Top Foodie Destinations: Readers’ Favorite Cities for Food in 2025

In these cities, to travel is to eat, and eat well.

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.

Traveling foodies are insatiable — trust us, we know. To us, to travel is to eat, and eat well. If the ideal trip to you involves more eating than sightseeing or if you find yourself prioritizing dining experiences above all else, then this list of iBestTravel reader-voted destinations is for you.

Our readers ranked these 25 locales as the top foodie destinations of the year. From the birthplace of mezcal to cities boasting the most Michelin-starred restaurants, these are the best places to visit with an appetite.

Many cities on this list are within the same country or region, allowing you to create your own culinary journey. Explore Japan’s Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka, or savor the flavors of Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. France also offers gastronomical delights in Lyon, Paris, and Aix-en-Provence, paving the way and inspiring you to discover regional specialties.

Alternatively, dedicate time to the dishes and culture of exceptional locations like Mendoza in Argentina’s wine country or Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, where the produce shines alongside a vibrant food scene.

Even the gastronomical capitals of the world, like Paris, have moved down our list to make room for America’s very own New Orleans and Charleston.

Allow your curiosity to lead you on your next trip. Forget your favorite foods; instead, travel with an open mind, ready to experience the countless dishes awaiting you.

1. Oaxaca

The birthplace of mezcal, Oaxaca secures the top position this year. It seamlessly marries culinary traditions like mole and molotes with innovative modern Mexican cuisine, creating dishes that are both soulful and rich in flavor.

2. Beirut

A consistent favorite among food tourists, the capital of Lebanon attracts culinary talent globally. Traditional Lebanese dishes prepared by local chefs continue to impress visitors year after year.

3. New Orleans

Traditional New Orleans dishes have always been delicious, and this Southern city’s culinary scene continues to captivate the taste buds of diverse visitors year after year.

4. San Sebastián

Donostia, or San Sebastián, is renowned for some of the world’s best seafood and boasts a remarkable concentration of Michelin stars per square meter. Local pintxos serve as both traditional tapas and a platform for culinary creativity.

5. Florence

From fettunta to ravioli nudi, Florentine cuisine has made its mark globally, appearing in renowned restaurants everywhere. Consider visiting its origin for an authentic experience.

6. Rome

From gelato to pasta carbonara and pizza, Rome unveils a wealth of culinary delights. The abundance of traditional restaurants, often family-owned for generations, enhances the city’s charm and culinary reputation.

7. Kyoto

Kicking off culinary experiences in Gion, Kyoto, is an adventure in itself. This waterfront neighborhood is lined with restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining, creating a foodie delight for any visitor.

8. Charleston

Charleston’s culinary richness is deeply rooted in its diverse community. The prominence of Black-owned restaurants contributes significantly to the Southern city’s reputation for exceptional American soul food.

9. Tokyo

There’s a wealth of dining options in Tokyo, where you could visit a new restaurant every hour and still have not sampled them all. While Tokyo offers many attractions, its themed eateries and hidden gems are essential to your culinary exploration.

10. San Miguel de Allende

Among Mexico’s cosmopolitan cities, San Miguel de Allende is home to talented and innovative chefs. However, traditional dishes remain a staple, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region.

11. Singapore

Singapore’s hawker centers define its food culture, with each stall specializing in one dish perfected over generations, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary scene.

12. Paris

It wouldn’t be a list of the best foodie destinations without Paris making the cut. From buttery croissants to hearty steak frites, this city is a haven for food lovers.

13. New York City

New York City’s culinary scene thrives on diversity, as many residents share their rich culinary backgrounds and inventive spirit, making it one of the most dynamic food cities in the world.

14. Lyon

Lyon offers a culinary experience that could last a century without exhausting its offerings. Featuring both classic French dishes and fresh modern cuisine, Lyon allows you to enjoy deliciousness without long wait times and high costs.

15. Bologna

Often referred to as Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna’s culture revolves around food. With high-quality ingredients that rival this region’s renowned automobile industry, it’s a destination not to be missed.

16. Chiang Mai

This city in Northern Thailand is celebrated for its outstanding street food. The culinary culture emphasizes quality, with flavors that express the dedication to authentic preparation.

17. Mexico City

In Mexico City, chefs are fusing global influences with traditional flavors, making this vibrant locale a popular destination for food enthusiasts from all over.

18. Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is known for welcoming a culture of traditional, home-cooked French cuisine. Although popular spots earn their rightful fame, hidden gems tucked away in side streets deserve equal appreciation.

19. Chicago

Chicago showcases a talent for delivering classic American staples with a twist. From deliciously indulgent street food to refined dining, visitors can discover culinary luxury rooted in warmth and hospitality.

20. Bangkok

Bangkok’s reputation for street food is unmatched, providing visitors with culinary experiences that are extraordinary and unique. Travelers are likely to encounter diverse flavors and dishes that challenge their palate.

21. Barcelona

Dining in Barcelona merges casual tapas with lively nightlife, ensuring that food and drink are integral parts of the local experience. This vibrant food culture promotes deeper connections between enjoying food and socializing.

22. Mendoza

Mendoza, the heart of Argentinian wine country, has carved its niche in gastronomic and food tourism with exquisite meats and fresh, unique produce, making it a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.

23. Osaka

The famed culinary offerings of Osaka, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki, are a magnetic draw. Dubbed the “Nation’s Kitchen,” late-night izakayas add to the city’s vibrant gastronomy.

24. Hong Kong

With limitless culinary adventures waiting, Hong Kong offers a rich array of dishes, starting with the renowned dim sum and extending far beyond.

25. Madrid

Wine and tapas define life in Madrid. While tasting paella, be sure to savor other regional classics like cocido madrileño and oreja a la plancha that showcase the depth of Spanish cuisine.

See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards for 2020.