Feast before you ride? Tuck into unexpected fine-dining bistros in Europe’s popular railway stations

Feeling hungry before a long train ride is a common experience, but where can you find something to eat?

The days when your only choices for a pre-train journey snack were limited to a burger or a packet of crisps are now a thing of the past, thanks to the increasing number of fantastic restaurants available inside Europe's busiest train stations.

From London to Paris, and Amsterdam to Stockholm, Euronews Travel is set to deliver the best in culinary delights at railway stations.

Visit the Reservation Bureau 1869, London, UK.

ticket office.

In 2021, French Architect Hugo Toro reenvisioned the space, drawing inspiration from a traditional Victorian-style winter garden. As a result, tall palm trees and plant-shaped chandeliers, hand-cut with 275 pieces of brass, were incorporated into the design. Notable features also include the beautifully exposed brickwork and a 22-meter long bar made from walnut and marble.

A charcuterie board is ideal for a lunch option.

Train of Blue, Paris, France

The train station originated in 1901, when the former French president Emile Loubet inaugurated it.

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The walls were - and remain - adorned with invaluable watercolour paintings, complemented by opulent facets including chandeliers, intricately gilt mirrors, frescoes, and supple leather banquettes.

When it comes to the food, expect refined versions of French staples, including a delectable Provençal-style octopus stew; however, one of the most sought-after dishes is the roast leg of lamb, carved tableside as it's served.

Wagon Restaurant, Athens, Greece

They converted the previous building on the ground floor into a unique restaurant, and contemporaneously transformed them into a multivalent space that also serves as a theater and bar.

Ligari's inspiration was the fictional train theatre mentioned in Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in 80 Days", and many of its dishes are inspired by diverse international cuisines. We suggest trying the dish braised veal with rigatoni, served with a flavorful tomato sauce, spices including cinnamon and allspice, and a touch of red pepper.

Luzette, Stockholm, Sweden

Signs outside include replicas of original lamps that illuminated the station in the 1920s.

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The specialty here is seafood and seasonal dishes. Almost all items on the menu come from local suppliers, and the restaurant even has its own fishing vessel.

Grand Café Restaurant 1e Klas, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

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A display of antique Chinese vases behind the Victorian-style counter.

Please go sight the restaurant's rather distinctive mascot, a white cockatoo named Elvis, who sits by the bar and has a preference for a headbanging session.

The menu mirrors the surroundings, presenting a diverse selection: you'll discover a range from burgers (impressively tasty ones) to omelettes, with the smoked raw beef sausage being a favorite among patrons.

The Tsar's Restaurant, Białowieża, Poland

The station where this restaurant is located is no longer operating, but luckily, its proximity to the tracks is still a great advantage as the highly sought-after tables that run along the rails now have ample availability.

Built in 1903 at the request of Tsar Alexander III, the location was selected for its vast hunting area. This area, Białowieża, remains a frequent sighting site for wolves to this day.

Most of the original features – including ornate stucco, wooden floors, and terracotta detailing – have been carefully conserved.

The menu features a wide selection of local specialties, including a tender and juicy deer tenderloin steak served with a rich and creamy mushroom mayonnaise and a tangy and refreshing horseradish accompaniment.

The Counter, Zurich, Switzerland

The city's central railway station.

Even though it's at the center of the station, this excellent restaurant feels pleasantly secluded. It's an intimate setting, suitable for 23 guests.

The minimalist interior design, illuminated by pendant-style lights suspended from the ceiling, ensures attention remains focused on the food.

The price isn't low - the lunch tasting menu starts at 195 CHF (approximately 208 euros) - yet this isn't your typical train station food. Standout highlights, particularly for those with a fondness for sweets, include the bite-sized meringue with cherry and fennel.

Platform Restaurant, Dorset, UK

, southern England.

It has been out of operation since the 1930s; you can, however, find Platform inside one of several railway carriages that have been restored, including Brunel, which was built in 1911.

is famous for.

For a pre-dinner cocktail, head to the 1958 vintage carriage-style bar, the Beeching.