When waiting for the train, most travelers grab a sandwich or a snack before climbing on board. However, certain train stations in Europe offer an unexpected fine dining experience to enjoy before or after you travel. Read on to learn more about just some of these swanky restaurants located in European train stations.

Gourmet dining at the train station in Europe

In recent years, many travelers have chosen train travel over flying to their destination. This helps to lower their carbon footprint and make a difference while on vacation. Meanwhile, as travelers are encouraged to do the right thing on vacation, they can often enjoy a real treat.

It probably isn’t related to the push for eco-friendly travel, but a growing number of swanky restaurants are opening inside some of Europe’s busiest train stations. Why eat that dried-up sandwich or greasy burger when you can have a delicious meal instead? The following are just some of the fine dining restaurants located in train stations in Europe.

Le Train Bleu, Gare  de Lyon, Paris, France

Not all restaurants in train stations are new, as Le Train Bleu, located in Gare de Lyon train station, dates back to 1901. Opened by former French President Emile Loubet, the restaurant, with its Belle Époque décor, soon became a popular meeting place for poets, playwrights and artists.

Moreover, the décor was inspired by some of the most glamorous destinations on the Mediterranean coast. These include original watercolor paintings, gilt-framed mirrors, glistening chandeliers, leather banquettes and frescos that offer a sense of luxury for diners.

When it comes to the menu, travelers can expect delicious takes on the French classics, like Provençal-style octopus stew. However, a more popular menu choice is the roast leg of lamb, carved at the diner’s tableside.

Restaurant Luzette, Stockholm, Sweden

The Central Station in Stockholm hosts a brasserie-style restaurant, Luzette, in what was previously the train station’s main hall. The décor features reminders of the building’s past, with replicas of the original lamps that lit up the station in the 1920s.

While the lamps are replicas, the walls, windows and floor of the restaurant are all original. However, on opening Luzette in 2014, architect Jonas Bohlin added limestone tiles, brass, granite, marble and wooden details to give a nod to modernity with a side of the golden age of train travel.

The menu at Luzette features seafood and seasonal cuisine and almost all the ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, plus the restaurant even has its own fishing boat.

Wagon Restaurant, Athens, Greece

Heading to Athens in Greece, the Wagon Restaurant nestles in the city’s Rouf Station and was founded by actress and director Tatiana Ligari. Meanwhile, Ligari restored several vintage train carriages, including the original 1926 Simplon Orient Express dining car, to create this stunning restaurant. Moreover, she transformed other vintage train carriages to create a cultural venue, including a theater and bar.

It turns out Ligari took her inspiration from the train theater mentioned in Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days. Moreover, many of the dishes on the menu have been inspired by cuisine at exotic destinations.

The Counter, Zurich, Switzerland

Riding the rails to Switzerland, The Counter is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city’s main train station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof. While it nestles in a busy station, The Counter feels secluded and offers an intimate space for just 23 diners.

The Counter’s décor tends to be minimalist and is lit by pendant lights dangling from the ceiling to spotlight the delicious food. Meanwhile, lunch doesn’t come cheap here, with the menu starting at 195 CHF ($215/€208), but then this isn’t your average train station café.

Dine in style at some of the best train station restaurants in Europe in 2025, before you hop on the train.