Food and beverage scenes often offer a captivating glimpse into the culture of a city. Certain destinations around the world beckon food-loving travelers with their diverse culinary landscapes, from street food havens to Michelin-starred paradises. According to Food & Wine readers, here are the top food cities globally:
Mexico City: Mexico City is celebrated for its incredible culinary diversity, ranging from innovative restaurants to countless street food stalls serving mouthwatering dishes like tacos al pastor, tamales, and tlacoyos.
Tokyo: Tokyo strikes a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, offering an exceptional dining experience. From tiny yakitori joints to hole-in-the-wall sushi spots to a multitude of ramen options, Tokyo’s food scene caters to every palate.
San Sebastián: This Basque gem boasts eight Michelin-starred restaurants, vibrant pintxos bars, and lively markets offering fresh produce and seafood. Try local delicacies like bolinhos de bacalhau, talos con chistorra, and kokotxas.
Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv has become a hotspot for food-focused travelers, particularly those with plant-based diets. Chickpea-based falafel, creamy hummus, shakshuka, burkeas, and sabich are just a few of the delectable vegetarian and vegan options available.
Madrid: Madrid’s food scene has flourished in recent years, offering an array of tasty tapas bars, bustling food markets, and signature dishes like bocadillo de calamares, callos a la madrileña, and cocido madrileño.
Paris: Paris is a culinary haven where you can savor classic French dishes like boeuf bourguignon, quiche lorraine, and cassoulet. The city’s bistro culture and delectable pastries, such as Paris-Brest and eclairs, add to its gastronomic allure.
Copenhagen: Known for its pioneering chefs, Copenhagen blends Nordic and international influences in its restaurants and food markets. Traditional Danish specialties like smørrebrød and pastries like kanelsnegle showcase sweet meets savory.
Lisbon: Lisbon’s dynamic food scene features salty seafood specialties, including roasted octopus and fried pastéis de bacalhau. Enjoy a bifana sandwich, and don’t miss the delectable pastel de nata custard tarts.
San Miguel de Allende: Located near Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende offers innovative cuisine that fuses local flavors with global influences. In addition to traditional dishes, you’ll find Thai, Lebanese, and German influences along with an array of agave-based spirits.
Rome: Rome boasts an impressive culinary scene with signature dishes like carciofi alla giudia, bucatini all’amatriciana, and cacio e pepe. Explore markets like Mercato Testaccio for an immersive experience into Roman cuisine’s raw materials.
These cities cater to food enthusiasts, promising unforgettable gastronomic adventures and cultural immersion.