15 Best Food Destinations in the World

In Peru food culture, every meal tells a story of the country’s coastal, mountainous, and jungle regions. In each bite, you'll taste the legacy of indigenous people who first cultivated potatoes in the Andes, Spanish conquistadors who brought citrus and pork, African slaves who transformed humble ingredients into masterpieces, and Japanese immigrants who forever changed the way Peruvians prepare fish. This blend of cultures has created fusion cuisine and forged an entirely new culinary identity that you can delve into on Zicasso’s flavors of Peru tour.

Dawn breaks over the Pacific as fishermen haul in gleaming corvina destined for your plate. In the hands of Lima's visionary chefs, this bounty transforms into ceviche, pearls of fish bathed in citrus and dressed with crimson chilies. At Mercado de Surquillo, elderly women in colorful aprons press purple corn for chicha morada while their daughters carefully select the day's produce. When evening falls, slip into one of the city's acclaimed restaurants, where Amazonian ingredients like cassava and açaí meet Andean tradition in dishes that are deeply rooted in agricultural practices and often cooked underground.

Highlights: Ceviche • Lomo Saltado • Ají de Gallina • Causa Limeña • Anticuchos

Learn more: Peru Travel Guide • Peru Tours and Vacations

In this metropolis of European grandeur and Latin-American soul, food embodies the immigrant dream. The sacred ritual of asado emerged from the gaucho tradition of the pampas, while the city's signature pizza and pasta dishes trace back to the massive Italian immigration of the 19th century. From the Jewish delis of Once to the Korean barbecues of Flores, each neighborhood tells a different chapter of Argentina food culture, creating a living museum of cultural integration.

The aroma of grilling meat wafts through jacaranda-lined streets as the sun sets over Palermo on your food tour through Buenos Aires. Behind unmarked doors, locals gather for asados that stretch late into the night. Watch as your parrillero tends to cuts of grass-fed beef with the precision of a conductor, each piece achieving perfection at precisely the right moment. Between bites, savor hand-crimped empanadas while discussing life with porteños over glasses of malbec from Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards.

Highlights: Asado • Empanadas • Milanesa • Choripán • Provoleta

Learn more: Argentina Travel Guide • Argentina Tours and Vacations

Few cities mirror their history in their cuisine as clearly as Cape Town, and you can experience this on our ultimate food and wine tour of South Africa. Each dish carries centuries of stories, from Cape Malay gastronomy born from enslaved people who transformed Dutch colonial fare with spices to indigenous Xhosa ingredients like pumpkin and Indian curries that arrived with laborers and merchants. Today's chefs draw from this complex heritage to create dishes that honor the past and embrace the future of South African food culture.

Perched between mountain and sea, this culinary crossroads melds Dutch, Malay, and indigenous African influences into something entirely its own. Start your Cape Town food tour at a market, where artisanal coffee accompanies oysters harvested from nearby waters. Later, venture into the Bo-Kaap's cobblestone lanes, where colorful homes house kitchens that perfume the air with cardamom and coriander. As sunset paints Table Mountain pink, settle into a mountainside restaurant where innovative chefs pair local game like kudu with wines from neighboring Stellenbosch, allowing you a taste of everything the food culture in South Africa dishes up.

Highlights: Braai, Babotie, Bunny Chow, Biltong, Cape Malay Curry

Learn more: South Africa Travel Guide • South Africa Tours and Vacations

Renowned for its historical significance and vibrant markets, Fes offers a Morocco food culture steeped in history and passion that you can find out more about on our Moroccan epicurean adventure. Dishes are crafted with care using spices and ingredients that have been cherished for centuries. As you wander through the narrow streets of the medina, the enticing aromas of these spices and slow-cooked dishes like tagine surround you. This slow-cooked stew made with meat or seafood and a variety of vegetables is a staple that showcases the region's culinary artistry. Each tagine is unique, infused with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron, and served alongside warm bread.

The celebrated b'stilla exemplifies the complexity of Moroccan cuisine. The savory-sweet pie is traditionally filled with pigeon or chicken, layered with almonds, and flavored with cinnamon and saffron. A hearty soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and tender meat, harira is a nourishing dish often accompanied by dates and sweet pastries like chebakia, a deep-fried treat drizzled with honey. As you explore local eateries, you'll also encounter kefta tagine, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and often topped with eggs just before serving.

In Fes, every meal is a celebration of tradition, a culinary journey that invites you to savor the flavors of Morocco while immersing yourself in its cultural heritage. Whether dining in a bustling market or enjoying a meal in a traditional riad, Fes promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Highlights: Tagine • B’Stilla • Chebakia • Kefta Tagine • Harira

Learn more: Morocco Travel Guide • Morocco Tours and Vacations

Bologna is a city where food is not just about sustenance, but a passion woven into the fabric of daily life. Known for its rich gastronomic traditions, the “culinary capital” of Italy food culture boasts a cuisine that celebrates fresh, local ingredients and time-honored recipes. As you meander through its lively streets, the enticing aromas of simmering sauces and freshly baked bread fill the air. The city's iconic dish, tagliatelle al ragù, features handmade egg pasta served with a slow-cooked meat sauce that embodies the essence of Bolognese cooking. Another classic is lasagna alla bolognese, which showcases layers of rich ragù, béchamel, and fresh pasta.

In bustling markets, you'll find mortadella di Bologna, a beloved pork sausage that has been crafted since the 14th century. Its creamy texture and delicate flavor make it a perfect addition to charcuterie boards or served in sandwiches. The traditional tortellini in brodo is a comforting dish that locals cherish, especially during festive seasons. It consists of small, ring-shaped pasta filled with savory meats and served in a flavorful broth. As evening descends, the lively atmosphere of Bologna's trattorias invites you to indulge in communal dining experiences. Dishes like gramigna alla salsiccia highlight the region's rustic charm. For a delightful twist on Italian fare, try cotoletta petroniana, a breaded veal cutlet topped with prosciutto and Parmesan. Whether dining in a quaint osteria or exploring local markets, the city promises an unforgettable taste of the offerings you can try on Zicasso’s five best dishes to try in Bologna itinerary.

Highlights: Tagliatelle al Ragù • Lasagna alla Bolognese • Tortellini in Brodo • Cotoletta Petroniana • Gramigna alla Salsiccia

Learn more: Italy Travel Guide • Italy Tours and Vacations

This metropolis represents the evolution of Britain from imperial power to global melting pot, and you can sample its culinary offerings on our best of legendary London tour. The curry houses of Brick Lane trace the story of Bengali immigration, while Caribbean joints in Brixton pulse with the energy of the Windrush generation. Traditional British fare has been reimagined through centuries of global influence, from French-Huguenot bakers who revolutionized breadmaking to West Indian spices that transformed naval cooking. Each neighborhood offers a different accent in London's multicultural dialect of flavor.

Beyond the mist-shrouded Thames, a revolution simmers. In Brixton Market, Caribbean steel drums provide rhythm to vendors calling out their wares, while Borough Market's Victorian arches shelter artisans crafting small-batch cheeses and sourdough loaves from heritage grains. Duck into a centuries-old pub on your England food tour as craft ales flow alongside reimagined British classics like Yorkshire puddings cradling slow-braised venison and wild mushrooms. As evening descends, ascend to a glass-enclosed rooftop restaurant where London's skyline twinkles while Michelin-star chefs transform the multicultural heritage of this global crossroads into edible art.

Highlights: Yorkshire Pudding • Fish and Chips • Sausages and Mash • Jerk Chicken • Roti Doubles

Learn more: England Travel Guide • England Tours and Vacations

Lyon is a city where culinary traditions flourish amid a rich history that you can learn about on our best food and wine tours in France. Often hailed as the gastronomic capital of the country and known for its vibrant food culture, Lyon boasts a diverse array of flavors and dishes that reflect its heritage. The city’s cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and time-honored techniques. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, the tantalizing aromas of sizzling meats and freshly baked breads fill the air. Traditional bistros serve as the heart of Lyonnaise dining, where locals gather to enjoy hearty meals steeped in history. Signature dishes like quenelles showcase the region's commitment to culinary excellence and the famed pâté en croûte is a testament to Lyon’s artisanal craftsmanship and celebrated in annual competitions among chefs.

The lively atmosphere of Lyon’s restaurants invites you to indulge in communal dining experiences. Dishes like Lyonnaise salad offer a delightful start to your meal. For something heartier, try poulet célestine, a chicken dish cooked with mushrooms and cognac. In Lyon, every meal weaves together the past and present to celebrate the city’s culinary legacy. Dining here is not merely about food; it’s an immersive experience that invites you to savor the essence of French gastronomy in every bite.

Highlights: Quenelles • Pâté en Croûte • Salade Lyonnaise • Poulet Célestine • Tablier de Sapeur

Learn more: France Travel Guide • France Tours and Vacations

Alicante offers a culinary landscape that intertwines its Mediterranean heritage with local traditions. The region's gastronomy is a vibrant reflection of its history, characterized by fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and time-honored recipes that have been passed down through generations. The sun-drenched landscapes yield ingredients that are as rich in flavor as they are in culture. As you stroll through the bustling markets, the air is filled with the aromas of grilled fish and simmering stews that are part of the Spain food culture you can enjoy on our top food and wine experiences in the country. Traditional restaurants and modern eateries celebrate iconic dishes like arroz a banda, a rice dish cooked in a rich fish broth and served with aioli, and caldero, a hearty fisherman’s stew that captures the essence of the sea.

The coca de verduras, a savory pastry topped with seasonal vegetables, showcases the region's agricultural bounty, while pericana, a flavorful spread made from dried peppers and salted cod, serves as a delicious reminder of Alicante's coastal roots. Sweet treats like turrón, a nougat made from local almonds and honey, add a festive touch to any meal. Innovative chefs honor traditional recipes while infusing contemporary flair into their creations. With every bite, you embark on a culinary journey that tells the story of Alicante, a destination where food is an integral part of life and culture.

Highlights: Arroz a Banda • Caldero • Coca de Verduras • Pericana • Gazpacho de Montaña

Learn more: Spain Travel Guide • Spain Tours and Vacations

Crete’s culinary scene reflects its history and culture. The island's cuisine is deeply rooted in ancient traditions, with flavors that have been preserved through generations. The Mediterranean diet and Greece food culture are characterized by fresh ingredients sourced from the land and sea. You can try the country’s bounty on our gastronomy of Greece tour. Olive oil flows like liquid gold, enhancing every dish, while locally produced cheeses and aromatic herbs add depth to the flavors. In picturesque villages, the air is filled with the scent of grilled meats and freshly baked bread. In bustling markets, vibrant displays of fruits and vegetables showcase the bounty of the island's fertile soil.

Signature dishes like dakos, a Cretan bruschetta topped with tomatoes and cheese, and stifado, a hearty stew rich with spices, tell stories of the island's gastronomic heritage. Slow-cooked lamb that’s prepared over an open fire exemplifies Crete's connection to its pastoral roots. As you savor each bite, you'll find Cretan cuisine is a celebration of life, culture, and community. Under a starlit sky, innovative chefs pay homage to ancient recipes while infusing modern flair into their creations for a journey through time and a delicious reminder of the island's enduring legacy as one of the world's premier food destinations.

Highlights: Dakos • Antikristo Lamb • Kleftiko • Stifado • Saganaki

Learn more: Greece Travel Guide • Greece Tours and Vacations

Known as "the nation's kitchen" since the Edo period, the cuisine in Osaka embodies the Japan food culture concept of kuidaore, meaning to eat oneself bankrupt. It captures the essence of Osaka's food culture and the willingness of its residents to spend generously on culinary experiences. The people of Osaka are known for their appreciation of food, carefully considering ingredients and wasting nothing in their pursuit of culinary excellence. This grew from the city's history as a merchant center, where commerce and cuisine formed an inseparable bond. The devotion to craft seen in perfectly shaped sushi and precisely grilled yakitori reflects Buddhist principles of mindfulness, while the boisterous street food culture breaks from Japanese formality to celebrate life's simple pleasures.

In the soft light of paper lanterns, steam rises from yakitori grills as skewers of Kobe beef sizzle to perfection. Threading through the maze-like streets of Dotonbori on an Osaka food tour, follow your nose to stalls where octopus simmers in dashi broth before being shaped into perfect takoyaki spheres. At Kuromon Ichiba Market, watch in awe as fishmongers break down bluefin tuna with sword-like knives, each cut as precise as calligraphy. When night falls, discover intimate counters where master chefs transform seasonal ingredients into kaiseki courses that unfold like chapters in an epicurean novel. You can get a taste of all Osaka has to dish up on a flavors of Japan tour that can be personalized for you.

Highlights: Yakitori • Dashi • Takoyaki • Okonomiyaki • Kushikatsu

Learn more: Japan Travel Guide • Japan Tours and Vacations

Vienna is steeped in history and its culinary scene reflects Austria food culture. Known for classic dishes and a coffee culture that you can experience on our top eight things to do in Austria itinerary, Vienna offers a gastronomic experience that is refined and deeply rooted in tradition. The city's cuisine showcases a blend of flavors influenced by its imperial past and the diverse cultures that have passed through its streets. As you stroll through the historic neighborhoods, the aroma of freshly baked pastries mingles with the savory scents of traditional dishes. The iconic wiener schnitzel, a breaded veal cutlet, is often served with a slice of lemon and potato salad. Another beloved dish is tafelspitz, tender boiled beef served with flavorful broth and accompaniments like horseradish and apple sauce.

The bustling Naschmarkt offers a feast for the senses, where you can sample local delicacies alongside international flavors. You might encounter wiener saftgulasch, a hearty beef stew simmered with spices, or sachertorte, the famous chocolate cake layered with apricot jam that’s enjoyed with Viennese coffee. The culinary journey through Vienna is about experiencing the city’s rich history and vibrant culture through its food. Each meal tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the love of good cuisine that defines Vienna's culinary landscape.

Highlights: Wiener Schnitzel • Tafelspitz • Wiener Saftgulasch • Sachertorte • Erdäpfelsalat

Learn more: Austria Travel Guide • Austria Tours and Vacations

Guadalajara is a beacon of Mexico food culture and culinary excellence. Known for its rich traditions, it is the birthplace of iconic dishes like birria and tequila, which reflect the region's deep-rooted history and agricultural bounty. The city's culinary landscape is characterized by indigenous ingredients and Spanish influences, resulting in a diverse array of flavors that showcase the best of Mexican cuisine. Street vendors and local markets offer a sensory feast where you can sample everything from salsas to artisanal cheeses.

As you navigate the bustling streets, the aroma of slow-cooked meats and spices fills the air, inviting you to indulge in traditional fare. The city's culinary scene thrives on communal dining experiences, where families gather to enjoy meals that celebrate their heritage. In Guadalajara, each dish tells a story, whether it's the comforting warmth of pozole, a hominy soup often enjoyed during festivals, or the vibrant flavors of tacos al pastor served with fresh pineapple. In the evenings, the atmosphere transforms into a festive celebration of food and culture, highlighting Guadalajara's status as one of the premier food destinations in Mexico.

Highlights: Birria • Tacos al Pastor • Pozole • Tequila • Chiles en Nogada

Learn more: 12 Surprising Things to Do in Mexico

Da Nang has recently emerged as a culinary hotspot, earning Michelin recognition for its vibrant food scene and commitment to a farm-to-table philosophy. Known for its stunning beaches and cultural heritage, Da Nang also boasts a diverse array of dining options that range from humble street food stalls to high-end restaurants. The city's culinary offerings are deeply rooted in Vietnamese food culture, showcasing fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms and the sea. This emphasis on quality and sustainability has garnered attention from food enthusiasts worldwide, making Da Nang a great place if you are a luxury foodie seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

As you explore the bustling streets of Da Nang, the aromas of grilled seafood and fragrant herbs entice you to indulge in local specialties. Dishes like mì quảng, a flavorful noodle dish often served with shrimp or pork, highlight the region's culinary heritage. The city's seafood is particularly noteworthy, with fresh catches featured prominently in many dishes. At night markets, you can savor street food favorites like bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo, or pork and vegetable rice paper rolls, alongside innovative creations from Michelin-star chefs. Da Nang's culinary landscape is a feast for the senses and a celebration of the region's agricultural bounty and commitment to sustainable dining practices.

Highlights: Mì Quảng • Bún Chả Cá • Bánh Xèo • Tôm Hùm Nướng • Hải Sản Nướng

Learn more: Vietnam Travel Guide • Vietnam Tours and Vacations

Wellington has transformed from a sleepy government town into a gastronomic powerhouse, where Pacific Rim cuisine meets artisanal craft culture in a dramatic harbor setting. The emerging foodie capital boasts more restaurants and cafés per capita than New York City, each showcasing the bounty of the sea and soil that makes New Zealand food culture a gourmand’s dream.

Begin a morning at the Moore Wilson's Fresh Market, where third-generation fishmongers display salmon alongside just-harvested green-lipped mussels from nearby Marlborough Sounds. The scent of single-origin coffee wafts from micro-roasteries tucked into restored Victorian warehouses along Hannah's Laneway, where artisan chocolatiers and cheese makers craft delicacies from the country's legendary dairy and craft beer abounds. Private cooking classes in colonial villas reveal the secrets of Māori hangi cooking, where meats and root vegetables emerge succulent from earth ovens. The city's innovative chefs honor these indigenous traditions while pushing boundaries, incorporating foraged herbs like horopito and kawakawa into refined dishes that speak of the land's terroir. You can experience Wellington’s food scene on a best of New Zealand tour that can be customized to satisfy the foodie in you.

Highlights: Pāua • Kina on Sourdough • Green-Lipped Mussels in Coconut Cream • Hangi-Cooked Lamb Shoulder • Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

Learn more: New Zealand Travel Guide • New Zealand Tours and Vacations

Perth has evolved from a frontier mining town into a sophisticated culinary destination where the intense flavors of the Outback meet Indian Ocean seafood. The city has fostered a fiercely independent food culture that celebrates Western Australia's extraordinary natural larder. Join local chefs at the Fremantle Markets, where fishermen display their morning catch of western rock lobster and Exmouth prawns alongside boxes of black Manjimup truffles that rival Europe's finest. In the market's historic halls, indigenous suppliers offer bush tucker ingredients like quandongs and wattleseed to connect modern cuisine to the world's oldest living culture.

In the Swan Valley's heritage vineyards, fifth-generation winemakers pair robust shiraz with locally raised Wagyu beef, while innovative young chefs incorporate native ingredients like finger and desert limes into refined dishes that speak of the surrounding landscape. The Mediterranean climate has fostered thriving olive groves and citrus orchards, their products finding their way into the kitchens of Perth's most acclaimed restaurants. On our best cities in Australia tour, dine at rooftop restaurants where top chefs craft delicate dishes of freshwater crayfish and tender lamb to highlight Australia’s food culture.

Highlights: Western Rock Lobster • Marron with Native Herbs • Rottnest Island Scallops • Black Truffle Risotto • Dorper Lamb with Quandongs

Learn more: Australia Travel Guide • Australia Tours and Trips

The food culture in the world's finest culinary destinations offers more than meals. It provides windows into the soul of each place. Through the hands of generations of cooks, simple ingredients transform into expressions of culture, history, and innovation. Your journey through these cities will leave you with more than memories, it will fundamentally change how you understand the connection between people, place, and plate.

For more inspiration and detailed insights into planning your next gastronomic adventure, take a look at our food and wine travel guide and our best culinary vacations and tours.