food is also considered to be very healthy, as it relies heavily on vegetables and olive oil rather than dairy products or meat.
Greece’s cuisine has been influenced by its neighbors over time, especially Italy and Turkey (which you might know from our previous post). However, there are still some unique aspects about Greek food that set it apart from other countries’ cuisines:
Traveling is more fun when you can eat well.
Traveling is more fun when you can eat well. The food of a country is a huge part of its culture, history and landscape–and it can also be one of the most memorable parts of your trip!
We’ve put together some tips for what to eat in Europe’s top foodie destinations:
Conclusion
Europe is a food lover’s paradise, and its culinary traditions are worth exploring. From the rustic dishes of Italy to the hearty stews of France, here are some of our favorites from across the continent.
