- Timeout gathered insights from over 18,500 individuals to compile this list.
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The top 20 best global destinations for cuisine in 2025 have been disclosed and ordered by Time Out — and this year it includes New Orleans that takes the crown.
The southern U.S. city outshone tough competitors from various international culinary hubs, such as Paris and Madrid.
To get the results, Time Out More than 18,500 individuals globally were polled regarding the dining landscape in their respective cities. Each location received rankings based on cost-effectiveness and culinary excellence. The findings were subsequently merged with evaluations provided by a team of Time Out specialists—including authors and cooks—who offered perspectives on ‘the top destinations for gastronomy today’.
Grace Beard, the Travel Editor at Time Out, comments: "In our cities, food forms the core of local culture, which often motivates people to embark on journeys. The magazine's yearly listing of the globe's top destinations for cuisine honors culinary traditions worldwide and serves as an excellent checklist 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 eager visitors seeking delicious meals.
The cities featured here highlight the perfect blend of classic and contemporary dining experiences. Each location offers an array of culinary influences, with innovative young chefs leading modern gastronomic ventures alongside established eateries providing budget-friendly traditional dishes.
Slide down to view the complete ranking, listed below in descending order...
10. Jakarta, Indonesia
Timeout portrays Jakarta's culinary landscape as a "true melting pot," influenced by various factors. Indonesia 's varied ethnic communities and worldwide impacts, including Dutch Indian, Chinese, and Arabic.'
Furthermore, Jakarta achieves a remarkable 94 percent local approval rating, ranking it as the third most approved city among residents surveyed, coming after Cape Town and Paris.
Where can one venture to savor its 'undoubtedly tasty and varied' food?
Experts from Time Out suggest visiting street food destinations like 'Jalan Sabang and Jalan Pecenongan' for enjoying Madura noodles, Sumatra’s grilled skewers, and aromatic Chinese clay pot 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 corner, as reported by Time Out.
Even though Paris's dining options tend towards the 'higher price range,' the city receives a 95 percent satisfaction rate from locals who characterize its cuisine as 'luxurious' and 'fashionable.'
Timeout’s specialists suggest bistros 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'.
The travel guide commends eateries for their 'fine dining' experience. Vaisseau and Le Gabriel for their 'unforgettable dishes'.
Hunting for comfort food?
Time Out recommends trying saucisse purée at Les Arlots — an eternal, soothing favorite.'
8. Shanghai, China
Timeout describes Shanghai as ' China 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 local inhabitants, who commend its food scene for being both 'varied' and 'fashionable.'
Time Out reports that regional cuisines flourish in Shanghai, ranging from the ethnic delicacies of Guizhou to the spicy grilled kebabs of Xinjiang and the tropical tastes of Yunnan.
The experts also appreciate Shanghai's 'new-generation bistros led by young chefs' who 'are reinventing local ingredients using international methods.'
Seeking authentic Shanghainese food?
Timeout 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, a place where cuisine is deeply integrated into culture, history, and everyday routines with flavors that are robust and delightful.
Furthermore, it ranks as the second most budget-friendly city in terms of dining 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’, which is celebrated globally.
Then there's LÉ IYÁN , which celebrates Yoruba cuisine, and NOK by Alara and Slow Lagos , adding a 'contemporary touch'.
Time Out adds: 'Street food thrives – akara [bean fritters] with agege bread and boli [roasted plantain] are daily staples, while puff-puff [deep-fried dough] satisfies sweet cravings.'
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico The city's capital stands out notably according to Time Out’s culinary specialists, placing second globally.
It also receives high marks from locals, as 80 percent rate Mexico City's culinary landscape as either 'good' or 'amazing.'
Timeout shares insight: 'It becomes clear why this place is heaven for food enthusiasts. Whether you're craving a torta de chilaquiles or tacos al pastor, there's something appealing for every palate.'
Experts suggest that chefs are merging international methods with local tastes, a trend that has significantly boosted restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil to 'world fame'.
And it’s not only the regional food that receives praise.
Timeout highlights: 'A surge of high-quality Italian, Korean, and Thai eateries – 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
The inhabitants of Madrid are described by Time Out as being the most prone to characterize their city’s cuisine as both “varied” and “innovative.”
That makes for a 'winning combination,' considering that 90 percent of local residents highly regard the Spanish food scene.
Timeout notes: "The culinary landscape of the Spanish capital is flourishing, ranging from El Invernadero , recognized as the globe'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 chefs causing a stir' while Sacha and La Tasquita de Enfrente are 'beloved stalwarts'.
The city's must-try?
Timeout suggests: 'Go to Pabú , where chef Coco Montes elevates fresh produce to create exceptional dishes – Madrid’s newest gastronomic attraction.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Earlier this year, the The South African city claimed the title in Time Out's Best list. destination in the world, an accolade which was 'thanks in no small part to its incredible food scene', explains the travel guide.
Cape Town earns a 95 per cent approval rating from locals, with residents some of the most likely to call their cuisine 'delicious'.
'A blend of Asian, European, and African influences' makes Cape Town's food scene 'uniquely diverse', according to Time Out.
Time Out Market The travel guide mentions "'it brings together the finest aspects of the city under one roof,'" while Bree Street, dubbed 'Gourmet Boulevard,' features 'essential places to visit 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 ‘mighty Gatsby—a tall sandwich made from a substantial bread roll filled with fries, salad, and your preferred stuffing’.
Tempted? Mariam's Kitchen at The Foreshore is considered 'among the finest'.
3. Medellin, Colombia
According to Time Out, Medellín received high ratings from local residents overall. The standout feature was its affordability—89 percent of locals find eating at restaurants fits their budget, and an impressive 94 percent consider getting coffee to be inexpensive.
The guide emphasizes: "Regardless of your budget, the city provides abundant culinary experiences."
Where exactly are these hotspots located?
Timeout mentions: 'Take a walk through La Placita de Flórez to discover unusual 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 an exquisite meal in El Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles.'
To experience the city’s ‘fun-loving vibe’, check out a food fest as suggested by the travel guide, along with some of the ‘best places’ like La Cafetiere de Anita , Bistro El Mordisco and Mar Y Fuego highlight its global flavours'.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Time Out mentions that Bangkok’s cuisine is ‘world-famous,’ and an impressive 86 percent of residents consider its food offerings to be either ‘good’ or ‘incredible.’
Bangkok also receives the largest portion of votes from Time Out's food specialists, securing the second spot globally for cuisine in 2025.
Timeout comments: "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 lights, each dining experience remains equally memorable."
The travel guide suggests exploring Old Town or Chinatown, joining the crowd, and eating whatever appears most appealing.
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 chilled beer perfectly."
1. New Orleans, USA
Crowning as the top global destination for cuisine in 2025 is New Orleans.
The food scene here merges French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African flavors, providing a range of options from classic upscale dining experiences at Antoine’s to casual favourites like Parkway Bakery & Tavern ', says Time Out.
'Shrimp Creole,' 'jambalaya,' and 'red beans and rice' are among the classic offerings available throughout the city at various eateries, with these establishments also earning acclaim for their cuisine.' Dakar , Acamaya , and Saffron Add 'a new twist to Louisianan flavors.'
The travel guide mentions that there’s ‘always something delightful to sample’ in New Orleans since ‘cuisine is at the forefront throughout the year, accompanied by festivals honoring dishes like gumbo, beignets, and many others’.
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