7 emerging food capitals in Europe

When it comes to exciting foodie destinations, Europe certainly has rich pickings. But while London, Paris and Rome may have long held the crown, there’s something a lot more thrilling about discovering the newest, hidden gem foodie capitals.

Using review data that shows where travellers are rating highly for food in Europe, here Booking.com uncovers seven European cities for foodies to get their next culinary kick.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Pulling together all the best bits of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine, the food in Tbilisi is astounding. And the city seems to now be getting due credit for it, with endorsements for its culinary offering from Booking.com customers increasing dramatically over the past two years. Stop by an eatery on one of the Old Town’s winding lanes or leafy squares to sample the high standard of local fare and feel the pulsating energy of this dramatic city, overlooked by the 17th-century Nariqala Fortress and set on the hillsides either side of the Mtkvari River.

What to try in Tbilisi

For delectable street food, feasting on irresistible khachapuri (flatbread filled with cheese) or khinkali (spiced meat or vegetarian dumplings) is a great place to start, washed down with some Georgian wine. Georgia is one of the oldest wine regions in the world and their ancient fermentation process using Kvevri clay jars is totally unique.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Thanks to its location on the Dalmatian coastline, the charming medieval walled city of Dubrovnik is home to an impressive array of seafood, alongside a Mediterranean-style cuisine. Fish is often served fresh off the boat barbecued, drizzled with olive oil and with a wedge of lemon. But if seafood isn’t your thing, Croatia is also truffle heaven; one of the world’s largest was discovered near Buje and gourmet fungi crop up in dishes all over the country.

What to try in Dubrovnik

Unsurprisingly, Booking.com customers rated Dubrovnik particularly highly for its seafood, noting that a lot of the city’s restaurants are ‘family owned’ with home made dishes that give them the edge over ‘high end’ establishments. The eye-catching black risotto (made from cuttlefish ink) is one of the area’s signature dishes and dining in the Old Town is a particularly scenic affair.

Warsaw, Poland

Swiftly overtaking its trendy Polish neighbour Kraków as a foodie capital, vibrant Warsaw’s food endorsements have boomed in recent years. As well as being exceptionally good value, Booking.com customers noted exceptional variety and a high quality of traditional food.

What to try in Warsaw

Pierogi, akin to ravioli, are Polish dumplings traditionally stuffed with meat, mushrooms, cheese or sauerkraut and are both hearty and full of flavour. For candlelit dining on authentic Polish cuisine, U Fukiera in the Old Town is the city’s oldest restaurant offering a lavish menu amidst vaulted, antique-filled rooms.

Biarritz, France

The seaside town of Biarritz in the French Basque countryside is an underrated gem, recently growing significantly in the rankings of foodie destinations. Though perhaps less established as nearby San Sebastián, Biarritz’s seafront promenade and architecturally gorgeous town is already filled with Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as high-quality, low-key eateries.

What to try in Biarritz

The delights of the Basque culinary tradition are infinite, drawing upon Spanish and French influences which combine to sublime effect. Enjoy grilled meat and fish, mouthwatering stews, stuffed piquillo peppers and of course the area’s famously flavoursome pintxos (the Basque equivalent of tapas).

Dresden, Germany

Dresden’s burgeoning status as a hip European citybreak destination means its culinary culture is growing at an equally breakneck pace. Having recovered from the destruction of WWII, this beautiful Baroque city is now filled with bars and restaurants catering to a refined foodie crowd. Sample Saxon food and German beer at riverside beer gardens but note that the best view of the city’s striking silhouette can be enjoyed from the northern bank of the Elbe. This incredible view is what gave Dresden its nickname, ‘Florence of the North’.

What to try in Dresden

Meat is a key component of Saxon cuisine, so Dresden’s many varieties of sausage, made from beef, pork and veal with various spices are a real local specialty. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t leave without tasting the Eierschecke, a delicious cake with cream cheese and raisins.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia hasn’t always been on the map for foodie travellers but its dainty capital, Ljubljana, is now one of the fastest growing destinations for Booking.com food endorsements. The cafés and restaurants lining the canal or the Ljubljanica River are great for soaking up the quaint but cosmopolitan city’s atmosphere. And from high up in the courtyard of Llubljana Castle, visitors can enjoy the Restavracija Strelec, a renowned restaurant in a very special setting.

What to try in Ljubljana

Slovenian food is a blend of its surrounding culinary cultures, from Italian and Mediterranean, to Balkan and Austrian – but always fresh and seasonal. The country’s Turkish influence can also be seen in the prevalence of burek. If you haven’t already tried this Balkan delight of flaky filo pastry filled with feta and spinach or other, meatier combinations, you simply must. And steamingly fresh from the popular street food chain Nobel Burek is your best bet. Then there’s cremeschitte, an indulgent, creamy vanilla and custard cake that comes from the nearby town of Bled in the foothills of the Julian Alps; well worth a visit for any true foodie pilgrims.

Reykjavík, Iceland

It may not have the established status of Paris or Rome but food aficionados will be deeply impressed with Reykjavík’s rich and lively culinary scene, with many cafés and restaurants staying open to become bars at night. Fishing is also embedded in the national identity, meaning seafood here is fresh and fantastic, including local species of scallop, cod, monkfish and some you may not have heard of, such as redfish, wolfish and capelin.

What to try in Reykjavík

The Grandi harbour area of the city has evolved in recent years from an industrial dock area to a conglomeration of promising young shops and restaurants with a far-reaching view out over Faxaflói bay and Mount Esja. Amidst all this new cultural activity, the Coocoo’s Nest is a small family-run business known for its sourdough pizzas and delightful selection of organic dishes. For traditional food, Grandi hotspot Matur og Drykkur is decorated in a style true to Icelandic culture and offers an authentic menu with innovative flair.