Best cuisines in Europe

The answer is inevitably subjective, so at Teritoria, we decided to rely on the highly acclaimed annual ranking by CNN Travel to get an idea. Among the 10 best cuisines in the world, CNN ranks three European countries, with Italy in first place, followed by France in third and Spain in fourth.

Italy: A Mediterranean feast of flavours!

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Italy, renowned for its delicious pasta, delicious pizzas and exquisite wines, is an essential culinary destination. Among the must-try regions, Tuscany stands out for its typical Italian dishes, which are rustic and refined, such as ribollita, a thick vegetable soup, and bistecca alla fiorentina, a succulent grilled ribeye steak. In Naples, the cradle of pizza, you can enjoy the famous pizza Margherita, a symphony of melting mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil.

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Seafood lovers will find paradise on the Amalfi Coast, where the day’s catch is prepared with simplicity to preserve its natural flavour. Italian wines such as Chianti from Tuscany or Barolo from Piedmont make the perfect pairing for these culinary delights.

A must-see address:

In Quattro Castella, in Emilia-Romagna, the Ca’Matilde restaurant is a must-visit on the road to Parma. More than just a restaurant, it is a place that combines creativity and authenticity in an enchanting setting. Michelin-starred chef Andrea Incerti Vezzani combines rustic recipes with contemporary touches, always highlighting local ingredients.

France: refinement in its purest form

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France, often considered as the world capital of gastronomy with its signature dishes, offers a culinary experience where tradition meets innovation. In Paris, bakeries serve golden croissants and crusty baguettes that delight the senses from the from breakfast onwards. And French cheeses, celebrated worldwide, invite you on a journey of flavour, from creamy Camembert to pungent Roquefort.

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In Provence, aromatic herbs elevate traditional dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse, capturing the very essence of southern France. French wines, whether a Bordeaux or a Champagne, provide the perfect complement to every meal.

A must-see address:

In the heart of Paris’s Marais district, Benoit, founded over a century ago, is a jewel among the city’s bistros, passionately preserving the spirit of a bygone era. Here, Michelin-starred chef Kelly Jolivet offers a menu that blends traditional and creative French cuisine.

Spain: an Iberian festival of flavours!

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Spain, with its passion for conviviality and Mediterranean cuisine, offers a feast of bold flavours. In Barcelona, tapas abound, delightful small plates ranging from Iberian ham to spicy patatas bravas. And in Valencia, paella, Spain’s signature dish, is an explosion of flavour with its blend of rice, seafood, and saffron.

Wine regions like La Rioja produce robust reds that pair beautifully with Spanish cuisine. And for dessert, classics such as Catalan cream or churros with chocolate add a sweet finish to this Iberian culinary journey.

Whether you’re enjoying a pizza in Naples, savouring a croissant in Paris or sharing a paella in Valencia, these must-see destinations celebrate the diversity of our European cultures with flavour. But don’t doubt it, even if they’re not in this ranking, our other neighbours, from Germany with its Black Forest to Greece with its moussaka, and England with its delicious scones, are also well worth a visit, so a culinary journey is always a good idea to discover a region and the people who bring it to life!

Introduce your loved ones to these European culinary specialities by treating them to a gourmet gift box from our range of gourmet gift boxes.

Find ideal locations to enjoy each of these specialities by consulting our selection of establishments in France and Europe that share the same values of sincerity and savoir-faire.

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