Many cities around the world tempt foodies with their local delicacies but for those not fussed about trying the local fare, we have taken a look at the different cuisines available in some of the world’s biggest cities. Some of the best cities to visit if you want to taste the best food in the world. In this article, you will learn about the best cities in the world for food. Whether you are looking for vegan food that gives you energy, popular dishes, street food, or some vegan dishes from around the world, this list of best foodies cities have it all.
If eating good food is a big part of where you choose to travel, then you need to check out this blog about the best food cities in the world.
Planning a vacation based on the sights or the activities you enjoy is always a great idea. If you’re a self-identified foodie, or just looking to enjoy some tasty cuisine on your next trip, you can’t go wrong with a food trip.
Figuring out where to go is a little more difficult. Every continent, country, and the city has its own unique cuisine. Finding one that fits your taste buds is a must.
Keep reading to learn what 15 of the best food cities in the world in the world have to offer to choose the one that’s right for you.
Best Foodie Cities in the World
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Many have been researching the cities with the most diverse food scenes and Paris is always on the top spots. There are various vegan restaurants in Paris that offer delicious and healthy food.
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New York took the top spot with a whopping 94 different cuisines. You should definitely try NYC pizza.
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London took second place with 89 different national cuisines on offer.
In order to establish which cities feature the most diverse food scenes, the company looked at Google Map’s restaurant data for each city. If a restaurant was listed for that specific cuisine it was included.
Scroll down to see which cities took the top spots.
1. Florence, Italy
It’s no secret that Italy is known for its food. If your first love is pasta, there’s no better place in the world. Italy has far more to offer than just pasta, and Florence is one great place to experience it all.
One reason Florence is one of the best places for a food trip is Mercato Centrale. This open-air market has been around since 1874 and features dozens of restaurants, food stands, and vendors peddling fresh fruits, veggies, spices, and more.
Florence is such a popular destination among foodies that Trip Advisor’s number one most-booked food tour in the city is a tour that starts with a cooking class and lunch at a Tuscan farmhouse and ends with a tour of Mercato Centrale.
2. Lyon, France
French delicacies might not be for everyone. If you’re an adventurous foodie, there’s no better nation in the world to travel to for delicious dishes and street food favorites.
If you want to sample traditional French dishes, head to one of Lyon’s many Bouchons, which are restaurants specializing in local dishes like duck pate or roasted pork.
Like Florence and many other major cities around the world, there’s a food market in Lyon that is great for enjoying a meal or snacking at various stands. Lyon’s main market is called Les Halles.
3. New Orleans, USA
The U.S. has its fair share of culinary delights. If you want to experience a wide range of foodie favorites, New Orleans is the place to go.
Stop by Cafe Du Monde 24 hours a day for powdered sugar-coated beignets or a chicory coffee. Dine on French and Cajun dishes at any of the hundreds of restaurants in the city. Pick up a snack at the French Market.
The French Quarter and Garden Districts might get their names from the architecture and culture, but take a stroll through either and you’ll find that food is at the heart of this spectacular city.
4. Hanoi, Vietnam
If you want to experience the sweet, spicy, and sour flavors of Vietnamese food, there’s no better place to do it than in Hanoi.
Save money and experience a wider variety of dishes by hitting up the countless street vendors. Here you’ll find local favorites like egg coffee, pho tiu noodles, banh mi, and more.
5. Santiago, Chile
South America is packed with cities offering delicious, spicy, fresh local dishes that delight tourists and natives alike. If you’re on the lookout for the best travel food on the continent, narrowing your search to just one city can be a challenge.
Santiago, Chile is one great choice.
Restaurants serve fresh dishes packed with locally-sourced ingredients. Food stands offer traditional dishes alongside a mix of new favorites.
Chile’s economy has seen a boom in recent years, which means that its rich foodie culture is still growing and expanding, with new restaurants and specialties popping up every day.
The country also has more than 2,600 miles of coastline, which means that seafood is the main course just about anywhere you go. If you want to sample it in Santiago, head to Mercado Central to pick up seafood that’s been caught hours before being sold.
6. London, UK
When you visit London, you’ll just be eating fish and chips, right? Wrong! London has 89 different national cuisines making it home to the second most diverse food scene in the world. The city boasts an abundance of Indian restaurants, but Malaysian, Arghani, and Burmese are also loved in the English capital!
If you’re looking for a city that offers a mix of high-class dining, affordable restaurants, and cheap street food, you can’t beat London.
An endless number of cultures and trends collide in this global city, allowing you to literally taste the world without going very far. In fact, London is so well known for its blending of cultures that some have labeled it a food capital of the world.
Of course, London also offers plenty of local dishes, like fish and chips, bangers and mash, Yorkshire pudding, and more.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is sometimes overlooked by foodies looking for their next adventure. Don’t let this city’s old roots fool you; it’s home to blossoming, trendy food culture.
Coffee and wine are popular niches in the city, while new food trends have inspired a number of classy restaurants and pop-ups throughout the water-lined streets. Don’t worry, you’ll still find plenty of Danish classics, like Frikadeller, Flaeskesteg, and Leverpostej.
8. Paris, France
French classics like croissants, baguettes, and ratatouille are all worth sampling whilst visiting the French capital. But The City of Lights is also home to a vast variety of different cuisines that are also worth discovering. With over 65 different cuisines to choose from, even the fussiest of eaters are seen to find something to tickle the palate.
While pastries, bread, and cheese might be popular staples in the city of love, Paris is a must-visit among foodies for a variety of other reasons as well.
The city’s restaurants boast a combined total of more than 140 Michelin stars. Thousands of cafes line its historic streets, offering a mix of traditional foods alongside the latest trends, all served with a cup of espresso or a glass of wine.
Like most of the cities on this list, you’ll also find plenty of street vendors perfect for the budget-conscious traveler.
9. Jaipur, India
If you’re someone who loves a dish that’s packed with flavors and spices, then you likely already know that Indian food can’t be beaten.
There’s no better way to sample traditional Indian food than with a visit to its birthplace, and no better city to do so than Jaipur.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about Jaipur, you’re not alone. But some of the best cuisines in the world are found in cities that have yet to be overrun by tourists bringing in their own cultures and expectations.
From curries to barbecue, there’s something for everyone in this often-overlooked city.
Navigating and finding great restaurants in this nation’s busy streets can be a challenge. Learn more about one great resource for finding restaurants in your area, ordering takeout, or reserving a table here.
10. Rome, Italy
Another Italian city makes our list, and for good reason.
Rome is a bustling metropolis that draws millions of visitors every year. This means that its streets are packed with restaurants and vendors ready to serve up classic or new dishes.
You’ll find global dishes like Indian or Chinese food, alongside plenty of the country’s famous pasta and pizza.
Perhaps the city’s most famous food is its gelato. You’ll find a gelateria on practically every corner, which means plenty of opportunities to sample every flavor the city has to offer!
11. Tokyo, Japan
Sampling all of the best cuisine that a city has to offer can be a challenge, no matter the length of your trip. But if you’re looking to eat as much as possible during your next adventure, it’s best to head to a city that lets you dine around the clock.
Tokyo is one great option.
With restaurants and even markets open through the night, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes like tonkatsu, ikayaki, and more.
12. Barcelona, Spain
If you’re looking for world-class, Michelin-star awarded restaurants, Barcelona is a great choice.
But this Spanish city is also home to plenty of more affordable restaurants, including its popular tapas bars where you can sample local favorites in smaller portions alongside your favorite drink.
Don’t worry, the city is also home to its own market, Mercat de la Boqueria, where you’ll find food stalls and fresh and fresh local ingredients, as well as chocolate tours, and more!
13. New York City, United States
New York City is known for its dynamic dining scene so it’s no real surprise that it took the top spot with 94 different national cuisines under its belt. From Albania, Tunisian, Venezuelan, Trinidadadian, Ukrainian and Syrian, it’s time to explore the five boroughs of New York City and discover your new favorite dish.
When it comes to the latest food trends, like colorful, savory donuts or nitrogen-infused ice cream, there’s no better place to take it all in than New York City.
But the city is known for more than just out-there snacks. It’s also home to a number of world-class restaurants, including one, Eleven Madison Park, that was voted number one in the world in 2017.
If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back or kid-friendly, there are plenty of other restaurants, fast food, vendors, and more to choose from.
14. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a common destination on most foodies’ lists because of its popular waffles and fries. You’ll find these, along with other local favorites, at cafes, street stands, and a range of affordable and high-class restaurants throughout this charming, historic city.
But you’ll also find more than 50 different types of cuisine in the city, including everything from Filipino fare, Cameroonian dishes, and more.
15. Bangkok, Thailand
Some of the best cuisine in the world isn’t found in 5-star restaurants or exclusive clubs. Instead, it’s found at street stalls where local vendors peddle the dishes that have been handed down in their culture for generations, made with fresh, local ingredients.
And one of the best places in the world to find these street vendors in Bangkok.
Here, there are countless markets and side streets packed with vendors selling a wide array of meals, drinks, and desserts. Shopping for these vendors is also a great way to enjoy local cuisine without blowing your budget.
16. Chicago, United Stated
Awarded the Best Restaurant City in America in 2017, Chi-Town has 66 different cuisines on offer and takes the fourth spot. So once you’ve had your fill of deep-dish pizzas, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches, why not try some Belizean, Belgian, or even some Filipino cuisine?
17. Toronto, Canada
Chef turned pro eater, Anthony Bourdain, found that Toronto has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world. In 2012 he shot an episode for “The Layover” and was able to sample over a dozen of the city’s diverse restaurants in less than two days. Not too difficult to achieve when the city has 73 national cuisines on offer.
The Best Food Cities in the World
While there are many places that stand out as some of the best food cities in the world, great cuisine can be found just about anywhere if you know how to look.
From sampling local favorites from food stands and vendors to dining at classy establishments, nearly every city, no matter how big or small, offers a variety of options.
One great way to find them is to ask for advice from other travelers. Online reviews make it easy to find out what a restaurant will really be like. Check out my reviews of a few of the places I’ve eaten at around the world to find a few ideas for your next adventure.
