- Timeout gathered insights from over 18,500 individuals to compile this list.
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The top 20 best cities globally for cuisine in 2025 have been disclosed and ordered by Time Out — and this year it’s New Orleans that takes the crown.
The southern US city emerged victorious over fierce rivals from various international culinary hubs like Paris and Madrid.
To get the results, Time Out over 18,500 individuals globally were polled regarding the culinary landscape in their respective cities. Each location received rankings based on cost-effectiveness and the standard of food offered. Subsequently, this information was merged with evaluations provided by a group of Time Out specialists including authors and cooks, who contributed their perspectives on ‘the top destinations for dining worldwide at present’.
Grace Beard, the Travel Editor at Time Out, comments: "In our cities, food forms the core of local culture, which often motivates people to travel. Each year, Time Out ranks the top global destinations for gastronomy, honoring culinary traditions worldwide and providing an excellent checklist for avid food lovers."
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 gastronomic explorers.
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 eateries alongside seasoned establishments providing budget-friendly favorites.
Scroll down to view the complete ranking, which is shown here in descending order...
10. Jakarta, Indonesia
Time Out describes the Indonesian capital's foodie scene as a 'true melting pot, shaped by Indonesia ' multicultural communities and worldwide impacts, including Dutch , Indian, Chinese and Arab'.
What's more, Jakarta picks up a 94 per cent local approval rating, making it the third-highest-rated city in the survey of residents, behind Cape Town and Paris.
So where should you go to enjoy its 'undeniably delicious and diverse' cuisine?
The experts at Time Out recommend street food hubs such as 'Jalan Sabang and Jalan Pecenongan for Madura noodles, Sumatra’s grilled satay, and smoky Chinese claypot rice'.
The travel guide adds that 'fine dining is on the rise too', with restaurants including Caspar and Henshin 'offering global flavours'.
9. Paris, France
The City of Lights' culinary scene has 'never been this electric' and there are 'new restaurants popping up everywhere', reveals Time Out.
Although Paris's foodie scene is on the 'pricier end', the French capital earns a 95 per cent approval rating in the local survey with residents describing its culinary offering as 'gourmet' and 'trendy'.
Time Out's experts recommend bistros such as Lissit and Cornichon for 'reinventions' of 'French classics' while wine bars such as Œillets , Furia and coffee shops Grave and Simple 'simply buzz with energy'.
For 'fine dining' the travel guide celebrates restaurants Vaisseau and Le Gabriel for their 'unforgettable dishes'.
Hunting for comfort food?
Time Out says: 'Try saucisse purée at Les Arlots – a timeless, comforting classic.'
8. Shanghai, China
Time Out describes Shanghai as ' China 's dining epicentre' as it 'offers 5,000 years of food history in one city'.
China's biggest city earns a 92 per cent approval rating from local residents, who describe its cuisine as 'diverse' and 'trendy'.
'Regional cuisines thrive [in Shanghai], from Guizhou’s minority dishes to Xinjiang’s spice-dusted skewers and Yunnan’s tropical flavours,' reveals Time Out.
The experts similarly appreciate Shanghai’s 'new bistros managed by up-and-coming chefs', who ‘are reinventing regional produce using international methods’.
Looking for quintessential Shanghainese cuisine?
Time Out recommends 'shengjianbao, a crispy-bottomed, broth-filled dumpling'.
7. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is a 'foodie's dream', says Time Out, a city where 'food is woven into culture, history and daily life' and the flavours are 'bold and delicious'.
What's more, it's the second-most affordable city in the ranking for eating and drinking - 88 per cent of locals say 'it doesn’t cost a lot to get a drink' and 68 per cent say going out to a restaurant is 'easy on the wallet'.
The travel guide recommends visiting Frejon, Lagos's Brazilian quarter, for 'smoky party jollof rice', which is 'world-famous'.
Then there's LÉ IYÁN , which 'celebrates Yoruba cuisine', and NOK by Alara and Slow Lagos , which add a 'modern twist'.
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 's capital ranks particularly highly with Time Out's food experts, who rate it second-best in the world.
It also scores well with local residents, with 80 per cent giving Mexico City's dining scene a rating of 'good' or 'amazing'.
Time Out reveals: 'It’s not hard to see why it is a food-lover’s paradise. From a torta de chilaquiles to tacos al pastor, everyone has a favourite spot.'
The experts say 'chefs are blending global techniques with local flavours' in a move that has 'propelled' restaurants such as Pujol and Quintonil to 'world fame'.
And it's not just local cuisine that gets a thumbs up.
Time Out reveals: 'A wave of top-notch Italian, Korean, and Thai spots – like Piazza Pasticcio , Jowong , and Ladyboy – are winning hearts. If chiles en nogada are in season, Nicos is a must.'
5. Madrid, Spain
Madrid's residents are 'the most likely to describe their city's food as "diverse" and "experimental"', explains Time Out.
And that's a 'winning combination', as 90 per cent of local residents rate the Spanish culinary scene 'highly'.
Time Out adds: 'The Spanish capital’s food scene is thriving, from El Invernadero , named the world’s best plant-based restaurant, to Michelin-starred La Tasquería , which elevates offal.'
The travel guide also recommends OSA , Chispa , Lur , and Tonton for 'young chefs making waves' while Sacha and La Tasquita de Enfrente are 'beloved stalwarts'.
The city's must-try?
Time Out says: 'Head to Pabú , where chef Coco Montes transforms fresh produce into next-level dishes – Madrid’s latest culinary highlight.'
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Earlier this year, the The South African city claimed the title in Time Out's best list. destined to be a top destination globally, thanks largely to its exceptional culinary landscape, as mentioned in the travel guide.
Cape Town receives a 95 percent approval rating from locals, with residents being among the most prone to describe its food as 'delicious'.
'A blend of Asian, European, and African influences' makes Cape Town's food scene 'uniquely diverse', according to Time Out.
Time Out Market 'brings the best of the city under one roof' says the travel guide, while Bree Street, known as 'Gourmet Boulevard', has 'must-visit spots like Boma and Iron Steak '.
And Cape Town's fish and chips 'rival London 's'.
But according to the travel guide, the city's 'must-try' dish is the 'almighty Gatsby - a towering bread roll stuffed with chips, salad and your choice of filling'.
Tempted? Marriam's Kitchen at the Foreshore Is "one of the best."
3. Medellin, Colombia
Medellín residents gave high marks to their city overall," states Time Out, "and what really set it apart was cost-effectiveness—89 percent found eating out to be wallet-friendly, with an impressive 94 percent deeming coffee purchases as affordable.
The guide emphasizes: "Regardless of your budget, the city provides abundant gastronomic experiences."
So where are the hotspots?
Timeout mentions: "Take a walk through La Placita de Flórez to discover unique tropical fruits such as chirimoya and gulupa, savor bandeja paisa—featuring rice, chorizo, and a fried egg—in various neighborhoods, or treat yourself to an exquisite meal at restaurants located in El Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles."
To experience the city’s ‘fun-loving vibe’, visit one of the food festivals as suggested by the travel guide, while also checking out top attractions such as 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 ‘amazing.’
Bangkok also receives the largest portion of votes from Time Out's food specialists, securing the second spot globally for cuisine in 2025.
Timeout observes: "The culinary charm of Bangkok stems from its adaptability — be it a gourmet dinner with Michelin stars or a budget-friendly street food feast for just $3/£2.32 illuminated by neon lights, each dining moment remains equally memorable."
The travel guide suggests strolling through Old Town or Chinatown, going with the flow of the crowd, and sampling whatever food appeals most.
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 just right.'
1. New Orleans, USA
Crowning as the top global destination for cuisine in 2025 is New Orleans.
The food scene here combines French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African flavors, providing everything from classic upscale dining experiences at Antoine’s to casual favourites like Parkway Bakery & Tavern ', says Time Out.
'Default favorites' like 'shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and red beans with rice' are available 'throughout the city,' and these places have been 'commended' eateries. Dakar , Acamaya , and Saffron infuse new twists into Louisiana flavors.
The travel guide mentions that there’s ‘constantly something scrumptious to sample’ in New Orleans since ‘cuisine is at the forefront throughout the year, accompanied by festivals honoring dishes like gumbo, beignets, and much more’.
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