Global Ranking of Top Culinary Destinations for 2026
Time Out has released its ranking of the world's best food cities for 2026, based on a survey of thousands of residents across multiple countries, along with input from chefs, food critics, and gastronomy experts. The top five cities are:
- Lima, Peru
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Mexico City, Mexico
- London, UK
- Barcelona, Spain
Lima claimed the top spot, with 90% of locals considering dining out affordable, and 85% describing the city as budget-friendly for food. Bangkok, which came in second, is celebrated for dishes that blend sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors in a single bite. Mexico City secured third place, continuing its tradition of culinary diversity. London, ranking fourth, stands out because, as the report's author notes, 'no other city in the world enjoys eating out more than Londoners.' Barcelona rounds out the top five, recognized as the first city in Spain where the concept of the modern restaurant took shape.
'No other city in the world enjoys eating out more than Londoners.' - Time Out
Other Notable Food Cities
The top 20 also includes:
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Melbourne, Australia
- Beijing, China
- Athens, Greece
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Osaka, Japan
- Bangalore, India
- Naples, Italy
- New York City, USA
- Hong Kong, China
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Marseille, France
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Medellín, Colombia
This ranking highlights the global variety of food culture, offering culinary travelers a guide to discovering new flavors and experiences. For those planning trips, it serves as a useful resource for identifying destinations with vibrant dining scenes.
Time Out's list is a key indicator of gastronomic trends and cultural diversity around the world. It can help both tourists and locals explore new culinary horizons. Given the impact of food on tourism, these results may also influence the development of the restaurant industry in the featured cities.
As culinary enthusiasts seek new experiences, it's worth noting that Lisbon has also been recognized as an outstanding destination for expats in 2026. This recognition further emphasizes the growing appeal of cities that not only offer delicious food but also vibrant lifestyles, making them ideal for both locals and newcomers alike.