Food has always been one of the most revealing ways to understand a place. From late-night brunches to bustling neighbourhood markets and cafés, it all contributes to a city’s atmosphere.
That’s exactly what TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards as reflected in the Best Food Destinations 2026.
Based on millions of reviews from around the world, they highlight destinations where travellers felt that what they ate shaped their experience of the city.
This year’s ranking brings together established culinary both established players and newer entrants.
These are regions with emerging culinary scenes that have developed into something special.
- Europe continues to dominate with five destinations in the top 10, with London at the top. The capital of the United Kingdom offers a vast array of cuisines from all over the world – Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean and modern European – catering to all tastes and budgets. From iconic traditional British dishes (fish and chips) and world-class fine-dining restaurants to bustling street food markets (Borough Market) and innovative food halls.
- Crete is also in the top ten, in 8th place. Its gastronomic Culture, which is the “heart” of the Mediterranean diet, is linked to the elements of the island’s cultural heritage. Cretan cuisine is famous both in Greece and internationally for its unique ingredients and flavours. Based on simple techniques, it is the variety of local produce that sets the dishes apart.
- At the same time, the growing presence of the Middle East marks the long-awaited recognition of what the relevant bodies in its member states have been advocating for years.
The top 25 global culinary destinations for 2026
- London, United Kingdom
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Rome, Italy
- Hong Kong, China
- Paris, France
- Mallorca, Spain
- Doha, Qatar
- Crete, Greece
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Osaka, Japan
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- New York, USA
- Singapore, Singapore
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Barcelona, Spain
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Kyoto, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Lima, Peru
- Malta
- Florence, Italy
- New Delhi, India
- Shanghai, China
Source: tourismtoday.gr