For many travellers, choosing a destination is closely tied to its culinary scene. Time Out has published its list of the world‘s best cities for food in 2026, with Lima, Peru taking first place and Athens earning a spot among the world’s top ten food destinations.
Lima Takes the Top Spot
Leading the ranking is Lima, the capital of Peru, widely regarded as the culinary capital of Latin America. The city is renowned for seafood dishes such as ceviche, as well as traditional specialties like causa limeña, a cold layered potato dish. Lima was also identified as the most affordable city on the list for dining out.
Bangkok and Mexico City Complete the Top Three
Bangkok, Thailand, ranked second for the second consecutive year, celebrated for its vibrant street-food culture. Visitors can enjoy sweet, spicy, sour, and savory dishes at very affordable prices.
Mexico City secured third place, offering a culinary landscape that ranges from award-winning restaurants to traditional open-air markets. One of its signature dishes is taco al pastor, a staple of the city’s food culture.
Strong European Presence at the Top
London ranked fourth and is considered one of the world’s most multicultural food capitals. The British capital received the highest ratings from its residents for restaurant quality, while the historic Borough Market remains one of the city’s most popular culinary destinations.
Barcelona completed the top five. The city’s Mediterranean traditions, local markets, and Catalan cuisine create a distinctive dining experience. Among its most iconic dishes are pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and patatas bravas.
According to Virginia Gil, Executive Editor of Time Out U.S., the cities that stood out are distinguished not only by their restaurants but also by the stories behind their food.
As she explained, each city has its own culinary identity, shaped by migration, local ingredients, and traditions that continue to influence how residents and visitors eat today.
How the Ranking Was Compiled
To create the list, Time Out surveyed 24,000 residents across 150 cities worldwide. Participants evaluated food quality, restaurants, affordability, and the overall food culture of their city. The results were then reviewed by editors and industry experts, with only the highest-scoring city from each country being selected.
Athens Ranked Ninth Worldwide
Athens placed ninth in the global ranking. According to Time Out, the Greek capital successfully blends long-established traditional tavernas, contemporary gastrotavernas, and fine-dining establishments, creating an exceptionally dynamic food scene.
“Younger-generation chefs are reimagining traditional Greek recipes, giving familiar flavors new forms and aesthetics,” the publication noted.
Athens received one of the highest scores from Time Out‘s expert panel, with 80% of experts describing it as one of today’s most exciting culinary destinations. Local residents share that view, with 78% of Athenians rating the city’s food culture positively.
According to survey participants, the standout features of Athens’ culinary experience are its cafés and family-run restaurants.
The Top 20 Food Cities in the World for 2026
- Lima, Peru
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Mexico City, Mexico
- London, United Kingdom
- Barcelona, Spain
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Melbourne, Australia
- Beijing, China
- Athens, Greece
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Osaka, Japan
- Bengaluru, India
- Naples, Italy
- New York City, United States
- Hong Kong
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Marseille, France
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Medellín, Colombia
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