Felicity Long
For a lot of us, a big part of Europe's appeal is its devotion to the culinary arts, whether it be fine dining, casual bistros or even open-market food stalls.
But while certain destinations tend to hog the limelight when it comes to pleasing the palate — Copenhagen and Lyon, France, being notable examples — less obvious cities and towns are looking to muscle their way onto the international stage.
Take Zurich. When it comes to dining there, what springs to mind? If you said cheese fondue and chocolate, you wouldn't be alone. Actually, Zurich, a city traditionally known more as a financial center than a foodie hot spot, offers a surprisingly appealing menu of dining options.
For one thing, there are 17 Michelin-starred restaurants in Zurich, including its most famous, The Restaurant at Dolder Grand, which combines gastronomy with a serious commitment to sustainability and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Meanwhile, the Widder Restaurant focuses on French-inspired haute cuisine in a medieval setting, overseen by Michelin-star chef Stefan Heilemann.
Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty of options, including Haus Hiltl, holder of a Guinness World Record as the world's longest-running vegetarian restaurant (since 1898).
Fans of plant-based "meat" can sample the much-vaunted vegan steak, created by Planted, a Zurich-based startup, at Gartenhof restaurant.
Carnivores, on the other hand, can combine twin passions for a juicy steak with fine art at Kronenhalle, where they can tuck into a Chateaubriand tenderloin or a veal fillet in a dining room adorned with original art by Picasso and Chagall.
Or ditch the elaborate dining experience altogether for one of the city's food markets, including the Markthalle im Viadukt, which boasts more venues than visitors could navigate in a day. Offerings include everything from Japanese specialties to British pies, along with a robust selection of local cuisine. The market also features shops and culture events.