When it comes to European summer food, think gelato, paella, fish and chips, and escargots – these signature dishes are a must-try. The European food scene is a melting pot of flavors, and summer is the perfect time to explore it.
The 8 Dishes You Must Try Before You Leave
From classic Italian cuisine to Spanish tapas, here are the top 8 dishes to try in Europe this summer:
- Gelato (Italian: “jeh-lay-toh”) – a sweet Italian dessert made from milk, cream, and sugar, found at Gelateria della Palma in Rome, average cost: 5 EUR / $5.50 USD
- Paella (Spanish: “pah-eh-yah”) – a savory Spanish dish made from rice, vegetables, and seafood, found at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, average cost: 15 EUR / $16.50 USD
- Fish and Chips (English: “fish and chips”) – a classic British dish made from battered fish, fried to a golden crisp, found at The Fisherman’s Arms in London, average cost: 10 GBP / $13 USD
- Escargots (French: “eh-skar-go”) – a French delicacy made from snails cooked in garlic butter, found at Le Comptoir du Relais in Paris, average cost: 12 EUR / $13.20 USD
- Bratwurst (German: “braht-vurst”) – a German sausage made from pork and seasonings, found at Hofbräuhaus in Munich, average cost: 8 EUR / $8.80 USD
- Moussaka (Greek: “moo-sah-kah”) – a Greek dish made from layered eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, found at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani in Athens, average cost: 12 EUR / $13.20 USD
- Feijoada (Portuguese: “fay-zhoo-ah-dah”) – a Portuguese stew made from beans and pork, found at Casa do Leão in Lisbon, average cost: 15 EUR / $16.50 USD
- Pierogi (Polish: “pye-roh-gee”) – a Polish dish made from dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or fruit, found at Pierogi u Vicenta in Krakow, average cost: 10 PLN / $2.50 USD
Street Food Guide: Where, What & How Much
Europe is famous for its street food, and summer is the perfect time to try it. Here are the top 3 street food areas to visit:
- La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, Spain – open from 8am to 8:30pm, try the fresh fruit and seafood, average cost: 5-10 EUR / $5.50-$11 USD
- Campo de’ Fiori in Rome, Italy – open from 7am to 2pm, try the pizza and supplì, average cost: 5-10 EUR / $5.50-$11 USD
- Brick Lane Market in London, UK – open from 9am to 6pm, try the curry and falafel, average cost: 5-10 GBP / $6.50-$13 USD
Pro Tip: Always check the food stalls for hygiene certificates and try to avoid eating from stalls with low ratings or no certificates.
Where to Eat: By Budget
Street Food & Markets
Average cost per meal: 5-10 EUR / $5.50-$11 USD, example dishes: pizza, supplì, curry, falafel, neighborhoods to find them in: La Rambla in Barcelona, Monti in Rome, Brick Lane in London
Local Neighborhood Spots
Average cost per meal: 15-25 EUR / $16.50-$27.50 USD, example dishes: paella, fish and chips, moussaka, neighborhoods to find them in: El Raval in Barcelona, Trastevere in Rome, Notting Hill in London
Tourist-Friendly Mid-Range
Average cost per meal: 25-40 EUR / $27.50-$44 USD, example dishes: gelato, escargots, bratwurst, neighborhoods to find them in: Champs-Élysées in Paris, Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Covent Garden in London
Worth-the-Splurge Restaurants
Average cost per meal: 50-100 EUR / $55-$110 USD, example dishes: feijoada, pierogi, neighborhoods to find them in: Le Marais in Paris, Salamanca in Madrid, Mayfair in London
Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Options
European cuisine can be challenging for vegetarians and vegans, but there are plenty of options available. Useful phrases in local languages include “Je suis végétarien” (French), “Soy vegetariano” (Spanish), and “Ich bin Vegetarier” (German). Specific safe dishes include pasta primavera, vegetable paella, and falafel. Apps like Happy Cow and Vegan Guide can help you find vegan and vegetarian options.
Pro Tip: Always inform your server about your dietary restrictions and ask for recommendations, they can often provide you with a separate menu or modify dishes to suit your needs.
What Locals Actually Drink
Non-alcoholic traditional drinks include limoncello (Italy), sangria (Spain), and Berliner Weisse (Germany), average cost: 5-10 EUR / $5.50-$11 USD. Local alcoholic drinks include wine (France, Italy, Spain), beer (Germany, UK), and ouzo (Greece), average cost: 10-20 EUR / $11-$22 USD. What not to drink: tap water in some countries, and avoid drinking from street vendors or stalls with low ratings.
Food Etiquette & Practical Tips
Tipping norms vary by country, but a general rule of thumb is to tip 5-10% in restaurants and bars. Dining hours vs tourist hours can be different, with locals often eating later in the evening. Reservation culture is not as prevalent in Europe as in the US, but it’s always a good idea to book ahead, especially in popular restaurants. Cultural rules at the table include not eating on the go, not finishing a meal completely, and not leaving the table until everyone is finished.
Pro Tip: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, such as “grazie” (thank you) in Italian, “merci” (thank you) in French, and “gracias” (thank you) in Spanish, it can go a long way in showing respect for the culture and the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best food destinations in Europe?
Italy, Spain, France, and Germany are some of the best food destinations in Europe, offering a wide range of traditional dishes and drinks.
How much does food cost in Europe?
Food prices vary by country and restaurant, but on average, a meal can cost between 10-30 EUR / $11-$33 USD.
What are some must-try dishes in Europe?
Gelato, paella, fish and chips, and escargots are some of the must-try dishes in Europe, but there are many more delicious options to explore.
How can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Europe?
Use apps like Happy Cow and Vegan Guide to find vegetarian and vegan options, and inform your server about your dietary restrictions to get recommendations.
Plan a Foodie Trip to Europe
Ready to embark on a culinary journey through Europe? Use Destinexa’s free AI trip planner to plan your itinerary, book your flights and hotels, and get personalized recommendations for the best food destinations and dishes to try. And don’t forget to check out our AI trip planner for more travel tips and inspiration.