The Best Gourmet Escapes for the Food Obsessed
From Michelin star show-stoppers to complete unknowns that really pack a punch, Europe really has it all for food lovers
Berlin
From its renowned nightlife to its contemporary art and music scene, Berlin has built a strong reputation for pushing creative boundaries and encouraging experimentation – and its food scene is no different. Being one of the more affordable capitals in Europe has meant that culinary entrepreneurs from all over the world have been able to not only survive in the city, but thrive, putting Berlin squarely on the map for globetrotting foodies. In a city where old meets new and Michelin star-awarded grande dames rub shoulders with innovative street food stalls, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.
Where to Eat
Julius
The closure of the beloved Michelin-star restaurant Ernst in November has allowed its criminally under-appreciated younger brother Julius to step up to the plate. Understated in the extreme, this eatery serves an eclectic mix of dishes all day (Thursday to Sunday) including light lunches paired with natural wines, and a vegetable-led tasting menu in the evenings. Chef Shunsuke Naogoka brings traditional Japanese flavours and flair to the dishes with a menu that changes weekly.
Lovis
For those who do value aesthetics, Lovis (in Charlottenburg, to the far west of the city) has wonderfully sumptuous and moody interiors with vaulted ceilings, a cave-like bar, and an enormous glass window overlooking an enclosed garden. The food here is moreishly modern, drawing on contemporary German cuisine with a vegetable-centric approach. Chef Sophia Rudolph’s food is best experienced as part of the multiple-course tasting menu.
La Côte
To the north of the city, Schillerkiez is known for its beautiful old buildings and rich variety of restaurants – among them, La Côte stands out as a must-visit spot of culinary creativity. With red neon lights, inventive cocktails and plenty of lively chatter, La Côte’s menu is as vibrant as its interior. Inspired by the cuisine of Southern Europe, there’s a range of sharing plates (both large and small) here. Think fresh corn polenta with chorizo and salsa verde, octopus with trout roe, dill and butter, and breaded aubergine with herb salad and walnuts.
Where to Stay
Château Royal
A celebration of the city’s artistic heritage, the halls of this sophisticated hotel in Mitte are adorned with work by local artists, from a self portrait of Alicja Kwade in pride of place at the entrance, to neon signposts from Karl Holmqvist and a brilliantly bold painting by Simon Fujiwara in the lobby. The restaurant is a reflection of the hotel’s cosmopolitan vibe, offering modern, comforting dishes infused with the flavours of the Mediterranean from chef Philipp Walther.
Telegraphenamt
Housed in the city’s former post office, this historic neo-Baroque building dates back to 1910 and benefits from a central location in Mitte (only a stone’s throw from Museum Island for exploring culture vultures) and holds an impressive two Michelin keys. In the lobby, ROOT Bistro’s menu reflects the hotel’s classic-meets-contemporary approach, serving traditional bistro options as well as expertly prepared sushi.
Orania.Berlin
A luxurious option in the otherwise edgy Krueuzberg district, a stay at Orania.Berlin puts you right on the doorstep of Berlin’s thriving nightlife. The rooms have a distinctive bohemian vibe, and in the restaurant the menu is a streamlined collection of international dishes (with an emphasis on seasonality). Stop by the stylish lobby bar for a cocktail before a night out – you won’t regret it.
Seville
A heady mix of history, culture and stunning architecture, the sun-soaked streets of Seville are lined with endless cafés, hidden tapas bars, and lively restaurants which take inspiration from the rich produce of the Andalusian coast making it the perfect retreat for any food-driven intrepid explorer. While the centre of Seville remains a maze of tangled medieval streets waiting to be discovered, Seville is also home to on-the-rise neighbourhoods like Triana, which is one of the city’s hippest.
Where to Eat
Cañabota
Proving that there is luxury in simplicity, Cañabota (which is one of two restaurants in Seville to hold a Michelin star), has a seafood-focused menu, complete with a fishmonger’s counter at the entrance and an open kitchen for curious diners. Dishes here are expertly executed and fuss free. Across the street, their second location La Barra de Cañabota offers a more laidback dining experience.
Abantal
It would be an injustice to mention one of Seville’s Michelin-starred gems without mentioning the other. Abantal (led by the innovative expertise of head chef Julio Fernández) takes an avant–garde approach to Andalusian cuisine and local produce. There are two constantly evolving tasting menus to enjoy here (of nine and 12 courses), with delicacies like sea bass, tuna broth and orange, or oysters with capers and crispy cod skin.
Casa Robles
For a more laidback option, head to the historic Santa Cruz quarter where Casa Robles has been a staple of the local culinary landscape for three generations. With al fresco dining, it doesn’t get more classic than this, and with friendly staff, and a menu packed full of local produce, it doesn’t get more authentic than this either. Tuck into everything from crayfish and oysters, to creamy gazpacho and duck leg with chestnut cream.
Where to Stay
Hotel Alfonso XIII
Originally commissioned by the King of Spain to host international dignitaries in 1929, this cultural landmark offers a taste of real luxury. In the colonnaded inner courtyard dine on Spanish classics with a modern twist at Restaurante San Fernando, or on the outdoor terrace enjoy cocktails and tapas at Ena Sevilla.
Hotel Unuk
A thoroughly modern escape, this sleek new hotel can be found in the SoHo area of Seville. The outdoor roof spaces cover multiple levels and there is also a fabulous rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views of the city. The Rocoveco is the on-site à la carte restaurant which takes inspiration from the Andalusian coast, championing local, seasonal produce.
Corral del Rey
A cosy 16-bedroom boutique hotel (split across two buildings) in the old quarter of Barrio Alfalfa, Corral del Rey is the perfect base for exploring the city. Picture Roman marble columns, stone floors, wood carving details and an atrium patio – not to mention a rustic rooftop terrace and exceptional restaurant which serves a streamlined menu of tapas and local seafood.
Stockholm
When it comes to effortless contemporary Scandi-cool, Stockholm leads the way and we’re left struggling to keep up – it’s no surprise that its culinary scene is equally as cutting-edge (although there are still pockets where the classics continue to thrive). Abundant in exquisite architecture, fascinating history and breathtaking natural beauty, there’s something for everyone in Sweden’s capital.
Where to Eat
Frantzén
A visit to Stockholm’s only three-Michelin star restaurant is a no brainer for any self-respecting foodie (if you can get a reservation that is). At Frantzén, world-renowned chef Björn Frantzén has created an unrivalled immersive culinary experience in an ultra-modern setting. Enjoy an aperitif in the lounge while being given a rundown of the day’s ingredients, before heading to the dining room to watch the chefs work their magic.
Brutalisten
If you’re looking to really push your culinary boundaries, a visit to Brutalisten is a must. A provocative concept restaurant, there are two tasting menus here split into Brutal and Total Brutal (depending on how far the prime ingredients have been taken back to their basics). Dishes include buckwheat and ‘bird’.
Restaurant Pelikan
For something more classic, Restaurant Pelikan has been serving traditional Swedish cuisine for more than a century and has had a whole host of famous faces pass through its doors (including beloved chef Anthony Bourdain). Cosy and comfortable, the menu here contains everything from hand-rolled meatballs, herring and veal liver, to pork leg with root mash and potato dumplings.
Where to Stay
Bank Hotel
Aptly named, this luxury hotel is in a former bank building, with plush furnishings and an art deco vibe. Bonnie’s restaurant in the grand old bank hall, and for something more refined a visit to Papillon is essential. At the very top of the building you’ll find Le Hibou, a rooftop terrace cocktail bar with outstanding views of the city.
Hotel Rival
Owned by former ABBA member Benny Andersson, this luxury boutique hotel is as extravagant and eccentric as you would expect, complete with 99 hotel rooms, a bistro, the Tavern – oh, and did we mention it has its own theatre? Plush velvet furnishings and homages to the theatre give this hotel a cabaret-like quality.
Hotel Skeppsholmen
Despite having more than three centuries of history, this hotel is surprisingly modern and sleek in design (with small rustic touches for that truly Scandi feel) with plenty of natural light in its rooms. An oasis in an otherwise bustling city, this island hotel is right on the waterfront – perfect for a tranquil retreat.
