Gastronomic greats: Europe's top tourist cities for Michelin-starred dining
Destination dining has never been more popular. According to The Luxury Travel Book, Google searches for "fine dining" have surged by 49 per cent in the past year.
Famous for its star ratings, the Michelin Guide is a great place to turn to for reliable restaurant reviews with snappy summaries.. Awarded from one to three stars, they honour top-notch food based on ingredients, technique, flavour, chef's personality, and consistency.
Luckily, Europe is home to some of the World's most coveted Michelin-starred restaurants.
But which European cities have the most Michelin-starred restaurants? Here's where you should head for your next foodie trip.
Paris: Europe's gastro capital
Paris is home to 121 Michelin-starred restaurants and a total of 157 stars, making it Europe's undisputed capital of luxury dining.
The Michelin Guide, which began awarding stars to outstanding French restaurants in 1926, played a key role in solidifying the city's reputation for exceptional cuisine.
Some of the most sought-after dining spots include Le Cinq, a three-star restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel George V, and Le Jules Verne, an emblematic restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower with sweeping views of Paris.
For exquisite Italian dishes, reserve a spot at Il Carpacciohe, the only Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in Paris - it's famous for Fettuccine with black truffles.
London: dine like a king
London currently has 80 Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a top contender for European destination dining. According to Michelin, the first guide to the British Isles was published in 1911 and, like the original French edition, included practical driving information for motorists.
It ran for five editions, pausing during World War I before resuming from 1922 to 1930 under the title 'Great Britain'. The modern 'Great Britain and Ireland' guide, which shifted from a drivers' handbook to a dedicated restaurant and hotel guide, was published in 1974.
For dining in style, Sketch in London is one of the most beautiful Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. Its lavish pink decor and modern artwork complement generous tasting and a la carte menus created by the three-Michelin-starred French master chef Pierre Gagnaire.
For an intimate dining experience, cosy up at Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay in Knightsbridge. Centred around a glass-walled wine store, the small venue offers a la carte and a kitchen table' where you can witness expert chefs at work.
Barcelona: There's a thriving dining scene beyone tapas
The 2025 Michelin Guide highlights Barcelona's thriving dining scene, listing 29 restaurants with 39 Michelin stars between them. Several new stars were dished out, with Fishølogy, MAE Barcelona, Prodigi, and Teatro Kitchen & Bar joining the city's elite culinary ranks.
Disfrutar in Barcelona is making serious waves with its bold, avant-garde take on Mediterranean cuisine. Known for its playful presentations and daring flavour combinations, this boundary-pushing restaurant delivers a dining experience that's as inventive as it is unforgettable -firmly cementing its place on the global foodie radar.
Amsterdam: A rising culinary star
Amsterdam, famous for its canals and historic architecture, is also making a name for itself on the culinary map.
The Netherlands is home to 501 restaurants, including 122 Michelin-starred gems, with Amsterdam claiming 23 of them – a mix of one and two-starred spots that showcase the city's growing gastronomic scene.
For dining with a view, bag a spot at Ciel Bleu. Perched atop the Okura Hotel, it offers epic views of the Amsterdam skyline and sky.
Arjan Speelman's cuisine is a creative blend of classic and global flavours, with each dish a delightful surprise. A quirky touch is that an herb is brought with each course, previewing what's to come next.
Lisbon: Portgal's creative cooking capital
Portugal 's Nata-filled capital has more to offer than custard tarts, with 17 restaurants awarded Michelin stars, including two restaurants with two stars.
Contemporary dining spot 100 Maneiras features tasting menus lovingly crafted by Chef Ljubomir Stanisic. Originally from Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Stanisic arrived in Portugal as a teenager after the war, healing his soul through the art of cooking. His unique menus blend innovative cuisine with heartfelt nods to his roots.
Copenhagen: Home of the best restaurant in the world
Despite a population of just 5.95 million, Denmark punches above its weight food-wise. Its capital, Copenhagen, boasts 13 Michelin-starred restaurants, including Noma, which has three Michelin stars, and Alchemist, which has two Michelin stars.
Noma in Copenhagen, renowned for revolutionising Nordic cuisine, has been awarded Best Restaurant in the World numerous times.
This culinary legend, led by chef Rene Redzepi, continues to push the boundaries of fine dining. It focuses on ultra-local and foraged ingredients, inventive techniques, and ever-changing seasonal menus, attracting die-hard foodies worldwide.
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