Must-see restaurants in Mediterranean Europe

  • Mina Restaurante

    Bilbao

    Offering unexpected sophistication and fine dining in an otherwise fairly down-at-the-heels neighbourhood, this riverside restaurant has some critics…

  • El Arcediano

    Andalucía

    Always buzzing with locals, this welcoming spot with dangling chandeliers, grapevines painted on the ceiling and tables on the narrow pedestrian lane out…

  • Pecora Nera

    Agropoli

    Agropoli’s self-proclaimed ‘black sheep’, Pecora Nera has emerged as a new challenger for the title of the town’s ‘best pizza’ and they might just be on…

  • M.A.T.E.S.

    Mediterranean Coast

    For traditional Sicilian fare in cosy, rustic surroundings, head for this family-owned and highly recommended Slow Food restaurant in Caltabellotta's…

  • Idol Restaurant Bar

    Fira

    This caldera-edge, three-level restaurant and bar serves up stupendous views and intelligent dishes full of depth, fire and vivacity. The chef dares…

  • La Rucola 2.0

    Sirmione

    Calf brains, sea urchins and pigeon breast are some of the more exotic offerings at this Michelin-starred affair tucked behind Sirmione's castle. The…

  • Neve di Latte

    Rome

    Behind the MAXXI gallery, opposite the tram terminus, this out-of-the-way gelateria may well be the best in Rome. There are few exotic flavours; rather…

  • Ristorante Duomo

    Ragusa

    Widely regarded as one of Sicily's finest restaurants, Duomo comprises a cluster of small rooms outfitted like private parlours behind its stained-glass…

  • Al Fogher

    Central Sicily

    This is one of central Sicily's top restaurants, serving sophisticated modern cuisine to a demanding and appreciative clientele. It's about 3km out of…

  • Manna

    Noto

    Divided into a hip front bar and sultry back dining rooms, Manna wows with its competent, contemporary creations. Premium produce dictates the menu, which…

  • Ali Baba

    Sliema, St Julian’s & Paceville

    Multiple recommendations from foodie locals add up to Malta's best Lebanese flavours. This popular restaurant is located in the Gżira district, around 1km…

  • A Cannata

    Salina

    Meals are built around locally sourced produce and seafood caught fresh daily by owner Santino at this unassuming but excellent restaurant, run by the…

  • La Brasserie de Bon Bec

    Valle d'Aosta

    In a warmly lit dining room adorned with old farm tools and glossy oil paintings, Bon Bec serves up outstanding mountain cuisine. Start off with house…

  • Taverna Nest

    Rethymno Province

    For honest-to-goodness farm-to-table fare, report to this upstairs terrace where home-cooked meals are served in ample portions and with big smiles…

  • Pescheria I Masenini

    Verona

    Located on the piazza where Verona's Roman fish market once held sway, softly lit Masenini quietly serves up Verona's most imaginative, modern fish dishes…

  • Sábrego

    Galicia

    The rustic-chic restaurant at the lovely country hotel Casal de Armán serves a seasonally changing array of delicious, chiefly Galician fare with some…

  • Palacio de Gallego

    Andalucía

    In the atmospheric setting of a 16th-century house, with tables on the delightful patio as well as in an old wood-beamed dining room, the Gallego serves…

  • Fuorimodena

    Vicenza

    Two hundred kilometres separate Vicenza and Modena, but enter this restaurant and you’ll enjoy the finest Emilian cooking courtesy of Lorenzo Roncaccioli,…

  • Cafe Privato

    Beyoğlu

    Located in an enclave off Galipdede Caddesi in Galata, this friendly, slightly ramshackle cafe is much loved for its exceptionally delicious and huge köy…

  • Il Sarchiapone

    Tyrrhenian Coast

    Local families and tourists alike flock to Il Sarchiapone for its phenomenal fresh seafood, served with good cheer in an unpretentious mustard-yellow…

  • Ouzeri To 11

    Limnos

    This unassuming little ouzerie (place that serves ouzo and light snacks) by the bus depot is the local favourite for seafood. From kydonia (mussels with…

  • L'Alimentare

    Udine

    A bright, young, cool, casual and friendly addition to Udine's dining scene, L'Alimentare serves up eat-in or takeaway meals that strike out beyond the…

  • Taverna Niki

    Pelion Peninsula

    Enter this roadside taverna, set beneath a profusion of flowers 1km north of the Horefto turn-off, and Niki herself reels off a list of mayirefta (ready…

  • In Un Angolo di Mondo

    Ionian Coast

    South of Acireale, this snug, organic, family-run pizzeria creates outstanding wood-fired pie. Prices may be higher, but so is the quality. The bases are…

  • MINT Cucina Fresca

    Polignano a Mare

    Offering a fresher, lighter and often vegetarian alternative in Polignano a Mare, MINT's concise menu focuses on a few dishes done very well. Highlights…

  • Casa Aranda

    Málaga

    Casa Aranda is in a narrow alleyway next to the market and, since 1932, has been the place in town to enjoy chocolate and churros (tubular-shaped…

  • Basquery

    Bilbao

    Equal parts cafe, bakery, microbrewery and dining destination, this postindustrial, multiroom space has a stunning line-up of daily dishes, from vegan…

  • Extravaganza

    Thessaloniki

    The humming open kitchen here keeps punters happy with food that's innovative yet rooted in the Greek fundamentals. Expect treats such as garganelli …

  • Novecento

    Spoleto

    An oasis of modern design, this self-styled 'casual' restaurant marries kooky decor, including a canoe on the wall and colourful hanging lamps, with…

  • Restaurante Jardín

    Northern Mallorca

    The smart interior of this this Michelin-starred restaurant may be out of step with the nondescript villa facade but uniform excellence inspires the menu…

  • Enalion

    Milos

    The finest Greek produce is showcased at this wonderful little restaurant. Grab a seat on the waterfront terrace and let the switched-on staff guide you…

  • Trattoria al Porto

    Lake Como

    In the sleepy village of Careno, this charming spot serves up excellent lake fish. When the wind is high, take refuge in the atmospheric stone-walled…

  • Rew Rew

    Gozo

    This simple, pine-shaded place has 10 tables beside a beachside shack and serves up delicious seafood, including calamari, prawns and fish. Mains are…

  • Raki Baraki

    Rethymno

    Rustic, colourful and lively, this is a fantastic place to while away the evening over mezedhes (appetisers) like flavoursome grilled mushrooms with…

  • Çeşka Anne Mutfağı

    Çeşme

    Operated by a local women's cooperative, this humble spot a short stroll from Çeşme's busy main street specialises in homestyle cooking. The ever-changing…

  • Kalamaki Restaurant

    Kalkan

    A modern venue with a very stylish minimalist pub on the terrace and a restaurant upstairs, serving superb Turkish dishes with a European twist. Try the…

  • Su Gologone

    Eastern Sardinia

    Nestled at the foot of mountains, this rural retreat is a delight, with a bougainvillea-draped terrace for balmy evenings. The local Cannonau red goes…

  • Bumba Breakfast Club

    Alaçatı

    Bumba's table-covering breakfasts are packed with local and seasonal herbs, cheeses and fruit. Highlights of 15 small plates could include yoghurt with…

  • Toni del Spin

    Treviso

    This trattoria has been a reference point since 1880, and the original wood-panelled dining room is reassuringly full of diners hunched over silky plates…

  • El Pilón

    Málaga Province

    This former carpenter’s workshop is the village’s most popular restaurant – and rightly so. Dishes are created using locally sourced ingredients whenever…

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