Rick Steves Exposes The Telltale Signs That You've Found An Authentic Restaurant While In Europe

If anyone knows how to travel Europe with intention — and a healthy appetite — it's Rick Steves. The beloved travel expert, guidebook author, and TV host has spent decades helping curious travelers explore the continent beyond the postcard spots. His advice is rooted in cultural connection, thoughtful exploration, and yes, eating like a local. So when he offers restaurant wisdom, it's worth taking notes.

You don't need to spend hours scrolling reviews or checking for Michelin stars to find a memorable meal in Europe. According to Steves, the surest way to know you've found an authentic spot to eat is by looking at the menu. If it's handwritten, short, and in the local language, you've likely stumbled onto something special.

Local restaurants with a simple menu usually opt for fare that's fresh and seasonal, not what's safe and expected. There are no laminated tourist menus or carbon-copy dishes; just treasured, traditional food that reflects the region. Whether it's a steamy bowl of market-fresh bouillabaisse or a rustic plate of truffle pasta, these under-the-tourist-radar places are where memories (and flavors) stick with you.

Look past the polished façades like Rick Steves' suggests, and you'll spot Europe's real food havens: humble joints buzzing with local chatter, a handwritten menu in the regional dialect, and dishes born straight from the morning's market haul. Steves believes travelers connect more deeply when their meals reflect the culture around them, finding a harmonious blend of culture and good eats. At tucked-away eateries away from popular attractions, you're closer to the kitchen and further from the beaten path. In these quaint gems, it's not unusual to find yourself chatting with the chef about seasonal ingredients and unique flavors while enjoying a fresh, market-driven menu.

Steves suggests learning some basic responses to dine politely. Feeling adventurous? Ask the chef to decide your meal or simply follow the locals' lead. English won't always help here, and that's exactly why the experience feels homegrown. Your meal will feel more authentic when you brush up on common phrases and really dine like a local to deepen the experience. Learn a handful of regional words or simply ask for the "plate of the day" to dive into fresh, native tastes. Some areas, like Italy and France, have their own set of coffee etiquette secrets, so picking up a handful of local phrases and manners can open the door to meals shared with those who truly know the place and help you blend in while doing so.