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Taste your way through Europe with Luxair’s best destinations

June 25, 2025 | 6 min read

Europe is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of flavours, traditions, and must-try dishes that tell the story of each country’s rich culture. From the best food destinations in Europe, like Italy and France, to hidden gems in Portugal and Morocco, every bite is a discovery. Whether you crave authentic food experiences, famous street food, or indulgent pastries, this food guide will take you on a delicious journey across Europe. Get ready to explore the best European dishes, where to eat them, and why these specialties are a must-try on your next trip!

Italy – More than just pizza and pasta 

 

Italy is home to some of the best European cuisine and a paradise for food lovers. While we all know famous Italian dishes like authentic Italian pizza, real carbonara pasta (made with guanciale and egg, of course!), and the best gelato in Italy, let’s explore beyond these classics. 

 

Start your culinary journey with a traditional Italian antipasto, featuring Bresaola carpaccio with pesto. If you have never tried Osso Buco, a highlight of traditional Italian food from Milan, now is the time! 

 

And for dessert, indulge in cantuccini or a delicious sfogliatella. Travel to six destinations in Italy with Luxair and enjoy the best restaurants in Italy. 

 

Pssst: Did you know there are over 300 varieties of pasta?

Bresaola carpaccio with pesto
Bresaola carpaccio with pesto
Osso Bucco
Osso Bucco

Greece – A Mediterranean feast 

 

Greek cuisine is made of fresh and vibrant flavors, promising you a true culinary journey.

 

Kalimera! Traditional greek food is all about fresh and vibrant flavours. Start your meal with a Greek mezze platter, including tzatziki and dolmadakia, perfectly paired with an authentic ouzo. Continue your feast with a moussaka, featuring eggplant, or explore Greek vegetarian dishes like spanakopita and briam, a delicious medley of roasted vegetables. Would you rather like something quick and budget-friendly? 

 

Go with a delicious Gyros or pita souvlaki, the local favorites. Don’t forget to save room for loukoumades, honey-soaked Greek doughnuts – a must in Greek food culture. 

 

Pssst: Did you know the famous Greek salad is actually called Horiatiki?

Spanakopita and briam
Spanakopita and briam
Pita souvlaki
Pita souvlaki

Portugal – A taste of tradition 

 

Symbolised by the Barcelos cockerel, Portuguese food culture is rich in flavour. Fly to Porto and taste the legendary Francesinha, or if you’re in Lisbon, don't miss out on the incredible Pasteis de Nata, the city’s iconic custard tart, which originates from Belem. 

 

For seafood lovers, Bacalhau à Brás, a typical Portuguese dish from Bairro Alto, a neighbourhood in Lisbon, is a must-try. And if you’re heading to Faro, enjoy  cataplana, a seafood dish right by the beach. 

 

Pssst: Did you know Bacalhau isn’t originally from Portugal but from northern countries?

Bacalhau à bras
Bacalhau à bras
Cataplana
Cataplana

Morocco – A spice lover’s paradise 

 

With its rich food culture, you can find some of the best food in Morocco. While couscous and tagine are world-famous, explore beyond with Briouat, a savory or sweet filo pastry treat, or Tangia, a slow-cooked dish made with lamb and spices. 

 

End your meal on a sweet note with Baghrir, Moroccan pancakes served with orange blossom syrup and mint tea. Moroccan people love their small sweets, explore famous Moroccan sweets like Chebakia, Baklava, and Cornes de gazelle. 

 

Pssst: Did you know Moroccans traditionally eat with their right hand, without utensils?

Briouat
Briouat
Traditional moroccan tajine of chicken with dried fruits and spices
Traditional moroccan tajine of chicken with dried fruits and spices

Spain – The kingdom of tapas and beyond 

 

Visiting Spain without having a Tapas evening is impossible. Try a few variations and see for yourself which ones are the best tapas in Spain! Enjoy a tapas night with patatas bravas and tortilla de patatas. Of course, you can also not miss out on the authentic Paella or Fideuà, a pasta-based version from Barcelona. 

 

Another iconic and simple dish from Catalonia is Pa amb tomàquet—bread with tomato, which can be enjoyed at any meal. Pair your meal with traditional Spanish drinks, such as white or red sangria, and end your evening with a sweet turrón-based dessert. 

 

And if you fly to Madrid and rather prefer sweets, you have to try the world's best chocolate tart in the Salamanca district. 

 

Pssst: Did you know Spain is the biggest olive oil producer in Europe?

Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas
Pa amb tomàquet
Pa amb tomàquet

France – A gastronomic experience 

 

France’s Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional French food are legendary, but there are still so many more flavours to discover. If you are planning to travel to Bordeaux, you have to taste the famous sweet pastry Cannelé. 

 

All over France, you can start your journey with a buttery croissant, enjoy a hearty Boeuf Bourguignon for lunch, and end your evening with a cheese board and a good glass of red wine, not too bad, right? Heading to the French Riviera to Toulon Saint-Tropez

 

Give the Tropézienne tart a try, a soft brioche filled with a blend of two rich creams. And of course, no trip is complete without the decadent Mille-feuille. 

 

Pssst: Did you know Paris was awarded Best Culinary City Destination in 2023?

Cheese board and red wine
Cheese board and red wine
French dessert tropezienne
French dessert tropezienne

Vienna – A culinary tradition 

 

Vienna is the right city to combine a beautiful city trip with some traditional Austrian food. Start with Tafelspitz, a dish favored by Emperor Franz Joseph I, featuring tender boiled beef served with applesauce and horseradish. Another must-try is the iconic Wiener Schnitzel, a crispy, golden-breaded veal or turkey cutlet. 

 

For those with a sweet tooth, Vienna is also a dream destination. Indulge in the world-famous Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake, or enjoy a slice of Apfelstrudel, packed with spiced apples and flaky pastry. 

 

And if you’re a true gourmet traveler, don’t miss the Manner biscuits, the beloved Viennese wafer biscuits. Pair any of these treats with a traditional Melange coffee for the ultimate Viennese coffee culture experience. 

 

Pssst: Did you know the croissant actually originated in Vienna?

Wiener schnitzel
Wiener schnitzel
Sacher cake Austrian dessert
Sacher cake Austrian dessert

Food is very often at the heart of every great trip, and Europe offers some of the best dishes that will leave you wanting more and more. Whether you're indulging in traditional food in Greece, experiencing the vibrant food culture of Spain, or sipping coffee in a café in Vienna, every meal is an opportunity to connect with a country’s heritage. So why not turn your next getaway into a culinary adventure? Book your Luxair flight and let the flavours of Europe guide your travels. 

 

Bon appétit and bon voyage!