Discover the Top 20 Foodie Haven Cities Worldwide by Time Out
Explore Time Out's latest selection of top culinary destinations across the globe for a delightful city getaway centered around food. Uncover the gourmet hotspots that have secured their place at the pinnacle of the list.
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When planning a city break, some travelers choose a destination based on its cultural attractions, such as museums and galleries. Others prefer cities with vibrant nightlife or select a location that is hosting a festival or event.
For many vacationers, the highlight of any trip is the food. These are the travelers who eagerly anticipate trying out local delicacies at bustling markets, enjoying late-night street food, and savoring unique dishes at independent restaurants that leave a lasting impression.
Time Out recently compiled a list of the world's top foodie cities with these culinary enthusiasts in mind.
"Food plays a crucial role in traveling," says Grace Beard, Time Out's travel editor in an interview with CNN Travel. She emphasizes that a delicious (or disappointing) meal can greatly impact a trip, often becoming one of the most memorable experiences.
According to Time Out's ranking, Naples, Italy takes the top spot as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. As the rumored birthplace of pizza, it's no surprise that the classic pizza margherita is highlighted as a must-try dish. Additionally, Neapolitan ragù and the sweet sfogliatella are also recommended dishes to indulge in while exploring the city.
Time Out asked people from cities all over the world about their favorite places to eat, focusing on delicious food that doesn't break the bank. Editors from Time Out then looked at the responses to find the top city for each country in the final list.
Pizza and more options were included in the survey, showcasing the diverse and tasty food offerings in these cities.
For those who love pizza and want to try authentic Neapolitan pizza, Time Out recommends visiting pizzeria Santa Maradona in Naples' Spanish quarter.
The owner of Santa Maradona, Andrea Viviani, expressed his delight at being featured by Time Out in an interview with CNN Travel. However, he also pointed out that Naples has much more to offer than just great food.
"Food is definitely a big part of our culture, but Naples has so much more to offer," Viviani explained. "The concept of Santa Maradona is to showcase all the different sides of Naples."
Viviani went on to describe how his restaurant is not only a tribute to pizza, but also to football. It is named after the legendary Argentinian soccer player Diego Armando Maradona, who was part of the Naples team in the 1980s.
Viviani hopes visitors to Naples will appreciate more than just the cuisine. He finds it thrilling that many tourists arrive with a keen interest in exploring the city's traditions and savoring its delicious pizzas.
At number three on Time Out's list is Lima, Peru, where visitors are encouraged to try ceviche. Pictured here: a traditional sea bass ceviche dish cooked by Peruvian chef Roberto Madrid at his restaurant Aroma de Mar in Lima.
Lima, Peru is ranked third on Time Out's list. Visitors are recommended to try ceviche, a popular dish in the city. In the image, you can see a traditional sea bass ceviche prepared by Peruvian chef Roberto Madrid at his restaurant Aroma de Mar in Lima. The dish looks delicious and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Number two on Time Out’s list is Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg food writer Thando Moleketi-Williams suggests exploring the central neighborhood of Braamfontein. Some recommended spots include wine bar Mamakashaka, Friends on De Beer Street, and restaurant/gallery space Artivist. According to Time Out, the must-try dish in the city is the kota sandwich, a stuffed bread filled with delicious ingredients like potato chips, sausage, egg, or cheese. Another highlighted street food is the bunny chow, featuring curry, meat, or beans stuffed inside bread.
In third place is Lima, Peru, according to Time Out. Visitors are encouraged to sample signature dishes such as ceviche and arroz con pollo (chicken and rice). The prestigious Central restaurant, recently crowned number one in the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, is also worth a visit.
Chef Arturo Rivera Martinez prepares tacos at Taqueria El Califa de Leon restaurant in Mexico City on May 15, 2024. A hole-in-the-wall taqueria is among the first restaurants in Mexico to be awarded a star by the prestigious Michelin Guide -- an accomplishment its owner credits to "love and effort".
Chef Arturo Rivera Martinez is known for preparing delicious tacos at Taqueria El Califa de Leon restaurant in Mexico City. Recently, this hidden gem of a taqueria made history by becoming one of the first restaurants in Mexico to receive a Michelin star. The owner attributes this incredible achievement to the passion and hard work put into every dish.
Silvana Flores/AFP/Getty Images
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This tiny taco stand in Mexico has just earned a Michelin star
Prioritizing affordability
At number two on Time Out’s list is the South African city of Johannesburg. Pictured here: a bunny chow -- a South African street food featuring curry, meat or beans stuffed inside bread.
Next up on Time Out’s ranking is Johannesburg, a city in South Africa. In the photo, you can see a popular South African street food called bunny chow, which consists of curry, meat, or beans served inside bread.
Alexandr Milodan/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Other cities on the list include Ho Chi Minh City (number four), Beijing (number five) and Bangkok (number six).
All the cities on the list are experiencing a culinary revival or are currently very lively, according to Grace Beard from Time Out. Beard mentioned to CNN Travel that affordability was just as important as quality when compiling the ranking. The editors sought out cities where tasty meals are available to all travelers, regardless of budget.
The city of Portland, Oregon, was ranked as the top US city on Time Out's list, landing at number 10. According to Time Out, Portland is a must-visit destination for pizza lovers, especially for Mexican pizza, which locals have voted as the city's best-value dish.
Over in the UK, Liverpool just missed out on a spot in Time Out's top 10, settling at number 11. Time Out highlighted Liverpool's signature dish, Scouse, a hearty stew typically made with beef or lamb. Additionally, Liverpool is gaining attention for its new foodie ventures, like Manifest, a restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide, as noted by local writer Alice Porter.
Time Out has released its list of the Best Cities for Food in 2024. Here are the top 20 cities:
- 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
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of Time Out's ranking of the world's top foodie cities, highlighting the importance of culinary experiences in travel. It explores the diverse and tasty food offerings in each city, from classic pizza in Naples to unique street food in Johannesburg. The article emphasizes the affordability aspect, ensuring that delicious meals are accessible to all travelers.
The ranking showcases the culinary revival and vibrancy of cities like Lima, Peru, and Medellín, Colombia, while also acknowledging established foodie destinations like Bangkok and Lyon. It encourages travelers to venture beyond the top spots and explore the hidden gems that offer authentic and memorable gastronomic experiences. By prioritizing affordability, the list caters to travelers of all budgets, allowing everyone to enjoy the culinary delights of these foodie cities.
