Small in size, mighty in impact
If you're a foodie and a history buff, nothing beats an old restaurant. By this, we mean really old restaurants, where people have been eating and drinking for at least over a century. From Europe to America and Asia, there are historic establishments that have been feeding locals and visitors alike for a very long time. These places are full of tradition, charm, and of course, delicious food.
Click through the gallery to discover some of the world's oldest restaurants.
This 1803 former public house is Ohio's longest continually operating business. As a hotel and restaurant, it has welcomed some of the nation's most notable personalities, including astronaut Neil Armstrong and several US presidents. Famous dishes include sauerkraut balls and cheese curds, Faroe Island salmon with herbed couscous, and Dijon-crusted braised short rib.
Another American restaurant, the Robert Morris Inn, began operating in the 1800s, but the house dates back to 1710. Local meat and seafood are among the specialties.
This London restaurant first opened in 1798. Rules continues to serve traditional British food to this day, including classics, such as steak and kidney pie.
You may be wondering why a German restaurant from 1795 has an English name. It was founded by an English shipowner. The restaurant is known for its seafood and other local favorites, including currywurst and labskaus.
The building that would become known as Ye Olde Tavern dates back to 1790. Once serving food to the Green Mountain Boys (a 1770s militia), diners can now enjoy delicious dishes such as crispy duck in a cozy candlelit room.
This iconic Southern restaurant and Inn opened in 1779. Known as the oldest Western stagecoach stop in America, here you'll find dishes for all tastes, from bourbon mango pork rib eye to veggie burgers.
The Griswold Inn has been serving classic American food since 1776. This is the place to come for dishes such as wild boar stew and clam chowder.
Fraunces Tavern is the oldest restaurant in New York City. Established in 1762, locals included George Washington and other Founding Fathers. The chipotle bison burger and the Reuben sandwich, are among the customers' favorites.
Built in 1688, The ‘76 House is the oldest restaurant in the US. Interestingly, this is where the British spy Major John André was imprisoned before being trialed and executed during the Revolutionary War. As for food, expect traditional American cuisine, from chicken pot pie to sirloin steak.
Established in 1673, The White Horse claims to be the oldest tavern in America. The restaurant serves a mix of European and local cuisine. Seafood dishes such as New England clam chowder are among the favorites.
You will find this 1728 gem in Middleburg village. Here you can find foods such as braised quail arancini, burgers, as well as roasted butternut and apple bisque.
Opened since 1753, The Pirates’ House was originally an inn for seafarers. After World War II it became a tea house and later a jazz club. Now it's a great historical spot to savor Southern cuisine.
This Lisbon restaurant is rather sophisticated and has been so ever since it opened its doors in 1784. The restaurant is currently temporarily closed for refurbishment, but this is the place to go to sample dishes such a caviar, partridge, and foie gras in the Portuguese capital.
Martinho da Arcada is the next stop in Lisbon. This 1782 restaurant used to be a hangout spot for the famous Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa and his peers. Here's you'll find a variety of classic Portuguese dishes, including bacalhau (salted cod).
Up next on the list is this central European restaurant founded in 1776. This is the place to sample traditional Slovenian cuisine. Expect to find dishes such as žlikrofi (dumplings) with Carniolan sausage, among others.
Founded in 1760, the Antico Caffè Greco is a must-visit in Rome. The likes of Italian adventurer and English poet John Keats were regulars at one point.
Founded by French cook Jean Botín in 1725, this restaurant entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. Botín is the place to sample Spanish cuisine. Suckling pig is one of the specialities.
Established in 1722, the Den Gyldene Freden serves the best seasonal food in the capital. Depending on the time of the year, you can enjoy crayfish or moose, but also classics such as toast Skagen.
Copenhagen's "The Little Pharmacy" is the city's oldest restaurant. Originally opened as a pharmacy in 1720, this is the place to sample traditional Danish food in a cozy ambient.
Established in 1720, the Caffè Florian is Italy's oldest coffee house. It oozes classic charm and sophistication, making it the perfect stop in Venice for a coffee or a light meal.
With its iconic green and white stripes, Café Tomaselli is a must-visit in the Austrian city. Founded in 1700, it's the perfect place to have an Austrian breakfast.
La Petite Chaise first opened as an inn in 1680. Today, it's doors are still open, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Paris. Expect a traditionally French menu, including dishes such as entrecôte and rum baba for dessert.
Dating back to 1621, the Zur letzten Instanz is a favorite among celebrities visiting the city. It offers traditional German dishes, such as grilled pork knuckle.
La Tour d’Argent offers stunning views over Paris. Located on the sixth floor of an old tower, the restaurant has been in operation since 1582. The menu is as French as it gets. If you visit, don't forget to try their iconic dessert, crêpes mademoiselle.
Bianyifang, is not your average Chinese restaurant. While it has now expanded to multiple locations, the original one was established in 1416. Roasting duck is Bianyifang's signature dish.
The Wierzynek dates back to 1364. It features eight rooms, each with its own unique decor, serving traditional Polish food. Dishes include wild boar with dumplings and venison with Jerusalem artichoke purée.
Located on Place du Vieux Marché in Rouen, France's oldest inn tune restaurant dates all the way back to 1345. La Couronne offers a number of different menus, all based on French cuisine.
In addition to being a restaurant, Piwnica Świdnicka is also a brewery and beer hall. Wrocław residents have been eating and drinking here since 1273. Expect traditional Polish dishes.
The site where Historische Wurstküche is located became a food stall in 1146. This is the place to go for traditional German sausages, many of which are made from scratch in-house.
Located in a Benedictine monastery complex in Salzburg's Old Town, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium's roots can be traced back to 803.
Sources: (Love Food)
The world's oldest restaurants
From Europe to America
TRAVEL Food
If you're a foodie and a history buff, nothing beats an old restaurant. By this, we mean really old restaurants, where people have been eating and drinking for at least over a century. From Europe to America and Asia, there are historic establishments that have been feeding locals and visitors alike for a very long time. These places are full of tradition, charm, and of course, delicious food.
Click through the gallery to discover some of the world's oldest restaurants.