Food has become one of the strongest drivers of global travel. According to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, nearly half of international travellers book restaurant reservations even before confirming their flights, while one in five travellers choose destinations purely for food experiences.
Reflecting this growing trend of culinary tourism, TasteAtlas, a globally respected food and travel guide, released its World Food Awards 2025–26, ranking the best food cities across the globe. The rankings highlight how food fosters cultural exchange, local identity, and global connections.
This article provides a static, exam-focused explanation of the Top 10 Best Food Cities in the World (2025–26) along with key insights useful for current affairs and competitive exams.
How TasteAtlas Ranked the Best Food Cities
TasteAtlas evaluated 18,828 cities worldwide, ranking the top 100 food cities based on:
- Average ratings of regional and national dishes
- Authenticity and cultural significance of food
- Popularity of traditional recipes served locally
The results underline the global dominance of European cuisine, particularly Italian food, which was also ranked as the world’s best cuisine in 2025–26.
Top 10 Best Food Cities in the World (2025–26)
1. Naples, Italy- 4.99
Naples claimed the top spot as the world’s best food city, globally celebrated as the birthplace of Pizza Margherita. Its rich street food culture and traditional recipes make it unmatched.
Famous dishes: Pizza Margherita, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Sfogliatella
2. Milan, Italy- 4.99
Milan blends classic Italian flavours with modern gastronomy, earning joint-highest ratings.
Famous dishes: Risotto alla Milanese, Cotoletta alla Milanese, Panettone
3. Bologna, Italy- 4.98
Often called Italy’s culinary heart, Bologna is renowned for rich sauces and handmade pasta.
Famous dishes: Tagliatelle al ragù, Tortellini in brodo, Lasagne alla Bolognese
4. Florence, Italy- 4.89
Florence stands out for its rustic Tuscan cuisine, rooted in simplicity and bold flavours.
Famous dishes: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, Pappardelle al cinghiale
5. Mumbai, India- 4.78
Mumbai is the only Indian city in the global top 10, reflecting India’s vibrant street food culture and diverse culinary heritage.
Famous dishes: Vada pav, Pav bhaji, Bhelpuri, Modak, Ragda pattice
6. Genoa, Italy- 4.78
Genoa is globally recognised for introducing pesto-based cuisine to the world.
Famous dishes: Trofie al pesto, Farinata di ceci, Trenette al pesto
7. Paris, France- 4.77
Paris remains a symbol of fine dining and culinary artistry, blending tradition with innovation.
Famous dishes: Foie gras, Steak tartare, Escargot, Crème brûlée
8. Vienna, Austria- 4.76
Vienna’s cuisine reflects its imperial history, combining Central European flavours with refined techniques.
Famous dishes: Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Apfelstrudel
9. Rome, Italy- 4.74
Rome’s cuisine focuses on simple ingredients and bold flavours, deeply rooted in tradition.
Famous dishes: Carbonara, Cacio e pepe, Pasta alla gricia, Tiramisù
10. Lima, Peru- 4.74
Lima entered the top 10 this year, replacing Osaka. It is widely regarded as South America’s culinary capital.
Famous dishes: Ceviche, Lomo saltado, Pollo a la brasa, Tiradito
Key Highlights from the 2025–26 Rankings
- Europe dominates the list with 8 out of 10 cities
- Italy alone claims 6 positions, reinforcing its global food leadership
- Mumbai represents India in the top 10
- Lima (Peru) enters the top 10 for the first time
- Osaka (Japan) slips to 11th position
Other Indian Cities in the Global Top 100
Apart from Mumbai, several Indian cities featured in the Top 100 Best Food Cities:
- Delhi – Rank 48
- Amritsar – Rank 53
- Hyderabad – Rank 54
- Kolkata – Rank 73
- Chennai – Rank 93
These cities were praised for their distinct regional cuisines and rich food traditions.
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