For serious flavor hunters, going on a trip is a chance to seek out the next remember-it-forever supper.  This is our pick of the best getaways and city breaks in Europe that will satisfy the eternally hungry traveler, plus the tables to book when you get there. Be inspired and plan your culinary vacation in Europe in the best gastronomic destinations.

Paris, France

Best for: the classics

Paris isn’t the most odd or unexpected location on this list, but it’s a classic for all the right reasons. We recommend the 2017 launch Le Cadoret for delicious steaks with incredibly thin frites, followed by vintage crème brlée with that sought-after gratifying crack. This is the classic Belleville neighborhood restaurant, with a surprise craft beer selection. More modern, dramatic meals may be found at Maison (order the pigeon), while eco-conscious diners can reserve a seat at zero-waste Le Rigmarole. La Pâtisserie by Cyril Lignac has the ideal croissant, while Pierre Hermé has the perfect macarons. In addition, the French capital has some of the most beautiful dining rooms.

Sifnos, Greece

Best for: a taste of island life

For more than a century, Sifnos has been regarded as Greece’s most gastronomic island. In 1910, Nicholas, an islander, began writing Greek recipes and rapidly rose to become the country’s most renowned food writer – his name, Tselementes, is synonymous with the Greek term for cookbook. The freshest fish is now offered in seaside cafés, where guests may eat freshly caught, expertly cooked lobster while overlooking the transparent Aegean. The sandy beach of Platis Gialos is backed by a line of laidback eateries where residents and visitors fight for space on the stools, and tavernas dish out chickpea stews (chickpeas are a staple on Sifnos) and slow-roasted goat in the winding, polished back alleys.

Galicia, Spain

Best for: an under-the-radar experience

Most people visit Galicia as part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, yet it is Spain’s best-kept secret — a length of coast that has long been neglected in favor of the Basque Country or the Balearic Islands. It’s made up of a few estuaries that are protected by isles. For decades, the smartest of the Spanish style set have visited. And the terrain here is ideal for cultivating wines that go well with the native shellfish and octopus. Weekend getaways in the region may be taken with North West Iberia Wine Tours, which tour some of the country’s finest vineyards, or you can simply gently bounce from one wine bar to the next, dining on tapas of oysters, seaweed, and sardines.

Slovenia, The Balkans

Best for: off-the-beaten-track explorers

Slovenia’s food culture was on the radars of savvy travelers long before the Michelin guide debuted there in 2020. Hisa Franko, of Chef’s Table fame, has already made the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants several times, but there are also whispers about the nation’s more classic cooking and biodynamic vineyards. In 2020, six restaurants with in nation were granted a star, and these are the places to go for the greatest seafood. For its understanding of local products and ecological cooking, it was awarded the European Region of Gastronomy in 2021. Slovenia makes what is now regarded as the world’s greatest orange wine – a Dolium Muscat Ottonel – from 52 different grape varieties. This has long been an unnoticed region of Europe that is gradually finding its place among the major players.


This blog is written with pleasure by the 123HotelGift/123FlyGift team. At 123hotelgift.com/123flygift.com, it’s all about convenience, flexibility, and speed. Give our 123giftcards to someone special for any occasion, and with maximum freedom for your recipient! Choose from 250,000 hotels or 200 airlines worldwide.