Food & Wine has revealed its picks for the world’s top culinary destinations, and this year’s list celebrates the cities where food and drink are essential to daily life. From centuries-old markets to cutting-edge kitchens, these 10 cities offer unforgettable dining experiences at every level—counting down to the city that took the #1 spot.
10. Melbourne
Australia’s food capital is bold, multicultural, and endlessly creative. Melbourne thrives on its café culture—there’s no better place for brunch—and the city’s love for coffee borders on obsession. At dinner, you’ll find everything from smoky, modern Thai at Chin Chin to sophisticated tasting menus at Attica, where native Australian ingredients are reimagined with elegance. A global melting pot with a fiercely local spirit.
9. Copenhagen
A small city with massive culinary influence, Copenhagen revolutionized Nordic dining. Thanks to pioneers like Noma and Geranium, it’s now synonymous with hyper-seasonal, foraged fine dining. But beyond the Michelin stars, you’ll find innovative casual fare at places like Baest (where they make their own mozzarella) and Slurp Ramen Joint. Even a hot dog stand in Copenhagen might surprise you with pickled cucumbers and remoulade.
8. Lima
Lima is the beating heart of Peruvian cuisine, and one of the most exciting food cities on the planet. It’s home to several of the world’s top-ranked restaurants, including Central, where chef Virgilio Martínez explores Peru’s many altitudes and ecosystems on every plate. Cevicherías like La Mar are essential stops, while Nikkei restaurants showcase the city’s Japanese influence. Add pisco sours and bold street eats to the mix, and Lima is a food lover’s dream.
7. Paris
The French capital never loses its culinary luster. Whether you’re biting into a perfectly flaky croissant, sipping natural wine at a tiny bistro in the 11th arrondissement, or enjoying haute cuisine at Le Meurice, Paris serves timeless sophistication. But it’s not just tradition—modern chefs like those at Septime and Clamato are pushing Parisian cuisine forward with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
6. London
Long gone are the days of London’s bland food reputation. The city is now a global culinary powerhouse, where you can go from spicy Sri Lankan hoppers at Hoppers, to refined British plates at St. JOHN, to West African small plates at Chishuru, all in one weekend. Food halls like Borough Market and cocktail destinations like Lyaness add to the buzz. London is where heritage and experimentation collide deliciously.
5. Hong Kong
A dazzling crossroads of East and West, Hong Kong’s food scene is legendary. From dim sum at Tim Ho Wan and roast goose at Yat Lok to refined French-Asian fusion at Amber, the range is staggering. Street food is as essential as fine dining—don’t miss egg waffles or curry fish balls. Its tea culture is deep, its cocktail scene booming, and its flavors unforgettable.
4. Barcelona
Barcelona combines Catalan tradition with a daring creative streak. You’ll find stunning tapas at Quimet & Quimet, seafood paella by the beach, and cutting-edge tasting menus at Disfrutar. Markets like La Boqueria are sensory playgrounds, while vermouth hour in a sun-drenched square is practically a daily ritual. Art, architecture, and appetite go hand in hand here.
3. Mexico City
Vibrant, layered, and constantly evolving, Mexico City is one of the most dynamic food capitals anywhere. You can wake up with a street-side tamal, enjoy tacos al pastor on a corner by midday, and dine on contemporary Mexican masterpieces at Pujol or Quintonil by night. Mezcal bars, panaderías, and bustling markets keep things lively from dawn to dusk. It’s a city that celebrates its roots while pushing the culinary envelope.
2. Tokyo
The precision and passion behind Tokyo’s food scene is unmatched. With more Michelin stars than any other city, Tokyo balances reverence for tradition with high-tech efficiency. Whether it’s a mind-blowing sushi omakase at Sukiyabashi Jiro, crispy tonkatsu in a back-alley diner, or perfect ramen at 3 a.m., Tokyo is a culinary masterclass. Even a simple convenience store snack can be an experience in flavor and design.
1. Bangkok
Bangkok takes the crown as the world’s top city for food and drink. It’s a city where street food reigns supreme—think wok-fried pad Thai from Thip Samai, spicy green curry, and grilled meats on skewers, all served with speed and fire. But Bangkok also boasts global fine dining stars like Gaggan Anand and Sühring, where Thai traditions meet modernist flair. Add in its vibrant cocktail bars, teeming markets, and bold, fearless flavors, and Bangkok stands out as a true culinary capital.
Whether you’re savoring sushi in Tokyo, sipping vermouth in Barcelona, or diving into a steaming bowl of noodles in Bangkok, each of these cities offers a unique lens into the soul of its culture—through food and drink. This list from Food & Wine isn’t just about what’s trending or starred; it’s about destinations where flavors tell stories, where tradition and innovation share the table, and where every meal can become a memory. Hungry yet? It might be time to start planning your next culinary adventure.