Where is it cheapest to have dinner in Europe? The ranking that surprises travellers

Going out for dinner in Europe can cost a fortune or be an affordable pleasure. A new ranking reveals the cheapest and most expensive countries for eating out. Kosovo tops the list for low prices. Switzerland is the most expensive. Discover the details and how this affects those planning getaways from Barcelona.

Those who live in Barcelona and dream of a European getaway know that the budget for eating out can make the difference between a relaxed trip and one full of unwelcome surprises. Now, a new ranking puts concrete figures on that feeling: the cost of dinner for two varies by as much as fivefold depending on the country you choose for your next adventure.

The ranking, drawn up from the average price of a three-course dinner in mid-range restaurants, places Kosovo as Europe's most affordable destination for enjoying local cuisine. There, a full meal for two barely exceeds €20. North Macedonia and Moldova follow on the list, with prices of around €24 and €30 respectively. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia complete the top five countries where going out for dinner does not empty your wallet.

At the opposite end, Switzerland is established as the most expensive country for those seeking a dining experience away from home. A similar dinner in a Swiss restaurant can reach €107, a figure four times the cost of dining in Kosovo. Denmark and Luxembourg are not far behind either, with prices above €90. Norway and a group made up of the Netherlands, Ireland, Finland and Belgium round off the ranking of destinations least kind to diners' wallets.

Beyond the prices, the gastronomic experience in these countries also varies. In Kosovo, for example, flija — a layered pie of crêpes with yoghurt, butter and cheese — is the star dish, accompanied by stuffed peppers, pickled vegetables and the ever-present baklava. Macchiato coffees, famous in the region, complete the offering for those looking for more than a simple dinner.