The world’s 20 best food cities right now

Why it’s iconic: Roughly a third of Peru's population lives in Lima, yet its roots are spread all over the country. The capital's gastronomy scene mirrors this diversity, offering a unique opportunity to eat hyper-locally in myriad ways—especially for those venturing beyond the tourist hotspots. Stuffed rocoto pepper and Peruvian black mint-tinged ocopa cream from the Arequipa region in the south? We got you. Maize stews pepián and espesado from the country's revered northern coast cuisine? Just a corncob's throw away. And food from the Amazon area, which has entered the spotlight as of late, is a jungle unto itself entirely.

If you only eat one thing: By now, ceviche is a world-renowned staple dish. But the causa Limeña? Despite its exquisite, colorful architecture, the potato- and chili pepper-based entrée still flies under the radar.

How it ranked: Our number one food city in the world is also the most affordable place to eat on this list, according to 85 percent of locals surveyed. And it’s not just coffee, which you’ll see mentioned several times here—it’s also going out to restaurants. Ninety percent of folks said dining out is actually cheap! Homebodies who prefer to make their own meals also have it made in Lima, where 82 percent of locals gave grocery shopping a four- or five-star rating. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to wow your taste buds.

Why it’s iconic: Bangkok’s food culture was built from migration, trade and late-night eating. Chinese influence especially changed the way the city eats, from noodle dishes and wok cooking to late-night street food culture in areas like Yaowarat. Pad Thai, arguably Thailand’s most recognized dish, perfectly reflects that mix of influences. The stir-fried noodles were popularized during a period of nationalism in the 1930s, but carried strong Chinese cooking techniques, ingredients and wok hei. Bangkok’s best meals often come from dishes that balance sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in one bite, whether eaten from a roadside cart or inside a restaurant.

If you only eat one thing: Make it khao tom gui. The late-night rice porridge reflects Bangkok’s deep Chinese influence, where simple bowls of rice are eaten with many shared side dishes, from stir-fries and braised meats to soups and seafood plates.

How it ranked: Flex your culinary skills in Thailand, where nearly 84 percent of respondents say the food and grocery shopping is better than anywhere else. While it’s not the most affordable city for dining (only two-thirds of the people surveyed said it was), 81 percent ranked Thailand as a great place to eat out.

Why it’s iconic: We stand out for our high-quality ingredients: maize, chillies, avocado and vegetables that form the basis of a taco or are adapted to a variety of styles and techniques, from the Korean restaurants on Juárez Street to the Spanish wave on Carmel, Chabela, Cocina del Bizco and the Italian establishments like Piazza Pasticcio and Pieno, our largest market, Central de Abastos, supplies a vast network of restaurants. If there’s one place you must visit, it’s Pujolito and its taco bar. Siembra is another option for contemporary Mexican cuisine, while Maizajo and its gaonera will have you coming back for more and shouting ‘long live the tacos!’ 

If you only eat one thing: The king of the streets and restaurants is the taco al pastor: pork marinated in achiote, orange and chilies, served with a corn tortilla and sauces—the quintessential choice.

How it ranked: Respondents touted Mexico City’s dining diversity, from classic taco trucks to award-winning spots, with 80 percent of locals rating its restaurant scene as “amazing.” Ninety-three percent said it’s a pretty affordable place to grab a cup of coffee, while going out to a restaurant can lean either way, with two-thirds of the people surveyed ranking it as an affordable city for dining out.

Why it’s iconic: Food in London is a many-splendoured thing. You can feast on roasted rib of beef and taste the city’s deeply meaty history at the recently reopened Simpsons In The Strand or enjoy other old school English spots such as Quality Chop House and Sweetings, as well as Fergus Henderson’s forever failsafe, St John. But dining out in London is as youthful, vibrant and gloriously global as it is traditional, thanks to centuries of migration and thriving diaspora communities. There’s incredible Chinese food in Chinatown and beyond, awesome Indian and South Asian cuisine, quality Korean restaurants, and the UK’s first Michelin-starred vegan spot Plates, all of which make London one of the most exciting places to eat on the planet. 

If you only eat one thing: A Sunday roast is surely London’s most legendary dish, a once-a-week gauntlet of meat, veg and spuds, done with varying degrees of finesse across the city’s pubs and restaurants.

How it ranked: No other city in the world loves dining out more than Londoners: Nearly 96 percent of locals rated the city’s restaurant scene as amazing, though only 50 percent said eating out was affordable. The upside? Grocery shopping is pretty stellar, with 80 percent of locals giving it four or five stars.

Why it’s iconic: Barcelona's gastronomy reflects its Mediterranean and commercial history. Its roots lie in Roman and Visigothic cuisine, which introduced wine, olive oil, and wheat. Later, the discovery of the Americas added the tomato and the potato, which are key to identity treasures such as pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato). Barcelona was also the first place in Spain to develop the concept of the modern restaurant and where Italian and French cuisines took the deepest roots, influencing dishes like canelons and escudella i carn d'olla. 

If you only eat one thing: Surf 'n' turf! Even though the name shares a term with the United States, here it refers to any traditional Catalan stewed dish that mixes meat and seafood. A modernization that has already become a classic is the rice with fresh prawns and cap i pota.

How it ranked: The restaurant scene and grocery shopping in Barcelona ranked about the same, coming in at 82 percent. Special-occasion restaurants, cafes and bakeries were among the most popular options for eating out. Among the most affordable? Grabbing a coffee.  

Why it's iconic: Saigon’s most iconic flavors came out of a singular resourcefulness. Bánh mì was born when wheat ran short and bakers cut the baguette with rice flour. Cơm tấm turned broken rice destined for animal feed into the city's signature plate. Cà phê sữa đá uses condensed milk over ice because the colonizers couldn't keep theirs fresh in the tropics. All three were improvisations that the city cherished and sold back to the world. Modern Saigon, young and increasingly affluent, improvises too, but often just for fun. Bánh tráng nướng is the city’s take on pizza: rice paper on a charcoal grill, topped with Laughing Cow, dried shrimp standing in for pepperoni, and hot sauce for the thrill of it, then cut with scissors and eaten at midnight as the perfect reason not to go to bed.

If you only eat one thing: Make it Ốc. Nominally snails, but in practice, any shellfish you can prise out with a toothpick, eaten on the street when you’re still full from dinner, until the night runs out. All in pursuit of ăn chơi, eating for play: modern Saigon’s civic pastime.

How it ranked: Meeting someone for a drink is about the least affordable thing you can do in Ho Chi Minh City, according to locals. Eighty-five percent said grabbing a coffee could be considered cheap, but only 36 percent said the same about going to a pub or bar. It seems more people are staying in, as 84 percent of respondents rated food and grocery shopping 4 or 5 stars.

Why it’s iconic: To understand Melbourne’s food history is to acknowledge its rich multicultural influences. A melting pot of cuisines in the truest sense, it’s been influenced by generations of immigration—from Italian and Greek to Vietnamese and Ethiopian. And that’s what makes it so special. This is a city where you can be transported back to the Hellenic motherland via the hearty, homestyle dishes at Kafeneion, explore Latin America’s gastronomic diversity beyond tacos and tequila at Papelón and find yourself getting a crash-course in modern Filipino cuisine at Serai. In Melbourne, you’re not just getting a taste of the city—you’re getting a taste of the world.

If you only eat one thing: Does coffee count as a food group? If you’re coming to Melbourne—aka the coffee capital of Australia—there’s only one thing that should be at the top of your must-consume list: a caffeine-fueled cup of the good stuff. Google will tell you that the Magic is the legendary local drink of choice, but really, you can’t go wrong with any variation in this bean-obsessed city of ours.

How it ranked: Café culture is huge in Melbourne, and it’s also the most affordable option for eating out. About 68 percent of folks said grabbing a coffee is cheap—think 20 percent less expensive than going out for a drink. Still, prices aren’t deterring locals from dining out: 93.6 percent rated the restaurant scene as “amazing” or “good.”

Why it’s iconic: Beijing’s food identity is basically a map of China on a plate. As the capital, it has long absorbed regional cuisines through the rise of “provincial restaurants in Beijing,” from Sichuan heat to Inner Mongolian grills, many originally tied to official outposts that evolved into everyday dining culture. These spots made the city a place where you can taste the entire country without leaving a single district. Then there are institutions like Hu Da Restaurant on Gui Jie, where late-night crayfish queues have become part of the city’s rhythm. 

If you only eat one thing: You have to try Peking duck with crispy skin and tender meat, wrapped in soft pancakes with scallions and sauce. It’s Beijing’s edible signature and still the most iconic way to taste the city. Our go-to spots are Siji Minfu and Dadong.

How it ranked: Beijing is a bargain destination for foodies, with 86 percent of locals ranking going to a restaurant or grabbing a coffee as an affordable activity. Staying in? Respondents say grocery shopping is a five-star endeavor.

Why it’s iconic: Athens beautifully blends its millennia of culinary traditions with innovative modern gastronomy. Blessed by year-round mild weather in this corner of the Mediterranean, the city sits on the crossroads of three continents, all of which have influenced the local food scene. While olive oil, wine and wild greens remain the pillars of the famous Greek Mediterranean diet, the city was later reshaped by refugees from Asia Minor who introduced rich spices and bold flavors. Today, historic neighborhoods like Psyrri and Plaka remain the ultimate destinations for food lovers, while vibrant new areas, such as Pangrati and Koukaki, have emerged as dynamic culinary hotspots, helping the city secure a total of 13 Michelin stars.

If you only eat one thing: Souvlaki is the most popular Greek street food you must try. It comes in many different variations, but it’s typically meat—usually pork or chicken—cut into cubes, grilled on a skewer, and served with bread, or gyros, a type of rotisserie-cooked meat placed inside pita bread with vegetables and a garlicky yogurt sauce. You can find a souvlaki place literally on every corner.

How it ranked: One of the highest-rated cities among our editors, Athens is also welcoming, friendly, diverse, and inclusive, according to 39 percent and 32 percent of locals, respectively. About 79 percent of respondents said Athens is a great city for dining out, specifically its cafés and independently run restaurants. 

Why it’s iconic: Yes, sandwiches are having a moment, and some are even elevated to chef-level creations, but the Portuguese liking their bread well-stuffed is nothing new. A true city institution is the bifana—and the queues at Bifanas do Afonso, in Baixa, prove this snack is alive and kicking. At the counter of this over-50-year-old snack bar, pork loin sandwiches simmered in a white wine, lard and garlic sauce have been served from 8:30am nonstop until 6:30pm. At Time Out Market Lisboa, two-Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa offers a bifana made with black pork secretos and a house sauce.

If you only eat one thing: Clams à bulhão pato were born in the 19th century and inherited their name from a Lisbon poet and gastronome. They never fail to feature on the menus of the city's best seafood restaurants. With a mouthwatering sauce of olive oil, garlic, coriander and lemon—where dipping your bread is absolutely mandatory—they evoke the Atlantic, so close to the city.

How it ranked: The vibes are high in Portugal, where 58 percent of respondents said the city is welcoming and friendly. Eighty-six percent of locals said the restaurant scene is amazing, though only 37 percent would say it’s affordable. Looking for a cheaper alternative? Grab a coffee, which 94 percent of locals said was actually affordable.

Why it’s iconic: Cape Town's homegrown flavors have simmered for centuries amid cultural collisions and exchanges. The Cape Malay community—descendants of enslaved people and political exiles brought to the Cape from the 17th century onward—has crafted one of the city's enduring culinary identities: the fragrant depth of a slow-cooked waterblommetjiebredie, the sweet-and-sour warmth of bobotie, and the Sunday-morning, syrup-soaked ritual of koeksisters. Take a food tour through Bo-Kaap, the colorful hillside neighborhood that is the bedrock of this community, to discover home cooks boosted by a new local market launched earlier this year. Fold in Strandloper foraging, the primal ritual of the braai, along with colonial-era Dutch, British and French Huguenot settler influences—and you have one of the world's most genuinely layered food cities, where each plate tells a genealogy story worth savoring.

If you only eat one thing: A Cape Malay curry: slow-cooked, golden with turmeric and warm with cardamom. Served with all the sambal trimmings on a bed of fragrant rice or wrapped in roti, this is the Cape's multicultural history served on a plate.

How it ranked: Ninety-three percent of locals voted Cape Town a great city for dining out, but it’s seemingly a high-low situation, with 59 percent of respondents voting for upmarket restaurants, while 64 percent claim coffee shops are where it’s at. Accordingly, only 31 percent of locals said takeout and delivery were better than anywhere else, which checks out, with most respondents choosing to dine in.

Why it’s iconic: Dashi is the bedrock of Japanese cuisine, but it remains largely unknown that Osaka played a crucial role in perfecting the stock and solidifying its fundamental role. In the Edo period (1603–1868), the city emerged as one of Japan’s major commercial hubs, with merchants bringing in produce and ingredients from all over the country. This helped Osaka develop a rich culinary foundation that led it to become the ‘nation’s kitchen’, built around a refined dashi made from Hokkaido kelp and bonito sourced from Wakayama, Kochi and Kagoshima. This umami-rich heritage is best savored at kappo restaurants such as the Michelin-rated Teruya and Koryu Keishin. These intimate, counter-style establishments, where chefs cook directly in front of diners, also originated in Osaka.

If you only eat one thing: Meaning ‘cut and cook’, kappo is a multi-course meal that introduces diners to different Japanese cooking styles, including simmering, steaming, and frying, with many—if not all—of the dishes built around the quintessential dashi.

How it ranked: Coffee lovers, make your way to Osaka, where 99 percent of locals say grabbing a cup of joe is actually affordable. Going out to a restaurant is also somewhat affordable, according to 71 percent of respondents. Not to worry: 77 percent of locals rated Osaka’s grocery stores four or five stars, so folks can still eat well while saving money.

Why it’s iconic: Bengaluru's culinary scene is instantly recognizable by familiar comforts: butter crackling on dosa pans, steel tumblers of strong filter coffee, perhaps even the smell of biryani masala drifting out of military hotels. It's curious to note that Karnataka staples like rice, coconut and jaggery form a common denominator nearly everywhere, playfully shaped by decades of migration. A sambar and rasam specific to Tamil Brahmin kitchens, for instance, or a fiercer, spicier biryani thanks to Andhra Pradesh, while Shivajinagar’s Muslim military hotels’ version—Donne biryani—is one of the city's proudest inventions.

You can't, of course, talk about Bengaluru food without tipping a hat to the old tiffin rooms. At Vidyarthi Bhavan, waiters weave through packed tables balancing benne masala dosas slick with butter, while CTR and Brahmin’s Coffee Bar still draw crowds for fluffy idlis, crisp vadas and coconut chutney people practically drink. It's clear that, more than any one dish, Bengaluru belongs to breakfast, traditionally eaten as quickly as possible while standing up.

If you only eat one thing: A close enough version of Bengaluru's dosas and idlis may be found elsewhere in India, but not the Donne biryani. Served in a dried palm-leaf bowl fragrant with spice and ghee, it's the one dish you're not going to be able to get your hands on too easily elsewhere.

How it ranked: A good number of locals favor Bangalore’s dining scene, with 82 percent of them rating it as “good” or “amazing.” Half of respondents said the city is “exciting” and that the late-night food spots are better than anywhere else in the world, while nearly as many (49 percent) said going out for drinks is affordable. The solution? Grab a coffee instead, which 78 percent of locals said is a cheap way to get out.

Why it’s iconic: Naples is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and its culinary scene is just as layered. One of the Mediterranean’s most influential port cities, Naples adopted culinary influences from Greek, Roman, Spanish and French rulers over the centuries, from ingredients to cooking techniques. Embracing these influences alongside the city’s long history of poverty, Naples’ cucina povera transformed humble ingredients into world-renowned bites, from fried pizza and hearty pasta dishes to one of the Mediterranean’s earliest street food cultures, still thriving through the chaotic alleyways of Spaccanapoli and the Spanish Quarters today.

If you only eat one thing: Born in Naples’ poorest postwar neighborhoods, pizza fritta embodies the city’s cucina povera in its entirety: fried pizza dough stuffed with ricotta, tomato sauce and Neapolitan salami—indulgent, chaotic and unmistakably Neapolitan.

How it ranked: The nucleus of all things pizza- and dough-related is naturally a big dining-out destination, with 72 percent of locals we surveyed rating Naples restaurants as “good” or “amazing.” Thirty-six percent described the food scene as “exciting,” though few (18 percent) would call it diverse. It really is all about the pizza, after all.

Why it’s iconic: Pizza. Bagels. Pastrami sandwiches. What do they all have in common besides serving as a solid lineup of some of New York's most iconic foods? They all trace back to immigrants. The diverse makeup of immigrant communities is not only what defines New York, but their food also tells a story of resilience, survival and entrepreneurship. And thanks to the city’s close proximity between neighborhoods, it's easy enough to tour the world via slow-roasted pernil, hand-pulled noodles and puffed patties in the same neighborhood—or even on the same block.

If you only eat one thing: A New York slice is already on the list, right? Great. If so, save room for a classic cured pastrami sandwich, stacked high with thick, juicy slices of spice-rubbed brisket that need only a slick of mustard and perhaps a pickle or two to make it even better.

How it ranked: Second only to Manchester worldwide, NYC is the city that enjoys eating out the most, with nearly 91 percent of respondents rating the restaurant scene as “good” or “amazing.” It’s also the most diverse dining scene on our top 20 list, with 77 percent of locals describing it as such, while 78 percent called NYC “exciting.” The downside to all this enthusiasm? It’s not exactly a welcoming place—only 27 percent of locals described it that way—nor the most affordable: Just 34 percent said going out to eat in NYC is cheap.

Why it’s iconic: Hong Kong is constantly referred to as a ‘cultural melting pot’ and, while it’s a tired sentiment, like all good clichés, it does ring true. The city has a long history as an international port of commerce and as a British colony with a diverse Asian population, so it has definitely absorbed global culinary influences. A great example is ‘soy sauce western’ food, which began when cha chaan tengs (local cafés) started serving modified Western dishes suited to the Hong Kong palate. Priced much lower than in dedicated Western restaurants, dishes with British, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Russian influences, among others, entered the mainstream dining scene—and we’ve since made these culinary twists truly our own. Think a sizzling steak prepared in soy sauce marinade at Boston Restaurant, a crumbly egg tart from Tai Cheong, Swiss sauce chicken wings from Tai Ping Koon, Hong Kong-style borscht and a strong mix of tea and coffee known as a yuenyeung from Lan Fong Yuen.

If you only eat one thing: Eggy, pan-fried bread may not be unique to our kitchens, but Hong Kong french toast is special in that thick-cut slices—or multiple slices—of bread are filled with peanut butter, fried, topped with a hefty knob of butter, then drenched in golden syrup upon serving: a perfect, moreish mix of sweet and savory.

How it ranked: While a number of cities on our list ranked as affordable places to grab a cup of coffee, few were also cheap places to dine. Hong Kong is one of those rare cities where dinner out is just as easy on the wallet as a cup of coffee and, surprisingly, cheaper than going out for drinks. About half of locals named Hong Kong’s special-occasion restaurants and casual dining spots as better than anywhere else in the world, too.

Why it’s iconic: The culinary soul of Buenos Aires is a captivating melting pot, a fusion forged by the massive 20th-century waves of Spanish and Italian immigration that intertwine with local criollo traditions. The city's famous thick-crust pizza, collapsing under the weight of oozing mozzarella, is a shining testament to this. Yet within this vibrant map of cultural cross-pollination, world-class Argentine beef has firmly cemented the parrilla as a cornerstone of national identity and the city’s ultimate calling card.

However, true porteño gastronomy is defined as much by ingredients as it is by time and connection. Historically, the neighborhood café has served as the ultimate social anchor, giving rise to the sobremesa. This sacred, uniquely Argentine ritual, observed equally at family tables and bustling restaurants, dictates that while one always knows when a meal begins, nobody ever knows when it will end, transforming dining into an endless arena for debate, laughter and cross-generational community.

If you only eat one thing: Buenos Aires’ culinary history is full of myths, and one of them claims that “Revuelto Gramajo” is the only dish entirely invented in Argentina. Whatever its true origin story may be, one thing is certain: If you want to leave Buenos Aires with true porteño credentials, you need to try this comforting combination of ultra-thin fries, fresh eggs and ham. There was even once a secret society dedicated to rating revueltos gramajo across the city, and its members insist the best version can be found at the iconic bar Los Galgos.

How it ranked: Only about a quarter of locals described Buenos Aires’ dining scene as “exciting” (28 percent) and “diverse” (26 percent), but 41 percent did consider it welcoming. So while variety isn’t exactly the draw, hospitality is. Seeing friends or going on a date? Meeting over drinks might be cheaper than going out to dinner, as only 43 percent of locals reported dining out as affordable, compared with 61 percent who said going out for drinks was cheap.

Why it’s iconic: Like the scooters roaring along the Corniche, Marseille’s cuisine has always run on mixing things together. For more than 2,500 years, this endearing port city has welcomed diasporas from across the Mediterranean. Greeks, Italians, Armenians, Algerians, Moroccans, Tunisians and Lebanese have all brought their suitcases and their plates to Marseille. This blending of flavors and recipes hybridized with Provençal cuisine and gave rise to a singular, popular and sun-drenched gastronomy. Pizza, couscous and falafel are just as much specialties of the city as bouillabaisse, aioli or pieds paquets. Bon appétit!

If you only eat one thing: It’s impossible to leave Marseille without trying bouillabaisse, the city’s iconic dish—for example, at Bouillabaisse Turfu, where Christian Qui reinvents it as a street food version to enjoy in front of the Old Port.

How it ranked: Shopping for groceries received a higher rating than going out for dinner in Marseille, with 71 percent of locals describing the dining scene as “good” or “amazing,” while 76 percent gave the shopping scene four or five stars. It seems that when only 33 percent of locals consider the city vibe “exciting,” it’s a better idea to make your own food—and good vibes—at home or with friends.

Why it’s iconic: The New Nordic Food Manifesto put Copenhagen on the map in 2004 by seeking to create a food culture for the region. Its focus on local and seasonal produce has been wildly successful—today, restaurants including Kadeau and Lille Mølle offer modern takes on it. Beyond fine dining, the city’s two key menu items are smørrebrød, open sandwiches served on dense rye bread (BoBe does a classic version), and the pastry. It’s always exciting to see how the city’s innovative bakeries rework traditional ideas with pastry chef pizazz. Try them at Juno, Riviera and Andersen & Maillard.

If you only eat one thing: The bolle med ost, or BMO—cheese roll—remains the must-buy bakery item. An airy sourdough roll with a crunchy crust, served with whipped butter and salty yellow cheese, it is peak Danish minimalism.

How it ranked: With 88 percent of locals surveyed rating dining out in Copenhagen as “good” or “amazing,” it’s surprising that 83 percent also described the food shopping scene as “four- or five-star.” Whether going out for a bite or coffee (the most affordable option, according to 62 percent of respondents) or staying in and making dinner, Copenhagen is clearly a foodie paradise.

Why it’s iconic: There are many cities with more critically acclaimed restaurants than Medellín, but you won’t find many that love their local cuisine as much as Medellín does. Paisas (as locals are known) are proud people who place an emphasis on local traditions and ingredients. No dish represents this more than the bandeja paisa, a massive meat-and-carbs platter that asks, “Why eat one Paisa food when you can eat them all?” Some say the filling dish was created for hardworking farmers. Others claim marketers came up with it. Either way, the dish is a badge of honor for locals.

If you only eat one thing: Chicharrón has become the meat of choice in Medellín, and deservedly so. This crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside deep-fried pork belly is decadent, versatile and affordable.

How it ranked: Medellín received one of the highest ratings for its restaurant scene, second only to London on this list, with 94 percent of locals describing eating out as “amazing” or “good.” The love is spread across several categories, including cafés and coffee shops, special-occasion restaurants and late-night food spots. Grocery shopping was also highly regarded, with 95 percent of respondents giving it four or five stars.