The Luxury Travel Bible has always loved the romance and glamour of train travel of a bygone age. 

It might be surprising that even today some of the best foodie experiences in Europe can be found at major train stations. Located in stunning architecture, these hubs have upped their culinary game over the years to provide travellers a scrumptious arrival and/or departure souvenir.

Our friends at Rail Europe have selected what they think are the best of the best. Rail Europe is a global reference brand for European train booking who have been the trusted partner of the travel industry and train operators for 90 years (sell around 5 million European train tickets every year). 

These are the places that every foodie needs to visit when exploring Europe. 

Le Train Bleu, Gare de Lyon, Paris
Featured in numerous movies including Nikita and Place Vendôme, Le Train Bleu is an ode to the original Train Bleu (otherwise known as the Calais-Mediterranée Express) that once served towns along the French Riviera. With a delectable menu, decadent surrounds and impressive halls (some even listed as historical monuments), it comes as no surprise that many a well-known and well-heeled dine here. 

1e Klas, Centraal Station, Amsterdam
For an unbeatable first-class dining experience in Amsterdam, the Grand Café Restaurant 1e Klas on Platform 2 of the Amsterdam Centraal Station offers an extensive menu with quick turnarounds. Delight in options from the general à la carte menu, the croquette and bitterbal tasting or high tea. Patrons will appreciate that the restaurant has preserved its original look and elegant style of the early 19th century.

No round-up of train station restaurants would be complete without this effervescent venue. On the upper concourse of the station is Searcy's Champagne Bar, the perfect place for a refreshments to start or end any train journey. Across from the champagne bar is the Grand Brasserie, an elegant eatery that merges the old-fashioned glamour of train travel with a modern British menu. Patrons are also treated to some jazz on Friday and Sunday evenings.

Another venue at St Pancras and adjoining the magnificently restored St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is the Booking Office Bar and Restaurant, which brilliantly captures the romance of the railways. Set in the historic former ticket office, the rich details of the building are made more majestic by its high ceilings; while its extensive cocktail menu celebrates and reimagines lost recipes from its Victorian past. Their popular afternoon tea service that comes with a classic selection of teas, finger sandwiches and decadent pastries are not to be missed.

La Mundana, Estación Barcelona-Sants, Barcelona
A Bib Gourmand recipient in 2023, La Mundana serves up masterful takes on Spanish, Japanese, French and other European classics in tapa form. The surprise lies in the restaurant’s welcoming, or as their team describes it, "unpretentious," fine dining experience. Patrons will enjoy elevated dishes that are artistically plated. With a reasonable price point and proximity to Barcelona’s Sants station, reservations are advised to avoid disappointment.

La Brasserie de la Gare Brussels Midi, Brussels
With the Michelin Guide’s stamp of approval, La Brasserie de la Gare makes a little nod to its prime location next to the bustling Midi station by featuring old train lanterns, train timetables and railway workers’ hats around the restaurant. The paintings adorning the walls painted by Paul Vankueken, the restaurant owner’s father add to theme. Food served include traditional Belgian classics such as shrimp croquettes, steak and dame blanche.

All’Antico Vinaio: Stazione Centrale, Milan
For anyone who gets their foodie tips from TikTok, then All’Antico Vinaio comes highly rated. Videos of the owner passionately crafting double-decker Italian subs with the freshest ingredients gone viral on social media has caused quite the queue at this sandwich stop in Milan’s Stazione Centrale. Made using the freshest schiacciata bread, popular options include the ‘Favolosa’ sandwich, which is stacked with Sbriciolona salami, pecorino cheese, artichoke spread and spicy eggplants. 

An authentic brasserie experience right next to the terminal, this offers a great option for travellers transiting in Paris before jumping onto their next train. Offering the taste of a traditional brasserie i.e. the likes of escargot, mussels and fries, coq au vin and crème brûlée one might even learn about celebrities and legends who have dined at the Terminus.

Luxury Link:  www.raileurope.com