Best food cities in the world

If you’re planning your next trip and looking for the best food cities in the world, you came to the right place.

Food plays a big role in travel — it’s not just about nourishment but also about experiencing a place’s culture, traditions, and history.

Each country’s cuisine has a unique and delightful story to tell. 

For example, sushi reflects Japan’s values of harmony, balance, and respect for nature. In Italy, pasta dishes tell stories of regional ingredients and culinary heritage. 

A great food experience can make your travel unforgettable. And to help you create the best memories, we’ve compiled a list of the 14 best food cities around the world, from well-known destinations to hidden gems.

🍴Our list is predominantly based on the TasteAtlas awards. Out of 16,601 cities and 395,205 user votes, the first 10 cities had the highest ratings for their regional and national dishes.

Want to sample a specific cuisine before visiting a city? Open the Bolt Food app, type the country name, and discover restaurants serving those delicious dishes in your area. 😋

🇮🇹 Rome, Italy (4.93 ⭐)

About the city: All roads lead to Rome for a reason. The capital of Italy attracts millions of tourists each year with its ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. 

Iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum make Rome a must-visit destination. Walking through the city feels like stepping back in time.

Food in Rome: Roman cuisine has deep roots, dating back to ancient times. The dishes reflect the city’s history, from the days of the Roman Empire to modern times. 

The food here is all about simplicity, with seasonal and freshly prepared ingredients — ensuring that every meal is of great quality.

Signature Roman dishes: 

• Carbonara: a creamy pasta dish made with eggs, pecorino cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.
• Cacio e pepe: consisting of just three ingredients — cheese, pepper, and pasta — yet still so flavourful and delicious.
• Supplì: crispy fried rice balls filled with mozzarella, a popular street food snack in Rome.
• Pizza al taglio: taglio literally means ‘per piece’, which is why this Roman-style pizza is sold by the slice. It’s famous for its thick, crispy crust and variety of fresh toppings.
• Amatriciana: a pasta sauce made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese, and tomatoes.

🍴Rome’s iconic pasta dish, Carbonara, has a debated origin. Some say Italian charcoal workers created it, while others believe American soldiers invented it during World War II.

🇮🇹 Bologna, Italy (4.84 ⭐)

About the city: Another Italian city, Bologna, known for its great food, ancient buildings, and lively student life. 

Famous sights include the Two Towers, Piazza Maggiore, and the Sanctuary of San Luca. 

Need more reasons to visit? No other city in the world has as many porticoes (covered walkways) as Bologna — covering 38 kilometres in the historic centre alone!

Food in Bologna: Bologna is known by many names, including ‘La Dotta’ (The Learned) for its university and ‘La Rossa’ (The Red) for its red rooftops. 

But for food lovers, the city’s most important nickname is ‘La Grassa’ (The Fat One), reflecting Bologna’s delicious food and warm hospitality.

Signature Bolognese dishes:

• Tagliatelle al ragù: long, flat pasta noodles served with a rich meat sauce made from minced beef, pork, and tomatoes.
• Tortellini in brodo: small, ring-shaped pasta stuffed with a mixture of meats and served in a savoury broth.
• Lasagne alla bolognese: layers of pasta, ragù, béchamel sauce, and Parmesan cheese baked to perfection.
• Mortadella: a finely ground pork sausage seasoned with spices and fat, often enjoyed thinly sliced.
• Parmigiano reggiano: a hard, granular cheese produced in the nearby region, often grated over pasta dishes or enjoyed on its own.

🍴 Bologna is the birthplace of the famous Bolognese sauce, known as ‘ragù alla Bolognese’.

🇮🇹 Naples, Italy (4.86 ⭐)

About the city: Naples isn’t just the third biggest city in Italy. It’s also the third most delicious city on this list. 

It’s a tourist favourite thanks to its lively streets, white sandy beaches, clear waters, and important landmarks. 

Above ground, you can see attractions like Naples Cathedral, Castel Nuovo, and the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

If that’s not enough, an entire underground world is also waiting for you. 

Beneath Naples lies a network of ancient tunnels and catacombs, originally carved out by the Greeks and later used by the Romans — a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Food in Naples: Naples is famous for being the birthplace of pizza, but its cuisine offers much more than that. 

Influenced by the Greco-Roman period, Neapolitan food features bold flavours, simple preparation, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Signature Neapolitan dishes: 

• Pizza Margherita: the most famous Neapolitan pizza, made with tomato sauce (red), mozzarella cheese (white), and fresh basil (green) — colours that represent the Italian flag.
• Calzone: known as a folded pizza, it has the same ingredients and toppings as a regular pizza but is folded into a pocket before baking. 
• Sfogliatella: a shell-shaped pastry filled with a sweet and creamy filling. So delicious you’ll always find space for it, no matter how much you ate before.
• Spaghetti alle vongole: a pasta dish that reminds you that you’re on the seaside — featuring spaghetti with clams, garlic, olive oil, white wine, and parsley.
• Ragù napoletano: a rich meat sauce made with beef, pork, tomatoes, and red wine, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s often served with pasta.

🍴Naples is home to the oldest continuously operating pizzeria in the world. Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, established in 1738, still serves up traditional Neapolitan pizza.

🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria (4.83 ⭐)

About the city: Vienna has been a muse for classical music legends like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. 

Today, the city attracts tourists worldwide with its imperial history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. 

Many visit Vienna to explore palaces like Schönbrunn and Hofburg, as well as beautiful parks and the historic city centre.

Food in Vienna: Viennese cuisine has many different influences from the regions once part of the empire. It features rich, hearty dishes focusing on pastries, meats, and coffeehouse culture.

Signature Viennese dishes:

• Wiener schnitzel: one of the best-known dishes from Austria — a breaded, fried veal cutlet, often served with potato salad or lingonberry sauce.
• Sachertorte: created by 16-year-old Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich’s court, this chocolate cake was so delicious it became a beloved part of Viennese cuisine.
• Apfelstrudel: a pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, often enjoyed with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
• Kaiserschmarrn: a fluffy shredded pancake, caramelised and served with apple sauce. It’s a popular dessert and can even be eaten as a light meal.

🍴Vienna’s coffeehouse culture is so iconic that it’s listed as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’. Enjoying a leisurely coffee with a pastry is a must-do when visiting the city!

🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan (4.81 ⭐)

About the city: Tokyo is a city where tradition meets modernity, with neon-lit skyscrapers standing alongside historic temples.

Many things bring people to this beautiful place — from the lively Shibuya Crossing and the historic Meiji Shrine to the gardens of the Imperial Palace and the trendy shops of Harajuku.

Food in Tokyo: When it comes to food in Tokyo, prepare yourself for the extraordinary. You’ll find everything from high-end sushi restaurants to cosy ramen shops. 

The cuisine often features rice and noodles, with many dishes including seafood, vegetables, and tender meats. 

And if you’re a fan of fine dining, you’ll find more Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo than in any other city in the world! 

Signature Tokyo dishes:

• Sushi: vinegared rice topped with fresh slices of raw fish and other ingredients (read more about different types of sushi).
• Ramen: a noodle soup with various broths like soy, miso, or tonkatsu, topped with pork, egg, green onions, and more (read more about Ramen vs. Pho).
• Tempura: lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables, often served with dipping sauce and grated daikon radish.
• Yakitori: grilled chicken skewers seasoned with salt or tare sauce. 
• Okonomiyaki: a savoury pancake filled with ingredients like cabbage, meat, and seafood, topped with mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed.

🍴Tokyo is home to unique vending machines that sell hot ramen, burgers, umbrellas, and canned T-shirts!

🇯🇵 Osaka, Japan (4.71 ⭐)

About the city: Japan’s kitchen — that’s how Osaka is known because of its rich food culture. But there’s so much more to love! 

Start with a visit to Universal Studios Japan, a theme park where a single day isn’t enough to experience all the thrills and wonder it offers.  

Take a stroll through Minami at sunset — that’s when the district comes alive with iconic neon signs and lively streets filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.

And don’t forget to visit Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha — two of the city’s most historic landmarks.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but Osaka has plenty more to discover.

Food in Osaka: “Eat till you drop” — that’s how many describe Osaka because of its tasty cuisine, street food, and restaurants. 

Locals are so passionate about their food that they reportedly spend more on dining out than anything else. 

This high demand also sets a high bar for quality, which eateries consistently strive to meet with their delicious food.

Signature Osaka dishes:

• Takoyaki: the name means ‘grilled octopus’, so you can guess what these bite-sized balls are filled with. They also include green onions, and pickled ginger, topped with takoyaki sauce and other ingredients.
• Kushikatsu: skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, breaded and deep-fried to perfection, often served with a dipping sauce.
• Kitsune udon: udon noodles in a light broth, topped with aburaage (sweet fried tofu), green onions, and other garnishes.
• Oshizushi: a type of sushi unique to Osaka, where ingredients are pressed into a box to form a rectangular shape before being cut into bite-sized pieces.

🍴 Osaka is famous for the saying “Kuidaore,” which means “eat until you drop.” This reflects the city’s love for food and its incredible variety of delicious and hearty dishes.

🇨🇳 Hong Kong, China (4.71 ⭐)

About the city: a city where East meets West — that’s how Hong Kong is known because of its combination of Chinese and Western influences. 

It’s this unique blend of cultures and its energetic atmosphere that makes Hong Kong a top destination for travellers. 

You’ll love the stunning skyline and harbour, as well as attractions like Victoria Peak, Disneyland Hong Kong, the majestic Tian Tan Buddha, and more.

Food in Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s small size and abundance of restaurants (around 12,800) make it one of the cities with the highest restaurant density in the world (also a perfect destination for food lovers).

The city’s cuisine is primarily Cantonese, but you’ll also find a delightful mix of East-meets-West flavours.

Signature Hong Kong dishes:

• Dim sum: dumplings, buns, and rolls served in bamboo steamers. It’s often enjoyed with a pot of hot tea.
• Wonton noodles: thin noodles served in a light broth, topped with delicate pork and shrimp wontons.
• Char siu: barbecued pork that’s sweet, savoury, and tender, often served with rice or noodles.
• Crispy fried chicken: deliciously crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this fried chicken (Cuì pí zhá jī) is a local favourite.
• Sweet and sour pork: a classic dish (Gu Lao Rou) featuring tender pork pieces coated in a tangy and sweet sauce.

🍴 Hong Kong is famous for its dim sum culture. The term ‘dim sum’ means ‘touch the heart’, reflecting the bite-sized portions that are meant to touch the heart, not sate the appetite.

🇮🇹 Turin, Italy (4.68 ⭐)

About the city: If you want a city where you can endlessly stroll through streets with stunning architecture, charming piazzas, and world-class art galleries, Turin is the place for you. 

Key attractions include the iconic Mole Antonelliana, the grand Royal Palace of Turin, and the Shroud of Turin. 

Turin’s vibrant café culture and historic chocolate shops further add charm to the city.

Food in Turin: In Turin, you’ll experience a delightful blend of culinary influences from the Piedmont region with a touch of French flair due to its geographical proximity. 

The Piedmont region offers over 370 traditional food and beverage products to visitors! 

From truffles and wine to artisanal pastries, Turin’s diverse and rich cuisine will surely make you love its flavours.

Signature Turin dishes:

• Bagna cauda: translated as ‘hot bath’, this warm dip made from garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter is typically served with raw or cooked vegetables.
• Agnolotti: small stuffed pasta pockets filled with roasted meat, vegetables, or cheese, often served in a sage and butter sauce or a rich meat broth.
• Gianduja: a creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, also the base for the famous gianduiotti chocolates.
• Bicerin: a traditional hot drink native to Turin, made from espresso, chocolate, and whipped cream.

🍴 Turin is famous for its chocolate production and is considered the chocolate capital of Italy.

🇹🇷 Gaziantep, Türkiye (4.68 ⭐)

About the city: If you find the name hard to pronounce or too long, you can also call it Antep. 

But unlike its short nickname, the city’s history is long and fascinating — it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. 

Due to its contact with various ethnic groups and cultures, Gaziantep offers a rich history and exceptional cuisine. 

You can experience it all when strolling through its ancient bazaars, historic mosques, and beautiful gardens.

Food in Gaziantep: One of the main goals of people who visit Gaziantep is to try as much food as possible — it’s Türkiye’s food capital, after all. 

Gaziantep cuisine is arguably the richest and most varied in Türkiye. It combines spices, pastries, meats, and sweets to offer a unique and flavourful experience.

The city’s food culture is influenced by Anatolian, Ottoman, and Arab traditions. This rich culinary heritage is why UNESCO recognised Antep as a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’.

Signature Gaziantep dishes:

• Baklava: a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, filled with chopped pistachios, and drenched in syrup. Gaziantep’s baklava is considered by many to be the best in the world.
• Kebabs: whether you prefer lamb, chicken, or beef, you’ll find a kebab to suit your taste. Don’t miss the “Alinazik” kebab with grilled meat served on a bed of smoky eggplant purée — a speciality of Gaziantep.
• Lahmacun: a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs. It’s a popular street food and a staple of Gaziantep cuisine.
• Beyran: this hearty soup is made with lamb, rice, and spices — a must-try for any visitor.

🍴 Gaziantep produces the majority of Turkey’s pistachios, which are considered some of the best in the world.

🇮🇩 Bandung, Indonesia (4.66 ⭐)

About the city: Known as the ‘Paris of Java’, Bandung has become a favourite holiday destination for many because of its greenery, architecture, and, most importantly, its cool climate. 

When the heat is at its fullest in tropical Indonesia, Bandung offers visitors average temperatures of 17–25°C, making it a perfect escape.

Attractions like the Tangkuban Perahu volcano, stunning tea plantations, and the bustling shopping streets of Jalan Riau and Dago make Bandung a must-visit.

Food in Bandung: The city’s natural beauty is just one reason people visit. Another reason is its Sundanese cuisine, which offers a unique experience for tourists from other regions. 

Known for its freshness, simplicity, and clear flavours, Sundanese food is a delightful highlight of any trip to Bandung.

Signature Bandung dishes:

• Batagor: short for Bakso Tahu Goreng, this dish consists of fried fish dumplings and tofu, usually served with a spicy peanut sauce.
• Cireng: a famous street snack, cireng is deep-fried tapioca dough that’s crispy outside and chewy inside, usually enjoyed with a spicy sauce.
• Nasi kuning: a vibrant yellow rice cooked with coconut milk and turmeric. Usually, it’s served with tasty sides like fried chicken, tempeh, sambal, and boiled eggs.
• Serabi: traditional pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, often topped with sweet or savoury ingredients like chocolate, cheese, or oncom (fermented soybean).
• Colenak: grilled cassava served with a sweet sauce made from coconut milk and palm sugar.

🍴 Bandung’s food culture can be best experienced through its vibrant night markets. Here, you can sample a variety of local snacks and dishes while enjoying the lively atmosphere. 

Honourable mentions

Just because a city isn’t on TasteAtlas’ top 10 list doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be on your radar. Here 4 more cities that are also absolutely delicious destinations.

🇬🇷 Athens, Greece 

About the city: When visiting one of the oldest cities in the world, you should expect nothing but the best. 

3,000 years of culture, delicious food, scenic views, mythology, and ancient wonders — you can find it all in Athens. 

Famous landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus are must-sees for any visitor. 

You can also visit the charming Plaka neighbourhood to explore vibrant markets, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this historic city.

Food in Athens: Delicious food is a way of life in Athens. Fresh seafood, vegetables, olive oil, creamy feta, spices, and herbs make every Greek dish a culinary wonder. 

From traditional tavernas to modern restaurants, the city offers something for everyone.

Signature Athenian dishes:

• Souvlaki: a classic Greek street food and a must-try in Athens. Souvlaki has delicious pieces of grilled meat (often pork or chicken) served on skewers, in pita bread, or as a platter with rice and salad.
• Moussaka: at first glance, you may think it’s lasagna, but moussaka is made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, minced meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. 
• Bougatsa: whether you prefer sweet custard or savoury cheese, you can have bougatsa with either. It’s a popular breakfast or snack choice here.
• Choriatiki: this Greek salad features juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, and a generous drizzle of olive oil — refreshing for those Mediterranean sunny days.

🍴Athens is home to one of the oldest olive trees in the world, estimated to be over 2,500 years old!

🇫🇷 Paris, France

About the city: Paris is called the ‘City of Love’ for a reason. It charms millions of visitors every year with its unique romantic ambience. 

As the most visited European city, it offers a delightful blend of architecture, art museums, history, and delicious food. 

Take a stroll along the Seine River, and enjoy the magic of Notre Dame Cathedral, the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, or the Arc de Triomphe. 

These are just a few of the countless treasures that await you in Paris.

Food in Paris: Like the city, Parisian cuisine is known for its sophistication and elegance. However, those looking for a more casual dining experience won’t be disappointed, either. 

From Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafes, you’ll find a place to suit every taste and budget.

Signature Parisian dishes:

• Croissant: a flaky, buttery pastry that’s a staple of the Parisian breakfast. Enjoy it with a café au lait for the ultimate Parisian experience.
• Coq au vin: chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal.
• Steak frites: a simple yet satisfying combination of grilled steak and crispy French fries — you can’t go wrong with this one.
• Crème brûlée: this creamy custard dessert with a caramelised sugar crust is a perfect way to end any Parisian meal.

🍴 Parisians love their bread! You’ll often see people walking around with baguettes tucked under their arms or in bags.

🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya 

About the city: the ‘Green City in the Sun’ — that’s what Nairobi is called because of its mix of rainforest and savannah grasslands. 

What makes the capital of Kenya so captivating is how it blends skyscrapers and modern life with the natural beauty of the African savanna.

Nairobi National Park, located just a short drive from the city centre, is home to lions, zebras, giraffes, and other animals, making it a truly remarkable destination. 

And don’t miss the chance to visit the Nairobi National Museum — a great place to learn about the country’s rich past and history.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Nairobi is also a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s home to a growing tech scene and numerous start-up companies.

Food in Nairobi: Kenyan cuisine is a melting pot of flavours and influences, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage. 

It combines African, Indian, and European culinary traditions, resulting in a unique and delicious dining experience. 

You’ll find everything from street food stalls serving up local snacks to upscale restaurants offering gourmet meals.

Signature Nairobi dishes:

• Nyama choma: grilled meat (often goat or beef) cooked to perfection over an open flame. A must-try for meat lovers.
• Ugali: a thick porridge made from maize flour, often served alongside stews, vegetables, or grilled meats.
• Mandazi: fluffy, deep-fried dough balls that make snack or breakfast time truly delightful. They can be enjoyed plain or dipped in tea or coffee for a sweet treat.
• Irio: a vegetarian favourite featuring mashed potatoes, peas, beans, and corn, often seasoned with spices and herbs for added flavour

🍴 Nairobi is home to Giraffe Manor, a unique hotel where you can have breakfast with giraffes!

🇲🇦 Marrakech, Morocco

About the city: As soon as you land in Marrakech, you feel the vibrant and exotic atmosphere and understand why so many fall in love with this place. 

The city offers bustling markets, stunning palaces, and beautiful gardens. 

You can explore the historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its narrow alleyways, colourful shops, and lively squares. 

Marrakech is also home to several impressive mosques and palaces, such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace.

Food in Marrakech: The food here is a delicious blend of Berber, Arab, and Andalusian influences. 

Aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric create a unique and unforgettable taste.

Signature Marrakech dishes:

• Tagine: a slow-cooked stew made in a traditional clay pot, which gives it its name and unique flavour. It comes in various flavours, including chicken with lemons and olives, lamb with prunes and almonds, and vegetables with chickpeas and spices.
• Couscous: a globally renowned dish made from steamed semolina grains. It can be served with vegetables, meat, or as a sweet dessert with dried fruits and nuts.
• Harira: a tomato-based soup enjoyed year-round, especially popular during Ramadan.
• Mint Tea: a symbol of Moroccan hospitality, this sweet and refreshing tea is served throughout the day. It’s so good that even sunny days won’t keep you from enjoying it.

🍴 Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms into a lively night market with a variety of Moroccan street food items, from grilled meats to fresh juices.

Get a taste of your next destination

There’s one step left to confidently decide on your next culinary adventure.

With Bolt Food, you can get a glimpse of a destination by sampling its cuisine without even leaving home. 

Open our app, type in a country’s name, and discover nearby restaurants that bring authentic flavours of that country right to your door.