Time Out Ranks the World's 10 Best Food Cities for 2026
In Time Out's 2026 compilation of the top 10 food cities globally, Lima takes the lead, followed by Bangkok, Mexico City, London, Barcelona, Ho Chi Minh City, Melbourne, Beijing, Athens, and Lisbon. This ranking stems from a survey involving over 24,000 residents and votes from a panel of experts, with each nation represented by its top-performing city. Lima is celebrated for its exceptional dining options, such as Maido, and boasts a high affordability rate of 85%. Bangkok is home to the Michelin-starred Sorn, while Mexico City showcases renowned chefs Ana Dolores and Enrique Olvera. London, despite having the highest quality score at 96%, struggles with affordability at 42%. Noteworthy mentions include Ho Chi Minh City's CieL, Melbourne's diverse culinary scene, and Athens' Delta restaurant.
Key facts
- Lima ranked first, with 85% local affordability and 80% quality.
- Bangkok's Sorn became Thailand's first three-Michelin-star restaurant.
- Ho Chi Minh City's CieL was named world's third-best restaurant by Food & Wine.
- London scored 96% local approval for food quality, but only 42% for affordability.
- Barcelona received 80% expert panel support, surpassing Madrid.
- Athens' Delta is the only two-Michelin-star restaurant in Greece.
- Melbourne holds the title of world's coffee shop capital, with 79% local approval.
- Beijing scored 82% for quality and 83% for affordability, with street food as its top asset.
Entities
Artists
- Rodrigo Fernandini
- Virgilio Martínez
- Fabiola Ecobosa
- Ricardo Verdejo
- Ana Dolores
- Enrique Olvera
- Elliot Hashtroudi
- Lê Việt Hồng
- Tom Sarafian
- Rosheen Kaul
- Gayan Pieris
- Zoe Birch
- Tasos Mantis
- Petros Dimas
- Louise Bourrat
- Cher
Institutions
- Time Out
- Food & Wine
- Condé Nast
- Michelin
- Asia's 50 Best Bars
- Mandarin Oriental Qianmen
- iBerry Group
- Sorn
- Maido
- Central
- Fernandini
- CieL
- Tales by Chapter
- Pot Au Phở 2.0
- El Pregón de las Once
- Osteria Vibrato
- Auguste
- Martino's
- Tiella
- Camille
- La Cova Fumada
- Charrd
- Chicky Boi
- Bakemono
- Marmelo
- Otakoi
- Zareh
- La Casa Verde
- Noddin Coffee
- Oriental Art Palace Beijing
- Jollo Cafe & Bar
- TIAO
- In & Out
- Delta
- Kuchisabishii
- Thirio
- Zigoala
- Giagia Koukou
- Manari
- Pharaoh
- Tudor Hall
- Okio
- Soil
- Makris Athens
- Ateno
- Tosta
- Bibs
- O Velho Eurico
- Polémico
- Vida de Tasca
- Gancho
- ThongSmith
- Trok Maraga
- Daeng Racha Hoi Tod
- Khao San Sek
- Café Ocaso
- Lindy's
- Lotti's
- Etranger
- La Pantera
- Pistilo
- Pujol
- Dough Hands
- Short Road
- Hot Saint
- Little Earthquakes
Locations
- Lima
- Peru
- Barranco
- Florida
- New York
- Amazon
- Bangkok
- Thailand
- Song Wat Road
- Talat Noi
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- Condesa
- Juárez
- San Miguel
- London
- United Kingdom
- Soho
- London Fields
- Chelsea
- Bethnal Green
- Borough Market
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Madrid
- L'Hospitalet
- Barceloneta
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam
- Saigon
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Beijing
- China
- Nanguan Park
- Liuyin Park
- Liangmaqiao
- Liangmaqiao Embassy Street
- Qianmen
- Athens
- Greece
- Lisbon
- Portugal
Sources
- Quartz —