Whether it’s seeking out pistachio-fuelled chocolate in Dubai, hunting for the best pizza in Italy or attempting to track down the best bakery in Paris, food-inspired travel is on the rise – and is clearly here to stay.
The world’s best foodie hotspots have now been revealed – and the top destination is home to both high-end and affordable eats.
The vibrant metropolis of Tokyo took the top spot.
From traditional sushi to sizzling street eats such as yakitori (skewered chicken), there is an exceptional variety of both authentic Japanese and global cuisines in the capital.
As well as hype for its viral eats on social media – such as ramen, 7/11 convenience store goods and matcha-flavoured sweet treats – Tokyo is also a gourmet hotspot.
It boasts around 160 Michelin-starred and 124 top-rated restaurants.
In Japan, food is a significant part of the culture – drawing in locals and tourists alike
Car rental experts SIXT’s study revealed the best food cities around the globe, so you can start planning your food-fuelled holidays of 2026.
The study analysed tourist search interest, highly rated food attractions, the world’s 50 best restaurants, Michelin stars, and total food attractions to reveal the cities around the world topping the list of the ultimate foodie destinations.
In second place in the study was Paris, known for its artisan bakeries and historic bistros.
Although you might think of world-class patisseries and charming cafes, the French capital has much more to offer when it comes to food, and is now the best food destination in Europe – and second in the world.
With a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants (131), Paris has something for discerning tastes.
Osaka in Japan took the third spot, often dubbed ‘Japan’s kitchen’ and home to dishes such as octopus balls and savoury pancakes.
Join the debate
Which city deserves the title of world’s top foodie destination?
Portugal had two cities ranked among the top ten best food destinations in the world: Porto, in fourth place, and Lisbon, in ninth.
Porto is a popular city break thanks to its famous wine scene, and it is now gaining further recognition for its diverse and high-quality food offering, with more than 83 food attractions and 32 Michelin-rated restaurants.
Lisbon is also great for seafood lovers and those seeking authentic local dishes.
The city also has a rapidly growing premium dining scene, home to an impressive 75 food attractions with reviews of more than nine out of ten, the second-highest in the top ten.
