Budapest in Hungary has been crowned the leading European destination for authentic cuisine, according to research by Saga Holidays. The city achieved an impressive score of 98 out of 100 and is renowned for dishes such as goulash and traditional street food like lángos, a deep-fried flatbread served with sour cream and cheese. Other local fare includes Kolbász, a Hungarian sausage that can be found smoked, cured, or fried at local markets, and Halászlé, a fiery, paprika-rich river fish soup traditionally cooked in a cauldron over an open flame.
Methodology
To assist holidaymakers in finding great dining experiences, Saga Holidays carried out research to reveal Europe's most authentic culinary destinations. The team examined 5,000 restaurants spanning 125 European cities by analysing Google review data to monitor how frequently diners described restaurants and dishes as "authentic".
Alison Porter, Product Manager at Saga Holidays, said: "Authentic restaurants often have menus only in the local language with minimal English; you'll see plenty of locals dining there, and they'll also have seasonal specials that change regularly. These spots are usually tucked away on side streets away from the main tourist areas, and the staff may seem genuinely surprised but pleased to see tourists."
Top 10 European Cities for Food in 2026
- Budapest, Hungary - 98
- Piraeus, Greece - 97
- Athens, Greece - 96
- Vienna, Austria - 94
- Krakow, Poland - 92
- Prague, Czech - 90
- Valletta, Malta - 89
- Warsaw, Poland - 88
- Munich, Germany - 84
- Milan, Italy - 81
Taking second place is Piraeus, Greece's largest port, which is renowned for its abundant fresh seafood. Piraeus narrowly missed out on claiming the top spot, scoring an impressive 97 out of 100. Completing the top three is Athens, which scored 96 out of 100 and is famed for beloved dishes such as gyros and souvlaki.
