Historic Michelin star restaurants in Europe: Dining through the ages

Nestled within the magnificent Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, a 17th-century building overlooking Dam Square, The White Room delivers an extraordinary culinary experience in a space rich with Amsterdam heritage. Under the direction of celebrated chef Tristan De Boer, this Michelin-starred venue balances its pristine white interior with architectural details that speak to its storied past.

Dating back to 1885 when it first welcomed diners as 'De Witte Zaal', this protected historical monument stands as Amsterdam's longest-serving restaurant in its original form. Beneath the preserved ornate ceiling, diners discover cuisine that highlights international cuisine with modern sophistication.

De Boer’s culinary philosophy looks at Amsterdam’s history as a global trade hub with insatiable ambitions through a modern lens. This is evident in signature dishes like langoustine with lovage stock, inspired by Surinamese crab soup—a flavourful combination that reflects the restaurant’s values; or the vegetarian dessert dish of sourdough & truffle, combining the earthy richness of truffle with the tangy depth of sourdough while a hint of curry infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic spice.

Located above Grancaffè Quadri in a space originally occupied by Venetian officials during the Serenissima, the restaurant has been open since 1844. The Alajmo family's acquisition in 2011 brought international attention and a Michelin star within a year. In 2018, the dining room was renovated based on Philippe Starck and the Alajmo brothers' vision, carried out by skilled Venetian artisans.

The menu highlights contemporary interpretations of traditional Venetian dishes. The culinary offerings celebrate the bounty of the Adriatic Sea with sophisticated preparations that honour Venice's rich trading history. Seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the Venetian lagoon feature prominently across both the tasting menus and à la carte selections, each dish a creative expression of the city's culinary heritage. Dining at Quadri offers the rare privilege of enjoying gastronomic excellence while overlooking St Mark's Square.

Within the storied walls of the heritage-listed Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, a 19th-century Neo-Renaissance masterpiece originally designed for the 1873 Vienna World Fair as a grand hotel, is perched in a leafy neighbourhood of Schottenring, heart of Vienna and part of the city’s Ring Boulevard. The name "EDVARD" is a tribute to the original architect of the hotel, Baron Theophil Edvard von Hansen, one of Austria's most renowned architects.

At EDVARD, Chef Paul Gamauf and his talented team create sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine that embraces modern Austrian culinary identity. The chef's penchant for vegetables, herbs and preserves shines through in his seasonally inspired menus, where subtle Mediterranean influences enhance each beautifully balanced creation. Guests can choose from five, seven or nine-course tasting menus that showcase the finest locally foraged ingredients, all presented with artistic flair and driven by a commendable low-waste philosophy that blends sustainability with innovation.

Housed in a stunning 19th-century private mansion just off the Champs-Élysées, Le Clarence has earned two Michelin stars for its innovative French cuisine. Prince Robert of Luxembourg commissioned the finest craftsmen to refurbish this historical building, carefully recreating the unique ambiance of Château Haut-Brion. The interior features hand-selected antique furniture and paintings that evoke the refined yet welcoming atmosphere of prestigious Bordeaux estates, transporting diners to the golden age of Parisian elegance and embodying the quintessence of French art de vivre.

The menu honours classic French culinary traditions while embracing contemporary techniques and presentations. Owned by the Prince's Domaine Clarence Dillon wine group, the restaurant boasts an exceptional selection of 1,400 wine references from 250 French winegrowers. This impressive collection perfectly complements the sophisticated dishes, creating a harmonious gastronomic experience within the magnificent historical setting.