Dinner for Two in Europe: where it’s a steal (and where it’s not)

Update: see our latest 2026 dinner price research

This article is an older edition of our European dinner price research. We keep these earlier studies online so readers can compare how restaurant prices have changed over time.

For the newest figures, see our 2026 dinner price map. In the latest edition, we compare the average cost of a three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant across Europe, excluding drinks.

• Cheapest country in the 2026 data: Kosovo, at about £17.35 / €20.00 for two.
• Best-value mainstream holiday picks: Portugal, Spain, Greece, Albania and Montenegro.
• Most expensive country average: Switzerland, at about £93.04 / €107.24 for two.
• Priciest cities: Lugano and Zug, where dinner for two reaches about £139.56 / €160.86.

The older figures below are still useful as a historical snapshot, but the 2026 article is the best place to start if you are planning a trip now.

View the latest 2026 dinner price map

Each year at Ferrygogo, we dive into a range of studies around the total cost of a holiday. That includes the price of ferry crossings across Europe, of course, but we also dig into all sorts of other holiday expenses, like how much you'll be shelling out at local restaurants.

The idea? This is to give you a clearer picture of what your holiday will really cost once you’re there. Because it’s no good scoring a cheap flight or ferry, only to find out that the accommodation, car hire and eating out are eye-wateringly expensive.

As part of our ongoing series on holiday costs, we’ve once again looked into how much you'll pay for a dinner for two in Europe in 2025. We've mapped out the average cost per country, listed the priciest cities, and highlighted a few popular spots where you can still enjoy a nice meal without breaking the bank.

Right then, let’s take a look at the 2025 prices. The map below shows what a dinner for two will set you back per country:

You can also browse restaurant prices by country in the table just below.

Iceland (1st), Switzerland (2nd) and Denmark (3rd) are at the top end of the price range, while places like Croatia, Spain, and Portugal remain popular and reasonably priced. There's still a noticeable north-south divide when it comes to eating out in Europe. Among the more traditional holiday destinations, countries like Croatia (£50), Greece (£42), Spain (£42), and Portugal (£38) are still very affordable. Meanwhile, all the countries in the top 10 most expensive list are in northwestern Europe, with Iceland as the most expensive, followed by Switzerland and Denmark. That said, prices in Denmark have dipped a bit compared to last year. Across the board, though, prices have generally gone up.

Central and Eastern Europe: Bargain meals, lesser-known destinations

The cheapest countries can be found in Central and Southeastern Europe—but they’re not necessarily top of the list for holidaymakers (yet). For example, you can get a proper three-course dinner for two in North Macedonia for just £21. Albania is also becoming increasingly popular, with average dinner prices about the same as in Portugal (£38).

Zooming in: Expensive cities vs. budget-friendly alternatives

Looking at specific cities, the most expensive ones are (surprise!) in Switzerland and Iceland. Basel takes the crown at £112 for dinner, followed by Reykjavik (£109) and Zurich (£108). Amsterdam misses the top 10 but is more expensive than London and Stockholm based on our data.

More importantly: where to eat well for less

For our list of more affordable cities, we focused on popular holiday spots and city break destinations that people might want to visit. These aren’t necessarily the absolute cheapest, but they’re great value for money.

Spain still stands out with its relatively low prices compared to Europe’s pricier cities. In Seville, for instance, you’ll only pay £34, while in Valencia and Malaga you're looking at around £42 for two. Portugal also does well—expect to spend between £42 and £46 in places like Porto and Lisbon. The real winner? Skopje, where a three-course dinner for two comes in at under £25.

Steep price rises in Italy, Albania and Montenegro

Compared to last year, prices in Italy, Albania, and Montenegro have risen noticeably. Still, they’re among the more affordable destinations overall.

This document contains all the price data. If you're curious about the figures from 2024, you can check them out.