Top 5 Culinary Experiences Across Europe

Filled with gastronomic delights, Europe is an endless foodie buffet. From one city to the next, with establishments ranging from historic to high-end, travelers are spoiled for choice with an ever-changing menu of options. Here are five standout culinary experiences across the continent, from Dubrovnik to Helsinki. These alone may be worth the stamp in your passport!

Restaurant 360, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Several international chefs paved the way for Restaurant 360 to become Dubrovnik’s leading foodie venue. However, after two locals took it over – Chef Marijo Curić and manager Rudolf Papac – it received its Michelin star in 2018 and 2019, making it the only restaurant in Dubrovnik to be honored.

The City Walls, otherwise inaccessible at night, set a marvelous stage here, surrounded by centuries-old ramparts, as the starlit old port glistens below. This wondrous setting is merely a backdrop to the symphony of flavors, wines, and impeccable service.

The menu inspires a new appreciation of simple ingredients with dishes such as a carrot starter, presenting this staple in several innovative ways. Moreover, you can choose two or three à la carte dishes, but the two tasting menus provide a true gastro-extravaganza. One reflects the chef’s take on the Mediterranean region, while the other represents his journey at 360, which started in 2007.

A personal sommelier will assist in pairing exceptional wines from a list of 500 labels, which has twice been awarded the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Rounding off the experience, professional but personable service infuses a dash of local spirit and hospitality.

In the 2020 season, Restaurant 360 will open in March for dinner only, and reservations are essential at least three weeks in advance.

Taste of Prague Food Tours, Prague, Czech Republic

Think Czech cuisine is all about meat, potatoes, and beer? That’s not too far off the mark. However, these four-hour food tours reveal that even simple classics can transform into refined dining experiences under the guidance of the city’s best chefs.

Jan and Zuzi left corporate life to start their foodie venture in 2011, gaining renown among Prague residents for their insightful blog and enticing Instagram account. Their insider knowledge ensures tours highlight the city’s innovative restaurant scene and unveil how Czech food, beer, and wine intersect with local culture and history, adapting to seasonality to showcase emerging talent.

As part of the popular tradition of sampling lagers and pub bites, guests discover creative, modern cuisine in Prague’s outer districts. Venues like Eska in regenerated Karlín and The Eatery in hip Holešovice frequently feature on the tour, alongside classic Prague ham, which is brined, cooked, and smoked to perfection, served in an unexpectedly delightful combination with whipped cream and horseradish.

Frea, Berlin, Germany

Pushing new frontiers in ethical and ultra-sustainable eating, Frea became Germany’s first 100% vegan, zero-waste restaurant when it opened in Berlin’s Mitte district in March 2019. Seasonal organic produce, delivered by regional farmers in reusable crates, is just the beginning. In fact, everything is made from scratch right in Frea’s open kitchen, including crusty sourdough bread and drinks like water kefir and hazelnut milk.

The uncompromising waste-avoiding concept extends to the interior design, creating a cozy yet chic atmosphere filled with plants and light. Moreover, the lamps are grown from fungus, wall art made from recycled plastic, and the mix-and-match furniture sourced from classified ads.

Thankfully, Frea’s culinary acumen matches its ambitious eco-philosophy. The moderately priced menu is short but creative, offering dishes like kohlrabi linguine with roasted shiitake mushrooms. Desserts such as melt-in-your-mouth chocolate mousse with beetroot granita conclude the meal perfectly. Popular liquid pairings include craft beer, natural wines, and house-made kombucha.

Onyx, Budapest, Hungary

Walking into Onyx, Hungary’s only restaurant with two Michelin stars, provides an exquisite experience. The attentive, efficient, and approachable staff, along with a daring and dexterous chef, ensure a memorable dining experience. Comfortable, throne-like chairs surround widely spaced tables adorned with grand chandeliers and marble statues, while soft classical music plays in the background.

Lunch (Thursday to Saturday) consists of three, four, or six courses, while dinner (Tuesday to Saturday) features four or six courses. You can choose between two set tasting menus: “Within our Borders,” focusing on contemporary Hungarian recipes, and “Beyond Our Borders,” showcasing global cuisines. Each plate is a work of art with impeccable flavors. The wine selection is exceptional, complemented by the expertise of a sommelier ready to assist.

Onyx is located in Budapest’s central square, Vörösmarty tér – home to one of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets – and is adjacent to the famous Gerbeaud Café, an ideal spot for post-dinner coffee or cake.

Vanha Kauppahalli, Helsinki, Finland

Infused with the aromas and flavors of Finland, Helsinki’s Vanha Kauppahalli (Old Market Hall) is the ultimate place to gather picnic supplies or enjoy a snack on-site. Constructed in 1888, the distinctive red-and-yellow striped brick building continues to house traditional wooden stalls selling delicacies from around the country.

Kick-start your visit Helsinki-style at Robert’s Coffee; the Finns lead the world in coffee consumption at 12kg per person per year. Local specialties to sample include breads with tar from Konditoria Matti ja Mari, smoked ham and sausages from Pajuniemi, and various forest mushrooms and berries from local vendors. Additionally, sweet treats range from handmade Finnish chocolates at Kultasuklaa to munkkipossu (doughnuts filled with apple jelly) at Scandinavia Café.

In chilly weather, don’t miss a steaming bowl of lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup with fragrant dill) from the market’s central café-restaurant, Soppakeittiö, known for its delightful soups and changing lunch specials.