Home » EUROPE » Italy Joins Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and More: The Ultimate Authentic European Food Destinations You Can’t Miss in 2025!
Published on
November 11, 2025
In 2025, Italy joins a list of must-visit destinations, alongside Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and more, as some of the ultimate authentic European food destinations. These countries are not only famous for their breathtaking landscapes but also for their rich and diverse culinary traditions. Whether you’re exploring Italy’s world-renowned pastas and pizzas, Spain’s tapas culture, Portugal’s fresh seafood, or Ireland’s hearty stews, each destination offers a unique gastronomic experience.
As food tourism continues to soar, these countries are embracing their culinary heritage like never before, inviting travellers to savour authentic dishes passed down through generations. From bustling cities to quaint villages, every corner of these countries is bursting with flavours, ingredients, and stories that will make your taste buds dance. Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and others are undoubtedly the ultimate destinations for any food lover in 2025!
1. Italy: The King of Authentic Culinary Delights
Italy is synonymous with food. It is home to some of the world’s most famous dishes: pizza, pasta, and gelato. However, Italy’s culinary scene goes far beyond these staples. Every region in Italy offers its own special flavours, traditions, and ingredients. From the hearty and rich stews of the North to the light, Mediterranean dishes of the South, Italy is a food lover’s dream.
Why Italy stands out in 2025
The Italian Tourism Board (Italia.it) is heavily promoting food and wine tourism, with special routes dedicated to exploring the country’s culinary delights. The emphasis on authentic, region-specific food makes Italy a must-visit destination for 2025. Italy’s food is deeply rooted in history, with centuries-old recipes still followed by local chefs and families.
When you visit Italy, you can experience a variety of food, including:
Northern Italy: Known for its rich cheeses, wines, and truffle-based dishes.Central Italy: Home to iconic pasta dishes, cheeses, and meats.Southern Italy: Famous for its pizza, seafood, and unique desserts.Wines and Olive Oils: Italy’s wine regions like Tuscany and Piedmont offer world-renowned wines, while the olive oils from regions like Liguria are celebrated worldwide.
In addition, Italy’s food is protected by certifications such as DOP (Protected Designation of Origin), ensuring you taste authentic, high-quality products. Whether it’s the fresh mozzarella of Campania or the truffles from Umbria, Italy’s culinary delights are unmatched.
2. Spain: A Symphony of Flavours from the Mediterranean Coast
When it comes to Spanish food, think of a rich and diverse culinary scene filled with bold, vibrant flavours. From paella to tapas, Spain offers a vast array of dishes that represent the unique cultural identity of each region. Spain’s government and tourism boards place a significant emphasis on food and wine tourism, highlighting the country as a food paradise for visitors.
Why Spain is a top food destination in 2025
According to Spain’s official tourism website (spain.info), Spain’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes. The country’s food scene is built around fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the celebrated Mediterranean diet, known for its healthy yet flavourful dishes. The country also boasts a strong wine culture, with regions like La Rioja producing world-class wines.
Spain’s food destinations include:
Tapas: Small dishes that allow you to sample a variety of flavours, such as olives, Iberian ham, and chorizo.Paella: The iconic rice dish from Valencia, made with seafood, chicken, or rabbit.Seafood: Spain’s long coastline offers fresh fish, calamari, and shellfish.Regional Specialities: From Basque pintxos (small snacks) to Andalusian gazpacho (cold tomato soup), every region offers unique culinary delights.
Spain’s emphasis on gastronomy tourism, coupled with its Michelin-starred restaurants and local food festivals, makes it one of the best food destinations to explore in 2025.
3. Portugal: A Coastal Gem for Seafood and Wine Lovers
Portugal, with its stunning coastal beauty and rich history, is a food lover’s paradise. From the famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts) to its unparalleled seafood offerings, Portugal’s food culture is deeply connected to its geography. The country is becoming increasingly recognised for its authentic and high-quality cuisine, making it a top food destination for 2025.
Why Portugal shines in 2025
Portugal’s official tourism website, Visit Portugal, promotes the country as a leading gastronomic destination. With eight Michelin stars and numerous regional delicacies, Portugal’s food scene is both vibrant and diverse. The country is particularly renowned for its seafood, which is caught fresh from the Atlantic Ocean, and its wine regions, such as Douro and Alentejo, which produce some of the best wines in the world.
Popular Portuguese dishes include:
Bacalhau: Salted cod, prepared in hundreds of different ways.Grilled Sardines: A beloved summer dish, often served with potatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.Cozido à Portuguesa: A traditional Portuguese stew made with meat, sausages, and vegetables.Pastéis de Nata: The iconic Portuguese custard tart, which is crispy on the outside and creamy inside.
With its official emphasis on gastronomy, Portugal’s food is both authentic and widely celebrated.
4. Ireland: Authentic and Heartwarming Flavours
Ireland’s food scene has undergone a revival in recent years, with an increasing focus on local, fresh ingredients. Ireland’s culinary heritage is shaped by centuries of farming, fishing, and cooking. Known for hearty stews, fresh seafood, and world-class dairy products, Ireland is an up-and-coming food destination in 2025.
Why Ireland is a hidden gem for food tourism
The Irish tourism authority, Fáilte Ireland, has made food tourism a priority. The “Good Food Ireland” network connects travellers with local farmers, food producers, and restaurants. Ireland is also famous for its artisanal products, including cheeses, butter, and meats. Fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean is a must-try, along with traditional Irish comfort foods.
Top dishes and food experiences in Ireland include:
Irish Stew: A comforting dish made with lamb, vegetables, and herbs.Boxty: A type of potato pancake, often served with butter and sour cream.Fresh Seafood: Oysters, mussels, and salmon caught along the coast.Irish Breakfast: A hearty meal consisting of bacon, sausages, eggs, and black pudding.
Ireland’s focus on local and seasonal ingredients, along with its growing reputation for food tourism, makes it an ideal choice for food lovers.
5. Denmark: Where Modern Meets Tradition
Denmark’s food scene is an exciting mix of traditional Danish dishes and innovative, modern cuisine. Known for its Nordic food culture, Denmark has become a hotspot for food tourism, with Copenhagen leading the charge as one of the world’s culinary capitals. Denmark’s official tourism board promotes food experiences that are as creative as they are delicious.
Why Denmark is an exciting food destination in 2025
Denmark’s tourism board, Visit Denmark, showcases the country’s growing food reputation, particularly in Copenhagen. The city is home to Michelin-starred restaurants like Noma, known for its innovative approach to Nordic cuisine. Danish food is deeply influenced by local, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on sustainability.
Popular Danish dishes include:
Smørrebrød: Open-faced sandwiches topped with meats, fish, and vegetables.Flæskesteg: A traditional Danish roast pork dish, often served with crispy crackling.Danish Pastries: Sweet, flaky pastries filled with cream or jam.New Nordic Cuisine: Modern dishes that focus on local, seasonal ingredients, often with an artistic flair.
Denmark’s unique blend of traditional flavours and innovative culinary techniques makes it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
6. Croatia: A Fusion of Mediterranean and Eastern European Flavours
Croatia may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of food tourism, but its culinary scene is rich and diverse, combining Mediterranean, Italian, and Eastern European influences. Croatia’s official tourism website highlights the country’s food and wine as an essential part of the travel experience, making it an emerging food destination for 2025.
Why Croatia is gaining traction in 2025
With its long coastline along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is famous for its fresh seafood. The inland regions are known for hearty meats and stews, while the country’s wine regions, like Istria and Dalmatia, produce some of the best wines in Europe. Croatia’s cuisine is a reflection of its diverse cultural influences, offering unique flavours and combinations.
Popular Croatian dishes include:
Pasticada: A slow-cooked beef stew with wine and vegetables.Peka: A traditional Croatian dish made by slow-cooking meat and vegetables under a bell-shaped lid.Seafood: Fresh fish, octopus, and shellfish, often grilled or prepared with olive oil and herbs.Croatian Wines: Local varieties like Plavac Mali, grown along the Dalmatian coast.
With an official push for food tourism and a growing reputation for authentic cuisine, Croatia is set to become a top food destination in 2025.
7. Belgium: A Food Lover’s Dream
Belgium may be best known for its chocolates, beer, and waffles, but the country has much more to offer in terms of authentic culinary experiences. Belgium’s tourism board promotes its rich food culture, encouraging visitors to explore the diverse flavours of the country.
Why Belgium is a fantastic food destination in 2025
Belgium’s official tourism website highlights the country’s food and drink scene as an integral part of the Belgian experience. From rich stews to decadent chocolates, Belgium is a food paradise for those with a sweet tooth and a love for hearty meals. Belgium is also renowned for its beer culture, with hundreds of unique brews to try.
Popular Belgian dishes include:
Moules-frites: Mussels served with crispy fries, a Belgian classic.Carbonnade Flamande: A rich beef stew made with Belgian beer.Belgian Waffles: Sweet, fluffy waffles topped with fruit, cream, or chocolate.Belgian Chocolates: Famous for their smooth texture and rich flavour, Belgium is the birthplace of chocolate making.
Belgium’s rich culinary history, combined with its focus on food and drink tourism, makes it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts in 2025.
Europe is a treasure trove of authentic food experiences, with each country offering something unique and delightful. Whether you’re exploring Italy’s pasta and pizza, Spain’s tapas, or Portugal’s seafood, there’s no shortage of amazing dishes waiting to be discovered. In 2025, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Denmark, Croatia, and Belgium are poised to be the top food destinations, each offering a delicious journey through regional and national cuisines. So, pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to explore the best culinary experiences Europe has to offer!
Dining and Cooking