Summary
If you plan your vacations around your meals, you’ll want to discover expert-approved foodie destinations.
Discovering new food is one of travel’s great pleasures. Whether it involves snagging a coveted multicourse reservation or simply wandering from one street stall to another searching for the best snacks, many travelers structure their trips based on the meals they’ll have.
To help you plan your next great meal, we asked iBestTravel’s A-List of travel advisors for their suggestions of the best under-the-radar dining spots around the world. If you’ve already explored famous foodie cities such as Paris, San Sebastián, Cusco, and Osaka, consider these lesser-known destinations.
1. Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
“Hawke’s Bay became one of the most popular dining destinations in New Zealand during our lockdowns. Mary’s in Havelock North has an excellent wine list and comfort dishes like gnocchi, burgers, and grilled prawns. Bostocks, one of the largest organic apple producers in the Southern Hemisphere, offers a superb organic kitchen that serves a rotating meal per day at lunch.” — Alexandra Stewart, Antipodean Luxury Travel
2. Tbilisi, Georgia
“People often get hung up on the number of Michelin-starred restaurants a city has, but there are some places it seems the Michelin inspectors haven’t been to. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is one of them. Georgian cuisine, with its unique spice blends and special salt from the Svaneti mountain region, offers divine comfort food like khinkali (soup dumplings) and the boat-shaped chachapuri stuffed with cheese and an egg.” — Jay Ternavan, JayWay Travel
3. José Ignacio, Uruguay
“José Ignacio in Uruguay boasts a superb under-the-radar food scene. One acclaimed chef, Francis Mallmann, has a small yet elegant restaurant called Garzon offering dishes made from fresh, local products. Marismo seats guests on the beach, providing a quaint candlelit setting to enjoy its famous slow-braised lamb by the bonfire.” — Emmanuel Burgio, Blue Parallel
4. Nashville, Tennessee
“Nashville has a rich and complicated culinary history. Exciting new restaurants like Chef Sean Brock’s Appalachian-inspired Audrey offer prix fixe experiences, while The Mockingbird features a global menu. Don’t miss The Catbird’s Seat for an incredible chef’s table experience.” — Christie Holmes, Global Community Travel
5. Croatia
“Croatia’s culinary scene is vibrant and original, featuring Italian-influenced foods—such as truffles—from Istria, the oyster farms of Mali Ston Bay, and the wineries of the Pelješac Peninsula, often dubbed Croatia’s ‘Napa Valley.’ I highly recommend dining at Bokeria in Split.” — Gary Portuesi, Authentic Explorations
6. Wales
“Wales is an underappreciated region with incredible culinary traditions. The Walnut Tree is a Michelin-starred gem offering a changing set menu featuring local game and fish. For something unique, consider The Potted Pig in Cardiff, set in a former bank vault that’s perfect for dinner and gin tasting.” — Jennifer Schwartz, Authentic Explorations
7. San Ignacio, Belize
“Belize is a culinary haven with an abundance of fresh seafood and tropical produce. The Guava Limb Cafe in San Ignacio is a hidden gem with an incredible variety of cakes and desserts that visitors love.” — Maurice Smith, Eugene Toriko
8. Nairobi, Kenya
“Nairobi has a burgeoning food scene with fantastic bistros and restaurants. One of my favorites is Talisman. For a quick bite, try small establishments like Tin Roof Cafe or the Cafe at Matbronze. These spots are perfect for a quick meal while exploring the area.” — Daniel Saperstein, Hippo Creek Safaris
9. Vienna, Austria
“Vienna is often overlooked for its more glamorous neighbors, but the city offers an innovative culinary scene with a vast array of options, ranging from 3-star Michelin restaurants to local wine taverns. I recently enjoyed my meal at Chez Bernard at Hotel Motto and was delighted to see many locals dining there. Zum Schwarzen Kameel is another must-visit. For a unique snack, try Trzesniewski’s open-faced sandwiches across the city.” — Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter International
10. Delhi, India
“Delhi is a fantastic destination for dining experiences, featuring popular restaurants like Indian Accent at the Lodhi Hotel. You can also enjoy the lively street food scene or dine at well-established places like Bukhara restaurant, offering authentic flavors to savor.” — Niall Causer, Audley Travel
11. Iraklia, Greece
“The small island of Iraklia in the Cyclades is home to Arakleia, a restaurant run by one of Greece’s finest chefs, Yiannis Gavalas. This place is known for its locally sourced ingredients and authentic Greek dishes, making it a must-visit for food lovers.” — Petros G. Zissimos, Hellenic Holidays
12. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
“Phnom Penh is emerging as a culinary hotspot. This city hosts many Asian influences, and many remarkable dining experiences await. Guests can now indulge in a unique dining experience aboard the luxury boat, Samsara, which offers sunset cocktails followed by a delightful five-course meal while cruising the Mekong.” — Andy Booth, About Asia Travel
13. Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Aramburu in Buenos Aires consistently ranks among the top Latin American restaurants, captivating diners with its 18-course tasting menu. You’ll find dishes like quail with amaranth or a quinoa and ricotta cannoli that are both artistic and delicious.” — Eric Goldring, Goldring Travel
