Dinner for two: where in Europe can you eat out cheaply?
This summer, we are diving into figures about European vacation destinations. This week: dinner for two.
Published on July 29, 2025
Our DATA+ expert, Elcke Vels, explores AI, cyber security, and Dutch innovation. Her "What if..." column imagines bold scenarios beyond the norm.
The summer holidays are in full swing. For many, that means a few weeks away from it all. Sun, sea, and good food! But in one country, a meal costs ten dollars, while in another, it costs half your vacation budget. Where can you enjoy a dinner for two without worrying in 2025? And in which country is it better to choose an apartment with a kitchen? We take a closer look at several European countries.
Iceland
Let's start with the highest price tag. If you're traveling to Iceland this summer, you'd better go for an apartment with a kitchen — or prepare your meals in a camper van. Nowhere else in Europe will you pay as much as here. A three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks) costs an average of €123.36, according to research by FerryGoGo. Switzerland (€117.59) and Denmark (€93.81) are also in the top three most expensive places for dinner for two.
The most famous Icelandic dish is hákarl: fermented shark. The shark is buried, pressed, and dried for months to break down toxic substances. The result is a strong-smelling dish. Icelanders often eat it during the midwinter festival Þorrablót, accompanied by a glass of Brennivín, a strong Icelandic schnapps made from caraway. In a restaurant, this main course will cost you around €37.
Spain
Fortunately, there are cheaper options. In Spain, you pay an average of €50 for dinner for two. Seville is particularly affordable, with prices starting at only €40. Bring on those Spanish tapas! And churros, of course.
While eating out in Spain is generally affordable, there are some exceptions. Since opening in 2014, the restaurant SubliMotion in Ibiza has been known as the most expensive restaurant in the world. Not only is it pricey, but it's also extremely exclusive: there's only room for twelve guests at a time. The menu costs around €1,500, and that's without drinks!
Italy
Next: Italy. Compared to last year, prices in Italy have risen significantly. In 2025, you will pay €70.00 for dinner for two.
Where can you find affordable pizza? You can't get it much cheaper than in Naples. This is where the very first Margherita pizza was born over two centuries ago. A classic example is Pizzeria da Michele, made famous by Eat Pray Love, where Julia Roberts indulges in “food therapy.” Here you can eat a traditional Margherita or Marinara for only €5.50.
Albania
Albania is gaining popularity among Dutch people after the filming of Wie is de Mol? in 2022. The country is becoming a real tourist attraction. Last year, a total of 20 million tourists visited the country: twice as many as the year before. In this country, you will spend an average of only €45 for dinner for two.
A real specialty from Albania: Flija. This is a type of pancake with layers of thin batter, baked one by one over an open fire. It takes hours to make, but that's part of its charm. In the mountains, it is often still made by hand. You eat it with creamy kajmak or thick yogurt, sometimes with a little honey.
Kosovo
It may not be the most popular vacation destination, but it is certainly inexpensive. In Kosovo, dinner for two costs €20.
If you visit Kosovo, Tavë Prizreni is worth trying. This oven dish with minced meat, bell peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes is a beloved classic with a rich, spicy flavor.
Bon appétit!
Conclusion: if you want to save some of your vacation money for fun things, it's better not to eat out every day in Iceland, Switzerland, or Denmark.
In classic vacation destinations such as Spain and Italy, you can still eat well for a reasonable price. And if you want to try something new, give Albania or Kosovo a go – surprisingly affordable and delicious food. Whatever your destination, bon appétit!
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