Are you a true romantic at heart? Do you and your loved one have a passion for good food and great coffee? Then why not make your next romantic trip a foodie one in a beautiful European setting.There isn’t a more romantic place on earth than Europe. With so many beautiful places to visit, from the romantic cities of Rome, Paris and Venice to the whitewashed villages of Greece and the quaint Kentish countryside and seaside towns of the UK. For a romantic foodie experience in Europe, you really are spoilt for choice. Here are our best picks.
Coffee in Rome
Italy is one of the best places in the world to drink coffee – it’s a city that functions on caffeine! Rome also happens to be one of the most romantic cities in the world to visit. As Italy is also a favourite place for food connoisseurs, you can see why Rome is an absolute must for romantic foodie experiences.To get the most romantic coffee-drinking experience, go Roman and stand at one of the many coffee bars to get your caffeine hit (rather than sit at an outside table, which is a touristy thing to do and more expensive – it’s much more romantic to blend in with the locals).See some great tips on drinking coffee in Rome and the top cafés to visit here. In between your hits of intoxicatingly good coffee, there are plenty of romantic things to do in the city.While Romans don’t tend to get takeaway coffee, you are allowed to break the mould. An espresso on the Spanish Steps couldn’t be more romantic. Or perhaps there’s more romance to be had listening to the clinking of cups, espresso machine hisses and passionate Italian conversation. You decide.
Moules Frites
Brussels may not be top of the leader board when to comes to romantic European cities to visit. But, don’t rule this one out. Brussels is a beautiful and charming city with lots of romantic sweet spots, and it’s so easy to get to from London on the Eurostar.The Garden of Hearts at the Van Buuren Museum is probably the most romantic attraction in Brussels.When it comes to food experiences, Brussels has some amazingly good restaurants, many in idyllic settings. Two things you have to try in Brussels are Belgian beer and moules frites. See the best restaurants in Brussels to try this traditional and classic dish here. This is a moreish foodie experience not to be missed. Mussels are a known aphrodisiac and were also one of the emblems of Greek goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love!
Oyster festival in Whitstable UK
The English coast is ideal for oyster beds because of the cold water and shallow inlets and bays. Whitstable in Kent is one of England’s ancient oyster fisheries, and also happens to be a pearl in Kent’s picturesque north coast.Apparently, oyster shells found at the Colosseum in Rome have been identified as being from Whitstable, which is quite some accolade There are many places to eat oysters in England (particularly on the east coast), but Whitstable in Kent is famed for its magnificent specimens and even has an annual oyster festival.For a romantic stay in Whitstable, a series of adorable huts on the seafront are part of Hotel Continental’s offering (breakfast is served in the nearby hotel). The fish market is a five-minute stroll and the perfect place to pick up some more oysters to take home. Like mussels, oysters are known to have aphrodisiac properties too!
Decadent eating at La Maison du Caviar in Paris
A date night in Paris has to be one of the most romantic experiences out there. If you really want to dine out in Parisian style, La Maison du Caviar is the place to go. The bill may make your eyes water, but if money is no object you’ll be simply blown away by the caviar and smoked fish here.Set just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, this is sophisticated dining at a prestigious address which is sure to impress. Caviar, by the way, is considered the most luxurious aphrodisiac in the world!If your budget won’t stretch to high-end dining, Paris still has lots to offer. See some great budget options here. Remember to stay away from the regular tourist spots.If desserts and pastries are the way to your loved one’s heart, Paris is the perfect destination. Indulging a sweet tooth here is easy. For the best pastries in Paris (according to top chefs), check out this guide here.If your hotel bill has left your foodie experience budget-pinched, pick up some beautifully packaged pastries and take a stroll in one of many romantic walks in Paris.Be sure your treats are suitably wrapped as French pastries dry out quickly. And of course, be sure to pick posh packaging to impress! Boxes of light-as-a-cloud macarons can be found in abundance and are just perfect to keep your loved ones sugar cravings at bay.
Greek salad in Santorini
It doesn’t really matter where you go to in Santorini for your Greek salad, as long as you have a view. Oia is perhaps the most romantic village in Santorini. It’s picture postcard perfect, and full of delightfully cute whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. For a truly special romantic meal head for Ambrosia (it’s popular so you’ll need to book). Set on the clifftop in Oia village, it’s worth reserving a table on the terrace to enjoy a great Greek menu and watch the sun go down. This is the place to enjoy simple, delicious food, and bask in a romantic setting with one of the best views on the planet.Which of these foodie experiences has you feeling the love?
Author: Annie Button
Twitter:@anniebutton1994