The 86 Best Food Cities in the World (2026)

Ranked on TasteAtlas's 2025/26 audience ratings of traditional dishes, not restaurant scores — so this list rewards cities with a deep everyday food culture rather than a handful of celebrated kitchens. Italy dominates the top for a reason. Each entry names the dishes to order and where to order them.

1. Naples, Italy

   Rating: 4.99/5 · Must-try: Pizza Margherita, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Sfogliatella · Where to eat: Pizzeria Starita a Materdei, Gino e Toto Sorbillo, 50 Kalò · Cost of living: ~$1,741/mo

2. Milan, Italy

   Rating: 4.99/5 · Must-try: Risotto alla Milanese, Cotoletta alla Milanese, Ossobuco alla Milanese · Where to eat: Trattoria Trippa, Trattoria Arlati dal 1936, Al Garghet · Cost of living: ~$2,421/mo

3. Bologna, Italy

   Rating: 4.98/5 · Must-try: Tagliatelle al ragù, Tortellini in brodo, Lasagne alla Bolognese · Where to eat: Trattoria di Via Serra, Sfoglia Rina, Cremeria Santo Stefano · Cost of living: ~$2,011/mo

4. Florence, Italy

   Rating: 4.89/5 · Must-try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Lampredotto, Schiacciata alla Fiorentina · Where to eat: Trattoria Mario, All'Antico Vinaio, Trattoria Sostanza · Cost of living: ~$2,104/mo

5. Mumbai, India

   Rating: 4.86/5 · Must-try: Vada pav, Pav bhaji, Bombay sandwich · Where to eat: Britannia & Co., Bademiya, Swati Snacks · Cost of living: ~$775/mo

6. Paris, France

   Rating: 4.83/5 · Must-try: Croissant, Crème brûlée, Baguette · Where to eat: Bouillon Chartier, Le Comptoir du Panthéon, Chez Janou · Cost of living: ~$2,329/mo

7. Vienna, Austria

   Rating: 4.78/5 · Must-try: Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel · Where to eat: Figlmüller, Plachutta, Café Central · Cost of living: ~$2,009/mo

8. Rome, Italy

   Rating: 4.77/5 · Must-try: Carbonara, Cacio e pepe, Supplì · Where to eat: Roscioli, Da Enzo al 29, Pizzarium · Cost of living: ~$2,003/mo

9. Lima, Peru

   Rating: 4.73/5 · Must-try: Ceviche, Lomo saltado, Aji de gallina · Where to eat: Central, La Mar, El Mercado · Cost of living: ~$977/mo

10. Osaka, Japan

    Rating: 4.73/5 · Must-try: Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Kushikatsu · Where to eat: Mizuno, Daruma, Rikuro Ojisan · Cost of living: ~$1,301/mo

11. Madrid, Spain

    Rating: 4.72/5 · Must-try: Cocido madrileño, Bocadillo de calamares, Churros con chocolate · Where to eat: Sobrino de Botín, La Barraca, Cervecería Alemana · Cost of living: ~$2,113/mo

12. Nice, France

    Rating: 4.71/5 · Must-try: Salade Niçoise, Socca, Pissaladière · Where to eat: Chez Pipo, Le Safari, La Merenda · Cost of living: ~$2,000/mo

13. Kyoto, Japan

    Rating: 4.69/5 · Must-try: Kaiseki, Yudofu, Matcha · Where to eat: Kikunoi, Nishiki Market, Gion Nanba · Cost of living: ~$1,300/mo

14. New Orleans, United States

    Rating: 4.68/5 · Must-try: Gumbo, Po' boy, Beignets · Where to eat: Commander's Palace, Café Du Monde, Dooky Chase's · Cost of living: ~$2,540/mo

15. Venice, Italy

    Rating: 4.67/5 · Must-try: Sarde in saor, Risotto al nero di seppia, Fegato alla veneziana · Where to eat: Osteria Alle Testiere, Trattoria Da Romano, Al Covo · Cost of living: ~$1,979/mo

16. New York City, United States

    Rating: 4.63/5 · Must-try: New York-style pizza, New York cheesecake, Pastrami on rye · Where to eat: Katz's Delicatessen, Di Fara Pizza, Peter Luger Steak House · Cost of living: ~$4,404/mo

17. Singapore, Singapore

    Rating: 4.63/5 · Must-try: Hainanese chicken rice, Chilli crab, Laksa · Where to eat: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Lau Pa Sat, Jumbo Seafood · Cost of living: ~$3,225/mo

18. Jakarta, Indonesia

    Rating: 4.62/5 · Must-try: Nasi goreng, Satay, Gado-gado · Where to eat: Sate Khas Senayan, Lara Djonggrang, Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih · Cost of living: ~$711/mo

19. Istanbul, Turkey

    Rating: 4.6/5 · Must-try: Kebap, Baklava, Lahmacun · Where to eat: Çiya Sofrası, Karaköy Lokantası, Hamdi Restaurant · Cost of living: ~$1,409/mo

20. Tokyo, Japan

    Rating: 4.58/5 · Must-try: Sushi, Ramen, Tempura · Where to eat: Sukiyabashi Jiro, Ichiran, Tsukiji Outer Market · Cost of living: ~$1,616/mo

21. San Francisco, United States

    Rating: 4.58/5 · Must-try: Mission Burrito, Cioppino, Sourdough bread · Where to eat: La Taqueria, Swan Oyster Depot, Tartine Bakery · Cost of living: ~$4,403/mo

22. Philadelphia, United States

    Rating: 4.57/5 · Must-try: Cheesesteak, Soft pretzel, Roast pork sandwich · Where to eat: John's Roast Pork, Beiler's Bakery, Barclay Prime · Cost of living: ~$2,701/mo

23. Chicago, United States

    Rating: 4.57/5 · Must-try: Deep-dish pizza, Chicago hot dog, Italian beef sandwich · Where to eat: Smoque BBQ, Lula Cafe, The Purple Pig · Cost of living: ~$2,961/mo

24. Lisbon, Portugal

    Rating: 4.57/5 · Must-try: Pastel de nata, Bacalhau à Brás, Bifana · Where to eat: Pastéis de Belém, Cervejaria Ramiro, O Velho Eurico · Cost of living: ~$2,072/mo

25. Guadalajara, Mexico

    Rating: 4.57/5 · Must-try: Torta ahogada, Carne en su jugo, Birria · Where to eat: Las Nueve Esquinas, La Chata, Karne Garibaldi · Cost of living: ~$1,239/mo

26. Lyon, France

    Rating: 4.57/5 · Must-try: Quenelle, Salade Lyonnaise, Tablier de sapeur · Where to eat: Le Bouchon des Filles, Daniel et Denise, Paul Bocuse · Cost of living: ~$1,860/mo

27. Shanghai, China

    Rating: 4.56/5 · Must-try: Xiaolongbao, Hóngshāoròu, Shanghai fried noodles · Where to eat: Jia Jia Tang Bao, Fu Chun Xiao Long, Din Tai Fung · Cost of living: ~$1,180/mo

28. Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Rating: 4.54/5 · Must-try: Chángfěn, Chāshāo, Wonton noodles · Where to eat: Wang Fu, Lung King Heen, Shang Palace · Cost of living: ~$2,580/mo

29. Los Angeles, United States

    Rating: 4.52/5 · Must-try: L.A. Galbi, Breakfast Burrito, California-Style Pizza · Where to eat: Philippe the Original, Langer's Delicatessen, Guisados · Cost of living: ~$3,660/mo

30. Mexico City, Mexico

    Rating: 4.52/5 · Must-try: Tacos al pastor, Tlacoyos, Tamales · Where to eat: El Huequito, Pujol, Los Cocuyos · Cost of living: ~$1,530/mo

31. Barcelona, Spain

    Rating: 4.51/5 · Must-try: Pa amb tomàquet, Crema catalana, Fideuà · Where to eat: Cal Pep, La Boqueria, Cervecería Catalana · Cost of living: ~$2,217/mo

32. Marseille, France

    Rating: 4.5/5 · Must-try: Bouillabaisse, Navettes, Panisse · Where to eat: Chez Fonfon, Le Miramar, La Boîte à Sardine · Cost of living: ~$1,800/mo

33. Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Rating: 4.5/5 · Must-try: Asado, Empanada, Dulce de leche · Where to eat: Don Julio, El Sanjuanino, La Cabrera · Cost of living: ~$1,271/mo

34. Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Rating: 4.49/5 · Must-try: Coxinha, Pão de queijo, Feijoada · Where to eat: A Casa do Porco, Mocotó, Padaria Santa Tereza · Cost of living: ~$1,162/mo

35. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Rating: 4.49/5 · Must-try: Ćevapi, Burek, Begova čorba · Where to eat: Ćevabdžinica Željo, Petica Ferhatović, Dveri · Cost of living: ~$1,101/mo

36. Munich, Germany

    Rating: 4.48/5 · Must-try: Weißwurst, Schweinshaxe, Brezen · Where to eat: Augustiner-Keller, Wirtshaus in der Au, Hofbräuhaus · Cost of living: ~$2,311/mo

37. Hanoi, Vietnam

    Rating: 4.47/5 · Must-try: Phở, Bún chả, Bánh mì · Where to eat: Phở Thìn, Bún Chả Hương Liên, Bánh Mì 25 · Cost of living: ~$775/mo

38. Beijing, China

    Rating: 4.46/5 · Must-try: Peking duck, Zhájiàngmiàn, Jiānbing · Where to eat: Da Dong, Quanjude, Siji Minfu · Cost of living: ~$1,169/mo

39. Melbourne, Australia

    Rating: 4.45/5 · Must-try: Flat white, Meat pie, Lamington · Where to eat: Lune Croissanterie, Chin Chin, Tipo 00 · Cost of living: ~$2,111/mo

40. Bangkok, Thailand

    Rating: 4.45/5 · Must-try: Pad Thai, Tom yum goong, Som tum · Where to eat: Jay Fai, Thip Samai, Raan Jay Fai · Cost of living: ~$1,052/mo

41. Bordeaux, France

    Rating: 4.44/5 · Must-try: Canelé, Entrecôte à la bordelaise, Huîtres du bassin d'Arcachon · Where to eat: La Tupina, Le Petit Commerce, Baillardran · Cost of living: ~$1,820/mo

42. Porto, Portugal

    Rating: 4.44/5 · Must-try: Francesinha, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, Pastel de nata · Where to eat: Café Santiago, Adega São Nicolau, Confeitaria do Bolhão · Cost of living: ~$1,789/mo

43. Belgrade, Serbia

    Rating: 4.45/5 · Must-try: Pljeskavica, Karađorđeva šnicla, Sarma · Where to eat: Tri Šešira, Pekara Trpković, To je To · Cost of living: ~$1,411/mo

44. London, United Kingdom

    Rating: 4.43/5 · Must-try: Fish and chips, Full English breakfast, Roast dinner · Where to eat: Dishoom, St. John, The Wolseley · Cost of living: ~$3,802/mo

45. St. Louis, United States

    Rating: 4.44/5 · Must-try: Toasted Ravioli, Gooey Butter Cake, Burnt Ends · Where to eat: Gioia's Deli, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Crown Candy Kitchen · Cost of living: ~$2,246/mo

46. Athens, Greece

    Rating: 4.43/5 · Must-try: Souvlaki, Moussaka, Spanakopita · Where to eat: Thanasis, Kostas, Karamanlidika · Cost of living: ~$1,489/mo

47. Verona, Italy

    Rating: 4.43/5 · Must-try: Risotto all'Amarone, Bollito misto, Pandoro · Where to eat: Trattoria Al Pompiere, Osteria Caffè Monte Baldo, Pescheria I Masenini · Cost of living: ~$1,804/mo

48. Guangzhou, China

    Rating: 4.43/5 · Must-try: Dim sum, Wonton noodles, Char siu · Where to eat: Lian Xiang Lou, Taotaoju, Bingsheng Restaurant · Cost of living: ~$960/mo

49. Chengdu, China

    Rating: 4.43/5 · Must-try: Mapo tofu, Kung Pao chicken, Dan dan noodles · Where to eat: Chen Mapo Tofu, Zhong Shuijiao, Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot · Cost of living: ~$729/mo

50. Salzburg, Austria

    Rating: 4.42/5 · Must-try: Salzburger Nockerl, Mozartkugel, Wiener Schnitzel · Where to eat: Stiftskeller St. Peter, Augustiner Bräu, Triangel · Cost of living: ~$2,362/mo

51. Boston, United States

    Rating: 4.42/5 · Must-try: Lobster Roll, New England Clam Chowder, Boston Cream Pie · Where to eat: Galleria Umberto, Union Oyster House, Sam LaGrassa's · Cost of living: ~$4,019/mo

52. Seville, Spain

    Rating: 4.42/5 · Must-try: Gazpacho, Pescaíto frito, Salmorejo · Where to eat: El Rinconcillo, Bar El Comercio, Casa Robles · Cost of living: ~$1,522/mo

53. Montreal, Canada

    Rating: 4.42/5 · Must-try: Poutine, Smoked meat sandwich, Bagel · Where to eat: Schwartz's Deli, St-Viateur Bagel, La Banquise · Cost of living: ~$1,932/mo

54. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Rating: 4.42/5 · Must-try: Haggis, Scotch whisky, Shortbread · Where to eat: The Witchery, Ondine, Howies · Cost of living: ~$2,416/mo

55. Amalfi, Italy

    Rating: 4.41/5 · Must-try: Limoncello, Delizia al limone, Scialatielli ai frutti di mare · Where to eat: Trattoria Da Gemma, Ristorante Marina Grande, Lo Smeraldino · Cost of living: ~$1,780/mo

56. San Antonio, United States

    Rating: 4.41/5 · Must-try: Puffy Taco, Fried Chicken, Chicken-fried steak · Where to eat: Chris Madrids, Ray's Drive Inn, Schilo's · Cost of living: ~$2,208/mo

57. Seoul, South Korea

    Rating: 4.4/5 · Must-try: Banchan, Mandu, Bossam · Where to eat: Woo Lae Oak, Myeongdong Kyoja, Gwangjang Market · Cost of living: ~$1,619/mo

58. Budapest, Hungary

    Rating: 4.4/5 · Must-try: Gulyás, Paprikás csirke, Krémes · Where to eat: Rosenstein, Kéhli Vendéglő, Café Gerbeaud · Cost of living: ~$1,380/mo

59. Macau, China

    Rating: 4.4/5 · Must-try: Serradura, Pork Chop Bun, Minchi · Where to eat: Gosto, Jade Dragon, The Eight · Cost of living: ~$1,711/mo

60. Valencia, Spain

    Rating: 4.39/5 · Must-try: Paella Valenciana, Horchata, Fideuà · Where to eat: La Pepica, Casa Carmela, Horchatería Daniel · Cost of living: ~$1,849/mo

61. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Rating: 4.39/5 · Must-try: Bánh mì, Phở, Cơm tấm · Where to eat: Bánh Mì Hòa Mã, Phở Hòa Pasteur, Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền · Cost of living: ~$790/mo

62. Taipei, Taiwan

    Rating: 4.38/5 · Must-try: Beef noodle soup, Bubble tea, Xiaolongbao · Where to eat: Din Tai Fung, Yongkang Beef Noodle, Shilin Night Market · Cost of living: ~$1,376/mo

63. Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Rating: 4.38/5 · Must-try: Khao soi, Sai ua, Larb · Where to eat: Khao Soi Khun Yai, SP Chicken, Dash! Teak House · Cost of living: ~$870/mo

64. Fukuoka, Japan

    Rating: 4.37/5 · Must-try: Hakata ramen, Mentaiko, Yatai street food · Where to eat: Ichiran Hakata, Shin Shin Ramen, Yatai stalls at Nakasu · Cost of living: ~$1,180/mo

65. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Rating: 4.36/5 · Must-try: Nasi lemak, Roti canai, Satay · Where to eat: Jalan Alor, Village Park Restaurant, Nasi Kandar Pelita · Cost of living: ~$1,019/mo

66. Dubai, UAE

    Rating: 4.35/5 · Must-try: Shawarma, Al machboos, Kunafa · Where to eat: Al Ustad Special Kabab, Arabian Tea House, Ravi Restaurant · Cost of living: ~$2,560/mo

67. Sapporo, Japan

    Rating: 4.38/5 · Must-try: Miso Ramen, Jingisukan, Soup Curry · Where to eat: Sushi Miyakawa, Susukino Sushikin, Komatsu · Cost of living: ~$1,111/mo

68. Brussels, Belgium

    Rating: 4.35/5 · Must-try: Belgian waffle, Moules-frites, Belgian chocolate · Where to eat: Chez Léon, Fritland, Le Cirio · Cost of living: ~$2,146/mo

69. New Delhi, India

    Rating: 4.33/5 · Must-try: Butter chicken, Chole bhature, Aloo paratha · Where to eat: Karim's, Moti Mahal, Paranthe Wali Gali · Cost of living: ~$530/mo

70. Medellin, Colombia

    Rating: 4.33/5 · Must-try: Bandeja paisa, Arepa, Empanada · Where to eat: Mondongos, Hacienda Junín, El Herbario · Cost of living: ~$940/mo

71. Buffalo, United States

    Rating: 4.37/5 · Must-try: Buffalo Wings, Beef on Weck, Michigan Hot Dog · Where to eat: Anchor Bar, Duff's Famous Wings, Ted's Hot Dogs · Cost of living: ~$2,388/mo

72. Busan, South Korea

    Rating: 4.31/5 · Must-try: Milmyeon, Dwaeji gukbap, Ssiat hotteok · Where to eat: Jagalchi Market, Halmae Gukbap, BIFF Square street food · Cost of living: ~$1,399/mo

73. Zagreb, Croatia

    Rating: 4.37/5 · Must-try: Štrukli, Zagrebački odrezak, Sarma · Where to eat: Le Bistro Esplanade, Zelen Dvor, Restoran Tač · Cost of living: ~$1,440/mo

74. Toronto, Canada

    Rating: 4.3/5 · Must-try: Peameal bacon sandwich, Poutine, Butter tart · Where to eat: St. Lawrence Market, Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, Canoe · Cost of living: ~$2,049/mo

75. Da Nang, Vietnam

    Rating: 4.29/5 · Must-try: Mì Quảng, Bánh xèo, Bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo · Where to eat: Mì Quảng Bà Vị, Bà Dưỡng, Madame Lân · Cost of living: ~$722/mo

76. Jaipur, India

    Rating: 4.28/5 · Must-try: Dal baati churma, Pyaaz kachori, Ghewar · Where to eat: Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Handi Restaurant · Cost of living: ~$391/mo

77. Marrakech, Morocco

    Rating: 4.27/5 · Must-try: Tagine, Couscous, Pastilla · Where to eat: Jemaa el-Fnaa stalls, Café des Épices, Dar Moha · Cost of living: ~$801/mo

78. Goa, India

    Rating: 4.27/5 · Must-try: Fish curry rice, Vindaloo, Bebinca · Where to eat: Ritz Classic, Vinayak Family Restaurant, Fisherman's Wharf · Cost of living: ~$487/mo

79. Krakow, Poland

    Rating: 4.25/5 · Must-try: Pierogi, Obwarzanek krakowski, Żurek · Where to eat: Zapiecek, Starka, Morskie Oko · Cost of living: ~$1,700/mo

80. Hamburg, Germany

    Rating: 4.24/5 · Must-try: Fischbrötchen, Labskaus, Franzbrötchen · Where to eat: Fischbrötchenbude Brücke 10, Oberhafen-Kantine, Daniel Wischer · Cost of living: ~$2,009/mo

81. Charleston, United States

    Rating: 4.33/5 · Must-try: Shrimp and Grits, She-Crab Soup, Fried Green Tomatoes · Where to eat: Hyman's Seafood, Magnolias, Dave's Carry-Out · Cost of living: ~$3,358/mo

82. Split, Croatia

    Rating: 4.24/5 · Must-try: Pašticada, Crni rižot, Soparnik · Where to eat: Konoba Matejuška, Villa Spiza, Dvor · Cost of living: ~$1,620/mo

83. Austin, United States

    Rating: 4.33/5 · Must-try: Breakfast Tacos, Central Texas-Style Barbecue, Texas Brisket Sandwich · Where to eat: Franklin Barbecue, Via 313 Pizza, Micklethwait Craft Meats · Cost of living: ~$2,495/mo

84. Zurich, Switzerland

    Rating: 4.23/5 · Must-try: Zürich Geschnetzeltes, Fondue, Rösti · Where to eat: Zeughauskeller, Kronenhalle, Hiltl · Cost of living: ~$4,208/mo

85. Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Rating: 4.22/5 · Must-try: Crni rižot, Pašticada, Buzara · Where to eat: Konoba Dubrava, Proto, Pantarul · Cost of living: ~$1,700/mo

86. Como, Italy

    Rating: 4.19/5 · Must-try: Risotto alla Milanese, Polenta uncia, Missoltini · Where to eat: Ristorante Sociale, Trattoria del Glicine, Crotto del Sergente · Cost of living: ~$1,814/mo

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