The Jura Mountains
The 'wolf's lair' is both elegant and creatively modern, with gorgeous Jura views and delicious, gastronomique cuisine. Chef Philippe Vaufrey is fond of…
Must-see restaurants in Western Europe
Southeast Wales
Hidden down green-canopied country lanes in a remote part of the Wye Valley, this wonderful Michelin-starred restaurant-with-rooms is well worth the…
County Wicklow
Pastries are piled high on the counters at this bakery/cafe 3km southwest of Greystones. Breakfast (eg sautéed wild Wicklow Mountains mushrooms and…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
Few chocolates command such undying devotion, but this family-run transplant from São Tomé and Príncipe elicits freakish enthusiasm for its thin artisan…
Counties Wicklow & Kildare
Kildare hotspot Hartes has exposed brick walls, gleaming timber furniture and brilliant gastropub fare. Lunch dishes including corned beef and Knockanore…
Utrecht
Blauw is the place for perfectly cooked Indonesian food; indeed it's hard to imagine better, even in Jakarta. Perfectly blended flavours, right down to…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
Dining at hot-shot chef Jean-François Piège's casual bistro is like attending a private party: the galley-style open kitchen adjoining the 20 seats is…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
Squeeze in around the zinc bar and feast on amazing tapas (fried squids, egg and mushrooms, and veal breast with green cabbage) and wines by the glass in…
Versailles
Full-length windows frame the Cour d’Honneur and Cour Royale at this resplendent light-flooded restaurant inside the Château de Versailles. Created by…
South Devon
This ecofriendly, organic, plough-to-plate farm is where everyone wants to eat when they visit Totnes. It began as a food-box scheme, and has now branched…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
Leiria's most enjoyable spot comes courtesy of friendly wine-lover Miguel, who opened a restaurant with his sister and his girlfriend, combined their…
Holyrood & Arthur’s Seat
Set in the splendid 17th-century Prestonfield hotel, Rhubarb is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The over-the-top decor of rich reds set…
Paris
Few addresses entice knowing locals across the river, but this vibrant all-rounder does. The international menu, served by waiters in long white aprons,…
Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré
The Bosnian mastermind behind Bairro Alto's 100 Maneiras also oversees this creatively charged Chiado bistro. Start with the namesake 100 Maneiras Strong…
The Lake District
Long one of the Lakes' premier dining destinations, the Drunken Duck blends historic pub and fine-dining restaurant. On a wooded crossroads on the top of…
Paris
Teensy Madito prepares startlingly good Lebanese cuisine daily from scratch (there's no microwave or freezer on the premises). With just 20 seats, you'll…
North York Moors National Park
Across the road from the Talbot Hotel, this huddle of converted stables has been reimagined as an extraordinary food court housing the stuff of gourmands'…
County Meath
Even if you're not touring Slane Castle, don't miss a meal at its bar. Decorated with framed photos of rock stars who've performed at the castle's…
County Sligo
You'll have a hard time leaving this superb 1868 inn with its winning blend of old-world fittings and gastropub style. The uneven floors, peat fire,…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Trotting in on one of London's fleeting flavours of the week, Smoking Goat's modern Thai menu is top notch. The industrial-chic look of exposed brick,…
Viseu
You'll need your own wheels but it's well worth searching out this convivial family-run restaurant in Tonda, a small village some 30km southwest of Viseu…
Wexford Town
'The Coast' has raked in awards – notably Irish Seafood Restaurant of the Year – for its innovative takes on the finest of local seafood, such as turbot…
Lille, Flanders & the Somme
At the 'highest estaminet (traditional Flemish restaurant) in Flanders', facing Cassel's hilltop windmill, you can quaff Flemish beer (including Kassels…
Antwerp
Loose cushions on bench seats, brocante mirrors, an old piano and a dangling canoe-skeleton all conspire to create a casually quirky venue for super-fresh…
Northeast Belgium
Despite her restaurant's improbable location down a dead-end residential alley, traveller-turned-chef Greet has a winning combination of Asian and…
Golfe du Morbihan
Top recommendation on the Morbihan Coast goes to this Carnac restaurant run by Carnacois maître-cuisinier Pierre Michaud, who has won plaudits for his…
Arles
Plan to be in Arles for the whopping Saturday morning market. You'll find all of Camargue's best produce: salt, rice, goat's cheese, saucisson d’Arles …
Powys
One of the main drawcards of Montgomery is this truly excellent restaurant-with-rooms. With an inquisitive modern-French approach to fresh, locally…
Chamonix
Housed in a candelit, two-storey chalet decorated with model sailing boats – joint homage to the Alps and Cape Horn – this highly praised restaurant,…
French Basque Country
For a memorable Basque meal, stop at the Michelin-starred Ithurria, established by the Isabal family in an old pilgrims’ hostel and now run by Maurice…
Ericeira
Crustaceans of every kind are on display at this hearty frill-free local marisqueira known for its shellfish (no fish, no meat). Phenomenal crabs (both…
Kent
The anonymous and oddly named village of Seasalter, 4 miles east of Whitstable, would hardly receive a trickle of visitors were it not for the deceivingly…
Restaurante de Casa das Penhas Douradas
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
This smart restaurant, part of the fabulous Casa das Penhas Douradas hotel, is a world away from traditional village life. Its streamlined Scandinavian…
La Rochelle
The Basket of Crabs is, funnily enough, a self-proclaimed bistrot de gens de mer (seafarers' bistro) dishing up sensational Marennes d'Oléron oysters,…
East Coast
Seafood aficionados shouldn’t miss this quirky restaurant, which serves brilliant fare in a small room on the Portmahomack waterfront. Lobster is a…
Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court
A day at Kew Gardens finds a perfect conclusion at this Michelin-starred gastronomic highlight. The glass-fronted exterior envelops a delicately lit, low…
Nijmegen
This youthful bistro, at home in the historic Commanderie van St Jan, cooks up all-day food, including a stylish high tea, shared dinner plates and…
Gelderland
With a parasol-shaded terrace overlooking flowery gardens and grassy fields beyond, this on-trend contemporary address is particularly delightful in warm…
Jordaan & the West
An unassuming black facade conceals a spectacular interior with terrazzo floors, a marble bar and designer lighting. Daalder serves unforgettable…
The Midlands & the Marches
Chef John Duffin was born here on 16th-century Stonehurst Farm, 8 miles north of Leicester. After working in Michelin-starred restaurants, he returned in…
