A European Tour Through Antipasti

We began our journey through antipasti (appetizers) in Italy, and now we widen our gaze to the rest of Europe: a mosaic of flavours that starts the celebration and tells stories of tradition. Every country has its own small bites and its own rituals of sharing: antipasto is not just a prelude to the meal, but the gesture that welcomes, gathers, and warms the atmosphere. This is true all year round and even more so at the end of December, during Christmas and New Year’s festivities, when dishes become richer in meaning and flavour, making time spent together even more special.

France – The art of elegance at the table

In France, the antipasto is a small masterpiece of refinement. Terrines - smooth meat or vegetable pâtés served in slices - and quiche, a savoury tart with eggs, cream, and cheese, tell the story of everyday tradition with simplicity and taste. At Christmas, new protagonists take the stage: foie gras, velvety and intense, served with brioche, becomes the star of the table, while fresh oysters, paired with a glass of champagne, add a touch of luxury.

Spain – Joy in small bites

In Spain, antipasto is a social ritual that marks the moment of gathering. Tapas, dishes meant to be shared, are the heart of this tradition: jamón ibérico, deeply flavoured and cured to perfection; croquetas, golden and creamy; tortilla de patatas, soft and savoury; gambas al ajillo, prawns sautéed with garlic and oil, irresistibly fragrant; and many other little culinary gems. Each bite is an invitation to pause, chat, and go back for “just one more taste.”

Germany – The warmth of simplicity

Rustic and comforting, the German antipasto embodies the essence of comfort food. Potato salad (Kartoffelsalat), enriched with onions, mayonnaise, or mustard, is a must on family tables; marinated herring, served in sweet-and-sour or creamy sauces, brings a bold flavor that tells the story of northern traditions. Hearty, genuine dishes that open the meal with warmth and ease.

Sweden – The buffet that becomes tradition

In Sweden and across the Nordic countries, antipasto is not merely an introduction but a true showcase of sharing. In December, the smörgåsbord, a grand tasting buffet, becomes the Christmas julbord, a ritual that gathers family and friends around a rich and colorful table. Among its highlights are herring in various sauces - mustard, onion, or cream -; gravlax, salmon cured with herbs, sugar, and dill; and köttbullar, the iconic Swedish meatballs, tender and flavorful. Every dish is meant to be enjoyed together, in an ongoing invitation to pick, taste, and share.

Greece – Hospitality in small plates
In Greece, antipasto is an act of generosity: the meze, a collection of dishes to share, welcomes guests with colors and flavors that immediately lift the spirit. Aromatic olives, yogurt- or eggplant-based dips, local cheeses like feta, dolmades - vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs - and spanakopita, a savory spinach and feta pie with a bold taste, fill the table. These dishes pass from hand to hand, among toasts and smiles, turning the meal into a moment of encounter. During the Christmas season, some regions also prepare lachanodolmades (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, served with the traditional avgolemono sauce), as wishes of prosperity and abundance.

Every country has its own way of welcoming guests at the table, and antipasto everywhere becomes the gesture that opens the celebration.