European Dining in North America

Europe is a cultural melting pot of languages, arts, and traditions – but nothing quite captures the flavor of Europe quite like the European dishes. Today, cities across the USA and Canada provide a stunning array of European-infused dining experiences, which is why we’ve created a guide to the best cities where you can get a taste of Europe in North America. 

Get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary journey through cities in North America that share a deep-rooted cultural connection to Europe. Join us as we explore these European urban gems, where you can savor the authentic flavors of Italian, French, and German cuisine, enhancing your city experience. 

Italian Food in Chicago, Illinois 

It’s a well-celebrated fact that Chicago is home to a thriving Italian-American community, which has helped shape this great city’s cultural heritage. This can be seen in Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene and our first stop on our tour of a taste of Europe in North America. 

As a European cuisine hub, Chicago has embraced its passion for Italian food, and legend has it, there is an Italian restaurant on every block. However, if you’re in town and want to appreciate the delights of Italy – our first recommendation is Osteria Langhe Restaurant. Here, you can celebrate its legacy of fine wine and cuisine from the Piemonte region in Italy’s northwest. Another must for a genuine Italian dining experience is the incredible Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, where you can enjoy their delicious Italian pasta and handmade pizza paired with aromatic wines from across Italy

Extend your stay and experience a little taste of Italy in Chicago, Illinois, when you book ahead at the ACME Hotel Company Chicago. 

French Cuisine in Quebec City, Quebec 

We head north of the border next to Quebec City in Canada, the largest French-speaking province of Quebec. Once a French colony, Quebec City still observes and nurtures its historical and cultural connection to France; and the shared love of French food. 

Rich in flavor and culinary tradition, Quebec City’s French cuisine is a masterclass for visitors searching for a taste of Europe in North America. Two classic examples of this can be found in the heart of the city, the first of which is Le Saint-Amour Restaurant, where you can enjoy quality French dishes while dining in the lavish interior courtyard. If you’re a fan of the Rioux region in France, head to the wonderful Rioux & Pettigrew Restaurant, which offers a modern take on this area’s contribution to timeless European dishes. 

When you stay in Quebec City, it feels like you’re visiting Paris, so have a ‘bonne nuit’ (good night) sleep every night at the beautiful Best Western Premier Hotel Aristocrate in Quebec City, Canada. 

British Grub in Boston, Massachusetts 

Renowned for its crucial role in the events leading up to the American Revolution and the rebellion against British taxation – Boston, Massachusetts, has never completely severed its connections with Britain. Despite the Boston Tea Party in 1773, where the contents of tea were thrown into Boston Harbour in protest, the city still showcases its British architecture and cultural past as you walk around town. 

Boston is a prime location to try Britain’s contribution to European dining on our journey to discover a taste of Europe in North America. Our first recommendation is Cornwall’s, a British pub where guests can try culinary classics such as ‘Bangers & Mash’ and ‘Shepherds Pie.’ Our second suggestion when you’re in Boston is to enjoy a dish of ‘Fish & Chips’ at The Haven, which keeps to its Scottish establishment theme by also offering patrons its tasty ‘Haven Haggis.’ 

Explore Boston and immerse yourself in the city’s cultural roots of its British ancestry, and doze off every night in peace at the delightful Best Western Braintree Inn in Braintree, Massachusetts.

German Fare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

You might not know this, but Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has one of the largest German communities in North America, thanks to its popularity with German immigrants in the 19th century. Today, Milwaukee maintains a strong connection to the German culture, whose influence can be seen in the city’s architecture, traditions, and a fantastic venue to experience a taste of Europe in North America with its love of German food.

Our first stop has to be the award-winning Mader’s, which fully embraces its German heritage. Here, you can savor classic dishes, including ‘Sauerbraten’ (sour roast) and authentic ‘Bavarian Weisswurst’ (flavored sausage), and a Pretzel, served by staff dressed in traditional German Lederhosen. Our second recommendation is the trendy historical landmark that is Kegel’s Inn, where you and your friends can enjoy a ‘Currywurst and Fries’ or a filling ‘Bratwurst Platter.’   

Milwaukee is a marvelous city to wander around and explore its deep connection to its German heritage, and be sure to book your stay at the superb Best Western Plus Milwaukee West in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Greek Dining in Tarpon Springs, Florida 

Our final destination to experience a taste of Europe in North America is the Greek enclave of Tarpon Springs, Florida. A popular settlement for Greek-Americans, as a result, the area boasts a vibrant Greek culture and traditions, with year-round events and its adopted sponge diving industry. 

The Florida climate matches the warmth of the Greek region and provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Greek community in Tarpon Springs. Our first tip for Greek-inspired European cooking sees us heading to Mr Souvlaki Restaurant, where you can experience a range of Greek cuisine, traditionally consisting of lamb, beef, and gyro, alongside its famous ‘Greek Salad.’ Alternatively, if you relish a waterfront dining experience similar to that of the Greek islands, make your way to Dimitri’s On The Water for genuine ‘Thalassina’ (Greek seafood) and eggplant-infused ‘Moussaka.’ 

Enjoy the European dining experience under the stars when you visit Tarpon Springs, and enhance your stay when you book at the Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn in nearby Dunedin, Florida.