EuroSummer Isn’t Over: New Data Reveals the Best European Cities for a Last-Minute Foodie Getaway

EuroSummer had TikTok obsessed last year and the trend is going nowhere as it’s gained 95.6K new posts since June, now reaching 412.7K overall. With weeks of sunshine still left to enjoy, there’s plenty of time to plan a last-minute escape.

@mind__the_gab’s recent EuroSummer 2025 video, showing how to eat on a budget in the south of France has racked up over 134.6K likes in less than a month.

Travel is often as much about what’s on the menu as it is about seeing the iconic landmarks. Recognising this, food box service HelloFresh has conducted a survey to rank the top 50 European cities, highlighting the continent’s best foodie destinations to explore this summer.

The results? Forget what you thought you knew. Paris barely scraped the top 30 with its renowned French cuisine and the city that invented pizza, Naples, also ranked low. Claiming the top spot was Valencia, with Warsaw and Prague close behind, while Manchester finished last (50th).

The survey took into account population, each city’s signature dish, global search trends, the number of Michelin-starred and five-star restaurants, as well as the average affordability of each location.

According to the research, these are three of Europe’s top foodie cities to visit while summer is still here, paired with must-try dishes and restaurants worth visiting while you’re there:

1. Valencia, Spain

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, a title that needs no explanation. The Casa Carmela, a beachfront institution since 1922 is a must visit, where paella is still cooked over orange wood fires. 

Locals might say the real gem is esgarraet, a roasted red pepper and salt cod salad eaten with torn chunks of crusty bread. Alqueria Santa Ana, a peaceful restaurant in the middle of an orchard, is known for its unbeatable croquettes and esgarraet.

2. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw’s culinary scene is evolving fast, with pierogi has going viral recently. Prodiz Warszawski, a restaurant with a 4.6-star rating from over 868 diners, will make you rethink pierogi.

If you still think you’ll only find meat and potatoes, Warsaw will change your mind. For those seeking meat-free options, ALLA Warszawa Śródmieście is a hip vegetarian and vegan spot serving Middle Eastern-inspired plates like falafel wraps, shakshouka and hummus, all without the price tag.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague might be known for its beer but the food is just as serious if you know where to look. The dish to know is svíčková, a plate of creamy marinated beef that’s been warming up locals since long before tourists showed up. 

A spot that nails the balance between tradition and modern flavour, Kastrol. Another option is FAT CAT Old Town, known for its juicy burgers and craft beer. It’s popular for a reason.

Europe’s Top 10 Foodie Cities

City	No. 5 Star TripAdvisor Restaurants	No. 5 Star TripAdvisor Restaurants per 10,000	Av. Price of an Affordable Meal by City
1. Valencia, Spain	361	4.29	£11.06
2. Warsaw, Poland	396	2.20	£7.98
3. Prague, Czech Republic	622	4.67	£7.56
4. Porto, Portugal	262	1.96	£8.51
5. Belgrade, Serbia	348	2.46	£9.07
6. Krakow, Poland	300	3.90	£7.98
7. Vienna, Austria	481	2.40	£12.76
8. Toulouse, France	156	1.44	£12.76
9. Budapest, Hungary	444	2.49	£8.49
10. Marseille, France	262	1.59	£12.76

In Porto (4th), people talk about the francesinha, a multiple meat toasted sandwich with a tomato and beer sauce but the seafood is also a must. Bacalhau (salted cod) at Taberna Santo António is a must try. Just don’t forget the vinho verde.

Belgrade earns its spot in the top five, best known for its grilled ćevapi (juicy, spiced Balkan sausages), traditionally served with fluffy flatbread and ajvar (a smoky red pepper sauce).  Ćevaplija is one spot, where they promise traditional Balkan grill house flavours in a completely new way. 

Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh, comments,

“Our team lives for food, and travel is our biggest inspiration. The 5€ bites, the modern twists on classic dishes, the family run spots that we will never stop talking about.”

“That’s how we approach recipes too. When we taste something unforgettable abroad or at home, we are constantly thinking of ways to create our own spin on a cuisine’s flavours, think bold Spanish recipes, like Gambas Pil Pil or fresh twists on Greek classics, such as a Lentil Moussaka Style Rice Bowl.”

For those wanting to recreate holiday flavours at home, visit HelloFresh.

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