TripAdvisor Data reveals France’s best international eateries for visiting football fans

As football fans flock to France for the highly anticipated Euros this summer, their culinary journey promises to be as thrilling as the matches themselves. The travel experts at European Waterways analysednearly 100,000 TripAdvisor restaurant reviews from popular tourist destinations throughout the UK and Europe, ranking cuisines by the percentage of five-star restaurants.

The findings reveal a delightful array of international flavours that have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of the French.

Berlin: Irish, 50% of restaurants rated 5-star

Cologne: British, 33.33% of restaurants rated 5-star

Munich: Italian, 58.84% of restaurants rated 5-star

Dresden: Turkish, 26.67% of restaurants rated 5-star

Frankfurt: Belgian, 50% of restaurants rated 5-star

Stuttgart: Greek, 100% of restaurants rated 5-star

Dusseldorf: French, 22.86% of restaurants rated 5-star

Hamburg: Polish, 33.33% of restaurants rated 5-star

Fussen: Italian, 5.71% of restaurants rated 5-star

Heidelberg: 25% of restaurants rated 5-star

Berlin: A Taste of the Emerald Isle Berlin has embraced Irish cuisine with open arms, with an impressive 50% of its Irish restaurants receiving five-star ratings. Visitors can indulge in hearty stews, tender corned beef, and the ever-popular fish and chips, all while enjoying the warm, welcoming atmosphere characteristic of Irish hospitality.

Cologne: A Bit of Britain Cologne’s culinary scene shines with British charm, where 33.33% of British restaurants boast five-star ratings. From savoury pies to classic roast dinners, travellers can enjoy a taste of home or explore new favourites, all while basking in the rich history and vibrant culture of this German city.

Munich: Italian Indulgence In Munich, Italian cuisine reigns supreme, with a staggering 58.84% of Italian restaurants earning five-star accolades. Visitors can savour the authentic flavours of Italy, from mouthwatering pasta dishes to delectable pizzas, all crafted with the finest ingredients and a passion for culinary excellence.

Dresden: Turkish Delights Dresden offers a feast for the senses with its Turkish cuisine, where 26.67% of Turkish restaurants are rated five-star. Travellers can explore the rich, aromatic dishes that define Turkish cooking, from succulent kebabs to sweet baklava, each bite a journey to the heart of Istanbul.

Frankfurt: Belgian Brilliance Belgian cuisine has found a home in Frankfurt, with half of its Belgian restaurants receiving top ratings. Visitors can indulge in gourmet waffles, savoury mussels, and rich chocolates, experiencing the best of Belgian culinary traditions in the heart of Germany.

Stuttgart: Greek Grandeur Stuttgart’s Greek restaurants are in a league of their own, with an astounding 100% five-star rating. Travellers can enjoy the vibrant flavours of Greece, from fresh tzatziki and tangy feta to perfectly grilled meats, all while soaking in the warm, Mediterranean ambiance.

Dusseldorf: French Finesse In a delightful twist, Dusseldorf has embraced French cuisine, with 22.86% of its French restaurants earning five-star reviews. Visitors can enjoy the sophisticated flavours of France, from buttery croissants to rich coq au vin, all without leaving the city.

Hamburg: Polish Perfection Hamburg’s Polish restaurants shine with a 33.33% five-star rating, offering visitors a taste of Poland’s hearty and comforting dishes. From pierogi to kielbasa, each meal is a celebration of Poland’s rich culinary heritage.

Fussen: Italian Gems While Fussen may have fewer five-star Italian restaurants (5.71%), those that do stand out offer a truly exceptional dining experience. Travellers can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine amidst the charming, picturesque setting of this Bavarian town.

Heidelberg: A Culinary Melting Pot Heidelberg, with 25% of its restaurants rated five-star, presents a diverse culinary landscape for travellers to explore. Whether seeking local delicacies or international flavours, visitors are sure to find a dining experience that delights and surprises.

Below, travel expert and owner of European Waterways Maryanne Sparkes provides top tips on choosing the best restaurant when away from home:

Avoid persuasive greeters

“Be wary of restaurants where someone is actively trying to lure you in from the street. It can be difficult to say no, but quality establishments usually do not need to employ aggressive tactics to attract customers.”

Check local reviews and forums 

“Use local review sites and forums, like TripAdvisor or Yelp, but focus on reviews from locals as opposed to from tourists. Local diners often have a better sense of which establishments truly represent good quality and authentic cuisine.”

Pay attention to locally sourced ingredients 

“A menu which features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients is typically a sign that a restaurant offers more flavourful and authentic dishes. Look out for fresh seafood and locally sourced meat and vegetables.”

Look out for the locals 

“Before choosing a restaurant, it’s important to do some window shopping. If the restaurant is filled with locals, it’s typically a good sign. Locals usually know the best spots and are less likely to frequent tourist traps.

“Likewise, ask for recommendations from the locals. If you’re staying at a bed and breakfast, ask the staff where they like to eat. They might be able to point you in the direction of a hidden gem.”

Prioritise restaurants with fewer dishes on the menu 

“A menu with fewer ingredients often indicates that the restaurant focuses on quality over quantity. Usually, in these kinds of restaurants, dishes are fresh and made to order.”

So, next time you’re in a major UK city, ditch the guidebook and follow the locals’ lead. You might just discover a hidden gem serving up flavours that’ll tantalise your taste buds!