6 rules to follow for eating well in Europe


If eating well in Europe is your desire, then savor every mouthful


eating well in EuropeI grew up in Europe and lived there for about 22 years. During that time, I was a student, a freelance journalist, started a business, and traveled extensively. As can be seen by my short resumé, I never lived the “rich life.” But, I did get to enjoy the everyday life that many of my richest friends have not experienced. And that included eating well in Europe.

The following short tips for eating well in Europe have been developed personally over time. These rules for eating in Europe require a money-saving mindset and they open up interactions with local residents that spending major sums of money prevents.

Stay in short-term rentals or respected inexpensive hotels

These days, I normally spend more time in various European locations. Plus, I tend to linger longer. And, my choice of lodging has shifted to short-term rentals. Ratings from other guests are published on these booking sites and it is normally easy to contact hosts to learn about the rental prior to booking. What was once questionable, today is one of the safest types of lodging.

My other favorite lodgings, especially when traveling alone, are the inexpensive level of accommodation beneath the full-service hotel. In Germany, they are called Gasthauses. In Italy, they go by pensione. In Spain, look for a hostal. Every European country has them. Some serve breakfast, others don’t. But, the prices for these lodgings are often about half what would be paid at a full-service hotel. For those who cannot stand to leave the luxury and security of a hotel, check out the Michelin Red Guide and choose one of the least expensive places — they have all been well-vetted and are all wonderful.

Breakfast from bread store and supermarket or go to the streets

Get refunds in cash when airlines cancel your flightShort-term rentals almost all have a kitchen where traveling companions can gather and share breakfast and make plans for the day. When staying in a short-term rental make sure to find a good bread store and supermarket nearby. This will be one of your pilgrimages every morning. Great bread is a dying art in the US, but still is considered the staff of life in Europe and treated with respect. Few breakfasts are better than warm, freshly-baked bread (of any kind) slathered with melting butter and jam or marmalade.

When staying in your pensione, Gasthaus, or hostal, head out to the street. There are normally wonderful coffee shops with bread and pastries and juice that can shape a wonderful breakfast. If your lodging serves breakfast, so much the better (unless it comes in cellophane).

Lunch menu of the day

Almost every restaurant in Europe has a “lunch of the day.” These lunchtime specials range from around $5 to $15. In Germany, this tagesmenu might be a schnitzel with french fries or a bratwurst with salad. In Italy, expect a plate of pasta and salad. In Spain, you may be choosing between a stew with beefy bread or the local fish of the day. If you go to a Michelin-starred restaurant you can often find the gourmet lunch for around $20 to $25.

eating well in EuropeLunch from the city market

Another bargain favorite of mine has always been to visit the city market. There I buy local wine, a baguette or the local version thereof, some cold cuts, and pates. Then, friends and I would head to a local park or the zoo and devour our lunch. It was filling, healthy, and the locations can be anywhere one chooses.

Dinner (tapas in Spain, pasta in Italy, pizza anywhere)

For me, lunch (always costing less than dinner) has been my main meal of the day. In the evening, I tend to eat a lighter meal. In Spain, the tradition of tapeo or wandering from bar to bar tasting tapas is the perfect end-of-the-day meal. In Venice, there is a similar tradition with their version of tapas, called cicheti. Anywhere in Italy, pasta with a salad makes a great dinner. For Italians, pasta is not a meal, but only a starter. Prices are about half of what is charged for the entrées. Finally, one of my favorite bargain meals that can be found anywhere is pizza. Get it the way you like it and wash it down with sparkling water, wine, or beer.

eating well in EuropeSplurge once a week with Michelin

I’ve mentioned the Michelin Red Guide. Use them for special occasions. If travelers want a respite from bargain lodging or from the plate of the day, take out a Michelin Guide and search for nearby “Bib Gourmand” restaurants and remember that the Michelin-starred restaurants often have lunch specials that include starter, main course, dessert, wine, water, and coffee for around $20-$30. That’s a bargain that once found is worth enjoying. Plus, any hotel mentioned in these guidebooks is excellent. The researchers really do their homework. NOTE: The Michelin Red Guide material can also be found on Via Michelin.


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