Top 15 Cities That Every Foodie Must Visit
New Orleans: The Culinary Crown Jewel of America
When it comes to food cities that steal your heart with every bite, New Orleans stands at the absolute top of the list. A whopping 93 percent of New Orleans locals rated the city highly for restaurants and eating out – the third-highest percentage of all cities surveyed. Combine that with a high number of votes from our panel of food experts, plus all-round decent affordability scores, and it’s easy to see how the Big Easy came out on top as the best place to eat out in 2025. New Orleans came out on top in its global survey of more than 18,500 people, thanks to its culinary blend of French, Spanish, Vietnamese and African influences. These are deliciously manifested in treats such as gumbo, jambalaya and beignets.
The magic doesn’t stop with traditional dishes though. The Big Easy has perhaps the most distinctive culture of any U.S. city. With a combination of European, Caribbean and African influences, its culinary offerings are no exception. Cajun and Creole staples (gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys … the list goes on) define the food landscape, although beignets and pralines are a sweet second. We also have New Orleans to thank for Sunday brunch, which originated here in 1854, and the spread of cocktail culture. Walking through the French Quarter at night, the aroma of crawfish étouffée mingles with jazz music flowing from dimly lit bars. It’s like tasting history with every spoonful.
Bangkok: Where Street Food Becomes Fine Art
The No. 2 spot went to Bangkok, Thailand, with its glorious food scene covering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining such as the acclaimed restaurant Gaggan Anand to a multitude of markets with $3 street-food that’ll blow your mind. What makes Bangkok’s food great is what makes Bangkok in general great: you can make it anything you want. The fine dining can be life-changingly good, but so can the $3 meal under fluorescent lights. Do as follows: walk around, see what looks tasty and draws a crowd, order, eat. The streets of Old Town and Chinatown are favourites for a reason, but the best bowl of noodles is the one calling your name at 2am. If you only eat one thing: Som tam is ubiquitous, but legendary street food spot Hai Som Tam Convent serves up a top-tier, zesty pile of green papaya and fiery chillies – absolutely killer with sticky rice.
But Bangkok’s food scene is not limited to the streets. Head to the basement level of just about any mall, and you’ll find the dishes you saw on the street, but with air-conditioning, comfortable seating and a price tag that’s only marginally more expensive. And of course, Bangok is also home to countless brick-and-mortar restaurants, which range from mom-and-pop curry stalls to massive, brightly lit seafood halls. In recent years, Bangkok has seen a shift toward upscale dining, and it’s easy to blow your paycheck on excellent Japanese (the city has a massive Japanese population), regional Italian and of course, Thai restaurants. Of the latter, several ambitious Thai chefs – think Prin Polsuk of Samrub Samrub Thai, and Tam Chudaree Debhakam of Baan Tepa Culinary Space – have taken their cuisine to levels of sophistication and creativity that can rival that of any of the world’s culinary capitals.
Melbourne: The World’s New Foodie Capital
In a recent study by British travel company Travelbag, Melbourne has been crowned the world’s top foodie destination for 2025. This accolade reflects the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, which continues to captivate locals and visitors. The Australian city seriously deserves all the hype it’s getting right now. Melbourne’s food scene is a testament to its rich multicultural heritage. The city boasts over 100 different cuisines, offering a gastronomic journey that spans the globe. From the Italian eateries lining Lygon Street to authentic Asian delights in Chinatown, Melbourne serves as a culinary crossroads where tradition and innovation meet.
What makes Melbourne even more appealing to food lovers is the balance between quality and affordability. Dining in Melbourne is not only about variety but also about value. The average cost for a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is approximately £57 (around AUD 113), making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. This balance of quality and affordability ensures that exceptional dining experiences are within reach for many. Plus, The city’s culinary appeal resonates globally, as evidenced by its strong presence on social media. Melbourne ties with London for the highest number of Instagram posts tagged with ‘#melbournefood’ and ‘#londonfood,’ each boasting 3 million posts. This online popularity underscores Melbourne’s status as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Tokyo: The Michelin-Starred Giant
If you’re serious about food, Tokyo should absolutely be on your bucket list. Konnichiwa, Tokyo! If I had to pick one city to call the foodie capital of the world, I’d go with Tokyo! Technically, Tokyo is considered the sushi capital of the world, so I wouldn’t be too far off! The Japanese capital is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city on Earth, but that’s just scratching the surface. In the Japanese capital, stumbling upon a top-tier meal at a price point that’s a fit for you is somehow always within reach. With the greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, you’ll find high-end omakase dining alongside izakayas serving highballs and conveyor belt sushi where you pay by the plate. Ancient techniques and quality ingredients are the key to Tokyo’s culinary success. Its legacy lives on at Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market, where early-morning tuna auctions and stalls selling yakitori (chicken skewers brushed with a sweet soy glaze) and tamagoyaki (sweet and savory rolled omelet) open their doors as early as 5 a.m.
Tokyo’s food scene is amazing in the way it blends traditional flavors with modern twists. The streets of Tokyo are filled with enticing aromas from food stalls serving creative dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (chicken skewers), fluffy pancakes, mochi rice cakes, and many delicacies with flavor combinations you never would have thought existed! Oh, and sushi lovers can attend the top master-class workshops in the world or eat authentic sushi 24/7! I don’t know about you, but I’d move to Tokyo only for that! The city manages to honor centuries-old culinary traditions while constantly pushing boundaries with innovative techniques that would make any food scientist jealous.
Singapore: Where Hawker Centers Rule
You probably got it by now: the best foodie cities in the world are most often those with mixed heritage and cultures. Singapore is no exception. Due to a large number of expats, Singapore has an insane amount of international restaurants, from Middle Eastern to Italian to French to Indian for every taste and budget! Of course, you can also try local dishes in its street markets and traditional restaurants. I love their hawker centers and open-air food courts with food stalls serving local specialties. Must-try foods: chili crab, kaya toast, Hainanese chicken rice, satay Food markets: Maxwell Food Center (map), Tiong Bahru Market (map), Pek Kio Market & Food Center (map)
This megacity’s food scene is shaped by centuries of Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian migration, where some of the most affordable meals are also the finest. Singapore’s renowned hawker stands can overwhelm the senses in the best way, capturing the city’s ethos. In fact, one of the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred meals can be found at Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles, a stall serving up minced pork noodles for about $5. Elsewhere, eat your way through local favorites like Hainanese chicken rice (poached chicken with fragrant rice), chili crab, and roti prata (Indian flatbread). The fact that you can get a Michelin-starred meal for less than the price of a fancy coffee in most Western cities says everything about Singapore’s incredible value proposition.
Lima: South America’s Rising Culinary Star
Lima has made a name for itself as the top culinary destination in Latin America, thanks to its variety of high-quality offerings. If fusing culinary stylings is an art form, then Lima is a city of artists, as nearly every Peruvian specialty was born out of an amalgamation. The Peruvian capital has been quietly building its reputation as one of the world’s most exciting food destinations, and frankly, it’s about time people noticed. Peruvian cuisine is a mixture of Japanese, Chinese, African, Indonesian, and traditional Andean flavors. Some of the country’s most iconic dishes (like aji de gallina, spicy chicken stew) are a testament to the rich cultural influences present in Peru and its capital. Lima is also slowly becoming a foodie hotspot in the world, especially after its chefs have started gaining worldwide recognition for adding modern twists to traditional Peruvian dishes. Probably one of the biggest surprises on this list (at least for me), Lima’s markets and high-end restaurants are so enticing you’ll want a special gourmet food tour once you’re there!
What really sets Lima apart is how it seamlessly blends ancient indigenous ingredients with techniques brought by waves of immigrants. Quinoa meets soy sauce, sweet potatoes dance with ginger, and the result is a cuisine that feels both ancient and utterly modern. The ceviche alone is worth the plane ticket, but stick around for the anticuchos and you’ll understand why Lima is getting serious attention from food critics worldwide.
Miami: America’s Latin Fusion Paradise
It’s not just sun-soaked beaches and jet-set elegance that define this popular city; it’s also the rich culinary history and delectable Miami foods that make it one of the best foodie cities. Whether you’re trying tostones in Little Havana or sipping cocktails at South Beach’s swank Sweet Liberty Drinks, Miami will make your mouth water. For a romantic date idea in Miami, La Mar (inside the waterfront Mandarin Oriental) has perfected Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, including succulent ceviches, astounding anticuchos
The ranking named Miami as the top foodie city in America. “In the best foodie cities, including Miami, Florda, San Francisco, California, and Orlando, Florida, there are tons of unique culinary experiences to try, from food trucks to specialty-food stores to Michelin-starred restaurants,” said Chip Lupo, Wallethub analyst. Miami’s food scene reflects its position as the gateway between North and South America. Cuban sandwich shops sit next to high-end Peruvian restaurants, while Colombian arepas compete with Haitian griot for street food supremacy. The city’s tropical climate means fresh ingredients year-round, and the party atmosphere ensures that every meal feels like a celebration.
San Francisco: Innovation Meets Tradition
In addition, the Golden Gate city has the sixth-best diversity of restaurant types in the country, along with the fourth-best access to healthy food options. San Francisco also has a large number of food festivals and cooking schools per capita, allowing foodies to enjoy new culinary experiences. To top things off, San Francisco leads the country when it comes to herb and spice stores, international grocery stores and craft breweries per capita. The California city has always been a place where culinary innovation thrives, partly thanks to its proximity to some of the world’s best wine regions and its tech-fueled culture of constant experimentation.
For a less formal lunch, nosh alongside the Berkeleyites at Cheeseboard Pizza; the pie selection changes daily and spotlights locally grown vegetables and quality cheeses, both Californian and imported. Another great way to savor the best neighborhood eateries, hot spots and hidden gems is on a food tour in the Bay Area. These captivating experiences offer a unique deep dive into the best foodie cities, with expert insight from a local guide. From Michelin-starred temples of molecular gastronomy to hole-in-the-wall dim sum spots in Chinatown, San Francisco offers a culinary journey that feels distinctly Californian yet globally inspired.
Istanbul: Where East Meets West on Every Plate
Istanbul’s food scene is a delightful fusion of its rich Ottoman heritage and modern global influences. In 2023, the city’s culinary landscape hit new heights when TURK Fatih Tutak earned its second Michelin star. Tutak is known for his commitment to Turkish ingredients and flavours, which he elevates with innovative techniques learned abroad. The opening of JW Marriott Marmara Sea and the luxury Peninsula Istanbul in the same year also bolstered the city’s reputation as a gourmet destination, with their in-house restaurants pushing the boundaries of Turkish cuisine.
From kebabs to mezes, Istanbul’s food culture remains firmly rooted in tradition. The city’s street food scene, including simit (a Turkish sesame bread) and balık ekmek (fish sandwiches), is world-renowned. The Galataport project, which includes the world’s first underground cruise terminal, is also revitalizing Istanbul’s historic waterfront and promises a variety of new dining venues by 2027. Beyond fine dining, the traditional markets, like the Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar, continue to attract millions of visitors annually, offering a sensory overload of spices, teas, and Turkish delights. Istanbul’s culinary future looks as bright as its ancient past, with a steady rise in both local and international investment in its ever-evolving food scene. The city literally bridges two continents, and its food does the same – creating flavors that are uniquely Turkish yet influenced by European, Asian, and Middle Eastern traditions.
Barcelona: Tapas Culture at Its Peak
Barcelona’s cuisine is all about flavours that are bold, fresh, and vibrant, with Mediterranean influences intertwined with Catalan tradition. The city’s food scene reached new heights in 2023 when Disfrutar was awarded its third Michelin star. Known for its boundary-pushing, artistic approach to food, this establishment redefines Catalan dining, inviting patrons on a sensory journey. Another exciting newcomer is Aleia, which earned its first Michelin star last year, a fine dining gem that reflects Barcelona’s creativity and dedication to local ingredients.
Of course, the culinary adventure in Barcelona begins in its markets like Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria or the lesser-known Mercat de Sant Antoni. This is where locals and enlightened tourists alike indulge in tapas, fresh seafood, and Iberian ham, capturing the essence of Catalan gastronomy. Barcelona understands that great food isn’t just about fancy restaurants – it’s about creating a culture where sharing small plates becomes a way of life. The city’s vermouth culture, where locals gather in the early afternoon for a drink and small bites, perfectly captures the Mediterranean approach to food as social glue.
Chicago: Deep Dish and So Much More
Chicago is a fantastic culinary city in the Midwest! Known for dishes like deep dish pizza, a Chicago Italian beef sandwich, Chicago style hot dogs, and the original Rainbow Cone. With over 8,000 restaurants in Chicago, you’re sure to find the best of the best! For deep dish pizza, try Bartoli’s for a classic, delicious crust or Pequod’s for a signature carmelized crust that Chicago is known for. While tourists might come for the deep-dish pizza, locals know that Chicago’s food scene runs much deeper than its most famous export.
The Windy City has one of the most diverse food scenes in America, shaped by waves of immigration that brought everything from Polish pierogi to Mexican elote to its neighborhoods. Factors in the ranking include the number of full-service restaurants per capita and the number of ice cream shops per capita, which helped cities with large tourist economies. Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco and Chicago all ranked in the top five for restaurants per capita. From James Beard Award-winning fine dining establishments to legendary hot dog stands that haven’t changed their recipes in decades, Chicago proves that great food cities are built on both innovation and tradition.
Nashville: Hot Chicken and Honky-Tonk Flavors
If you’re looking for the best foodie destinations in the United States, look no further than Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is seriously a foodie’s heaven! Visitors can indulge in traditional Southern food or local creations that aren’t found anywhere else. Whether you decide to visit Nashville for a short weekend getaway or you plan on being there for a longer period, you won’t get tired of the endless food options. This culinary diverse city is especially known for the Nashville hot chicken. It’s a dish unlike any other. It’s basically fried chicken with intense heat and flavor and it’s served with bread and pickles. Your trip to Nashville won’t be complete without trying it! The best restaurants for Nashville hot chicken are Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. The lines for these restaurants will be very long, but it’s worth the wait.
Beyond the fiery chicken that put it on the culinary map, Nashville has evolved into a serious food destination that honors its Southern roots while embracing modern innovation. The city’s music scene and food culture are intertwined – you’ll find as much creativity on the plate as you will on stage. Hot chicken might be the star, but supporting acts include exceptional barbecue, bourbon-infused everything, and a growing farm-to-table movement that celebrates Tennessee’s agricultural bounty.
