Time Out Reveals Top 20 Global Food Cities for 2025: Is Your Favorite City Among Them?

oleh admin | Mar 13, 2025 | food and drink, food culture, foodies, restaurants, travel destinations

• 
  
  Timeout gathered insights from over 18,500 individuals to compile this list.
  
  
• 
  
  Are you in agreement with their ratings? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
  
  
• 
  EXPLORE FURTHER: Japan Etiquette Specialist Uncovers Common Mistakes Made by Tourists
  

The top 20 best cities globally for cuisine in 2025 have been unveiled and ordered by Time Out — and this year it’s
New Orleans
that takes the crown.

The southern US city outshone tough competitors from various international culinary hubs, such as 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 dining options available. Subsequently, this information was amalgamated with evaluations provided by a group of Time Out specialists including contributors, critics, and gastronomy professionals, who offered perspectives on ‘the top destinations for food lovers worldwide at present’.

Grace Beard, the Travel Editor at Time Out, remarks: “In our cities, food forms the core of local culture, which often drives our decision to travel. Each year, Time Out’s listing of the globe’s top food destinations 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 eats.

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 fare.

Scroll down to view the complete rankings, which are listed in descending order here…

10. Jakarta, Indonesia

Time Out characterizes Jakarta’s culinary landscape as a ‘genuine fusion of flavors,’ molded by
Indonesia
‘ multicultural 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 highly rated city among residents surveyed, just after Cape Town and Paris.

Where should you visit to savour its ‘undoubtedly tasty and varied’ food?

Experts from Time Out suggest visiting street food centers like ‘Jalan Sabang and Jalan Pecenongan’ for enjoying delicacies such as Madura noodles, Sumatran grilled satays, and smoky Chinese claypot rice.

The travel guide also notes that ‘upscale dining options are increasingly popular,’ featuring restaurants including
Caspar
and
Henshin
‘offering global flavours’.

9. Paris, France

The culinary landscape of the City of Lights has never been more vibrant, with new eateries emerging at every corner, as reported by Time Out.

Even though Paris’s dining options tend to be on the ‘costlier side,’ the city receives a 95 percent satisfaction rate from locals who praise its cuisine as both ‘gourmet’ and ‘fashionable.’

Timeout’s specialists suggest bistros like
Lissit
and
Cornichon
For reinterpretations of French masterpieces, meanwhile, wine bars like
Œillets
,
Furia
and coffee shops
Grave
and
Simple
‘simply buzz with energy’.

In the travel guide, fine dining is highlighted through its recognition of various restaurants.
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

Time Out depicts 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 locals, who praise its food scene as both ‘varied’ and ‘fashionable.’

Time Out highlights that regional cuisines flourish in Shanghai, ranging from the ethnic delicacies of Guizhou to the spice-laden kebabs of Xinjiang and the tropical tastes of Yunnan.

The experts likewise appreciate Shanghai’s ‘new-generation bistros managed by youthful chefs’, known for ‘reimagining local produce using international methods’.

Seeking authentic Shanghainese food?

Timeout suggests trying ‘shengjianbao, a dumpling with a crunchy bottom and filled with soup’.

7. Lagos, Nigeria

Time Out describes Lagos as a paradise for food lovers, noting that “food is deeply integrated into the culture, history, and everyday routines” of the city, with flavors described as “strong and delectable.”

Furthermore, it ranks as the second most budget-friendly city in terms of dining and drinking expenses—88 percent of residents believe that ‘getting a drink does not require a significant amount of money,’ and 68 percent find that dining at restaurants is ‘kind to their wallets.’

The travel guide suggests exploring Frejon, Lagos’s Brazilian neighborhood, known for its renowned ‘smoky party jollof rice,’ a dish celebrated globally.

Then there’s
LÉ IYÁN
, which celebrates Yoruba cuisine, and
NOK by Alara
and
Slow Lagos
, which include a ‘contemporary touch’.

Timeout notes: “Street food flourishes—akara [bean fritters] paired with agege bread and boli [roasted plantain] form everyday essentials, whereas puff-puff [fried dough] caters to those seeking something sweet.”

6. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico
The city’s cuisine stands out exceptionally well according to Time Out’s culinary specialists, placing it as the second best globally.

It also receives high marks from locals, as 80 percent rate Mexico City’s dining scene as either ‘good’ or ‘amazing.’

Timeout shares: ‘It’s easy to understand why this place is heaven for food enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a torta de chilaquiles or tacos al pastor, there’s something for every palate here.’

Experts suggest that chefs are merging international methods with local tastes, a trend that has propelled restaurants like
Pujol
and
Quintonil
to ‘world fame’.

And it’s not only the regional food that earns praise.

Time Out shares: ‘A surge of high-quality Italian, Korean, and Thai eateries – such as
Piazza Pasticcio
,
Jowong
, and Ladyboys – are capturing hearts. Should chiles en nogada be in season,
Nicos
is a must.’

5. Madrid, Spain

The people living in Madrid are ‘most prone to characterize their city’s cuisine as “varied” and “innovative”,’ according to Time Out.

That makes for a ‘winning combination,’ since 90 percent of locals consider the Spanish food scene to be ‘excellent.’

Time Out notes: ‘Madrid’s culinary landscape is flourishing, ranging’
El Invernadero
, recognized as the world’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 young chefs causing a stir
Sacha
and
La Tasquita de Enfrente
are ‘beloved stalwarts’.

The city’s must-try?

Timeout suggests heading to
Pabú
, where Chef Coco Montes elevates simple ingredients into extraordinary meals – the newest gastronomic sensation in Madrid.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

Earlier this year, the
The South African city claimed the title in Time Out’s best list.
a destination in the world, credits go largely to “its amazing 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’.

According to Time Out, Cape Town’s culinary landscape is ‘uniquely diverse,’ thanks to a mix of Asian, European, and African flavors.

Time Out Market
As mentioned in the travel guide, it “offers the finest of the city all in one place.” Bree Street, dubbed the ‘Gourmet Boulevard,’ features ‘essential stops 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 renowned Gatsby—a colossal bread roll filled with fries, salad, and your preferred stuffing.

Tempted?
Marriam’s Kitchen at the Foreshore
Has “among the finest.”

3. Medellin, Colombia

According to Time Out, Medellín residents gave high ratings to their city overall. It was notably distinguished by its affordability—89 percent of locals find eating out to be easy on the wallet, and an impressive 94 percent consider getting coffee to be inexpensive.

The guide emphasizes: “Regardless of your budget, the city provides abundant culinary delights.”

Where exactly are the hotspots located?

Time Out mentions: “Take a walk through La Placita de Flórez to discover exotic fruits such as chirimoya and gulupa, savor bandeja paisa—a dish featuring rice, chorizo, and a fried egg—in various neighborhoods, or treat yourself to upscale dining experiences in El Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles.”

To experience the city’s ‘fun-loving vibe’, visit a food fest as suggested by the travel guide, whilst also checking out top attractions like
La Cafetiere de Anita
,
Bistro El Mordisco
and
Mar Y Fuego
highlight its global flavours’.

2. Bangkok, Thailand

According to Time Out, Bangkok’s cuisine is described as ‘world-famous,’ and an impressive 86 percent of residents consider its food offerings to be either ‘excellent’ or ‘outstanding.’

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 at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a budget-friendly street food feast for just $3/£2.32 illuminated by neon lights, each dining encounter remains equally memorable.”

The travel guide suggests exploring Old Town or Chinatown, joining the throngs of people, and dining on whatever catches your eye.

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 perfectly.”

1. New Orleans, USA

Crowning as the premier global destination for cuisine in 2025 is New Orleans.

The food scene here merges 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.

Dishes like ‘shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and red beans with rice’ are available throughout the city, and these eateries include some of the ‘highly praised’ establishments.
Dakar
,
Acamaya
, and
Saffron
give ‘a new twist to Louisiana 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’, highlighted by festivals dedicated to dishes like gumbo, beignets, and others.

Read more