The way to any foodie’s heart is through their stomachs. This list of the best foodie cities in the world is curated for the wanderer who loves to eat. Good food and travel are a heavenly pair. So, when you’ve discovered a city that has both exciting attractions and appetizing food – you’ve found nirvana.
Most foodies will agree that food is a love language and something that brings joy. When you have great meals on a trip, your experiences there become even more magical and unforgettable.
Top Culinary Destinations for Incredible Food
The foodie culture has been thriving in recent years with food trucks, food carts and food markets popping up all over the world. As a result of this food revolution, some cities have established themselves as global gourmet destinations. Whether you like Michelin starred restaurants or street food stalls, you’re sure to enjoy these international cuisines.
With so many delicious dishes to try, it can be difficult to narrow down which foodie city is best for you. To help you decide where to travel next, we’ve compiled a list of the best foodie cities in the world!
This list will help ease your burden of searching for these idyllic destinations, and instead, speed up your search for the next available flight out. Here are the top cities in the world that all foodies should visit – be prepared for a mouth-watering read.
1. Bologna, Italy
With a nickname like La Grassa (the fat one), Bologna may very well be Italy’s most gastronomic city. Bologna is situated in the region known as Italy’s Food Valley.
Take a seat in one of Bologna’s family owned trattorias – you’re in for a treat! Bologna is praised for its fresh pasta and is justifiably famous for products like gelato and mortadella – the inspiration for baloney in America.
Try it with a shakerato, an Italian drink made with espresso, sweetened condensed milk and ice cubes.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Arguably, Danish food solidified its place on the foodie world map because of the critically acclaimed restaurant Noma. A pioneer of food foraging, Noma is a three Michelin star restaurant by chef René Redzepi.
However, Noma exists because Copenhagen is a city that has refined its palate and offers an impressive range of restaurants catering to every taste. It’s also the heart of the Nordic food revival with a thriving café culture.
Make sure to try the smørrebrød, open sandwiches made from rye bread topped with cheese, fish or meat.
3. Marrakech, Morocco
Whether you’re taking a stroll through one of the winding alleyways of the medina or checking out one of the many evening food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna, Morocco is an aromatic spice haven. And there is certainly no shortage of excellent food to be found here.
The colorful sights and smells of dried spices in the souks, combined with the plethora of fresh produce lining the streetside make it clear that this city has plenty of culinary surprises waiting to be discovered.
Try a tasty tagine cooked in a clay pot or a couscous dish, washed down with fresh mint tea.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a megacity that has an extensive restaurant scene, from neighborhood izakayas to an inordinate number of luxurious fine dining restaurants.
The Tsukiji Fish Market alone would be enough to make Tokyo a foodie destination. This is where 5 million pounds of raw fish are sold every day, mostly to be served as sushi.
5. Lyon, France
Lyon is arguably the food capital of France and has been beckoning foodies everywhere to enjoy their dishes for decades.
And in true French fashion, the city lives and breathes French cuisine at all levels. From its fresh produce markets down to its finest gourmet restaurants, Lyon is feted for its traditional dishes.
Enjoy them in the traditional bouchons lyonnais, casual restaurants that serve homemade comfort food like pâté en croûte, steak frites and salade Lyonnaise – the city’s namesake salad with frisée, lardons and a poached egg. Finish with a delicious pink praline tart.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, the street food capital of the world, is a hub for foodies looking to indulge in authentic Thai cuisine. As a sophisticated and elegant destination, Bangkok boasts an array of culinary delights that are sure to tantalize even the most refined palates.
From savory stir fried noodle dishes such as pad thai, to sweet and sticky rice desserts, the city is famed for its delicious street food culture. With a multitude of flavors and aromas infused in every bite, Bangkok serves up a culinary experience that is truly unforgettable.
As an authoritative food destination, Bangkok is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a unique and authentic dining experience.
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the home of grilled meats and red wine and you should sample plenty of both while you’re here. Thanks to the city’s robust immigrant population, you are sure to experience all sorts of culinary excellence. Cuisine from the Mediterranean, Italy, Asia, and Spain are all present in the city of Argentina.
Be sure to try an alfajor. This is an addictive cookie sandwich that’s glued together with sweet dulce de leche. As well as the renowned Argentinian red wines, there are some great Argentinian white wines to accompany your meal.
8. New Orleans, United States
The local food scene in New Orleans is nurtured by the city’s colorful and mixed heritage. Seafood plays a vital role in the city’s cuisine and is one of the reasons why travelers love to visit NOLA.
One of the many popular dishes in New Orleans is the Po’Boy. This is a sandwich filled with fried seafood such as shrimp, oysters, catfish, soft-shell crab, or roast beef, and completed with brown gravy, shredded lettuce, and tomato served on French bread.
9. Naples, Italy
Naples represents the soul of Italian cuisine with its emphasis on simple, high-quality ingredients and time-honored traditions. This vibrant southern Italian city has earned recognition as one of the world’s premier food destinations, where every meal feels like a celebration of culinary heritage.
Naples is famous for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, characterized by its soft, chewy crust with slightly charred edges, made in traditional wood-fired ovens. Beyond pizza, the city offers incredible pasta dishes like spaghetti alle vongole and pasta with Neapolitan ragù, as well as sweet treats like sfogliatella pastries and babà soaked in rum.
The city’s bustling markets, family-run trattorias, and passionate food culture create an atmosphere where eating is not just sustenance but an art form. From street food like cuoppo (fried seafood in paper cones) to elegant restaurants overlooking the Bay of Naples, this city offers an authentic taste of Italian culinary tradition that has influenced cuisines worldwide.
10. Lima, Peru
Often hailed as the culinary capital of South America, Lima has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting food destinations. This coastal city brilliantly combines indigenous ingredients with techniques brought by immigrants from Japan, China, and Italy, creating a revolutionary fusion cuisine that has captivated the global culinary world.
Lima is the birthplace of Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) and Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian fusion), alongside traditional dishes that showcase Peru’s incredible biodiversity. The city is famous for its ceviche, made with ultra-fresh Pacific fish “cooked” in citrus acids, as well as anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), causa limeña (layered potato dishes), and ají de gallina.
With renowned restaurants like Central, Maido, and Astrid y Gastón, Lima boasts more internationally recognized fine dining establishments than any other South American city. The combination of world-class restaurants, vibrant markets like Mercado de Surquillo, and innovative chefs makes Lima an absolute must-visit for food enthusiasts.
11. Singapore
Singapore stands as one of Asia’s premier foodie destinations, where hawker centers serve as the beating heart of the culinary scene. This multicultural city-state offers an incredible fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines, creating a unique gastronomic landscape found nowhere else in the world.
From the bustling Maxwell Food Centre to the upscale Newton Food Centre, Singapore’s hawker stalls serve up legendary dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, and chili crab. The city also boasts an impressive fine dining scene, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants elevating Asian cuisine to new heights.
What makes Singapore truly special is its commitment to preserving street food culture while embracing culinary innovation. With nearly 300 new restaurants opening monthly, the food scene is constantly evolving, making it an essential destination for any serious foodie.
12. Tallinn, Estonia
The capital city of Estonia, Tallinn has a thriving food scene. We were amazed by the quality of the restaurants in Tallinn when we visited.
There are trendy bars in the Kalamaja district, medieval style restaurants in Tallinn old town and contemporary eateries such as Noa overlooking the bay.
Estonia is known for its dark rye bread, craft beer and smoked sprats. Beetroot, egg and potato salad, rosolje, is another popular dish. If you visit for Tallinn Christmas markets, try the grogg, a mulled wine, as well as the marzipan.
13. Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s food scene is truly one of a kind, offering a full-bodied culinary experience for foodies all around the world. The city is known for its tapas bars, offering a variety of delectable bites that perfectly complement any cocktail or glass of Rioja.
What makes Madrid’s cuisine so unique is its use of local ingredients, such as Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, and the region’s famous olive oil. From traditional dishes like cocido madrileño to modern gastronomical creations, Madrid has an endless array of dining options to satisfy every palate.
14. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende stands as one of Mexico’s most sought-after culinary destinations. With its vibrant gastronomic scene and long-standing culinary traditions, this charming town is a mecca for food lovers.
From food festivals showcasing the best in local cuisine to an array of upscale dining options, San Miguel de Allende offers an unforgettable epicurean experience. With a rich blend of traditional Mexican recipes and innovative flavors, every dish is a delightful sensory adventure.
Pack your bags, and prepare to feast your senses in one of the world’s most elevated gourmet getaways.
15. Rome, Italy
The Eternal City of Rome is a foodie’s paradise! The rich and diverse Roman cuisine is sure to satiate even the most discerning of palates.
The city’s culinary scene is renowned for its bold flavors, tantalizing aromas, and unique recipes that have been passed down through generations. Among the classics are Cacio e Pepe, a simple yet mouth-watering pasta dish that perfectly balances the flavors of creamy pecorino cheese and spicy black pepper, and Pasta Carbonara, made with eggs, guanciale, and pecorino cheese.
Experience the charm and authenticity of Rome by indulging in its culinary delights.
16. San Francisco, United States
Great food and drink are intricately woven into the ‘Bay’ region’s history and traditions. This West Coast city is known for its Dungeness crab, abalone and clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.
San Francisco restaurants have been a driving force in global culinary innovation for decades, and there are countless examples of local establishments leading the way in creativity and most importantly, delicious cuisine. The city also boasts some of the best coffee shops in the world.
17. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the master of Cantonese food. Dim sum sets the pace with a variety of dumplings and fried treats.
However, beyond the Dim Sum legacy that engulfs the streets of Hong Kong, char siu pork, soy sauce chicken, and roast goose make the city a great place for meat lovers.
18. Paris, France
With so many restaurants, cafes and bistros to choose from in Paris, it can be hard for visitors to know where they should eat. From French classics like escargot and croque monsieur, to modern twists on traditional dishes like crêpes with goat cheese and honey or steak tartare; there are plenty of delicious options available throughout the City of Lights.
Whether you’re interested in Michelin starred fine dining or trying out new food trucks, Paris has it all! Some examples include: Le Cordon Bleu, a pioneering culinary school, literary cafe Les Deux Magots and L’As du Falafel food truck.
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try macarons at Ladurée or Pierre Hermé.
19. New York City, United States
If you’re a foodie traveling with a picky eater, don’t worry. New York City has some of the widest assortments of food on offer.
The best of New York food is not their gourmet side (although that is good too) – rather, the essence of this city’s cuisine is in its classics. Bagels, New York pizza and pastrami sandwiches are timeless, tried, and true.
But, since the Big Apple is the nation’s ultimate melting pot, some of its best restaurants serve food more typically eaten in countries like China, Japan, India, Israel, Italy, and South Korea.
20. San Sebastian, Spain
Located on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastian has been recognized as one of the world’s best food destinations. Eat fresh seafood to your heart’s content, join a Pintxos crawl, and drink lots of Rioja wine as soon as you land. You won’t regret a single spoonful.
21. Chiang Mai, Thailand
In Northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai has some of the most renowned street food in the world. The streets are enveloped in a hypnotic fusion of spicy and sweet aromas.
The food scene here is quick and casual. But, no matter how fast the food is prepared and served, the culture around eating here doesn’t accept shortcuts.
The sight of aromatic cooking being prepared in front of you is sure to set your taste buds tingling. Try Khao soi, a soup made with yellow egg noodles and a creamy coconut curry.
22. Mexico City
Mexico City is another contender for excellent street food. The city offers plenty of food stands selling tacos and fried corndogs.
If you’re in the mood for some fresh produce, Mercado Merced is a gigantic market filled with avocados, peppers, and moles, enough to satisfy a lifetime of Mexican-themed food dreams.
There are also some great traditional restaurants such as San Angel Inn, which has several gorgeous dining terraces.
23. Los Angeles, United States
L.A. is quickly gaining popularity when it comes to well-made Mexican and seafood dishes. The city of angels offers an extensive variety of global cuisine due to its rich ethnic and cultural mix. From food carts to Michelin stars, Los Angeles is one of the best food cities in the United States.
With L.A.’s high accessibility to the ocean, you can devour platefuls of the freshest seafood. You’ll find plenty of great seafood restaurants to choose from, as the city is full of them.
24. Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is a country with a rich cultural heritage and nowhere is this clearer than in Cape Town. This city is home to many cultures. And depending on who makes the dish, and what their culture is, you’ll get a delightfully different dish every meal.
A common thread around South African tables is that meals are served family-style. Meals are mostly shared amongst family and friends, so be prepared for copious amounts of food.
Some of the best foods to try in Cape Town include biltong, a dried meat, boerewors sausage cooked on a braai (South African barbeque) and malva pudding with Rooibos tea.
25. London, United Kingdom
London, the capital of England and a city that never sleeps. It’s a place where you can enjoy incredible food from all over the world, from Lebanese to Indian cuisine.
The next time you visit London make sure to try these popular foods: fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, or Cornish pasties. London has an amazing food scene, which you can discover at its many markets. From Borough Market to the South Bank and Tower Bridge, to Mayfair, Portobello Road Market and Camden Food Market, there is always something new to try!
Enjoy a themed afternoon tea or head to one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in London.
26. San Diego, United States
The culinary scene in SoCal is all about fish tacos, Nonna’s gnocchi, and beer. And thanks to the city’s historic fishing industry, just one bite of a fresh fish taco will renew your tastebuds.
In the bustling Little Italy neighborhood, you can enjoy a craft draft beer before digging into a plate of pasta – served straight from a cheese wheel.
27. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The city of Ho Chi Minh is known for its distinct street food, as well as its fine dining establishments. It is in the streets of Ho Chi Minh where you can find the best variety of great Vietnamese cuisine.
While the two more widely known dishes here are bahn mi and pho, you’ll be surprised by the wide array of other dishes that can be found in the city.
28. Tel Aviv, Israel
The city of Tel Aviv has become a major culinary destination for those eager to taste authentic Israeli food with a modern twist.
If you’re crazy about hummus and falafel, Tel Aviv should be your number one pitstop. Tel Aviv offers more than good traditional food – it transcends it.
Final Thoughts on the Best Foodie Cities in the World
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, many of us can agree that food is a part of the adventure. The cities mentioned here give foodies the opportunity to try cult favorites or indulge in some unique gastronomic experiences.
So, whether you live to eat or if you’re dying to try some delicious local dishes, these cities will have you feeling satisfied.
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