- Time Out gathered feedback from over 18,500 individuals to compile this list.
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- EXPLORE FURTHER: Japanese Etiquette Specialist Unveils Common Mistakes Made by Visitors
The top 20 cities globally for cuisine as of 2025, according to Time Out’s rankings, have just been released—and this year the list includes some interesting changes. New Orleans that takes the crown.
The southern U.S. city outshone fierce rivals from various international culinary hubs like Paris and Madrid.
To get the results, Time Out Surveyed over 18,500 individuals globally regarding the dining landscape in their respective cities. Each location received rankings based on cost-effectiveness and culinary excellence. The information gathered was further integrated with evaluations provided by a team of Time Out specialists including authors and cooks, offering perspectives on ‘the top spots worldwide for gastronomy today’.
Grace Beard, the Travel Editor at Time Out, comments: "In our cities, food forms the core of local culture, which often drives our decision to travel. The yearly ranking from Time Out highlighting the globe's top destinations for cuisine honors culinary traditions worldwide and serves as an excellent must-visit list for gastronomy enthusiasts."
Guided by insights from local residents and enriched with the knowledge and skills of Time Out’s writers, food critics, and chefs at Time Out Market, this serves as the ultimate resource for discerning food enthusiasts.
The cities featured here highlight the perfect blend of classic and contemporary dining experiences. Each location offers an array of culinary influences, with emerging talents leading innovative restaurants alongside established eateries providing budget-friendly favorites.
Scroll down to view the complete list, shown below in descending order...
10. Jakarta, Indonesia
Time Out characterizes Jakarta's culinary landscape as a "true melting pot," influenced by various factors. Indonesia ' multicultural communities and worldwide impacts, including Dutch Indian, Chinese, and Arabic.'
Moreover, Jakarta receives a 94 percent local approval rating, placing it as the third-most approved city among residents surveyed, trailing only Cape Town and Paris.
Where should one venture to savor its 'undoubtedly tasty and varied' food?
Experts from Time Out suggest visiting street food centers like 'Jalan Sabang and Jalan Pecenongan' for enjoying Madura noodles, Sumatra’s char-grilled satay, and smoky Chinese claypot rice.
The travel guide also notes that 'upscale dining options are increasingly popular,' featuring restaurants such as Caspar and Henshin 'offering global flavours'.
9. Paris, France
The gastronomic landscape of The City of Lights has never been more vibrant, with new eateries opening at every turn, as reported by Time Out.
Despite being at the higher price range, Paris receives a 95 percent satisfaction rate from locals who describe its food scene as both "luxurious" and "fashionable."
Timeout's specialists suggest bistro-style eateries like Lissit and Cornichon For reinterpretations of French classics, while wine bars like Œillets , Furia and coffee shops Grave and Simple 'simply buzz with energy'.
In honor of 'fine dining,' the travel guide applauds these restaurants. Vaisseau and Le Gabriel for their 'unforgettable dishes'.
Hunting for comfort food?
Time Out recommends trying saucisse purée at Les Arlots — a timelessly comforting classic."
8. Shanghai, China
Time Out characterizes Shanghai as ' China is known as the 'dining epicenter' because it 'presents 5,000 years of culinary history within a single city.'
The largest city in China has received an impressive 92 percent approval rating from its locals, who praise its culinary scene for being both 'varied' and 'fashionable.'
Time Out highlights that regional cuisines flourish in Shanghai, ranging from the distinctive dishes of Guizhou’s ethnic minorities to the spice-laden kebabs of Xinjiang and the tropical tastes of Yunnan.
The experts similarly appreciate Shanghai's 'new-generation bistros led by youthful chefs' who 'are reinventing local ingredients using international methods.'
Searching for authentic Shanghainese food?
Time Out suggests trying 'shengjianbao, a dumpling with a crunchy bottom and filled with brothy goodness.'
7. Lagos, Nigeria
Time Out describes Lagos as a paradise for food lovers, noting that "food is deeply integrated into the culture, history, and everyday routines" of the city, with flavors that are both bold and delightful.
Moreover, it ranks as the second most budget-friendly city in terms of dining and drinking expenses—88 percent of residents believe that getting a drink does not require much money, and 68 percent find that eating at restaurants is quite economical.
The travel guide suggests exploring Frejon, Lagos’s Brazilian neighborhood, known for its renowned 'smoky party jollof rice,' a dish celebrated globally.
Then there's LÉ IYÁN , which celebrates Yoruba cuisine, and NOK by Alara and Slow Lagos , which incorporate a 'contemporary spin'.
Time Out notes: "Street food flourishes—akara [bean fritters] paired with agege bread and boli [roasted plantain] are common favorites, while puff-puff [deep-fried dough] caters to those with a sweet tooth."
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico The city's cuisine stands out as particularly impressive according to Time Out’s culinary specialists, placing it at the second-best position globally.
It also receives high marks from locals, as 80 percent rate Mexico City's culinary landscape as either 'good' or 'amazing.'
Time Out shares: 'It's easy to understand why this place is a haven for food enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a torta de chilaquiles or tacos al pastor, there's something here for every palate.'
Experts suggest that chefs are merging international methods with regional tastes, a trend that has significantly boosted restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil to 'world fame'.
And it’s not only the regional food that earns praise.
Time Out shares: 'A surge of high-quality Italian, Korean, and Thai restaurants – such as Piazza Pasticcio , Jowong , and "Ladyboy" – are capturing hearts. If chiles en nogada are available during their season, Nicos is a must.'
5. Madrid, Spain
According to Time Out, Madrid's inhabitants are 'most prone to characterize their city’s cuisine as "varied" and "innovative."'
That makes for a 'winning combination,' considering that 90 percent of locals highly regard the Spanish gastronomy.
Time Out notes: 'Madrid's culinary landscape is flourishing, ranging' El Invernadero , recognized as the world's top plant-based eatery, to a Michelin-starred La Tasquería , which elevates offal.'
The travel guide additionally suggests OSA , Chispa , Lur , and Tonton For 'emerging young culinary talents' Sacha and La Tasquita de Enfrente are 'beloved stalwarts'.
The city's must-try?
Time Out suggests: 'Go to Pabú , where Chef Coco Montes elevates fresh produce to create exceptional dishes – Madrid’s newest gastronomic sensation.’
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Earlier this year, the The South African city claimed the title in Time Out's best list. a destination in the world, thanks largely to its remarkable culinary landscape, as mentioned by the travel guide.
Cape Town receives a 95 percent approval rating from its inhabitants, with residents being among the most inclined to describe its food as 'delicious'.
According to Time Out, Cape Town's culinary landscape stands out as 'distinctly varied' due to the integration of Asian, European, and African flavors.
Time Out Market The travel guide claims it "offers the finest of the city all in one place," and Bree Street, referred to as 'Gourmet Boulevard,' features 'essential stops such as Boma and Iron Steak '.
And Cape Town's fish and chips competitor London 's'.
However, as per the travel guide, the city’s ‘must-try’ delicacy is the renowned “almighty Gatsby” – a substantial sandwich made from a large bread roll filled with fries, salad, and your preferred stuffing.
Tempted? Marriam's Kitchen at the Waterfront Is "one of the best."
3. Medellin, Colombia
According to Time Out, Medellín residents gave high marks to their city overall. It was notably distinguished by its affordability—89 percent of locals find eating out to be easy on the wallet, and an impressive 94 percent consider getting a coffee to be inexpensive.
The guide emphasizes: "Regardless of the budget, the city provides abundant gourmet experiences."
Where exactly are these hotspots located then?
Time Out recommends: 'Take a walk through La Placita de Flórez to sample exotic fruits such as chirimoya and gulupa; savor bandeja paisa—a dish featuring rice, chorizo, and a fried egg—in any neighborhood; or treat yourself to gourmet cuisine in El Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles.'
To experience the city’s ‘fun-loving vibe’, visit a food fest as suggested by the travel guide, while also checking out top locations like La Cafetiere de Anita , Bistro El Mordisco and Mar Y Fuego highlight its global flavours'.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
According to Time Out, Bangkok’s cuisine is ‘world-famous,’ and an impressive 86 percent of local residents consider its food offerings to be either ‘good’ or ‘amazing.’
Bangkok also receives the largest portion of votes from Time Out's food specialists, securing the second position globally for cuisine in 2025.
Timeout observes: "The culinary charm of Bangkok stems from its adaptability — be it a Michelin-starred dinner or a budget-friendly street food feast for just $3/£2.32 illuminated by fluorescent lighting, each dining encounter remains equally memorable."
The travel guide suggests exploring Old Town or Chinatown, joining the throngs of people, and dining on whatever catches your eye.
The experts suggest: 'To find an exceptional som tam (green papaya salad), go to Hai Som Tam Convent , where green papayas, spicy chilies, and sticky rice complement grilled chicken and a cold beer perfectly."
1. New Orleans, USA
Crowning as the top global destination for cuisine in 2025 is New Orleans.
Its food scene combines French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African influences, offering everything from historic fine dining at Antoine’s to casual favourites like Parkway Bakery & Tavern ', says Time Out.
'Traditional fare' like 'shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and red beans with rice' is available 'throughout the city,' and these eateries are 'well-regarded.' Dakar , Acamaya , and Saffron Offer 'new twists on Louisiana flavors.'
The travel guide mentions that there's always an enticing dish to sample in New Orleans since food remains the highlight throughout the year, accompanied by festivals dedicated to dishes like gumbo and beignets.
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