When we travel, we love to discover new cultures, traditions, and landscapes. Yet gastronomy also holds a central place in the experience, since it allows us to explore new flavors, spices, and combinations of foods that can sometimes be surprising, reflecting a country’s identity and history. That is why each year Time Out publishes a ranking of the best gastronomic cities for food lovers eager to spark their palates on their next getaway.
This ranking is based on a survey conducted with more than 24,000 residents across 150 cities worldwide, covering the overall quality of the local culinary scene, the cost of restaurant meals, and residents’ favorite addresses. According to Virginia Gil, Time Out’s editor-in-chief in the United States, “the cities on the list are not only today’s gourmet destinations; they are places that have drawn travelers seeking good meals for decades.”
The thousands of responses gathered were then cross-checked with the assessment of Time Out’s culinary experts panel. It is Lima, Peru, that has been crowned the best gastronomic city in 2026 with 70% of the votes. Regarded as the culinary capital of Latin America, this coastal metropolis is particularly renowned for seafood specialties such as ceviche and the cause Limeña, a refined layered cold potato dish.
Only One French City Made the List, And It’s Not Paris
In second place, Bangkok returns for the second year running, whose major culinary asset is its famous street food, illustrating how fully local flavors can express themselves. The Thai city is followed closely by Mexico City, whose culinary scene is a true gastronomic melting pot, where Mexican, Asian, and French influences mingle across many neighborhoods. You’ll also find Michelin-starred restaurants as well as local street markets there.
The ranking continues with, in fourth place, London, regarded as one of the most diverse culinary cities in the world, Barcelona, whose gastronomy bears the strong influence of its Mediterranean heritage, and Ho Chi Minh City, where haute cuisine makes its mark. Australia then appears in seventh position with Melbourne, whose cafés have been named among the city’s highlights. Beij ing, Athens and Lisbon complete the top 10 of this list.
The sole French city on the list is Marseille, occupying the 18th spot. It is acknowledged for a culinary scene already worldwide-renowned and more diverse than ever. Pioneering establishments such as Café des Épices and La Mercerie are particularly cited. Just ahead of it, one finds Cape Town, Osaka, Bangalore, Naples, New York, Hong Kong and Buenos Aires. The final two rungs of the ranking go to Copenhagen and Medellín. The destinations where cuisine is celebrated are thus numerous across the globe.
