Must-see restaurants in Europe

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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)…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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).

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Nomaden

    Ålesund

    Affiliated with antique shop next door, this unpretentious cafe serves sandwiches, big slices of cakes and fresh coffee and has its own changing art…

  • Frankly

    Tampere

    This eatery offers a comfortable neighbourhood feel and decent food. The menu is meat dominated, but there are usually a few fish and vegetarian items on…

  • La Parrilla

    Puerto de la Cruz

    La Parrilla is one of several excellent restaurants at Puerto's top hotel and specialises in upmarket Spanish cuisine. Reservations arr recommended at…

  • Soup Lounge

    Ghent

    At this bright, central retro-'70s soup kitchen, each bowlful comes with add-your-own cheese and croutons, two rolls and a piece of fruit. Canal views are…

  • Urban Bakery

    Rotterdam

    If you like brownies, fudge and cupcakes – and really, who doesn't? – this cafe is for you. Its bakery supplies many of Rotterdam's cafes with sweet…