Top 10 European Cities For Food Lovers

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as a foodie with aspirations to see the world, I check out research into the top 10 European cities for food lovers so I can plan my adventures.

As a self-proclaimed foodie with a serious case of wanderlust, there’s nothing I crave more than traveling the world, exploring different cities and scenes, and eating delicious food as I go. But here’s the thing – plane tickets and vegetarian dreams don’t always align seamlessly. Many European countries, while boasting world-renowned cuisine, can be a landmine for committed herbivores.

To help me out, women-only tour company Solo Female Travelers Tours analysed data from TripAdvisor, including the number of restaurants offering local cuisine, Michelin-star establishments, and vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in each European city. Index scores out of 10 were awarded for each factor based on the number of establishments, and this determined the ranking.  

Top 10 European Cities For Food Lovers

Ranking	City	Index Score
1	Paris, France	74.69
2	Florence, Italy	70.39
3	Rome, Italy	67.12
4	Dublin, Ireland	61.57
5	Bologna, Italy	61.36
6	Amsterdam, Netherlands	60.09
7	Milan, Italy	59.08
8	Barcelona, Spain	59.00
9	Naples, Italy	56.89
10	Madrid, Spain	56.26

Paris

France’s capital city, Paris, is crowned the best city in Europe for foodies, boasting an index score of 74.69. Paris received the highest possible score of 10 for the number of restaurants overall, as well as a score of 10 for the number of Michelin-star restaurants, making it the perfect place to visit if you enjoy fine dining.

Your exploration can start at the heart of Parisian food culture – the open-air markets. Indulge in a feast for the senses at bustling markets like Rue Mouffetard or Marché des Enfants Rouges. Here, you’ll find the freshest seasonal produce, from plump tomatoes and vibrant artichokes to exotic mushrooms and crusty baguettes. Stock up on picnic supplies or grab a quick bite from a market stall– a delicious and affordable way to experience Parisian flavors.

Experience the pinnacle of French cuisine at iconic restaurants like Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée or Pierre Gagnaire, where innovative tasting menus showcase the artistry of French chefs. Immerse yourself in the Parisian atmosphere at bustling bistros like Le Relais de l’Entrecôte or trendy brasseries like Café de Flore. Savor classic dishes like steak frites, boeuf bourguignon, or indulge in a decadent cheese plate.

No Parisian adventure is complete without indulging in buttery croissants from a local boulangerie (bakery) or a savory galette or sweet crêpe from a charming creperie.

Vegetarian Delights of Paris

While Paris might be known for its love affair with meat, vegetarian options are becoming increasingly abundant. Here are some hidden gems:

• Ten Belles Bread: This bakery is a haven for vegetarians and vegans, offering an array of creative pastries and savory delights.
• Wild & the Moon: This trendy spot boasts an entirely plant-based menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Chez Denise: This vegetarian bistro offers a warm atmosphere and a menu that changes seasonally, showcasing the best of plant-based cuisine.

Florence

Florence, Italy, takes home the silver medal, boasting an index score of 70.39. The capital city of Central Italy’s Tuscany is known for stunning architecture and an abundance of museums, such as Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery. Florence received the highest possible score of 10 for multiple factors, including the number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants and establishments offering local cuisine; tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and truffle sauce, a must-try delicacy of the city, is suitable for vegetarians.  

Tuscan cuisine, known for its simplicity and fresh, seasonal ingredients, takes center stage in this vibrant city. From hidden trattorias to bustling markets, a food adventure awaits in Florence, promising to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a world of culinary tradition.

Breads like schiacciata (flatbread) and crusty Tuscan bread are staples, perfect for dipping in local olive oil or mopping up rich sauces. Simple pasta dishes reign supreme. Sample pappardelle al cinghiale (wide pasta with wild boar ragù) or ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach.

Don’t miss Lampredotto, a hearty street food made with tripe, or Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut grilled steak, both testaments to the city’s love for bold flavors.

Vegetarian Delights of Florence

While meat plays a significant role in Florentine cuisine, vegetarian options are becoming more readily available. Here are some delicious destinations:

• Il Vegetariano: This charming restaurant offers a creative vegetarian menu, featuring seasonal dishes that showcase the bounty of Tuscany.
• Mercato Centrale: This bustling market boasts a variety of food stalls, including some dedicated to vegetarian cuisine. Explore stalls brimming with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and prepared vegetarian dishes.
• Gusto!: This vegetarian tapas bar offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu of small plates perfect for sharing.

Rome

Italy’s capital, Rome, ranks third on the list with an index score of 67.12. Rome has a range of attractions to see, including the Colosseum and The Pantheon, and it received an almost perfect score of 9.99 for the number of restaurants in the city – so there’ll be a variety of restaurants to try after a day of exploring. 

Savor iconic Roman staples like Pasta alla Gricia (pasta with guanciale, pecorino cheese, and black pepper), Saltimbocca (thinly sliced veal topped with prosciutto and sage), or Pizza al Taglio (Roman-style pizza by the slice, perfect for a quick and delicious bite).

Vegetarian Delights Of Rome

While Roman cuisine has a reputation for being meat-centric, vegetarian and vegan options are flourishing. Here are some hidden gems:

• Mama Pasta: This vegetarian haven offers innovative pasta dishes, creative salads, and an extensive selection of Italian wines.
• La Pergola (vegetarian tasting menu): This Michelin-starred restaurant features a separate, exclusively vegetarian tasting menu showcasing the artistry of plant-based cuisine.
• Il Margutta Vegetarian: Nestled in the charming Via Margutta, this restaurant offers a delightful vegetarian menu that changes seasonally.

Dublin

Dublin, Ireland’s capital, steals the fourth spot in the ranking with an index score of 61.57. The Georgian architecture is one of the city’s most breathtaking traits, as well as Dublin being renowned for its lively atmosphere. Dublin scored 9.99 for its number of vegan-friendly restaurants.   

Dublin offers much more than Guinness and shamrocks. Nestled amidst the city’s rich history and lively pubs lies a thriving culinary scene waiting to be explored. From Michelin-starred marvels to cozy gastropubs and bustling markets, Dublin promises a delightful adventure for your taste buds, showcasing both traditional Irish fare and innovative global flavors.

Bologna

In fifth place is Bologna, Italy, with an index score of 61.36. Famous for its historical and artistic culture, the city has also earned a spot in the ranking with the highest possible score of 10 for the number of bars and pub as well as for the number of establishments offering online delivery, so you can opt for this after an evening of drinking.  

Bologna, a vibrant city nestled in northern Italy, isn’t just famous for its leaning towers and rich history. It’s a haven for gourmands, proudly holding the title of “Italy’s Food Capital.” From hole-in-the-wall gems serving age-old recipes to renowned restaurants crafting innovative dishes, Bologna offers a culinary adventure unlike any other.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands, claims the sixth spot in the list with an index score of 60.09 and stands out for a score of 8.74 for the number of vegan-friendly establishments.  

Milan

Taking the seventh spot in the ranking is Milan, Italy, with an index score of 59.08; the nation’s fashion capital offers plenty of activities, including canal-side drinks in the Navigli District and visiting Piazza del Duomo. You can count on ordering food to take away from many restaurants after a busy day of sight-seeing, with Milan receiving a score of 7.81 for establishments offering online delivery. 

Barcelona

Barcelona places eighth on the list just below Milan, with an index score of 59.00. The Spanish city, which is home to La Sagrada Familia and other spectacular works of Gaudi, earned a high score of 7.63 for the number of restaurants offering healthy food. 

Naples

Following closely behind in ninth place is Naples, Italy, which received an index score of 56.89. Not only is the city famous for being the birthplace of pizza, but Naples also received a high score of 7.42 for the number of restaurants offering coffee, a drink that is almost religion.  

Madrid

In tenth place is Madrid, Spain, with an index score of 56.26. The nation’s capital received a high score of 10 for the number of restaurants overall, like Paris – so whatever food you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a spot that satisfies you during your trip. 

 Food Travel

Our data suggests that 63% of women consider how appealing the local gastronomy is when choosing a destination. Foodies will be particularly interested in these 10 cities which stand out for their culinary scene.

Most of these cities are also in the most visited countries in the world such as France, Italy or Spain, and are popular destinations in our portfolio of tours for women, where we curate rich and immersive food and wine experiences at homes, wineries and farms.

-A spokesperson from Solo Female Travelers Tours

 This information was provided by Solo Female Travelers Tours, a women-only tour company who strive to shape the travel industry to be more equitable for women. By employing only female guides, staying at female owned hotels and featuring activities led by local women, they aim to give more opportunities to local women at the destinations they visit, from Tanzania to Iceland, Oaxaca to Morocco, Tuscany to Croatia.  

Methodology  

The number of restaurants for the following categories were analysed in each city using data from TripAdvisor:  

Bars and pubs  

Coffee and tea  

Fast food  

Free WIFI  

Gluten-free  

Healthy food  

Local cuisine  

Michelin guide  

Online delivery  

Table service  

Vegan-friendly  

Vegetarian-friendly  

Wheelchair access  

Restaurants on whole