There’s something sacred about restaurants when traveling. First, there is the dance of finding the hottest venues — securing local recommendations for the most traditional dishes, stunning views, or authentic atmosphere. Then, it’s a question of drawing a chair, fumbling through a menu, and diving headfirst into the unknown.

Let’s be honest: unfamiliar restaurants are a leap of faith. And, if you’re visiting Europe this summer, there’s an exciting list of new openings to tap into that novelty.

Ómós, Ireland

Irish chef Cúán Greene already has a string of high-flying restaurants to his name. Previously working in the kitchens of Noma in Copenhagen and Bastible in Dublin, Greene is turning his attention to rural Ireland. This summer, he is launching Ómós, a seasonal restaurant in Abbeyleix, County Laois. Intimately set within a converted Victorian property, this venue seats 40 guests, focusing on local produce.

There is a guesthouse onsite, or alternatively, Ómós is a 1.5-hour drive from Dublin. It’s excellently combined with trips to some of Ireland’s most historic castles, including Rock of Dunamase and Sham Castle, or a walk through Abbeyleix Bog Project.

JNcQUOI Table, Portugal

For anyone with a taste for the finer things in life, JNcQUOI is a name worth memorizing. This sophisticated restaurant chain has an affinity for traditional Portuguese dishes, and in 2026, it launched a new chain in Lisbon. Word is spreading fast; JNcQUOI Table has just been awarded the Opening of the Year award by Michelin.

At the helm is Chef Filipe Carvalho, and this venue has a real experiential twist — guests enter via a mirrored room designed to mimic underwater scenery. Perhaps it’s time to make Lisbon your next city break?

Nanna, France

A weekend in Paris is a magical opportunity for cuisine and intellect. At Nanna, a bar-restaurant-meets-library, these worlds completely collide. Set in a converted barge and moored in the shadow of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, Nanna makes a compelling first impression. Waving goodbye to Paris in spring, this is a summery opportunity for a unique culinary experience.

Opening this June, Nanna welcomes guests to indulge in “selected dishes,” book clubs, and carefully crafted cocktails. Sign me up.

Bonheur by Matt Abé, UK

Awarded two Michelin stars within a few months of opening, Bonheur by Matt Abé is the place to be (and eat). Only opened in Mayfair, London, in winter 2025, it’s still considered a new opening in Europe. The success is hardly surprising, as its head chef, Matt Abé, worked alongside Gordon Ramsay. Abé takes flavors seriously, and the restaurant has a special affinity with sauces — Michelin nods to its buttery scallops.

Sanctus, Belgium

Nicknamed the “fashion capital” of Belgium, Antwerp is already a trending choice for a European getaway. However, things are heating up: there is an intimate new restaurant on the horizon. Michelin-starred chef, Yves Mattagne, is partnering with The Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp.

Mattagne is launching two onsite restaurants: Hidden Garden, with all-day dining, and Sanctus, for intimate tasting menus. Sanctus is opening this June, inviting guests to indulge in a single menu that rotates on a monthly basis.

Ottolenghi Amsterdam, Netherlands

Yotam Ottolenghi has a reputation for vegetables, and if you’re visiting Amsterdam, don’t wait until fall. In March 2026, the vegetable-centric chef launched his first restaurant in the Netherlands. Ottolenghi Amsterdam is located in the brand-new hotel, Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium.

Summer is the perfect opportunity to sample dishes like burnt leek, roasted aubergine, and braised carrots with pickled kumquats. Walk the canals, learn about Anne Frank, and reserve a table at Ottolenghi.

What's Launching Beyond Summer?

Summer isn’t the only exciting period for restaurant openings. In fall, Anne-Sophie Pic, a decorated Michelin-starred chef, will open a restaurant at the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in Paris. Barely a stone’s throw from The Louvre, it’s a highly anticipated venue to visit. Another French update, Loulou Groupe is opening its first UK restaurant at 16 Charles Street in Mayfair, London. Expectations are high, and the doors are set to open in fall.

Keep your eyes on the Michelin Guide, memorize these openings, and never be afraid to ask for local recommendations. Following your stomach is a rewarding way to travel.