Europe's Most Beautiful Historic Restaurants

Feast For The Senses

We sometimes consume more with our eyes than with our palates, as the saying goes. Many restaurants in Europe have been welcoming patrons for decades or even centuries, during which time they have feasted. These are the most stunning old restaurants in Europe, ranging from lavish dining halls suited for a king or queen to brasseries with more rustic charms.

La Campana, Rome, Italy

La Campana may not be as ostentatious as other of the locations on our list, but even in its most basic form, it is exquisite. The oldest restaurant in Rome was one of filmmaker Federico Fellini's favorite places in the 1960s. It was first built in 1518 as an inn for forestieri, meaning foreigners or out-of-town tourists. Not much has changed, including the menu of classic Roman fare, the wood-framed alcoves, the immaculate tablecloths, and the flawless service. The Pantheon and Piazza Navona are only a short stroll away, making the setting even more amazing.

Haci Abdullah, Istanbul, Turkey

A preview of what is to come can be seen in Haci Abdullah's window display, which consists of rows of jars packed with preserved vegetables, pickles, chickpeas, olives, and dried fruits. These foods are as aesthetically pleasing as they are delicious when combined in traditional recipes and rich sweets. Featuring a luxurious décor with maroon walls, tulip patterns, a gilded imperial seal, and an exquisite stained-glass dome, the restaurant first opened its doors in 1888.

Zur Letzten Instanz, Berlin, Germany

Constructed in 1621, Zur Letzten Instanz is the oldest restaurant in Berlin, skillfully fusing modern and historical elements throughout. With wooden shutters and lights on either side of the entrance, the façade is a tasteful interpretation of a traditional medieval inn. Modernized German classics prepared with fresh, in-season ingredients are offered on the menu as well. The interior design showcases sleek, elegant lines together with rich historical nuances like wood carvings. The courtyard is also really lovely, with tables shaded by trees and lighted at night by paper lanterns.

Brasserie Georges, Lyon, France

The decor of Brasserie Georges, which is located just behind Lyon's main Perrache station, has a style reminiscent of an opulent train station from the 1930s. There are other dining rooms in the Art Deco style, all equally as timeless and exquisite as the others, with walls covered in old posters, bronze sculptures, and deep red hues. The tables are also covered in clean white linens.

Ristorante Buca San Giovanni, Florence, Italy

When Ristorante Buca San Giovanni moved into this Florence property in 1882, centuries had already put their mark on it. Originally built as a church in the fourteenth century, there are rumors that the Rosa Croce (or Rose Cross) society, a shadowy medieval religious order, had meetings in the crypt. The restaurant gracefully integrates into its opulent, historic setting, presenting traditional Tuscan fare beneath low, arched stone ceilings and the watchful eyes of religious statuary.

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Restaurant u Maliru 1543, Prague, Czechia

Restaurant u Malířů 1543 has a long and rich history dating back many centuries. Known as 'u Malířů' or 'at the painters', it was acquired by painter Šic in 1543 and was affixed to the rampart of a Maltese church and monastery. Since the early 19th century, it has been a well-liked meeting place, and because of its appeal to financially constrained artists, the walls are covered in paintings that are presented as payment. Renovated, the restaurant has a dining area with antique fireplaces, rich wood paneling, soft carpets, high ceilings with frescoes, and modern Czech cuisine with French influences.

Old Commercial Room, Hamburg, Germany

The Old Commercial Room, which has been located next from St. Michaelis Kirche since 1795, has served a wide range of well-known guests, including Andy Warhol, George Clooney, Vladimir Putin, and Sting. The interior design of the restaurant is equally varied, combining elements of a trendy, bright-white room with walls of contemporary, colorful art and a historic pub with gilded lettering on the windows and mirrors. The food is focused on regional specialties.

La Couronne, Rouen, France

Parchment documents date the traditional fine-dining establishment La Couronne to at least 1345, making it the oldest continuously running inn in France. Every inch of wood paneling and every tablecloth exudes history in an undeniable way. A collection of autographed pictures from notable visitors throughout the years features everyone from Brigitte Bardot, the actress, to Salvador Dali, the surrealist artist and a fan of the Rouen-style duck. The menu elevates classic Normandy cuisine with contemporary methods and flare, maintaining an elegance that is consistent with the décor.

The Ivy, London, England, UK

Even though Ivy restaurants can now be found all over the world, the original is undoubtedly the greatest and most exquisite. Originally operating as an unauthorized Italian café in 1917, it relocated to its present, bigger location in 1929 and has since become a favorite among the theater community (regulars include Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward). The menu now features Asian-inspired dishes in addition to the restaurant's popular classic British fare, such as shepherd's pie. The decor is a marvel of Art Deco design, with tables grouped around the magnificent central bar.