These are the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe

Travel is currently a bit on the back burner for many, because yes... Thanks, corona. Fortunately, you can still get around a bit in Europe, except for a few red/orange areas. A big plus: the money you don't spend on a ridiculously expensive ticket can all be spent at your destination. For example, during a very elaborate chic dinner.

And you will be surprised that it doesn't have to be that expensive at all. Dining at star level, I quickly associate that with having to pay hundreds of euros. That's really not always the case. I've put together a list of the cheapest star restaurants in Europe, where you won't go bankrupt when you leave.

First, a special mention for restaurant Sinne in Amsterdam: they are not in the top of the cheapest star restaurants, but they are the cheapest in our little country. The most affordable option is lunch (this is the case at all restaurants), but dining here is also really fine. And an absolute recommendation, because the food here is truly a party.

The cheapest star restaurants in Europe:

Florian Maison in San Paolo d’Argon, Italy
La vita è bella in Italy and it's also very financially responsible if you go for lunch at this Michelin-starred hotspot. It will cost you 25 bucks. Yes, if it's that affordable, you can talk about bucks, right? I should also mention that this is really a stunning place with an amazing view.

Bistro Racine in Braine-le-Château, Belgium
You don't have to go far for an affordable star dinner: for example, at this restaurant with our southern neighbors. Now I have to be very honest that in terms of interior, this is not really the coziest, but if you're coming for the food, you're in the right place — and it will only cost you 24 euros. You’ll find this spot just below Brussels, so it's easy to combine with a city trip.

Field in Prague, Czech Republic
Actually, this Michelin-star restaurant in Prague should rank even higher, because they also have the option for a two-course menu, which is converted to just over 18 euros. Now I find two courses a bit too meager, especially if you want to indulge at star level. It's also still quite affordable: 22 euros for three courses. Seriously, no joke. And Prague is such an amazing city. I say: GO.

The Ninth in London, United Kingdom
Just wait a little longer and we can simply take the train from Amsterdam to London, how relaxed is that? I seriously find train travel more pleasant than flying. The whole hassle of checking in, waiting for the plane, actually waiting in general is stupid. In a train, you step in, put your suitcase away, and just sit. And you even have internet. And fun: the star lunch at this level is a ‘sample set lunch’, which means you get a number of small dishes. As a shared dining fan, I'm a big proponent of this, because often enough I regret my choice when I see my table partner's dish.

Vintage 1997 in Turin, Italy
The website really does justice to the name of this spot: there is really no string to tie it to. Everything is in Italian (and my Italian is non-existent) and I believe that in terms of design, the site was last updated in 1997. But hey, nice and authentic, right? For 20 euros, you get between six and eight dishes (yay, so no lunch at this Michelin-star spot). Due to the old-fashioned site and vague descriptions, I find it quite exciting.

Fritz Frau in Düsseldorf, Germany
Now I can shamelessly enjoy currywurst in Germany. Yes, they don't look great, but they are oh so delicious. A little potato salad on the side, nothing more to do. But yes, they can get a bit much after a while, and then you can dine here very fancy for very little. €19.50 is the price. You can spend the rest during a shopping spree in this city.

The Coach in Marlow, United Kingdom
You do need to plan a road trip to get here, because it's located between London and Oxford. In other words: in the middle of nowhere. I think so. But it's definitely worth the trip. Go for lunch and pay £16.50. Seems like a great deal to me.

L’Antic Moli in El Castell, Spain
This is the absolute cheapest on the list. Spain is always good in my opinion, and I also love tapas with all my heart, but for a change... Yes, I would love to go here. This little village is on the border of Catalonia and Valencia, so plan that road trip again. Oh yes, and how cheap is it exactly? Fourteen. Euros. You're a thief of your own wallet if you don't go.

Looking for inspiration for when we can travel worldwide again? Check here the top 50 of the cheapest star restaurants worldwide.