One of the best ways to really experience Europe is through its food. Across the continent, each city has its specialities that are hard to find anywhere else in the world. From locally made Pizza Margherita from Naples, to fresh Souvlaki in Athens, Europe is full of irresistible cuisines that will delight your taste buds. 

This list highlights some of the best cities in Europe where you can taste that local culture for yourself. Whether you’re browsing a packed market, sitting at a modest tavern, or grabbing something from a street cart, these places let you eat like a local. 

Lyon, France

Lyon is one of the best cities in France for food, especially if you like comforting, rich dishes. It’s known for its bouchons, which are small restaurants that serve local recipes passed down through generations. You’ll find rich flavours and taste in almost every food you eat here. 

Start with quenelles de brochet, soft pike fish dumplings in a creamy sauce. Another staple is salade Lyonnaise, made with frisée lettuce, crispy bacon, croutons, and a poached egg on top. If you want something heartier, go for andouillette sausage or coq au vin. For local snacks, visit Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse. You’ll find cheese, sausage, pastries, and more to grab while you enjoy walking around the city.

San Sebastián, Spain

San Sebastián is one of the best places in Europe to try delicious Spanish food. This seaside city in northern Spain is known for its pintxos (Basque tapas). These are small snacks usually served on bread with a variety of toppings. Locals hop from bar to bar, grabbing a drink and a bite at each stop, and you can do the same by yourself or book a guided food tour. 

Some of the most popular tapas come with grilled prawns, anchovies, or slow-cooked beef. Some bars offer warm pintxos like mini crab gratin or seared foie gras with apple jam. Most spots will have everything on the counter, so you can just point and try whatever you like to eat. Order a glass of local txakoli, a light white wine that pairs well with these bites. 

Bologna, Italy

Bologna is known as the food capital of Italy, and once you eat here, you’ll understand why. The dishes are rich, filling, and full of flavour. The locals are proud of their cooking, and every restaurant seems to know exactly what they’re doing. From snacks to hearty meals, every food here is just mouth-watering. 

You can start your tour with tagliatelle al ragù, which is the real version of Bolognese. It’s made with flat pasta and a meat sauce that’s slow-cooked. Another must-try is tortellini in brodo, tiny pasta filled with meat and served in hot broth. You’ll also find lasagna with layers of fresh pasta, béchamel, and meat sauce. Walk through the Quadrilatero Market for local cheese, cured meats, and handmade pasta. 

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a great place to eat if you like fresh ingredients and clean flavours. The food scene here focuses on local produce and seasonal cooking. Even the simplest dishes taste heavenly. You can try smørrebrød, which are open-faced sandwiches with toppings like pickled herring, roast beef, or eggs and shrimp. 

You should also try frikadeller, which are Danish meatballs often served with potatoes and gravy. Another favourite is stegt flæsk, crispy pork with parsley sauce. Don’t forget to stop by one of the city’s bakeries and grab a kanelsnegl, a cinnamon bun that’s soft, sweet, and perfect with coffee.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, like other cities in Europe, has a great food scene. You’ll find tascas all over the city, which are small, often family-run restaurants where locals go for hearty, affordable meals. The menus are usually short, and the food is always comforting and full of flavours.

Bacalhau à brás is one of the locals’ favourite meals, made with shredded cod, eggs, and potatoes. Grilled sardines are a staple in summer, and feijoada, a slow-cooked bean and pork stew, is especially eaten on colder days. Don’t miss out on a pastéis de nata from Pastéis de Belém. It’s a creamy custard tart in a crisp shell, best eaten warm and dusted with cinnamon.

Naples, Italy

If you love pizza, Naples is where you go to eat the best one, literally. This is where it started, and they still make it with the same care and ingredients. A real Neapolitan pizza has a soft, slightly chewy crust, bright tomato sauce, and fresh, locally made mozzarella.

Go to Pizzeria Da Michele for a simple but unforgettable slice of pizza. They serve just two kinds: Margherita and Marinara. You’ll also find street food on nearly every corner. Try sfogliatella with sweet ricotta, fried seafood in paper cones, or deep-fried pasta balls called frittatina. No matter where you go in Naples, you’ll find something delicious in every corner. 

Athens, Greece

Athens is a great place to eat if you like your meals, which are full of herbs, olive oil, and grilled meat. The portions are usually generous, and the food feels homemade even in restaurants. Whether you’re sitting down at a taverna or grabbing a quick snack, food here is always satisfying and makes your taste buds dance with joy.

Souvlaki wraps are popular in Athens; they are packed with grilled meat, fries, and sauce in warm pita. Moussaka, layered with eggplant, meat, and a creamy topping, is also worth trying. You’ll find plenty of shareable meze plates, including tzatziki, fava, grilled octopus, and more. If you see lamb kleftiko on the menu, go for it. It is slow-roasted lamb cooked in parchment with potatoes and vegetables.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city where people love to sit, relax, and enjoy their food with breathtaking views. Start with Wiener schnitzel, a breaded cutlet of veal or pork that’s usually served with potato salad and lemon. Tafelspitz is another favourite food of locals. It’s boiled beef served with sides like apple horseradish and creamy spinach. 

After your meal, visit one of the city’s coffeehouses for dessert. Try a slice of Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, or Apfelstrudel filled with spiced apples. These cafés aren’t just for tourists. Locals spend hours here reading, chatting, and enjoying their coffee.

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving something rich and savoury or sweet and sticky, you’ll find it here. Try moules-frites, which are mussels served in a pot with a side of crispy fries. Another great dish is carbonade flamande, a beef stew made with dark beer that’s both sweet and savoury.

If you want to eat something light, try stoemp, which is mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and usually served with sausage. Grab a Belgian waffle for dessert, preferably the Liège style with caramelised sugar bits inside. You’ll also want to sample the local chocolate and pick up a bottle of beer or two.

Düsseldorf, Germany

Düsseldorf is home to local hearty meals alongside some of the best Japanese food in Europe. Try Rheinischer Sauerbraten, which is beef marinated in vinegar and spices and slow-cooked until tender. Reibekuchen is also a very popular dish here, and it includes crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce. 

You might also see Halve Hahn on menus, which is rye bread with cheese and mustard. If you’re craving something different, walk through the Immermannstraße area for ramen, sushi, and other Japanese dishes that taste really authentic and make you feel at home. 

Eating like a local is a great way to connect with the culture and the people. So next time you’re in one of these cities, skip the guidebook suggestions and follow the smells, the crowds, and the handwritten chalkboard menus. You won’t be disappointed.