If you consider yourself to be even the slightest bit of a foodie, then Europe is without a doubt the holy grail of travel destinations for you.
The cosmopolitan cities and countryside of this continent are alive with culinary delights, many of which have become iconic eats around the world.
So if you’re a true foodie, you may be wondering which are the best foodie cities in Europe.
Well, maybe not the ones you expect.
Oh sure, Paris, Rome, and London are great places to eat and will certainly do you right, but for each one of them, there is an underrated foodie city in Europe that can serve up just as many delicious dishes, and often at half the price.
Here are a few of my favourites:
Ferrara, Italy
The foodie credentials of Bologna has been written about far-and-wide, but only a half hour train ride resides Ferrara, a gorgeous medieval city that some contend is the true foodie capital of the Emilia-Romagna region.
Local specialities include pasticcio di maccheroni alla ferrarese, which consists of a crunchy pastry in the shape of a dome on the outside and macaroni pasta that has been stacked and slathered with bechamel, mushrooms, and a touch of truffles on the inside. Another favorite is cappellacci di zucca, which is stuffed pasta filled with fresh pumpkin, amaretti crumbs, sage and brown butter. And then there is salama da sugo, which is a soft salami made of a mixture of pork and red wine.
Where to sample it: Antica Trattoria Volano this rustic local mom-and-pop restaurant serves up all the specialities of the region in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to wash things down with some sweet-and-sparkly local lambrusco.
Lyon, France
Paris and Bordeaux may snag a majority of the foodie headlines, but those in the know rave just as passionately about Lyon. Yes, from the moment you touch down at the oh-so eloquently named Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport to the time you leave, you’ll have a hard time finding a bad meal.
Just a few of the local favorites include quenelles de brochet (dumplings made from local Pike drowned in a creamy fish sauce), rosette (cured sausage), and paillasson Lyonnais (a thick rosti-like potato dish).
Where to sample it: Perhaps no city in Europe is more closely associated with a particular style of restaurant than Lyon is with its bouchons. These no-frills eateries fill the city and are famous for serving great food in a cozy atmosphere at budget-friendly prices.
Ludlow, England
Tucked away in the shadow of the gorgeous Shropshire Hills, Ludlow has become one of the places to go for slow-food enthusiasts in England. Despite all the praise (and the fact that Ludlow is home to a mesmerizing castle and a host of half-timbered buildings), you still will won’t hear the city’s name mentioned much in the international foodie press.
Oh well, that just means there’s more fun for those who make the trip.
Where to sample it: The Ludlow Food Centre is the place to start, as they bring together local producers, farmers, and retailers under one delicious roof. Cafes and restaurants abound here, and you are bound to stumble into something spectacular during your time.
San Sebastian
Located In the heart of Basque Country, San Sebastian has quietly become one of the most revered foodie cities in the world, but you can still beat most of the crowds if you get there fast.
Known for both Michelin stars (they are said to have more per square mile than anywhere else in the world) and casual pintxo bars, there is a menu and a budget for everyone here.
Where to sample it: The best way to get to know the city is through the eyes of Mimo San Sebastian, as they offer pintxo tours, cooking classes, and wine tastings. Don’t forget to try to sample some of the region’s renowned local cider either.
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