Feeling hungry before a long train ride is common, but where can you stop to replenish your energy?
The days when your options for a pre-train journey snack were limited to a burger or a packet of crisps are no longer in the past, thanks to the numerous excellent restaurants now open in Europe's busiest train stations.
From London to Paris and Amsterdam to Stockholm, Euronews Travel is on its way to bring you the finest culinary experiences at railway stations.
Bookings Office, 1869, London, UK
ticket office.
In 2021, French architect Hugo Toro reimagined the space, drawing inspiration from a traditional Victorian-style winter garden. The space is characterized by large palm trees and plant-patterned chandeliers, each featuring 275 intricately hand-cut brass leaves. Other notable features include the deliberately exposed brickwork and a 22-metre bar crafted from marble and walnut.
A charcuterie board is an ideal option for lunch.
The Blue Train, Paris, France
The train station was established in 1901, when the former French president Emile Loubet inaugurated it.
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The walls are adorned with priceless watercolour paintings and the atmosphere is amplified by luxurious elements such as chandeliers, gilt-framed mirrors, frescos, and leather banquettes.
When it comes to the food, expect refined interpretations of French classics – there’s a delectable Provençal-style octopus stew, although one of the most popular dishes is the carvery-style roasted leg of lamb, carved tableside.
Wagon Restaurant, Athens, Greece
This project, now in its’ fabulous form, a restaurant - and has transformed them into a cultural center that also features a theater and a bar.
Ligari's inspiration came from the famous train theatre mentioned in Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days" and, fittingly, many of the dishes are inspired by cuisines from around the world. We suggest trying the slow-cooked veal with rigatoni, rich tomato sauce, warm spices like cinnamon and allspice, and a touch of red pepper.
Luzette, Stockholm, Sweden
Including replicas of the original lamps that lit up the station in the 1920s.
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Specialties of seafood and seasonal cuisine are served here, with almost all dishes coming from local suppliers, and the restaurant also has its own fishing boat.
Grand Café Restaurant 1e Klas, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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The temperature was adjusted according to the preferred British Conditions.
Be on the lookout for the restaurant's rather distinctive mascot, a white cockatoo named Elvis, who often sits at the bar and enjoys rocking out with a headbanging session.
The menu is a diverse collection of options, ranging from high-quality burgers to omelettes, showcasing a culinary variety that includes an especially popular item: the smoked raw beef sausage.
A restaurant named after the Tsar, located in Białowieża, Poland.
The railway station where this restaurant is situated is no longer in service, but due to its proximity to the tracks, which is highly desirable for diners, this may be a blessing in disguise.
Constructed in 1903 at the behest of Tsar Alexander III, who had selected Białowieża as the site for his expansive hunting reserves - and wolves can be seen here to this day.
All the original features, such as intricately decorated stucco, wooden floors, and terracotta trim, have been meticulously maintained.
The menu is primarily composed of local specialties, highlighting a particularly delicious deer tenderloin steak served with a savory mixture of mushrooms and fresh horseradish.
The Counter, Zurich, Switzerland
The city's main railway station.
This top-notch restaurant, located in the heart of the station, has an intimate feel despite its central location. It accommodates just 23 people in a secluded space.
The minimalist decor, enlightened by pendant lights suspended from the ceiling, guarantees that the attention stays firmly on the food.
It's not cheap – the lunch tasting menu starts at 195 francs (approximately 208 euros) – but then again, this isn't your average train station food option. Highlights, especially for those with a sweet tooth, include the bite-sized meringue with cherry and fennel.
Platform Restaurant, Dorset, UK
, southern England.
It closed in the 1930s, not that you'd notice – you'll find Platform inside one of several restored railway carriages, including Brunel, which was built in 1911.
is famous for.
For a pre-dinner drink, visit the Beeching, a lovely carriage dating back to 1958.
