More and more travellers are setting off in search of authentic flavours, local wines, and memorable culinary experiences. Once again, Europe's great cities have confirmed why they remain among the world's leading gastronomic destinations.
For many travellers, the best way to discover a new destination is not through museums or famous landmarks, but through its food. A plate of freshly made pasta in Rome, a glass of wine in a Parisian bistro, or a local speciality served in a small family-run trattoria often reveals more about a place's history, culture, and traditions than any travel guide ever could.
Today, food is no longer simply part of the journey—it is often one of the main reasons people travel. Through local recipes, wines, and regional ingredients, we discover the character of a destination, its heritage, and its way of life. It is therefore no surprise that an increasing number of travellers choose their holidays based on culinary offerings and authentic gastronomic experiences.
According to research conducted by Riviera Travel, which analysed the number of Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning wines, vineyards, and organised food and wine tours, several European cities stand out as the most attractive destinations for food and wine lovers in 2026.
Unsurprisingly, Paris tops the list. The French capital achieved an almost perfect score thanks to its extraordinary culinary scene, boasting an impressive 519 Michelin-starred restaurants, while France itself is home to more than 51,700 award-winning wines. Whether enjoying a glass of wine on a terrace in Montmartre or starting the day with a buttery croissant from one of the city's celebrated bakeries, Paris continues to prove why it has long been regarded as one of the world's foremost culinary capitals.
Second place goes to Milan, a city renowned not only for fashion and design but also for exceptional gastronomy. One particularly remarkable statistic is that Milan offers 688 organised food tours—the highest number among all the cities included in the study—alongside 130 Michelin-starred restaurants. Beyond its fine dining establishments, the city is celebrated for its vibrant cocktail and wine scene, hidden culinary gems, and rich Italian gastronomic traditions.
Italy is undoubtedly the biggest winner of the survey. Rome and Naples rank third and fourth respectively—two cities whose culinary traditions have attracted millions of visitors for decades. Authentic pasta, Neapolitan pizza, outstanding wines, and an exceptional culinary heritage are just some of the reasons why Italy continues to dominate Europe's gastronomic landscape.
The Top 10 also includes Madrid, Florence, Venice, Lisbon, Verona, and Nice, demonstrating that Europe's culinary scene has never been more diverse.
According to Riviera Travel's experts, food and wine have become one of the primary factors influencing destination choice, particularly during the summer months, when city terraces, restaurants, and vineyards are at their very best. While Paris leads this year's ranking, the presence of six Italian cities in the Top 10 confirms that Italy remains an essential destination for anyone passionate about exceptional cuisine and fine wine.
Top 10 European Food & Wine Destinations for 2026
1. Paris, France
2. Milan, Italy
3. Rome, Italy
4. Naples, Italy
5. Madrid, Spain
6. Florence, Italy
7. Venice, Italy
8. Lisbon, Portugal
9. Verona, Italy
10. Nice, France
