Dining well on a driving tour
How to plan the meals that become the memories.
On a driving tour, meals do more than punctuate the day. They are often the reward for it. A little planning turns them from a scramble for somewhere open into some of the best hours of the trip.
Plan the evenings, leave the lunches open
Book the important dinners in advance, especially at well-known restaurants or in small towns with few options. Leave lunches more flexible, so you can stop where the road suggests. A village trattoria found by chance is part of the pleasure.
Mind the hours
Restaurant hours vary across Europe, and the differences can catch travellers out. Lunch may finish earlier than you expect, some kitchens close one or two days a week, and many rural restaurants close for part of the year. Check opening days before relying on a particular place.
Eat near where you sleep
After a long drive, the best dinner is often within walking distance of the hotel. It allows you to enjoy a glass of wine and avoids driving tired. When choosing hotels, look at what is nearby as well as what is inside.
Follow the region
Each region has its own specialities and its own wines. Ask hoteliers and local people what is good at that moment; seasonal dishes and local producers are often where the most memorable food is found.
Driving and drinking
Drink-driving limits differ between countries and are strictly enforced, and some are lower than in the United Kingdom. The simplest rule on a driving tour is not to drink at all before getting behind the wheel. Save the wine for the evening.
A grand dinner as a centrepiece
Many tours benefit from one special meal, perhaps at a celebrated restaurant along the route. Book it as early as possible, build the day around it, and stay the night nearby so the evening can unfold without a clock.
Keep a record
Note the places you enjoyed and what you ate. The list becomes a private guide for the next journey, and for friends who ask where they should go.
Booking as you go
Mobile reception in mountain and rural country can be patchy. Download maps and restaurant details before you leave, and make reservations by telephone where online systems are unreliable. A short call in the morning often secures a table for that evening, and local hotels can help if language is a barrier.