Across the globe, a growing number of restaurants are redefining responsible dining by spotlighting locally sourced, seasonal produce and championing thoughtful practices. From innovative vegetable-forward menus to interiors designed with eco-friendly materials, these establishments are taking a holistic approach to sustainability. At the forefront of this movement are restaurants honored with the MICHELIN Green Star, recognized for their unwavering commitment to sustainable gastronomy. These dining destinations emphasize mindful sourcing, from how ingredients are grown to how they arrive on the plate, ensuring every element has purpose and care. For your next trip to Europe, or if you are already in these European countries, explore contemporary dining spots weaving deep-rooted green philosophies into every aspect of their experience for this Christmas.

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1. Horto - Milan, Italy

MICHELIN Three Stars & MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @ahortorestaurantmilano
Address | Via S. Protaso, 5, 20121 Milano MI, Italy Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +39 02 3651 7496

For those seeking a culinary experience that blends exceptional gastronomy with a deep commitment to the environment, Horto is a must-visit destination in the heart of Milan. Located atop Palazzo Medelan, this MICHELIN Green Star restaurant delivers not only high-quality cooking but also breathtaking views spanning the Duomo to the Castello Sforzesco—ideal for enjoying an aperitif from the restaurant’s carefully curated cocktail menu. Under the guidance of Norbert Niederkofler, renowned for his “Cook the Mountain” philosophy, and executed by the talented Alberto Toè, Horto offers two exquisite tasting menus that shine a spotlight on locally sourced, organic ingredients. Remarkably, all suppliers are located within an hour of the restaurant, underscoring a commitment to supporting Lombardy’s farmers and minimizing the carbon footprint. Complementing its eco-conscious cuisine is an interior designed with understated elegance, featuring natural wood tables that create an inviting atmosphere for everything from a casual lunch to a sophisticated supper. If you’re in Milan, Horto is more than just a dining experience—it’s a celebration of thoughtful, sustainable gastronomy that honors both nature and the plate.

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2. KLE - Zurich, Switzerland

MICHELIN One Star & MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @klerestaurant
Address | Zweierstrasse 114, Zurich, 8003, Switzerland Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +41 44 548 14 88

For an unforgettable plant-based dining experience, head to Kle, a MICHELIN Green Star restaurant where Chef Zineb ("Zizi") Hattab reinvents vegan cuisine with a creative blend of Moroccan and Mexican influences. Nestled in a charming pub-like setting, Kle offers a surprise tasting menu of four to six courses that showcase Zizi's imaginative approach to flavor, drawing from her rich multicultural heritage and impressive culinary journey. Born in Spain to Moroccan immigrants and raised in Costa Brava, Zizi transitioned from a career in engineering to pursue her passion for cooking. Her training with celebrated chefs like Andreas Caminada in Switzerland and her time at the acclaimed Cosme in New York have shaped her bold and innovative style. At Kle, sustainability and regionality are at the heart of every dish. The restaurant sources the finest organic, plant-based ingredients from local farmers, ensuring a menu free of animal products and rooted in environmental consciousness. This philosophy extends to their biodynamic wine list, meticulously curated to complement the vibrant, creative dishes. Whether you’re a vegan enthusiast or simply seeking a fresh, unique dining experience, Kle delivers an inspiring journey of flavors, culture, and sustainability.

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3. Coque - Madrid, Spain

MICHELIN Two Star & MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @coquemadrid
Address | C. del Marqués del Riscal, 11, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid, Spain Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +34916040202

At Coque, the two-MICHELIN-starred gem in Madrid, the Sandoval brothers—Mario in the kitchen, Diego as host, and Rafael as sommelier—offer an unforgettable dining experience. Spanning 1,100m², the restaurant takes guests on a journey through an English-style bar, a Macallan whisky room, a wine cellar sacristy for sherry tastings, and even the kitchen, before arriving at the elegant dining room. Chef Mario Sandoval’s “Chamberí” menu celebrates seasonal Spanish ingredients like Motril shrimp, wild Galician clams, and Toro Bravo beef, with an equally impressive vegan-vegetarian option. Holding a MICHELIN Green Star, Coque is a leader in sustainable gastronomy, sourcing from its own El Jaral de la Mira farm, reviving heirloom crops, and practicing zero-waste methods. With its blend of exceptional flavors, innovation, and eco-consciousness, Coque offers a dining experience that’s as refined as it is responsible. A must-visit for food lovers and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

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4. Horváth - Berlin, Germany

Instagram | @restauranthorvathberlin
Address | Paul-Lincke-Ufer 44a, Berlin, 10999, Germany Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +49 30 61289992

Set along Kreuzberg’s scenic Landwehrkanal, Horváth offers a refined dining experience that marries Austrian tradition with modern sustainability. Chef Sebastian Frank, a two-MICHELIN-starred talent, creates inventive, vegetable-forward dishes using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients from the Berlin-Brandenburg region. The restaurant’s inviting terrace and stylish interior, featuring a mural by Jim Avignon and a glass-fronted kitchen, provide the perfect backdrop for its thoughtful cuisine. Horváth also holds a MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to eco-friendly practices, with Chef Frank championing regional food networks and sustainable craftsmanship. With exceptional flavors, warm service, and excellent wine pairings, Horváth is a Kreuzberg highlight for conscious food lovers.

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5. Mater Terrae - Rome, Italy

MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @biohotelraphaelroma
Address | largo Febo 2, Rome, 00186, Italy Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +390668283762

Culinary experience with imaginative vegetarian and vegan dishes that celebrate organic and biodynamic ingredients. Each course surprises with its complexity and creativity, ensuring a memorable meal for both plant-based enthusiasts and curious diners alike. The setting is just as impressive as the cuisine. The panoramic terrace offers breathtaking views of Rome’s rooftops, providing an idyllic backdrop for al fresco dining in fine weather. Even the hotel’s facade, adorned with lush climbing plants, reflects the restaurant’s deep commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious living. Recognized among the Best Restaurants in Rome with Vegetarian Options and those with the Best Views, Mater Terrae is a must-visit for anyone seeking a thoughtful and delicious dining experience in one of the city’s most iconic locations.

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6. De Kas - Amsterdam, Netherlands

MICHELIN Two Stars & MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @restaurantdekas
Address | Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +31 20 462 4562

Nestled within an imposing greenhouse in Amsterdam, De Kas has been a pioneer of farm-to-table dining since 2001, earning a MICHELIN star and a MICHELIN Green Star for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The restaurant’s philosophy, "from plant to plate," is brought to life through the cultivation of over 300 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and fruits grown both on-site and in their larger field in the Beemster Polder. Under the guidance of chefs Wim de Beer and Jos Timmer, De Kas crafts light, modern dishes that celebrate the freshest produce harvested each morning. The menu’s highlights include delicately balanced flavors, like smoky barbecued pointed cabbage with saffron cream or cockles paired with a vibrant lime leaf emulsion. These dishes, occasionally complemented by meat or fish, showcase the chefs’ exceptional creativity and mastery of sweet-sour contrasts. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to the garden terrace, where the lush surroundings amplify the restaurant’s celebration of nature. With sustainability woven into every detail, from local ingredients to eco-conscious practices, De Kas is a must-visit for foodies and conscious diners alike—a true testament to the boundless potential of seasonal produce.

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7. noma - Copenhagen, Denmark

MICHELIN Three Stars & MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @nomacph
Address | Refshalevej 96, Copenhagen, 1432 K, Denmark Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +4532963297

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most exceptional dining experiences, Noma combines elegance, creativity, and sustainability in its renowned three-MICHELIN-starred restaurant. Located by the water in Copenhagen, this iconic establishment is as much about atmosphere as it is about cuisine, blending a relaxed, informal vibe with unparalleled culinary innovation. Guests are greeted by lush greenhouses at the entrance, setting the tone for the meal ahead. Inside, René Redzepi and his team craft an intricate tasting menu that highlights vivid natural flavors and seasonal ingredients, sourced responsibly and elevated through one of the world’s most advanced test kitchens. Every dish tells a story of creativity and precision, delivering a sensory experience that’s both complex and unforgettable. A recipient of the MICHELIN Green Star, Noma’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond sourcing local ingredients or reducing its carbon footprint. The restaurant prioritizes the well-being of its employees, fostering an inspiring and supportive work environment that reflects its holistic philosophy. With its innovative approach, stunning waterfront setting, and exceptional service, Noma offers a dining experience unlike any other. Be sure to book well in advance—this culinary icon is a bucket-list destination for food lovers around the globe.

8. Joia - Milan, Italy

MICHELIN Two Stars & MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @oia_altacucinanaturale
Address | via Panfilo Castaldi 18, Milan, 20124, Italy Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +39 02 2952 2124

Nestled in one of Milan’s historic districts, Joia is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary philosophy brought to life by visionary chef Pietro Leemann. As the first to introduce natural, vegetarian cuisine to Italian fine dining, Leemann has crafted a space where food becomes an expression of art, philosophy, and sustainability. With a menu that’s 80% vegan and gluten-free, Joia’s dishes are imaginative creations that celebrate the purity of their ingredients through vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. Every plate reflects Leemann’s spiritual journey, designed to delight the senses while embodying harmony with nature. The minimalist and elegant dining room complements the restaurant’s ethos, while the Joia Academy extends its reach, teaching participants about the chef’s profound philosophy of food and sustainability. A MICHELIN Green Star winner, Joia emphasizes sourcing from local micro-producers near Milan, supporting sustainable practices and showcasing the beauty of simplicity. For a dining experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is delicious, Joia stands out as a pioneering destination for conscious food lovers in Milan.

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9. DEquiTable - Zurich, Switzerland

MICHELIN Two Stars & MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @equi_table
Address | Stauffacherstrasse 163, Zurich, 8004, Switzerland Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +41435348277

Tucked in the heart of Zurich, EquiTable offers an urban yet intimate setting that perfectly complements its commitment to sustainable gastronomy. This MICHELIN-starred and Green Star restaurant is a beacon of ethical dining, blending fair trade, organic produce, and top-quality regional ingredients to craft innovative, modern dishes that cater to all palates, including vegetarians. Under the guidance of chef Julian Martin, the kitchen embraces pure simplicity with finesse, delivering dishes that are as thoughtful as they are flavorful. The philosophy here extends beyond the plate, championing fair wages, eco-friendly practices, and locally sourced ingredients with minimal delivery routes. The service matches the food’s sophistication—efficient, attentive, yet unobtrusive, ensuring a relaxed dining experience that lets the cuisine take center stage. At EquiTable, sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life, woven into every detail. For diners seeking a conscious yet luxurious culinary experience, this Zurich gem is not to be missed.

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10. Ark - Copenhagen, Denmark

MICHELIN Green Star Modern Cuisine

Instagram | @restaurant_ark
Address | Nørre Farimagsgade 63, Copenhagen, 1364, Denmark Google Map
Reservation | Website
Phone | +45 33 30 01 50

Bright, buzzing, and entirely plant-based, Plant is redefining vegan dining with a sustainable edge. This MICHELIN Green Star restaurant takes a bold approach to eco-conscious gastronomy, using local and foraged ingredients enhanced with subtle Japanese influences. A standout feature? The restaurant’s own farm, where mushrooms are cultivated to create some of the menu’s most memorable dishes. The multi-course menus are thoughtfully curated, offering vibrant flavors and innovative techniques that elevate vegan cuisine to new heights. Pair your meal with their expertly chosen wines for a truly immersive experience.  Service at Plant is warm and informative, reflecting the team’s passion for both sustainability and exceptional hospitality. As Chef Brett Lavender puts it, "Everything we do has a sustainable focus," making this buzzing hotspot a must-visit for diners who value creativity and care for the planet. We sat down with Chef Brett Lavender for an exclusive interview to uncover the inspiration behind Plant’s groundbreaking approach, click here to read the full interview.