Aside from the wandering, wide-eyed tourists, most major European cities are so quiet during the month of August that you could hear a pin drop near the Eiffel Tower. Sure there are still crowds to navigate, but the locals flee on holiday for the majority of the month, thus leaving their most prized local restaurant reservations open for the taking. If you find yourself in London, Paris, Berlin, and Milan, now is the time to dine at the most popular, highly revered establishments. For those hungry to score a coveted seat at one of Europe’s best restaurants, get on the phone now with one of these top spots.
The Clove Club, London
This year, The Clove Club located in Shoreditch was listed as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the world. Once a private supper club hosted in an apartment, this establishment offers a traditionally British-inspired menu that includes dishes like flamed Cornish mackerel and a raw Orkney scallop with hazelnut, clementine, and Périgord truffle. If you dine in the front room of the restaurant, there are multiple dates available in the second and fourth weeks of August.
Restaurant Tim Raue, Berlin
Also listed in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Restaurant Tim Raue currently has multiple reservations available during the month. Inside this modern, Asian-inspired spot, one will find creatively composed, seafood-focused dishes like Cantonese-style langoustine and pike perch with Kamebishi soy sauce and ginger.
Monsieur Bleu, Paris
Located in the Palais de Tokyo, Monsieur Bleu is one of the most striking restaurants in the city. The well-appointed interiors play off of the incredibly chic crowd that dines there religiously. In late August, you can have much of this gorgeous place to yourself, as reservations for lunch and dinner are aplenty.
Ceresio 7, Milan
Not only will you be able to enjoy a beautiful meal at Ceresio 7, but the restaurant space also includes a rooftop pool and terrace. Popular with the city’s fashion-industry insiders (and those who come in from out of town during Fashion Week), Ceresio 7 has tables available every week in August (but will be closed the 14th through 16th, and unavailable for lunch until the 19th) and the menu includes dishes like salmon and foie gras with goat cheese, mango, and chili, as well as a sea-bass ravioli with buffalo mozzarella, lime, and yellow pepper.