What’s better than a long, lazy lunch in the sun? Or a warm al fresco supper under the stars? Throw in rippling waves or a stunning backdrop and we’re sold! A summer holiday is the prime opportunity to slow down, soak up your surroundings and linger over good food with great company. That’s why we often connect summer jollies to al fresco feasting. Yum.
Ready to take off and tuck in? We thought as much. So now’s the time to read our round-up of the most gorgeous places to wine and dine in Europe this summer…
THE DREAMY ONE: Ca’s Patro, Majorca
What. A. View. If it’s typical turquoise Mediterranean vibes you’re after, this is it. Squirrelled away among the craggy shore of dreamy Cala Deia on Majorca’s north-west coast, this rustic restaurant serves up more than just pinch-me panoramas. Think just-caught shellfish, fresh salads and local wines to wash it all down. There’s an air of exclusivity about the place too, so keep your eyes (discretely) peeled for some of Deia’s famous residents. Oh, and the best way to arrive? By boat, of course!
THE GLAM ONE: Da Paolino, Capri
An Aperol spritz and clam spaghetti in a fragrant lemon garden? Well, if it’s good enough for Tom Cruise, J-Lo and Elton… And nothing says summer like lemons, so no wonder they feature as heavily on the menu as they do in Da Paolino’s décor. We’ll have the lemon profiteroles, please! Diners have been flocking to this family-run trattoria in the heart of oh-so-chic Capri for years. It’s glitterati central though, so make your reservation well in advance.
THE EPIC ONE: Restaurant 360, Dubrovnik
To truly experience the unique location of this terrace on top of Dubrovnik’s famous walls, it’s got to be the sunset slot for added WOW-factor. As the Adriatic shimmers and the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town fade into dusk, your camera roll will thank you. Luckily, the food more than holds its own. Expect beautifully plated Adriatic seafood, seasonal ingredients and a wine list packed with Croatian gems. It’s polished, romantic and just a tad dramatic – the kind of place where dinner feels less like a meal and more like an occasion.
THE TRADITIONAL ONE: Mesogia Taverna, Skiathos
Traditional taverna more your thing? We hear you. Blue check tablecloths? Yep. Bright potted plants? What else? Open until you can’t eat any more? Yes! Live out all your Mamma Mia! dreams as you pull up a pew and browse the gyros selection at this cute-as-they-come Greek eatery, tucked away down a vine-strewn back street in Skiathos Old Town. Bring your appetite – and your best banter – as this is the sort of plot where you could be clinking glasses with the locals until the small hours.
THE CLASSIC ONE: El Avalon, Costa del Sol
When only a slice of sun-drenched Spain will do, head for the hills above Nerja. Perched on the edge of the whitewashed village of fabulous Frigiliana, this laidback terrace restaurant serves Andalucian classics with a view that stretches all the way to the Med. Come golden hour, the mountains glow, the rioja starts flowing and the tapas just keep arriving. Think sizzling garlicy prawns pil-pil, salty jamón and crusty bread made for mopping up every last drop. Dinner begins at sunset, and it’ll feel as though the sangria never runs out.
THE TIMELESS ONE: La Merenda, Nice
One thing that never goes out of style? France. The food, the wine, the fashion… and it’s all here to soak in when you rock up at La Merenda in Nice. Oozing that effortless Riviera charm, this tiny bistro is tucked down a tiny alleyway in the Old Town and is about as authentic as it gets. No fuss, no frills, just beautifully cooked Niçoise classics scribbled on a chalkboard menu. Name a nicer combo than super-chilled rosé and crisp, just-friedwhitebait with a smattering of salt and a squeeze of lemon? Tables are small, the atmosphere lively and the vibe is nothing short of très chic.
When only a slice of exploration will do, look no further than Jet2…
*Please note that Mamma Mia! is not responsible for any element of this blog and have in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered this blog.
Posted: 27th Apr 2026.