Foodie Delight: Europe’s Top 5 Tourist Cities For Michelin-Starred Dining

Foodies are certainly going places as, according to The Luxury Travel Book, Google searches for “fine dining” have surged by almost 50 percent in the past year. Moreover, famous for its star ratings, Michelin Guide is also a good choice for reliable restaurant reviews. Meanwhile, awarded from one to three stars, it honors top-notch dining based on technique, flavor, ingredients, consistency and the chef’s personality.

Top Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe

Meanwhile, Europe hosts some of the world’s most-coveted Michelin-starred restaurants. However, which European destinations boast the most Michelin-starred restaurants? Read on to learn the best cities to visit in Europe for foodies.

1. Paris, France

Paris comes top of the list and boasts 121 Michelin-starred restaurants, featuring a total of 157 stars, and is the undisputed capital of luxury dining for foodies. The Michelin Guide first started awarding stars to outstanding French restaurants in 1926. Moreover, it confirmed the city’s reputation for exceptional cuisine.

Among the most sought-after restaurants include Le Cinq, a three-star restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel George V, and Le Jules Verne, an iconic restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower with panoramic views of Paris.

2. London, England

London isn’t far behind Paris as it boasts 80 Michelin-starred restaurants and is in a firm second place. According to Michelin, the first guide for the British Isles was published in 1911, and, much like the original French edition, included practical driving information for motorists.

After five editions, there was a pause during World War 1 before resuming from 1922 to 1930 with the title Great Britain. The more modern Great Britain and Ireland guide dropped the driver’s handbook and became a dedicated restaurant and hotel guide in 1974.

Stylish dining options include Sketch, one of the most beautiful Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. With its décor and modern artwork, the restaurant’s tasting and a la carte menus were created by the three-Michelin-starred French master chef Pierre Gagnaire.

3. Barcelona, Spain

In third place, the popular and beautiful city of Barcelona in Spain boasts an exciting dining scene, with 29 restaurants with 39 Michelin stars between them. Some new stars were awarded to Fishology, Prodigi, MAE Barcelona and Teatro Kitchen & Bar joining the city’s top restaurants.

Meanwhile, Disfruta is gaining attention with its avant-garde take on Mediterranean dining. With its inventive menu, the restaurant is marking its place on the foodie favorite list.

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is renowned for its canals and attractive historic architecture, but it is also becoming popular for its restaurants. The Netherlands hosts 501 restaurants, including 122 Michelin-starred eateries, and Amsterdam claims 23 of them with a mix of one- and two-starred ratings in its growing foodie scene.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Heading to Portugal, Lisbon is the country’s creative cooking location with 17 Michelin-starred restaurants, two of which boast two stars. For a modern dining scene, Bistro 100 Maneiras boasts tasting menus lovingly created by Chef Ljubomir Stanisic, originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. His unique menus offer a blend of innovative cuisine, with flavors from his roots.

Learn more about the Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe on the official website here.