Must-see restaurants in Europe

  • Restaurante Dallas

    The Douro

    This unpretentious restaurant south of town specialises in grilled lamb, veal and pork, with a few traditional Portuguese codfish dishes thrown in for…

  • La Bombilla

    A Coruña

    Crowds spill out of this tiny corner bar, an ever-popular classic for its super-cheap but good tapas: think squid, tortilla, croquettes and chorizo. Cheap…

  • George Inn

    Wiltshire

    Sample well-executed, classic pub grub and some of the six local ales at this 14th-century, horse brass–hung pub.

  • Mr B's Ice-Cream

    West Cornwall

    Scores of flavours to choose from at this beloved Hayle ice-cream parlour, including oddball choices such as brown bread and marmalade, key lime pie and…

  • Uncle Pete's

    Cork City

    This classic cafe serves burgers, pasta, fish and chips, and falafel wraps, but is most famous for serving Cork's best pizza, with more than 25 gluten…

  • Der Schwan

    Bremen & the East Frisian Coast

    A decent all-rounder, the Swan has a great spot on the water where you can drink and dine in the sunshine (weather permitting). Things get livelier in the…

  • Lugarnica Forest Cottage

    Northern Dalmatia

    The simple Lugarnica forest cottage is two hours up the Velika Paklenica gorge. Dishes range from croissants or cheese with olives to grilled sausages or…

  • Coffeplus

    El Hierro

    A friendly, low-key, contemporary cafe for pastries, cakes, good coffees and teas and tasty bocadillos (filled rolls) of El Hierro cheese with grilled veg.

  • Restaurant Gardens

    Rab Island

    The usual characters of pasta, steaks and grilled seafood, all well prepared, populate this menu. The stone-walled courtyard is attractive and the service…

  • Tandoori Nights

    St Petersburg

    One of Piter's most authentic Indian restaurants offering a mix of traditional and modern recipes in a range of spice levels. It’s a great choice for…

  • Ajdovo Zrno

    Ljubljana

    'Buckwheat Grain' serves soups, lots of different salads, and baked vegetarian and vegan dishes. It also has terrific freshly squeezed juices. Enter from…

  • Antep Sofrası

    Black Sea Coast

    Genial, English-speaking owner Erol ushers diners into Antep's split-level avocado-green dining rooms for kebaps and pide. It's a reliable, family…

  • Stary Gorod

    Western European Russia

    The faux Greek statues, low lighting and heavy drapes are a little gaudy but this is the fanciest choice in town. There are plenty of Russian meals to…

  • Restaurant Stranopriemnitsa

    Bulgaria

    Part of the Hotel Stranopriemnitsa, this hunting-lodge-style mehana has better decor than food, but its outdoor tables overlook a grassy, tree-lined spot.

  • Gökte Ada

    Southeastern Anatolia

    Atop Tatvan's shopping complex, slap in the centre of town, this restaurant with expansive views of Lake Van has a menu of pides (Turkish-style pizzas)…

  • To Agnantio

    Central Greece

    This warm and welcoming winter-only taverna, next to the former town hall on the main road, is renowned for its mayirefta and grills, and good local wine.

  • Pebbles

    Northern Malta

    The fab outdoor terrace of Pebbles is perfect for coffee, cake, light meals or a cocktail (€7 to €12). Platters (€17 to €34) are a good option for couples.

  • Diagonios

    Ikaria

    If you want your lunch to be quick – something most tavernas can't guarantee – head to this veritable gyros place at the southern end of the seafront.

  • Beach House Restaurant

    Side

    With a beachfront terrace perfect for a tranquil meal, head here for Turkish meat classics and regular seafood specials. Kick off with a few mezes and a…

  • Althaus

    Transylvania

    One of few options in Hărman, this bustling little spot serves good thin-crust pizza within steps of the fortified church, and there's a shady garden to…

  • Bastia

    Central & Eastern Istria

    A bit hit-and-miss, the town’s oldest restaurant sits on the verdant main square. The decor is bright and cheerful, and the menu extensive and heavy on…

  • Green Market

    Podgorica

    Head to this big covered market for fresh fruit and vegetables, or just for a gander; it's always very lively. It's attached to the side of the Mall of…

  • Gebora

    Bodrum Peninsula

    On the main beachfront boardwalk near Yalı Camii, Gebora is a straightforward old standby for fresh fish, a selection of more than 20 mezes and home-grown…

  • Casa Engracia

    Ribera del Duero

    One of a rare breed of restaurants in this town that opens during the week. Expect sound rather than sensational meals, with an emphasis on grilled meats…

  • Home Burger Bar

    Malasaña & Conde Duque

    Home Burger Bar is terrific, with an interesting mix of vegetarian, gourmet and classic hamburgers served by friendly waiters in an American-diner-style…

  • Wurst Durst

    Nuremberg

    Wedged between the facades of Luitpoldstrasse, this tiny snack bar offers munchies relief in the form of Belgian fries, sausages and trays of Currywurst.

  • Inka Cafe

    Borjomi

    A smart, wood-panelled cafe, with sepia-tint photos of tsarist-era Borjomi, Inka does real coffee and reasonable khachapuri, omelettes, salads and cakes.

  • Santos

    Wengen

    This Portuguese-owned TV-and-tiles place is the real deal, whipping up burgers, calamari, salads, sandwiches and divine pastéis de nata (custard tarts).

  • Hlaðan Kaffihús

    North Iceland

    At the harbour is this sweet old-time cafe, luring customers with the usual suspects: soup, panini, quiche and cakes, plus heartier meals of lamb chops…

  • Bølgen & Moi

    Aker Brygge & Bygdøy

    National chain Bølgen & Moi occupies a prime position overlooking the docks and is a good place for a summer-evening burger, pasta or fish soup and a…

  • Çarşı Lokantası

    İzmir & the North Aegean

    This lokanta is a great lunch choice. Make your choice of meat, vegetable and rice dishes from the bain-marie (the friendly Mesut and Fatoş will help).

  • Bonita Bisztró

    Debrecen

    This upbeat pasta and pizza restaurant, with more than two dozen of the former on offer and almost four dozen of the latter, is as central as you could…

  • Traveller's Rest

    The Lake District

    Down a pint with a view of the fells at Traveller's Rest, a Glenridding stalwart. The food might be plain (steaks, pies, mixed grills) but the portions…

  • Restauracja Kwadrans

    Małopolska

    Typical Polish fare served in an elegant space, with high ceilings, shiny parquet flooring, and antique clocks on the walls. Dine on the terrace in fine…

  • Emma's Dell

    The Lake District

    Crepes, both savoury and sweet, are the mainstay at this cafe in the middle of Grasmere. Go classic with melted Nutella, or fill yourself up with cheese…

  • Glymidakis

    Hania

    Packed with fresh Cretan breads and sweets, this bakery gets jammed with locals, too, buying its wares or taking them out to the shaded plaza tables with…

  • Salkhino

    St Petersburg

    Pastel-coloured walls are adorned with paintings by local artists, and the menu of home-cooked Georgian meals, served in big portions, will keep everyone…

  • Wa Cafe

    Galway City

    This pocket-sized sushi parlour with wooden tables is a welcome pit stop for sushi rolls and sets, nigiri sets, bento lunch boxes, sashimi and yakisoba…

  • Pizzeria da Giovanni

    Bosa

    For a quick bite on the hoof, head to this humble, no-frills takeaway and join the ever-present queue of locals for a taste of Giovanni's fabulous sliced…