The Top 35 Best Foodie Cities to Travel to in 2025
Travel and food go together like baguettes in Paris and bagels in New York, and the best foodie cities know this. When you travel, you’ll relish your trip more when you listen to locals about where to find the best bites in the area.
What do the best food cities have in common? It's simple: A pride in local traditions paired with dishes you’ll only find in these destinations. Below, you’ll find our selection of the 35 best foodie cities to visit — whether you’re in the mood for the best hot chicken in Nashville, a craft beer in San Diego or culinary delights in places further afield, this guide has a destination and a dish for you!
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The Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
1. Washington, D.C.
There’s more to Washington, D.C. than museums and monuments; it’s also one of the best foodie cities in the country. D.C.’s food scene has seen a farm-to-table renaissance, boasting slow-cured charcuterie, artisanal baked goods and some of the nation’s highest-regarded restaurants.
Take your taste buds (and your toes) on a memorable stroll along Georgetown’s glittering waterfront, grabbing a bite in the countless chef-inspired D.C. restaurants found in this historic area, such as Fiola Mare or 1789 Restaurant and Bar. While this activity is great for anyone, it's notably one of the best date ideas in D.C. Or, if you’re staying closer to the city’s core, check out the local food vendors at Eastern Market by the Capitol.
If you’re a lover of seafood, you’ll love this next fact that further adds to the long list of reasons for Washington, D.C.’s status as one of the best foodie cities in the U.S. According to Visit Washington, D.C., Maine Avenue Fish Market is the oldest consistently operating fish market in the country (since 1805). You can rest assured that the market’s operators know their stuff when it comes to fish!
2. Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, has emerged in recent years as one of the best foodie cities around, luring a bevy of young and imaginative chefs. This coastal city’s picturesque perch above the Atlantic Ocean affords its restaurants fresher-than-fresh seafood, including salty-yet-supple oysters, Maine lobster and juicy mussels.
Easily driven to from Boston, Portland merits a weekend (or more) filled with brioche-cradled lobster rolls or cold-water oysters. You’ll want to head to Fore Street if you’re looking for dining establishments that have put Portland on the map of the best foodie cities.
Beyond the food menu, look out for Peak Brewing Company and Allagash Brewing Company, where you’ll find sips of the city’s best ales.
3. Burlington, VT
Framed by rolling green mountains and the glistening waters of Lake Champlain, you’ll find Burlington, VT, to be one of the best foodie cities in the country, boasting a coterie of palate-pleasing bistros and crave-worthy cafés.
Spend the afternoon wandering the boutique shops and farm-to-table eateries that line the pedestrian-friendly Church Street here. Be sure to nibble and nosh on dishes that honor Vermont’s farm flavors and make it one of the world’s best foodie cities — sharp cheddar soup, maple-glazed pancakes or mulled apple cider in the fall months.
4. Columbus, OH
Most famous for Ohio State University, Columbus has flourished as of late as one of the best foodie cities worthy of anyone’s attention.
Whether you’re in the mood for hand-cured charcuterie or flaky croissants that Parisians would gladly gobble up, the city’s food scene vaunts farm-to-table cafés, locally owned bakeries and delightful Columbus restaurants opened by immigrant communities. Other foods that make this one of the world’s best foodie cities include Buckeyes candy, cream puffs and Columbus-style pizza.
5. Savannah, GA
Where can you enjoy a Southern biscuit while strolling among centuries-old magnolia trees crowned in blossoms? In Georgia’s southern jewel, Savannah, which is one of the best foodie cities in the U.S.
Home to countless Victorian mansions, Savannah is also a paradise for anyone stirred by historic architecture paired with delectable eats. The nearby ocean makes the entire Savannah region, including the beach-framed Tybee and Jekyll Islands, a dream destination for lovers of seafood.
Must-eats in Savannah that make it one of the world’s best foodie cities include she-crab stew, shrimp and grits, and cornmeal-crusted fried oysters. Along with eating at the city's best restaurants, you can find many other unique dining experiences in Savannah.
For example, why not get hands-on and learn to make amazing dishes yourself at cooking classes in Savannah? Led by an expert chef, you'll be able to choose from a range of recipes, including many Southern favorites and renowned recipes from some of the other best foodie cities in the world.
6. Nashville, TN
Considered the Country Music capital of the U.S., Nashville has come into its own as one of the best foodie cities, producing inspired barbecue, its namesake Nashville hot chicken and creative Southern-inspired fare.
Avoid the bourbon-fueled mayhem Downtown and head instead to edgy East Nashville. There, you’ll find local coffee roasters and charming chef-inspired Nashville restaurants like Butcher & Bee, providing no end to delicious things to do that have put Music City on the map of the world’s best foodie cities.
7. Seattle, WA
Framed by snow-capped Mt. Rainier in the distance, Seattle is one of the best foodie cities on the West Coast. Offering hungry travelers wild-caught seafood and the original Starbucks location, Seattle will leave you craving seconds and thirds.
Pike Place Market, overlooking the dazzling Elliott Bay, is a delicious place to start your tasting tour of one of the best foodie cities and also a very scenic spot for a date idea in Seattle. Here, you can watch fishmongers carve up ruby-red wild salmon or head to nearby Top Pot Doughnuts for a yeasty treat.
Foodies should also consider a Seattle food tour to explore the best bites in the city. With the direction of an experienced guide, you’ll get to enjoy delectable meals at the best restaurants in Seattle while unearthing interesting facts about the areas surrounding the eateries.
8. Denver, CO
As Colorado’s Mile High City, Denver foods belong to an ever-evolving culinary scene, featuring classic cocktails served in retro bars, elegant French bites and sizzling Sichuan noodle dishes. The city’s main train terminal, Union Station, has been attracting food-loving travelers since its recent renovation and has added to its reputation as one of the best foodie cities.
Here, you might shop for a read at Tattered Cover Bookstore and then wolf down bone marrow brûlée at Mercantile Provisions. For a more relaxed way to explore one of the best foodie cities, head to the River North Art District (RiNo) — home to coffee roasters, craft breweries and eye-popping street murals.
Another must-visit location is Denver Central Market, where you’ll find highly rated food vendors serving delicious eats seven days a week. From artisan-baked goods to fresh seafood to revitalizing greens, reds and all other colors on the vegetable spectrum, there are countless ingredients and meals that make this one of the best cities for foodies in the U.S.
9. Chicago, IL
Chicago is whatever food fantasy you want it to be — from pierogi in a Ukrainian Village deli to a 3 a.m. “Chicago dog” by Wrigley Stadium. Home to deep-rooted immigrant communities, Chicago boasts no uniform food culture, which makes it one of the best foodie cities to explore.
In the city’s South Pilsen district, you can nosh on Chicago foods such as Mexican street tacos or tender steamed tamales. In Uptown’s Vietnamese enclave, you might slurp pho or bite into a crusty bánh mì.
And, if you’re hankering for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, indulge your cheesy cravings at Gino’s East. Looking for hip, eclectic fare? Don't miss out on exploring Wicker Park restaurants. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can explore the local food scene in one of the best foodie cities with help from an expert guide on a food tour in Chicago.
10. Milwaukee, WI
Beer, brats and... brioche? Milwaukee is one of the best foodie cities that mixes the old and the new, evidenced by traditional stick-to-your-bones German brauhaus fare being served on the same street as more of-the-moment farm-to-table eats.
German and Eastern European immigrants left their imprint on this historic Wisconsin city, gifting beer lovers drafts served out of steins and hand-breaded schnitzel. For one of the best views in one of the country’s best foodie cities, enjoy a glass of wine at the café housed inside the lakefront Milwaukee Museum of Art.
If you’re in the mood to visit a newer Milwaukee restaurant, Lupi & Iris is one that’s gained popularity very quickly. Just one portion of its house-made pastas or fresh seafood meals will make you realize why it’s become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
11. San Diego, CA
Fish tacos. Nonna’s gnocchi. And beer, beer, beer. Yup, you’re in San Diego — SoCal’s always-sunny and ever-so-scrumptious destination that's one of the best foodie cities in the country.
You'll find that San Diego foods are influenced by the cultures that put down roots in this beachfront town and the city’s historic fishing industry. For a life-changing fish taco in the city, skip the touristy Mexican joints in Old Town and trek instead to Ortiz’s Taco Shop or Taco’s Mimi.
Don’t forget to visit the bustling Little Italy neighborhood that makes San Diego one of the country’s best foodie cities. Here, you can enjoy a craft draft beer at Ballast Point Brewery before digging into a plate of pasta (served straight from a cheese wheel!) at the superb Monello restaurant.
12. Asheville, NC
If you’re looking for craft brews and comforting bites, look no further than the charming mountain town of Asheville, NC, which holds its own as one of the best foodie cities to visit. Nestled in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville tempts travelers with more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city — you can enjoy over 100 local drafts!
Frothy favorites include Burial Beer Co. (try the Skillet Donut Stout), Big Mountain Ciderworks and Lookout Brewery (the Dark Town brown = yum). For sustenance with your suds, relish delicious fare at Asheville restaurants like Baby Bull or Rhubarb; the latter vaunts a constantly changing beer menu and an ample list of local North Carolina cheeses.
13. Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles’s city limits span a massive 469 square miles, covering sun-drenched canyons, cliff-framed beaches and innumerable ethnic enclaves. Whether you’re in the mood for the best brunch in Los Angeles or Koreatown restaurants that will delight your palate, LA is one of the best foodie cities that will leave you drooling for more.
A must-stop in LA is the vast Los Angeles Farmers Market. This thriving institution, which was founded in 1934 and hosts over 100 gourmet grocers and fresh food vendors, cements LA’s reputation as one of the best foodie cities.
Other popular restaurants worth visiting include Musso & Frank Grill, Philippe The Original and La Azteca. These beloved eateries are masters of their trade when it comes to creating Los Angeles food favorites such as French dip sandwiches, breakfast burritos and California-style pizza.
14. Berkeley, CA
While many travelers to the Bay Area stick to San Francisco, those in-the-know head to Berkeley, the birthplace of the now-ubiquitous California cuisine, for a taste of one of the best foodie cities. Located in the sunnier East Bay, Berkeley hosts a “Gourmet Ghetto” that will charm the most demanding of foodies. This North Berkeley neighborhood houses Alice Water’s incomparable Chez Panisse — the original farm-to-table restaurant.
For a less formal lunch, nosh alongside the Berkeleyites at Cheeseboard Pizza; the pie selection changes daily and spotlights locally grown vegetables and quality cheeses, both Californian and imported. Another great way to savor the best neighborhood eateries, hot spots and hidden gems is on a food tour in the Bay Area. These captivating experiences offer a unique deep dive into the best foodie cities, with expert insight from a local guide.
15. Miami, FL
Rum. Empanadas. Ceviche. It’s not just sun-soaked beaches and jet-set elegance that define this popular city; it’s also the rich culinary history and delectable Miami foods that make it one of the best foodie cities.
Whether you’re trying tostones in Little Havana or sipping cocktails at South Beach’s swank Sweet Liberty Drinks, Miami will make your mouth water. For a romantic date idea in Miami, La Mar (inside the waterfront Mandarin Oriental) has perfected Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, including succulent ceviches, astounding anticuchos and the charred-to-perfection catch of the day.
16. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia possesses a thriving and growing restaurant scene and definitely earns a spot on the list of best foodie cities. So, when you travel to this popular area, chow down on more than a touristy Philly cheesesteak.
What other popular choices make this one of the top U.S. cities for food? Try roast pork sandwiches, stromboli and hoagies from popular eateries such as John’s Roast Pork and The Dandelion.
Food-inspired adventurers — especially those looking for a unique date idea in Philadelphia — might peruse the vendors and restaurants at the historic Italian Market (open since the 1880s) or pomegranate-glazed lamb shank at Zahav. For a refreshing local sensation, dig your spoon in a “water ice” — a famous Philadelphia food you’ll only find in the city that blends water, sugar and fruit juice into the granddaddy of Italian ice.
17. San Francisco, CA
With wine country to the north, ocean to the west and farm country down below, San Francisco is hands-down one of America’s best foodie cities. Whether you’re craving artisanal sourdough from Tartine Bakery or a Mission-style burrito from El Farolito, San Francisco foods are a treat for every palate.
For the best dim sum in San Francisco, skip the touristy Chinatown and head instead to Clement Street in the Richmond district. If you visit the city on the weekend, you’d be remiss to miss the Ferry Building Farmers Market held each Saturday overlooking the Bay Bridge.
And for an authentic gourmet taste of one of the best foodie cities in the country, you can’t go wrong with a food tour in San Francisco. It also makes a great date idea in San Francisco — nothing beats bonding over good eats while learning more about this top U.S. city for food.
18. Austin, TX
When it comes to things to do in Austin, eating is always high on the list. When visiting the capital of Texas, you can enjoy renowned Austin foods such as slow-smoked barbecue, $2 breakfast tacos and Japanese-style ramen. In the last decade, this popular tourist destination has positioned itself as one of America’s best foodie cities, luring talented chefs from the East and West Coasts.
For a farm-to-table meal, Dai Due is a meaty must — be sure to order the wild boar roast. For Texas-style BBQ (aka smoked brisket), check out Lambert’s Downtown. After a night partying in Austin’s dive bars, chow down at Joe’s Bakery (open since 1962) in East Austin; here you can nosh on a Tex-Mex breakfast taco with eggs, cheese and chorizo wrapped in warm flour tortillas.
19. Atlanta, GA
There’s more to appreciate in Atlanta than peach trees and Olympic torches — especially if you’re hungry. As one of the South’s biggest and best foodie cities, Atlanta boasts enviable eateries that run the gamut from hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints to sprawling modern food halls. This makes Atlanta food some of the most diverse amongst the Southern states, much less the U.S.
For Southern cooking your mee-maw would appreciate, check out the historic Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Lovers of Asian cuisine won’t be disappointed by the Buford Highway, a stretch just north of the city that abounds with authentic Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Indian restaurants and supermarkets.
Finally, if you’re in the mood to enjoy the excitement of culinary choice in one of the best foodie cities in the U.S., check out food halls such as Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.
20. New York City, NY
There’s more than one manner of biting into the Big Apple, from twirling up tagliatelle on Staten Island to digging into cheesecake in Brooklyn. One thing is for certain: NYC is undoubtedly one of the best foodie cities in the world.
Feeding Manhattanites since 1997, Chelsea Market boasts a European-style promenade brimming with vital-making vendors like Buddakan (Asian fusion) and Tings (jerk chicken). In Downtown Brooklyn, you can go back in time at Junior’s, which has been creating classic cheesecakes since 1950.
Up north in the Bronx along Arthur Avenue, you’ll find old-school Italian eats, Korean delicacies and other NYC foods that take inspiration from countries all over the world. Celebrated chefs’ favorites here include family-run gems like Casa Della Mozzarella (fresh cheese made daily) and Calabria Pork Store (specializing in handmade salami).
A great way to try the Big Apple's feast of flavors is with a food tour in NYC that explores the city’s nom-worthy neighborhoods. Why settle for just one eatery when you’re visiting the best foodie cities? Whether you're looking for a culinary adventure in the incredible food halls in NYC or you're on a specific mission for the best dim sum in Chinatown, NYC, you will find what you seek and more.
21. Boston, MA
If you’re surrounded by chowder, pizza and pubs, get ready to experience Boston foods that pack a flavorful wallop worthy of a trip or three on your journey to discovering the best foodie cities around. For a bit of time travel, head to the Warren Tavern in Charlestown, a pub that opened in 1780. This popular spot serves up craveable clam chowder and fresh-shucked oysters.
To sample some of the best pizza in Boston, head to the North End area — the city’s Little Italy — for a pie fired in an 80-year-old oven at Regina’s. (You can also try the most raved about pizzas on one of several food tours in Boston). Any trip to Boston would be incomplete without satisfying your sweet tooth at Flour Bakery. The sticky buns will have you crying sugary tears of happiness before noting this dream culinary destination as one of the best foodie cities.
22. Portland, OR
Picking out the best foodie cities is about as easy as finding just one food to eat for the rest of your life. But if you had to pick just one, Portland is a pretty good choice.
Brimming with artisanal food makers and chefs devoted to sustainably sourced dining, Portland offers food lovers too much tastiness for just one trip. Here, you might nosh on buttery-crumbly goodness at Pine State Biscuits. Or, you could chomp on ribs, cornbread and other popular Portland food at Podnah’s Pit BBQ.
On the weekends, indulge in French-inspired brunch at Canard — try not to weep when you bite into the “duck stack,” meaning pancakes capped in a duck egg. For a wow-worthy sip, stop in at Teardrop Lounge, the bar that single-handedly launched the craft cocktail craze for which Portland is now famed and a reason why it’s considered one of the country’s best foodie cities.
At this buzzing spot, you get to choose from classics, house originals and “friends” (concocted by guests or outside bartenders). It's a top-notch spot for a memorable date idea in Portland.
If you need food on the go or aren’t in the mood to pop into a restaurant, there is a wealth of options for you to choose from. From tasty doughnuts to Pacific Northwest flavors, the food carts in Portland will prove why it’s one of the best foodie cities that will pamper your palate.
23. New Orleans, LA
The city that hosts renowned festivals and celebrations is also known for its delectable and widely varied cuisine. It would be remiss of us not to recommend a Creole dish, such as jambalaya or gumbo, but there are countless other meals that make this one of the country’s best cities for food. With a rich tapestry of Spanish, French, African and Indigenous influences, it wouldn’t make sense for New Orleans to be excluded from a list of the best food cities.
Sandwiches crammed with tasty cured meats, fluffy pastries and fresh seafood are just a few of the downright delicious options that visitors from far and wide flock to this area for. Where does one go when in a city filled to the brim with famed eateries? To the restaurants that have people going back over and over again, of course.
Such famed spots include Commander’s Palace (open since 1893), Dooky Chase’s (known for its fried chicken) and the French-inspired Café du Monde. No matter where you go, don’t miss the chance to try a Sazerac, America’s first cocktail, which New Orleans claims as its own — a declaration that would certainly bolster its reputation as one of the best foodie cities.
The Best Foodie Cities Around the World
24. Montreal, Canada
Poutine, maple syrup and bagels — there’s only one town where these three eats exist in scrumptious harmony: Montreal. And they’re waiting for you here in one of the best foodie cities in Canada.
As Quebec’s largest city, Montreal tickles your taste buds with an abundance of dishes that locals love. Prime among these is poutine — French fries embellished with cheese curds and gravy (they’re as addictive as they sound).
In addition to French-Canadian classics like maple cream pie and tourtière (meat tart) making this one of the best foodie cities, visitors to Montreal should try its pride and joy: Bagels.
Unlike its New York cousin, Montreal-style bagels are smaller, sweeter and wood-fired. You’ll find these at Brossard Bagel, among many other places in the city. Another must-try is a smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz’s Deli.
25. Toronto, Canada
Canada’s biggest city, Toronto, sits scenically on Lake Ontario. There's never a shortage of things to do in Toronto, but, being home to a diverse array of ethnic enclaves and high-end restaurants, the city will especially tempt taste-driven travelers with its status as one of the best foodie cities. Must-try dishes here include dumplings in Chinatown, gyros in Greek Town and pastizzi pastry in Little Malta.
The city houses a huge Italian-Canadian community, so if you’re hungry for the perfect pizza or plate of pasta, head straight to restaurants in Toronto that have garnered a solid reputation, such as Trattoria Taverniti or One Night Only Pizza. The local chefs are also eager to teach, so consider taking some cooking classes in Toronto if you want to discover how to make all the local specialties from this gem among the best foodie cities in North America.
26. Paris, France
A list of the world’s most well-known cities with the best food wouldn’t be complete without France’s capital, and right now, your mind has probably conjured up images of baguettes, escargot and croissants; however, there’s more to be discovered. The mere mention of gay Paris evokes a tableau of délicieux dishes, which is why Paris may be the most beloved of all foodie cities on this list.
Along Paris’ elegant boulevards, you might nibble on renowned Parisian foods like chewy macarons at Pierre Hermé or sip a café au lait at the glass-roofed Closerie des Lilas. For a bite of Parisian pain (bread), stop by the family-owned Mahmoud M’Seddi’s Boulangerie (voted the best baguette in Paris in 2018) and the much-praised Maison Pichard (in business for 20 years now).
27. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec’s capital will transport you back in time, whether you’re there to explore the history, architecture or to dissect its reputation as one of the best foodie cities. Built in 1608, Quebec brims with meandering alleyways and castle-like stone walls. You’re not in France — you’re in Canada’s historic heart.
So, when you travel to Quebec City, do as the Quebecois cooks do and feast on farm-fresh fare. You might enjoy an epic brunch at the palatial Chateau Frontenac (the beef Wellington here is swoonsville) or an ooh-la-la omelette at Le Continental. For rustic Quebecoise cuisine, lick your lips at Lapin Sauté — try the braised rabbit legs or smoked duck breast.
28. Barcelona, Spain
For one of the best foodie cities on this list, head to Barcelona. Both modern and medieval, this buzzing city beckons food-loving tourists with tempting tapas, ocean-fresh seafood and chefs’ eclectic creations.
Amble down the Ramblas, a pedestrian corridor facing the seaport. Along the way, stray over to Plaça San Jaume for tapas and on-tap cervezas at Craft Barcelona. No foodie can deny themselves lunch at La Boqueria — a covered, open-air food market brimming with tiny eateries and lively vendors serving an array of delicious Barcelona foods.
Craving seafood served with a Catalan accent? Choose from the countless straight-from-the-sea spots in the beachfront Barceloneta district. Your options are endless in one of the best foodie cities in Spain.
29. Rome, Italy
Italy’s capital city is one of the country’s best foodie cities, which is no small feat for a place as steeped in tasty traditions as Italy. When in Rome, it’s best to skip the tourist traps and feast where the Romans do — grabbing a square slice at Pizzarium or twirling your fork around yolk-yellow carbonara at Felice a Testaccio.
For taste of one of the most beloved Rome foods — tiramisu — head to Pompi. You can pick from the classic, banana and chocolate, pistachio or strawberry versions! If you'd rather have an experienced local guide to show you the ropes, opt for a food tour in Rome to enjoy all of the deliciousness with none of the hassle of navigating by yourself.
30. Vancouver, Canada
Oysters, dumplings and blueberries — oh my! Welcome to British Columbia’s culinary crown jewel, where you’ll find one of the best foodie cities on this list.
Being home to a mild climate and fertile coastal waters, Rain City vies with other West Coast areas to be considered among the best foodie cities in the Pacific. With an incredible array of eateries and exciting cooking classes in Vancouver to choose from, there’s something for every culinary enthusiast to indulge in.
When in town, there are two things you simply have to eat: Authentic Chinese cuisine and juicy oysters. In Richmond in Greater Vancouver, you can tuck into spicy lamb noodles at Xi’an Cuisine or enjoy Cantonese dim sum at Yue Restaurant.
Alternatively, for a great date idea in Vancouver, slurp down oysters and a bottle of wine at Blue Water Café, located in the stylish Yaletown neighborhood. You could also book a food tour in Vancouver and have an experienced local guide introduce you to the best spots in town for some of the city’s most popular victuals.
31. Bologna, Italy
One of the best foodie cities in Italy (Italians agree) is Bologna, tucked between Florence and Venice. Bologna’s maze of medieval stone streets, boutique food shops, homey trattorias and historic cafés will leave you starstruck. It also invented such drool-worthy Bologna foods and other Italian classics as tortellini, mortadella, fresh lasagna and, of course, Bolognese ragù.
Spend an afternoon ducking into the delis and food stalls along Via delle Pescherie Vecchie. A great spot here for a plate of prosciutto and Parmigiano (served with a glass of Lambrusco wine) is the historic Salumeria Simoni. You can order straight from the deli or sit for a food-filled aperitivo drink.
32. Bangkok, Thailand
Not only a popular holiday destination due to eye-catching travel specials, Bangkok has landed itself a spot amongst the best foodie cities in the world, and for good reason. This is one of a few areas on this list that has a thriving street food industry, with its stir-fried dishes arguably being amongst the most well-known meals, not only in the country but worldwide, too.
From the well-known pad thai to the more elaborate pad cha (stir-fry with wild ginger and chiles), you’ll never stroll the streets of Bangkok without realizing that it certainly is one of the best food cities in the world. You may also be well-acquainted with red and green Thai curries — two of many favorites that make use of the staple coconut milk.
If you’re in the mood to trade in the idea of $1 noodle bowls for more lavish choices, step into upscale spots such as Jay Fai for its delicious crab omelettes, or Sühring for a taste of foods that go beyond the border into German territory. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with popular sweet treats that uphold Bangkok’s reputation as one of the best foodie cities: mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream or Thai crispy pancakes.
33. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo isn’t just one of the best food cities in the world because of its unique desserts that come in zany colors and its worldwide-famed sushi. No, there’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to the culinary wonders of Japan’s ever-popular capital city. It’s also a ramen haven, with miso, soy and tonkotsu broths nearing the top of the list as some of the favorites.
Not sure where to go for the best sushi or lip-smacking inventions like foie-gras-stuffed “cigarettes”? From omakase counters to conveyor-belt joints, Tokyo’s dining options are endless. However, what truly makes it one of the best foodie cities in the world is the 200+ Michelin-starred restaurants. Visit places like Sukiyabashi Jiro and Den for beautifully plated Tokyo food that showcases the best of the city’s culinary artistry.
34. London, United Kingdom
If you’ve ever been to London, you’ll know that the meals can range from the humble yet delicious fish and chips to elegant and exclusive afternoon teas. No matter where your taste buds take you, the capital of England is one of the best foodie cities because the pride that gourmands and chefs take in English meals is often unmatched.
We’d better add London foods such as Sunday roasts, which include beef, Yorkshire pudding and gravy, as well as full English breakfasts, to the list, lest any of those passionate foodies take offence to the exclusion of such quintessential additions. Headline names of people who may feel that way are Gordon Ramsay and Yotam Ottolenghi — two worldwide sensations for their sensational culinary achievements that have led to the opening of many grand restaurants.
If ever you get the opportunity to visit their restaurants, you’ll quickly appreciate their influence on London being labeled one of the world’s best foodie cities. Other popular eateries that can’t be overlooked include The Ledbury, Dishoom and St. John.
35. Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa and diversity go hand-in-hand, and because the Rainbow Nation is populated with people from various religions, cultures and races, the culinary scene is a blend of the best foods from all over the world (mainly inspired by Dutch, Indian and Malay influences). That’s not to say that proudly South African food isn’t also one of the reasons why Cape Town is considered not only one of the most beautiful places to visit, but also one of the best foodie cities.
One bite of a piece of biltong (dried meat), boerewors (spiced sausage) or any other meat enjoyed at a braai (barbecue) will ignite the desire to try even more South African food. It’s not all about meat, though, as dishes such as Cape Malay vegetable bobotie, samp (dried corn kernels) and beans, and pap (porridge) and sous (tomato-onion sauce) are often enjoyed on the side or on their own.
Rounding out the menu that lands Cape Town on the list of the best foodie cities are sweet treats such as koeksisters, malva pudding and milk tart. Cape Town is home to a wide array of famed markets where these South African meals (and others) can be enjoyed. Pop into Bay Harbour Market, Oranjezicht City Farm Market or Mojo Market — a one-of-a-kind completely indoor food market.
With this list of the 35 best foodie cities to travel to, the hardest decision is choosing which one to visit first. Which ones are you most excited to explore this year?
Hungry for more ways to indulge in great eats? Whether you’re looking to hit the town by visiting the best foodie cities or kick back at home with some of the best food movies, you’ll find plenty to explore with experiences on Cozymeal.
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