These are the Top 20 Foodie Cities Worldwide, Ranked by Time Out
When travelers decide on a city break, they often consider a variety of factors, such as cultural offerings, including the best museums and galleries to visit, or perhaps the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Some might opt for destinations hosting particular festivals or events.
However, there is a distinct group of vacationers whose primary focus is on the culinary experiences a city has to offer.
These travelers are the ones who wake up on the first day of their trip with their minds set on savoring all the culinary delights that await them.
From sprawling markets filled with local delicacies to late-night street food adventures and independent restaurants serving unique dishes, these food enthusiasts are eager to explore culinary landscapes.
It is this group of gourmet travelers that Time Out had in mind when compiling their latest ranking of the world’s best foodie cities.
The global media organization has meticulously put together a list that highlights the gastronomic hotspots around the world.
“Food is everything when traveling,” explained Grace Beard, Time Out’s travel editor, in a discussion with CNN Travel.
She noted that “a good (or bad) meal can make or break a trip – it’s usually one of the things we remember most.”
Naples: The Reigning Champion
At the very top of Time Out’s list, clinching the number one spot, is the Italian city of Naples, which is often rumored to be the birthplace of pizza.
As expected, the cheesy delights of pizza margherita are highlighted in Time Out’s list as the city’s essential dish to try.
However, the list does not stop there; it also names the delightful Neapolitan ragù, a rich pasta dish, and the sweet confection known as sfogliatella as must-try items.
In compiling their ranking, Time Out surveyed thousands of city dwellers worldwide, asking them to rate the food options in their cities, with a particular emphasis on quality and affordability.
The editors then sifted through these responses, identifying the highest-scoring city for each country and refining the list accordingly.
Pizza and Beyond
For those looking to savor authentic pizza in Naples, Time Out suggests visiting Santa Maradona pizzeria, situated in the city’s lively Spanish quarter.
Andrea Viviani, the owner of Santa Maradona, expressed his pleasure at being spotlighted by Time Out, although he emphasized that “considering Naples only as a food destination is truly a waste.”
Viviani explained, emphasizing, “While food is undeniably a significant aspect of our culture, Naples offers so much more.”
He explained that the concept behind Santa Maradona is to convey all the facets of Naples.
Named in honor of Argentinian soccer legend Diego Armando Maradona, who played for the Naples team in the 1980s, Viviani’s restaurant celebrates not just pizza, but also the rich cultural heritage and passion of the city.
Viviani expresses hope that visitors to Naples will embrace the city’s cultural richness beyond its culinary delights, yet he finds it thrilling that numerous tourists arrive eager “to explore our traditions and savor our incredible pizzas.”
Johannesburg: A Culinary Gem
Securing the number two spot on Time Out’s list is Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to Time Out, Johannesburg’s must-eat dish is the kota sandwich, a stuffed bread featuring an array of ingredients such as potato chips, sausage, egg, or cheese.
Additionally, the city’s prominent street food, bunny chow – a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with curry, meat, or beans – is highlighted.
Johannesburg food writer Thando Moleketi-Williams recommends exploring the central neighborhood of Braamfontein, highlighting specific spots like the stylish wine bar Mamakashaka, Friends on De Beer Street, and the multifaceted restaurant and gallery space Artivist.
Lima: The Peruvian Paradise
Completing the top three on Time Out’s list is Lima, Peru.
The city is renowned for its signature dishes, such as ceviche, a refreshing seafood dish, and arroz con pollo, a flavorful combination of chicken and rice.
Lima’s Central restaurant, which has been recognized as number one in the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, is also mentioned as a culinary landmark.
Prioritizing Affordability and Quality
Other cities that made it to Time Out’s prestigious list include Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (ranking at number four), Beijing, China (number five), and Bangkok, Thailand (number six).
The key factor that unites these cities is that they are either “undergoing a culinary renaissance” or are “particularly buzzing right now,” according to Grace Beard from Time Out.
Beard noted that affordability played as crucial a role as quality in shaping the ranking.
The editors were keen on identifying cities “where good-quality meals are accessible to travelers on every budget.”
At number 10 on Time Out’s ranking, Portland, Oregon, emerges as the highest-ranking city in the United States.
Known for its diverse culinary scene, Portland is particularly celebrated for its innovative pizza offerings.
The city’s Mexican pizza, topped with typical taco ingredients, was named by locals as the best-value dish.
Celebrating Global Diversity
In the United Kingdom, Liverpool narrowly missed a spot in Time Out’s top 10, coming in at number 11.
The city’s signature dish, Scouse – a hearty stew usually made with beef or lamb – gets a mention.
Liverpool-based writer Alice Porter lauded the city’s “clutch of brand-new foodie ventures,” such as Manifest, a restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide.
Time Out’s Best Cities for Food 2024
- Naples, Italy
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Lima, Peru
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Beijing, China
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Mumbai, India
- Dubai, UAE
- Portland, USA
- Liverpool, UK
- Medellín, Colombia
- Seville, Spain
- Porto, Portugal
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Lyon, France
- Sydney, Australia
- Montreal, Canada
- Osaka, Japan
- Copenhagen, Denmark
This comprehensive list is a testament to the incredible richness and diversity of culinary traditions around the world.
Whether you are an adventurous eater looking to try something entirely new or a connoisseur seeking the best of classic flavors, Time Out’s ranking provides a tantalizing roadmap for your culinary travels.
By highlighting cities where food is both high-quality and affordable, this list ensures that every traveler can experience the joys of global cuisines without breaking the bank.
