Feeling hungry before a long train ride is usual, but where can you go to stop for a snack or meal?
The days when your only choices for a pre-train journey snack were a burger or a packet of crisps are now in the past, thanks to the increasing number of fantastic restaurants setting up inside Europe’s busiest train stations.
From London to Paris, and from Amsterdam to Stockholm, Euronews Travel is on its way to bringing you the best gourmet options available at train stations.
Opened a New Booking Office in 1869, situated in London, UK
ticket office.
In 2021, French architect Hugo Toro transformed the space by drawing inspiration from a Victorian-style winter garden, as evidenced by the tall palm trees and plant-themed chandeliers (each includes 275 intricately crafted brass leaves). Other notable features encompass artfully displayed brickwork and a 22-metre bar crafted from marble and walnut.
A charcuterie board makes for a great option for lunch.
The Blue Train, Paris, France
The train station has been in operation since 1901, when it was inaugurated by Emile Loubet, a former President of France.
.
The walls are adorned with a collection of priceless watercolor paintings, which remain a notable feature today. Additionally, chandeliers, gilded mirrors, frescoes, and luxurious leather banquettes contribute to the opulent atmosphere.
When it comes to the food, expect refined versions of French classics – there’s a flavoursome Provençal-style octopus stew, although one of the most popular dishes is the roast leg of lamb, carved tableside.
Wagon Restaurant, Athens, Greece
Their original restaurant has been renovated, and it’s now turned into this fantastic dining space – and transformed them into a cultural hub that also includes a theater and a bar.
Ligari’s inspiration came from the train theatre mentioned in Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, and it is quite fitting that many dishes on the menu are inspired by exotic locations. We suggest trying the braised veal with rigatoni, aromatic tomato sauce, cinnamon, allspice and red pepper.
Luzette, Stockholm, Sweden
, including replicas of original lamps that lit up the station in the 1920s.
.
Seafood and seasonal cuisine are the specialties here – almost all of the food comes from local suppliers, and the restaurant even has its own fishing boat.
Located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Grand Café Restaurant 1e Klas.
.
Victorian bars display Chinese urns in the background.
Keep an eye out for the restaurant’s rather unusual emblem, a white cockatoo named Elvis who sits by the bar and has a strong affinity for banging its head.
The menu, like the ambiance, is somewhat diverse – you’ll find everything from burgers to omelets, and one of the most popular items is the smoked raw beef sausage.
The Tsar’s Restaurant, Białowieża, Poland
The train station where this restaurant is situated is no longer in operation, but its proximity to the railway lines is likely a blessing in disguise.
Built in 1903 at the request of Tsar Alexander III. He had selected Białowieża as the site for his extensive hunting grounds – and wolves are still occasionally seen there.
The majority of the building’s original features – such as the ornate stucco work, wooden floors, and terracotta decorations – have been meticulously preserved.
The menu features a variety of local specialties, tops among which is a mouth-watering deer tenderloin steak served with a flavorful combination of mushroom mayonnaise and fresh horseradish.
The Counter, Zurich, Switzerland
Central Station, the city’s primary train station.
Though positioned at the core of the station, this exceptional eatery has a wonderfully isolated ambiance. It is a small, cozy area that can accommodate only 23 individuals.
The simple design, highlighted by lights hanging from the ceiling, keeps attention focused on the dishes.
It doesn’t come cheap – the lunch degustation menu begins at 195 CHF (€208) – but nor is it your run-of-the-mill train station fare. Highlights, especially for those with a sweet tooth, are the bite-sized meringue with cherry and fennel.
Platform Restaurant, Dorset, UK
, southern England.
It closed down in the 1930s, although you might not be aware of this fact, as you can find Platform within one of several restored railway carriages, including Brunel, which was built back in 1911.
is famous for.
And for pre-dinner drinks, head to the Beeccham, a carriage also dating back to 1958 wherein also transported Queen Elizabeth II
