Europe's best hidden gem for food lovers has 1,600 restaurants but few tourists

Italki, the online language portal, has spilled the beans on Europe's top-kept secrets for food-loving globetrotters - and you'll never guess which city tops the list. For holidaymakers keen on sampling authentic local cuisine, a study reveals a surprising gourmet paradise that remains under the radar for most tourists.

Iker Uriarte, head of marketing for Italki Europe, emphasised the importance of cultural immersion and conversation with locals as keys to uncovering a city's best and most tasty culinary delights. He offered wise advice to travellers: "Before you leave, take some time to get familiar with the culture and history of your destination.

"Learning about these aspects beforehand can elevate your travel experience and help you better understand where you're visiting."

He further advised: "When it comes to truly immersing yourself in a city's culture, there's no better guide than a local resident. Locals are the people who know every nook and cranny of the city."

Topping the Italki list with a jaw-dropping 1,608 eateries is none other than Valletta - Malta's sun-kissed capital isn't just a feast for the eyes, but also a banquet for the taste buds.

Valletta doesn't only charm with its balmy climate and sweeping sea vistas; according to the Italki survey, it prides itself on containing an overwhelming number of high-quality restaurants, almost 1,300 rating four stars or above.

Veggie vacationers, take note: Valletta caters to plant-based palates too, boasting a remarkable 744 establishments dedicated to vegetarian fare.

Sintra, a tranquil municipality in western Portugal, is another top recommendation for a gastronomic European city break without the masses.

Just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon, Italki reveals that Sintra boasts 1,928 eateries, with 333 specialising in vegetarian cuisine, reports the Express.

Moreover, 1,215 of these restaurants have earned four or more stars, and 11 are Michelin-starred, making them an ideal spot for a memorable dining experience.

1. Valletta, Malta - 10.0
2. Sintra, Portugal - 2.51
3. Opatija, Croatia - 2.15
4. Delft, The Netherlands - 2.05
5. Kotor - Montenegro - 1.68
6. Bruges, Belgium - 1.42
7. Bath, UK - 1.26
8. Ronda, Spain - 1.21
9. San Sebastian, Spain - 1.19
10. Matera, Italy - 1.17