Europe’s 5 most expensive countries for dining out in 2026

Europe’s priciest dining destinations in 2026 – how much will your holiday dinner really cost?

• Switzerland tops Europe for most expensive three-course dinners
• Denmark, Luxembourg, and Norway also rank among priciest spots
• Dining costs signal overall travel expenses in these countries

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Ever wondered how much a “nice dinner for two” really costs in Europe’s most luxurious dining destinations? If you’ve dreamt of sipping wine in a quaint European bistro, the bill might make you do a double take. While sampling local cuisine is an essential part of any holiday, some countries will leave your wallet considerably lighter than others.

According to Ferry GoGo, a ferry comparison site tracking holiday costs across Europe, the priciest dining experiences cluster in North-West Europe—with Switzerland comfortably claiming the crown. Their 2026 research examines the average price of a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks), giving travellers a practical snapshot of where your budget will stretch—or stretch thin.

A proper holiday moment might be sitting down somewhere charming, ordering three courses, and pretending this is your Tuesday ritual. But in Europe, that same “nice dinner for two” can range from as little as £17.35 (€20.00) in budget-friendly countries to over £139.56 (€160.86) in the priciest destinations. Same idea, very different bill.

Dining out can also act as a barometer for overall travel costs. If a mid-range three-course meal is expensive, chances are that coffees, drinks, and even accommodation will follow suit. Ferry GoGo’s interactive 2026 map lets travellers hover over countries to see average prices, helping plan smarter holidays.

Here’s a look at the five most expensive European countries for dining out in 2026, based on mid-range restaurant prices for a three-course dinner for two (excluding drinks):

Image: Canva

1. Switzerland – €107.24 (£93.04)

Switzerland continues to dominate Europe’s dining cost charts. From Zurich’s upscale restaurants to Geneva’s Michelin-starred gems, expect to pay a premium for beautifully prepared Swiss classics. Dining here is an experience—but one that comes with a steep price tag.

Foods to try: Raclette is a must, with melted cheese served alongside potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. Fondue is another iconic dish, perfect for dipping bread and vegetables into bubbling cheese. For meat lovers, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes—tender veal strips in a creamy mushroom sauce—is a Zurich specialty. And of course, Swiss chocolate and pastries, including pralines and truffles, are a sweet highlight not to be missed.

2. Denmark – €93.69 (£81.29)

Copenhagen’s world-class culinary scene makes Denmark a hotspot for food lovers willing to splurge. Renowned for innovative Nordic cuisine, the city’s mid-range restaurants still command prices that place it among Europe’s most expensive dining destinations.

Foods to try: Start with smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches topped with pickled herring, roast beef, or smoked salmon. Frikadeller, Danish meatballs with potatoes and gravy, are perfect for a hearty lunch. For dessert, don’t miss rødgrød med fløde, a red berry pudding served with cream. Seafood lovers will enjoy Nordic fish platters, with fresh catches from Copenhagen’s harbours adding a local twist to any meal.

3. Luxembourg – €90.00 (£78.08)

Tiny but affluent, Luxembourg offers a surprisingly high-end dining scene. Its mix of French, German, and local cuisines means that even a casual meal can cost significantly more than in neighbouring countries, though the quality of ingredients and presentation is rarely in question.

Foods to try: The national dish Judd mat Gaardebounen, smoked pork collar with broad beans, is a must. Traditional bouneschlupp, a green bean soup with potatoes and bacon, warms you up on a chilly day. Gromperekichelcher, crispy potato fritters, are perfect as a snack or side. For dessert, quetschentaart, a plum tart, offers a sweet finish to your meal.

4. Norway – €89.86 (£77.96)

Norway’s stunning fjords and scenic beauty come at a cost—literally. Oslo and Bergen are home to restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes, but expect prices that reflect both high living costs and meticulous preparation.

Foods to try: Adventurous eaters should try rakfisk, fermented trout served with flatbread, or lutefisk, dried whitefish rehydrated in lye, often enjoyed during festive seasons. For a more classic taste of Norway, fårikål, a lamb and cabbage stew, is the country’s national dish. Seafood lovers will find fresh salmon, cod, and shrimp dishes abundant in coastal towns, providing both flavour and a true taste of Norway.

5. Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, Belgium – ~€80.00 (£69.41)

Rounding out the top five are countries where mid-range meals for two hover around €80. Amsterdam, Dublin, Helsinki, and Brussels each offer rich culinary experiences, but don’t expect bargains on three-course dinners.

Netherlands: Try Dutch pancakes, crispy bitterballen, and fresh herring with onions for an authentic experience.

Ireland: Classic dishes include Irish stew, boxty (potato pancakes), soda bread, and hearty seafood chowder.

Finland: Don’t miss karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty), salmon soup, and traditional reindeer dishes.

Belgium: Moules-frites (mussels with fries), Belgian waffles, stoofvlees (beef stew with beer), and pralines highlight Belgium’s rich culinary scene.

Image: Canva

Why This Matters for Travellers

Tracking dining prices isn’t just about knowing what to spend on food—it’s a lens into overall holiday affordability. If a three-course dinner is steep, daily expenses, entertainment, and even lodging are likely to follow the same pattern. Smart travellers use such data to plan budgets, pick destinations, and decide where to splurge and where to save.

Pro tip: Prices are averages. Always check official travel advisories and local conditions before booking, as economic changes, tourism trends, and seasonal demand can affect actual costs.