Restaurants with History

Blackfriars Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK dates back to 1239. It was formerly a refectory for Dominican friars and has become one of the oldest dining rooms in the us playing host to King Edward III in 1334. The restaurant offers a British menu with signature dishes like slow-cooked lamb shoulder and North Sea fish pie. Guests can also experience medieval-inspired banquets, complete with costumed staff and period-appropriate dishes. The venue also hosts cooking classes and tastings and is available for private events, weddings, and parties.

The Brazen Head in Dublin, Ireland, is the oldest pub in the country, established in 1198 AD. This historic establishment has had visits from famous individuals such as Irish novelist and poet James Joyce and Irish author and satirist Jonathan Swift. The building has the charm of wooden beams. The restaurant serves traditional Irish fare like Irish stew, fish and chips, and Guinness pie. The Brazen Head is also known for its live Irish music sessions, which add to the authentic experience. The walls are decorated with memorabilia and photos telling the story of its historic past.

Hotel Gasthof Lowen in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, is a historic establishment dating back to 1380. The restaurant at the hotel specializes in traditional Swiss and Liechtensteiner cuisine. Their signature dishes include Käsknöpfle, a cheesy pasta dish similar to macaroni and cheese, and Rösti, a crispy potato pancake. The interior has rustic wooden decor, and the area surrounding the place offers amazing views of the Alps.

La Couronne in Rouen, France, is the oldest inn in the country, having opened its doors in 1345. It is situated in the historic heart of Rouen and has played host to many distinguished guests, among them renowned chef Julia Child. The restaurant menu features traditional Norman cuisine with signature dishes like Canard à la Rouennaise, a pan-roasted duck with a rich wine sauce, and Andouille de Vire, a smoked sausage made from tripe and stomach lining. Among the delicious desserts are the famous Tarte Tatin and Teurgoule, a spiced rice pudding. The cozy interior of La Couronne includes paintings of famous personalities who have dined there.

The Old House is located in Llangynwyd, Wales, and was established in 1147 AD. It is one of the oldest pubs in the country. Its historic past includes being a gathering place for villagers and travelers. The pub serves a variety of classic British dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients. The historic old building has stone walls and wooden beams, and diners can enjoy a meal or a pint of ale by the fireplace.

Piwnica Swidnicka is located in the heart of Wroclaw, Poland, and was established in 1273 AD. It is housed in the Gothic cellars of the Old Town Hall and has hosted notable figures, among them royalty, artists, and poets. The quaint atmosphere features vaulted ceilings, brick walls, and wooden furnishings. It serves traditional Polish cuisine with dishes like żurek (sour rye soup), pierogi (dumplings), and bigos (hunter’s stew). It is known for its craft brewery on-site that produces a variety of beers. Piwnica Świdnicka is not just a place to eat but also a cultural hub, hosting events, concerts, and exhibitions.

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is located within the walls of St. Peter’s Abbey in Salzburg, Austria. This restaurant holds the title of the oldest restaurant in Europe and can trace its origins back to 803 AD. It was first mentioned by scholar Alcuin of York, an advisor to Emperor Charlemagne.

Diners enjoy the cozy arcaded courtyard and the elegant Baroque Hall, where Mozart Dinner Concerts are held. Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart dined here.

The Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh, Scotland, is among the oldest pubs in the country, dating back to 1360. This historic inn had served famous patrons, among them Mary, Queen of Scots, and the poets Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson. It has a cozy interior with wooden beams and traditional Scottish décor. The menu offers signature dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties (a traditional Scottish dish of haggis, turnips, and potatoes), and Cullen skink, a creamy smoked haddock soup. The Sheep Heid Inn has a unique feature: a skittle alley that dates back to the 19th century.

Wurstkuchl in Regensburg, Germany, is known for its centuries-old tradition of serving sausages. This historic sausage kitchen has been in existence since 1146 AD and was originally established to feed the workers constructing the Stone Bridge.

The restaurant menu is based on its famous sausages, grilled over an open beechwood fire and served with sauerkraut and mustard. The recipe for these sausages has remained unchanged for over 800 years, a testament to their timeless appeal. Wurstkuchl sits in a rustic setting by the Danube River.