How far would you travel for an exceedingly good meal? If the sky’s the limit and your choice of location for a great escape is largely determined by the star-spangled grandeur of the destination’s restaurant scene, then you’re among the discerning gastronomes taking the palate-led travel trend to new heights. But when it comes to raising the bar on truly great culinary experiences, which Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe are home to the most sought-after tables? 

We curated a list of 20 top European destinations for luxury dining, handpicked by travel experts, Jamie Marquis and Freddie Marquis, for their outstanding culinary scene. We then analysed each location’s fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants to highlight the top places to visit in 2025.

And to tap into the most hotly tipped tables creating the biggest buzz, we also identified the most in-demand, trending, and visually stunning Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, perfect for an unforgettable dining experience.

On the palate-led travel trend

Palate-led travel reflects a growing global trend for unique and authentic travel experiences. Google searches for ‘fine dining’ have risen by 49% over the past year, and for serious food lovers, there’s an insatiable appetite for destinations that offer an immersive journey through the local culture via great culinary adventures. 

Social media and travel influencers have also played a major role in popularising these journeys, and restaurants that excel at sustainability and farm-to-table dining are increasingly gaining kudos, as travellers seek to support local and artisan producers while being mindful of their carbon footprint.

It’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing, as travellers continue to value food as a gateway to deeper cultural connection and a more meaningful way to explore the world — with each meal a memorable part of the travel experience.

The 20 best destinations to visit for fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe

Each location has been scored across four key metrics — the number of Michelin-starred restaurants; the total number of Michelin stars; the number of fine dining restaurants, and the percentage of fine dining restaurants that are highly rated — to calculate its overall luxury dining score.

PARIS

Small wonder that Paris ranks as Europe’s top city for fine dining. But did you know there are no fewer than 838 fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris — equating to 40 restaurants per five square kilometres, or 8% of all restaurants in this super chic city? That’s more than twice as many as the third best city, Barcelona.

Rooted in centuries of culinary tradition, French cuisine emphasises fresh, high-quality ingredients and precise techniques to create rich dishes with famously creamy sauces that showcase an incredible range of textures and tastes. Today’s top chefs elevate this tradition to an art form. 

LONDON

While serving up fine British fayre is part of the mix, London has stolen second place largely as a result of its dazzling spread of international gastronomy that embraces flavours from around the world. With 658 fine dining restaurants and 78 Michelin-starred restaurants in London (holding a total 103 stars), the UK capital is home to chefs who push boundaries with daring techniques and artistic presentation.

BARCELONA

The third best destination for Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, Barcelona offers a buzzing dining scene where renowned chefs reinterpret classic Catalan recipes, characterized by bold yet harmonious flavours, drawing from the sea, mountains, and countryside, with avant-garde techniques. From tasty tapas to fine dining, Barcelona’s choice of 326 fine dining and 26 Michelin-starred restaurants elevates its rich culinary tradition with dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in local culture.

MADRID

Number four in the league of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, the Spanish capital’s delightful cuisine is influenced by Mediterranean, Moorish, and European traditions. Known for their innovative spirit, the chefs at the helm of the 26 Michelin-starred restaurants in Madrid skillfully reinterpret classic Spanish recipes with modern techniques and artistic flair, paired with world-class wines and served in a warm, convivial atmosphere.

ROME

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity, freshness, and regional diversity, emphasizing quality ingredients over elaborate techniques. Classic staples such as pasta, risotto, and pizza showcase the art of balance, with flavours that are both comforting and refined. The luxury restaurants in Rome serve traditional Roman dishes like cacio e pepe, carbonara, and saltimbocca elevated with modern twists, plus a stunning array of fusion cuisine — served with delicious views of ancient ruins.

PORTO

Portugal’s culinary hotspot, Porto serves a feast of cuisine characterised by a deep connection to the sea. Fresh seafood, aromatic spices like paprika and cinnamon, olive oil, and ingredients such as garlic and herbs form its foundation — with iconic dishes like bacalhau à Brás (salt cod scramble), caldo verde (green soup), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). 72 fine dining and five Michelin-starred restaurants in Porto await your delectation, along with the chance to sip the city’s famous port wine.

FLORENCE

Rooted in “cucina povera,” or peasant cooking, Tuscan cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients with signature dishes such as ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), panzanella (bread and tomato salad), and the iconic bistecca alla Fiorentina (T-bone steak). The 88 fine dining and seven Michelin-starred restaurants in Florence elevate classic dishes, infusing them with modern techniques and elegant presentation— paired with superb Tuscan wines, notably Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.

VIENNA

in tenth place, the Austrian capital’s cuisine combines rich flavours and seasonal ingredients, with staples such as potatoes, cabbage, dairy, and game meats. Signature dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and Apfelstrudel showcase Austria’s love for comforting yet elegant fare. The 121 fine dining and 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in Vienna turn this culinary heritage to an art form, with modern twists on classics paired with Austria’s exceptional wines, such as Grüner Veltliner or Riesling. 

MONACO

Renowned as the playground for the international jetset, the glamorous little principality of Monaco packs a punch (in 12th place) with 48 fine dining and seven Michelin-starred restaurants (many with multiple stars). Led by celebrated chefs, here the cuisine seamlessly blends Mediterranean flavours with international influences, showcasing the finest ingredients sourced locally and globally. Stunning views over the glitzy yacht-filled harbour and first-class wines add to the allure. 

POSITANO

Another exclusive little hotpot of culinary magic, the resort town of Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast also ranks among the top 20 destinations —securing joint 13th place, alongside Berlin. Its 20 fine dining and three Michelin-starred restaurants, account for 25% of all the restaurants in the area, making this a veritable foodie heaven. Here, chefs expertly merge traditional Italian recipes with creative modern touches in elegant dining rooms perched on cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea or by the water.

The top 5 most in-demand Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe

For the gourmet travel cognoscenti, the thrill of sampling the most fashionable restaurants, is a major incentive for luxury travel. Based on Google search volumes within the last 12 months worldwide, we can reveal the most in-demand Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe across the top 20 locations...

Lyle’s, LONDON

There’s nowhere quite like Lyle’s. This iconic Michelin-starred restaurant in London is the runaway star of the whole gastronomic show with nearly 100,000 monthly Google searches — almost double that of the Danish dining room that’s chomping at its heels in second place. 

Housed in the former Lipton’s Tea Building in Shoreditch, Chef James Lowe continues to delight diners with modern British fayre and his passion for creating a daily menu that’s micro-seasonal — cherry picking the finest ingredients in the capital and around the UK. Here, you can tuck into sumptuous seafood freshly caught and couriered from Cornwall; gamebird or venison during the shooting season, and old world ingredients such as mutton reinvented for modern palates while sitting on a traditional Windsor dining chair.  
Address: Lyle’s Tea Building,56 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JJ.
Book online

Where to stay: Hyde Park Gate Penthouse —an ultra stylish and modern three-bedroom luxury penthouse in a prestigious spot next to Hyde Park Gate, with easy access to London’s finest attractions for hedonists.

noma, COPENHAGEN

Fancy a 20-course tasting menu experience that’ll tantalise your tastebuds in true Scandi style? Step inside noma, the fragrant world of Chef Rene Redzepi whose ethos is rooted in the rediscovery of wild local ingredients.  Clutching three Michelin stars for its divine dishes created by foraging and following the seasons, this luxury restaurant in Copenhagen is a natural beauty — with an interior design style and ambience to match. 
Address: Refshalevej 96 1432 Copenhagen.
Book online

Where to stay: Discover all the latest travel tips and guides to the top attractions and places to stay in Copenhagen.

Disfrutar, BARCELONA

Fun, daring and ever delightful, Disfrutar (“Enjoy” in English) delivers an intoxicating dining experience and voyage of discovery. This three Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona is the artistic brainchild of culinary wizards Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro and Eduard Xatruch. Here, you can savour an avant-garde take on Mediterranean cuisine — renowned for its inventive shapes, textures, and flavours —  in a stunning dining room decorated with Mironian ceramics with the visible kitchen adding to the sense of theatre. 
Address: Carrer de Villarroel, 163, L’Eixample, 08036 Barcelona.
Book online

Where to stay: Stay in the heart of the Passeig de Gracia, the smartest area for drinking, dining and shopping, at The Carrer Pau Claris. This gorgeous luxury apartment to rent in Barcelona is also close to Gaudi’s Casa Batlló, and minutes away from the beach.

Benoit, PARIS

Traditionalists swoon over the classic French cuisine at Benoit, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris that’s stayed true to its Parisian bistro roots and has wowed diners with typical and impeccably presented French dishes for more than a century. Fine bistrot food executed with great skill and love, and a convivial atmosphere are the hallmarks of this restaurant, (now led by talented young Chef Kelly Jolivet), that simply never goes out of style. 
Address: 20 rue Saint-Martin 75004 Paris.
Book online

Where to stay: The five-bedroom Louis David Penthouse. This luxurious haven has an impressive roof terrace with sophisticated seating area and outdoor kitchen for al fresco drinking and dining with glorious views of the Eiffel Tower. 

Aroma, ROME

Imagine savouring traditional Italian cuisine at its very best, served on an elegant terrace overlooking the mighty Colosseum. Welcome to Aroma —the one Michelin-starred restaurant in Rome that everyone’s talking about.  Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio creates signature dishes that showcase the freshest and finest local produce, accompanied by wines recommended by top sommelier Alessandro Crognal, and the desserts conjured by the award-winning pastry chef are sinfully divine. 
Address: Via Labicana, 125 – 00184 Roma (Located on the terrace of Palazzo Manfredi hotel).
Book online

Where to stay: Pick from five opulent havens at Palazzo Babuino Apartments, housed within an 18th-century palazzo — one of the most exclusive luxury apartments to rent in Rome, and located just moments from the Piazza de Spagna.

Enoteca Pinchiorri, FLORENCE

Exquisitely plated dishes celebrating the finest Tuscan traditions and a passion for innovation are lovingly crafted in a kitchen referred to as ‘the laboratory’. At Enoteca Pinchiorri pure culinary magic, along with an epic wine list and attentive service in an opulent dining room that exudes old world charm, are among the winning ingredients that make this Michelin-starred restaurant in Florence truly shine. Housed in the splendid Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts.
Address: Via Ghibellina 87 50122 Firenze.
Book online

Where to stay:  Palazzo Vista Duomo — a lavish three-bedroom gem of an apartment housed in a grand Palazzo just steps away from the famous Duomo. (And dive into its private wine cellar filled with exclusive wines).

As securing a table at these renowned establishments is notoriously difficult, The Luxury Travel Book’s expert concierge team is on hand to make restaurant reservations, as well as crafting bespoke itineraries for culinary tours and experiences. 

Top 10 trending Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe for 2025

But which fine establishments are flying high as the hottest venues to visit in 2025? To uncover what’s trending, we also looked at the year-on-year change in Google search volume to reveal the Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe that are growing in popularity. 

1. Patio, ATHENS

Get ready for a Greek food odyssey at Patio, the hottest Michelin-starred restaurant in Athens that everyone’s hungry to book (with Google searches hitting a whopping 2500%). Tucked away within The Margi Hotel’s wine cellar and courtyard, it’s the domain of Chef Panagiotis Giakalis whose currently winning legions of new fans with tasting menus that showcase the most delectable Mediterranean cuisine using organic ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm. This superb restaurant now holds one Michelin star and also Michelin green star for sustainability.
Address: The Margi Hotel 11 Litous Street, Vouliagmeni P.C. 16671 Athens Riviera, Greece.
Book online

Where to stay: Explore Athens then castaway to nearby Hydra, the magical island that enchanted Chagall and Picasso and now attracts international entrepreneurs, rock stars and fashionistas. Stunning Villa Kamini is one of the best luxury villas to rent in Hydra. 

2. Galanga, PARIS

“You arrive at Galanga with an empty stomach, leave with a light heart, and a joyful palate. No heaviness, no boredom, no déjà-vu.” So says the website, and with recently Michelin star awarded Chef Thomas Danigo at the helm, this restaurant is clearly making good on its promises —and is now one of the most sought-after top tables in the city and the second most trending Michelin-starred restaurant in Europe. Situated at Monsieur George Hotel, its five and seven-course food and wine pairings feature French food par excellence.
Address: 17 rue Washington 75008 Paris.
Book online

Where to stay: For a palatial home from home close to the best restaurants and a feast of art at the Louvre, you’ll adore Palais Royal II 1e. This beautifully furnished two-bedroom apartment is directly above the gardens of historic Palais Royal. 

3. Chishuru, LONDON

Situated in the heart of Fitzrovia, Chischuru is the best African luxury restaurant in London and chef patron Adejoké (Joké) Bakare, who first came to fame for her innovative pop-up restaurants before opening this sublime venue) is celebrated for her innovative modern African cuisine served in a warm and inviting setting. In February 2024, Michelin awarded Chishuru a Michelin star, making Joké the first black female Michelin-starred chef in the UK.
Address: 3 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 8AX.
Book online 

Where to stay: Suffolk Street Townhouse — with elegant 2-5 bedroom apartments in a luxury hotel situated in a quiet street in Haymarket, close to Trafalgar Square — is a cut above. Plus you’ll enjoy access to a private swimming pool and gym.

4. Quirat, BARCELONA

Purists will adore Quirat. Led by Víctor Torres and guided by his mastery, this Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona is located in Hotel InterContinental Barcelona serves a fine dining experience created by ‘gastronomic experts dedicated to extracting and squeezing the subtlety and elegance of each product that the earth offers us.’ Enough said.
Address:  Av. de Rius i Taulet, 1-3, 08004 Barcelona.
Book online

Where to stay: Cast an eye over the chic interiors of Carrer de València. This modern three-bedroom abode is one of the most sought-after luxury apartments to rent in Barcelona, ideally located in the Eixample district and a short stroll to the Passieg de Gracia. 

5. ORSINI, ZURICH

Fine Italian cuisine is on the award-winning menu at ORSINI, this celebrated one Michelin-starred restaurant in Zurich, housed in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Chef Antonio Guida is renowned for his innovative culinary creations, and tasting menus featuring authentic Italian dishes bursting with great ingenuity and flavour — served in a stunning dining room featuring a hand-made porcelain art installation by artist Livia Marin.
Address: Waaggasse 7, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Book online

Where to stay:  Discover a selection of the best luxury hotels in Zurich.

6. Gabelspiel, MUNICH

Gabelspiel has earned its place as one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe thanks to its modern approach to French inspired farm-to-table cuisine and head chef Florian Berger’s skillful use of fresh local and sustainable products and ingredients. This hotspot in Munich is also celebrated for its friendly and informal ambience. 
Address: Zehentbauernstraße 20, 81539 München, Germany.
Book online

Where to stay: Explore the finest accommodation and luxury travel experiences in Munich. 

7. Bar Amour, OSLO

Fans of deliciously clever fusion cuisine fall for Bar Amour. If you love both Mediterranean and Scandinavian flavours, this one Michelin-starred restaurant in Oslo hits all the right notes with its tasty mix of Portuguese culture and Nordic cuisine. 
Address: Waldemar Thranes gate 70, 0173 Oslo, Norway.
Book online

Where to stay: Check out the top hotels and best luxury travel attractions in Oslo.

8. THE LISBETH, HAMBURG

THE LISBETH is an industrial-chic eatery with a sidewalk terrace that shot to fame and won a coveted Michelin star for its seafood dishes, including epicly good fish rolls and pasta. Chef André Stolle takes inspiration from traditional North German cuisine to create innovative tasting menus with unique ingredients, served in a laid-back setting. 
Address: Deichstraße 32, 20459 Hamburg, Germany.
Book online

Where to stay: Check out some of the best luxury and boutique hotels in Hamburg.

9. Yugo The Bunker, MADRID

Japanese haute cuisine is the flavour at Yugo The Bunker, the must-experience Michelin-starred restaurant in Madrid that has won loyal followers with its refined sushi and tasting menu served in a dramatic setting lined with distressed wood and Japanese masks. It’s a heady mix worthy of its ranking as one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. 
Address: C/ San Blas, 4. Madrid.
Book online 

Where to stay: Live like kings or queens in the Royal Palace apartment. This exclusive three-bedroom haven in an historic 19th-century building overlooking the Royal Palace and the Plaza de Oriente is one of the finest luxury apartments to rent in Madrid. 

10. The Butcher’s son, ANTWERPEN

Cutting edge dining in an uber-trendy setting beckons at The Butcher’s son. Housed in the De Koninck brewery building, this one Michelin-starred restaurant in Antwerpen wows with its cool industrial loft vibe and sumptuous menu (a meat lover’s paradise).
Address: Boomgaardstraat 1, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium.
Book online

Where to stay: Check into one of the best luxury hotels in Antwerpen.

The 20 most beautiful Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe 

Many of the world’s best fine dining rooms are a feast for all the senses. Many Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe are also revered for the fine art that hangs on their walls; exquisite and bold interior design, impeccable service delivered with theatrical flair, and their impressive settings with showstopping views. All this, in addition to the art work on your plate.

Here’s our pick of the picture-perfect restaurants blowing up on Instagram…

Sketch, LONDON
@sketchlondon

The most popular restaurant on Instagram is Sketch in London, a collection of restaurants and bars in a converted 18th-century townhouse in Mayfair, including the three-Michelin-starred Lecture Room and Library by Pierre Gagnaire. 

The venue now features in 95,100 posts on Instagram, thanks to the unique and artful decor of each beautiful room and now Insta-famous egg-shaped toilets.

Osteria Francescana, MODENA
@massimobottura

With the Italian culinary maestro Massimo Bottura at its helm, the three Michelin starred Osteria Francescana is also famous for its collection of contemporary art that inspires the menu and “animates the dialogue between the dining room and the kitchen.’

The lush dining room voted world’s best restaurant in 2018 now features in 41,200 posts on Instagram.

Pierre Gagnaire, PARIS
@pierregagnaire

Located in the lavish Hôtel Balzac Paris & Spa Ikoï, the restaurant of legendary chef Pierre Gagnaire packs a punch with its kaleidoscope of visual delights. 

Gagnaire is celebrated as the leading innovator in French fusion cuisine  and his three-Michelin starred Paris restaurant (he holds now fewer than 14 Michelin stars across his restaurants worldwide) is the third most instagrammable, known for its small dishes presented in a dizzyingly beautiful way. 

DiverXO, Madrid
@diverxo

Step inside the explosive artistic dreamscape of Dabiz Muñoz housed in the Hotel NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding. The three Michelin starred DiverXO  is famous for its high-end, avant-garde tasting menus served on outré dishware in a sleek, modern dining room.

It’s a “journey through the hedonistic, greedy and creative world” of the maestro where everything from the cuisine to the interior design and dining experience celebrates the avant-garde.

ABaC, Barcelona
@abac_restaurant

Come and relish the extraordinary culinary artistry of Jordi Cruz at the three-Michelin starred ABaC served in an elegant dining room overlooking a magical garden filled with incredible works of contemporary art. 

But the best art is created on your plate with “dishes that tell stories”. Cruz’s tribute to Le Petit Prince, the iconic fable by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, features a half sphere of Crema Catalana with nitro/lio creamy popcorn, burnt caramel ice-cream and rice water. Heart-melting.

How to elevate your fine dining experiences while travelling

The Luxury Travel Book is a family-run business dedicated to providing the most exclusive hand-picked luxury properties and personalised stay experiences. Globetrotting co-directors, Jamie Marquis and Freddie Marquis, are as passionate about good food as they are about curating the world’s best luxury property rentals — and they’ve put exceptional dining at the heart of the company’s bespoke travel offering. 

In addition to providing world-class private chefs and catering services for special events at the properties, and securing restaurant reservations at in-demand venues, the brothers have developed a unique concierge service for luxury culinary travel as part of the stay experience. 

Jamie Marquis said: “We not only pre-book tables for lunch and dinner at the finest Michelin-starred restaurants but can also help you discover hidden gems and create bespoke itineraries for incredible gourmet experiences. We know our discerning clients want to immerse themselves in the food culture of their chosen destination, and learn the stories behind each dish and how it’s made.”

As such, the comprehensive menu of services includes access to exclusive culinary experiences from truffle hunting to wine tasting, private restaurant tours, and cookery classes with celebrated chefs.

Freddie Marquis said: “Whether you want to dine like the locals, feast like royalty or roll your sleeves up and learn to cook the specialty dishes of your destination — or get a taste of all three — we can create an unforgettable culinary journey just for you.”

To plan your culinary journey with The Luxury Travel Book connect with Jamie, Freddie and the team on +44 (0)207 586 5342 or make an enquiry today.

Global stars: the top Michelin-starred restaurants beyond Europe

This gourmet guide to the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe is part of a comprehensive study of the top destinations for fine dining on the planet. Did you know that the Japanese capital is home to the greatest foodie heaven on earth?

Tokyo boasts the highest number of fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, a gluttonous total of no fewer than 2,644 first-class venues. The city is home to 220 Michelin stars spread across 170 accredited restaurants, including 12 with three stars, 26 with two stars, and 132 with one star. Tempura Kondo is the most in-demand of the best restaurants in Tokyo with 12,100 searches each month on Google. 

And you’ll also find some of the world’s hottest luxury restaurants in Hong Kong. This Chinese culinary hotspot ranks highly, with 578 fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants. While there are fewer venues, an impressive 89% of these restaurants are highly rated.

New York is the city that never sleeps when it comes to maintaining its reputation for culinary flair. The restaurant Eleven Madison Park situated in a historic Art Deco building overlooking Madison Square Park, is  both the most in-demand and the most beautiful in New York with over 165,000 Google searches a month and 46,300 Instagram posts. Owned by Chef Daniel Humm, this peach of a restaurant is famous for its fabulous tasting, five-course, and bar menus featuring entirely plant-based dishes. Feast on the food and fine wine, and rest your head at West 58th Street, Central Park — home to luxurious 1-3 bedroom serviced apartments.

And if you love food with an extra serving of bling, Dubai is another top destination for decadent dining. The Smoked Room is one of the highest trending restaurants, with a 2,567% increase in Google searches year-on-year. 

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More luxury apartments to rent for great gourmet escapes

Explore our full selection of central city apartment rentals for the finest stays while savouring the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. We’ve got the most beautiful luxury apartments to rent in Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Seville, London, Florence, Venice and Prague.

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