There are lots of reasons to visit a new city. However, few are more compelling than really great food. Locating these special destinations is rarely easy. That is unless you have a handy list to go by. Here are the best cities in the world to plan your next dinner.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards is an annual event held by the travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. These awards are designed to recognize and celebrate the best destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines, lines, and other travel-related services and experiences worldwide, as chosen by the magazine's readers. The list is in. And the results may surprise you.
Seoul, Korea
Korean cuisine is world-known – and Seoul is the epicenter of it all. From bulgogi (thin marinated beef strips) to the charred but delectable hanwoo (Korean beef), Seoul offers a wonderful introduction to Korean food with the backdrop of an exciting metropolitan city. Start with a serving of spicy kimchi pork stew and pair it with a filled-to-the-brim cup of soju (distilled rice wine) and makgeolli (fermented rice wine) for a truly authentic Korean dining experience. Finally, you can complete your experience with the unique blend of jjapaguri (instant noodles with steak), a dish made famous by the film "Parasite."
Rome, Italy
It's remarkably easy to eat well in Italy. And the must-try list goes beyond the popular favorites like cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper pasta), carbonara, and piquant bucatini all'Amatriciana (pasta with tomatoes, pancetta, and white wine).
Don't miss out on the regional delicacies, such as the hearty gnocchi alla Romana, supplì (resembling arancini), carciofi alla giudìa (Jewish fried artichokes), saltimbocca (a veal dish that literally "jumps in your mouth"), and the crispy, thin pizza alla Romana.
Victoria, Canada
To some, this may be an unexpected entry on this list. Canada, in general, and Victoria, in particular, are not really known in the foodie world. In fact, if you Google Canadian food, you will find a copious amount of memes and lots of references to Poutine and Tim Horton's. However, it looks like, once again, stereotypes don't hold up to the test of reality and inquisitive travelers.
What's interesting about this location is that Victoria isn't known for a specific set of regional staples. Rather, its recognition is due to a fascinating mix of influences and dedication to farm-to-table produce. Here, you can find almost any cuisine on earth, from Tokyo-style ramen and oyster bars to tapa and pasta.
Melbourne, Australia.
What sets Melbourne apart in the culinary world is the city's vibrant brunch culture and an all-day café experience. This means that when you are in Melbourne, you can indulge in new takes on brunch classics like eggs benedict, towering pancakes, and avocado toast all day long.
With that, Melbourne's culinary scene also goes beyond brunch and offers a captivating fusion of world cuisines, from the pho of Vietnam to the Kibbeh of Lebanon. This city is a hotbed of innovation, excitement, and creativity, making every dining experience an adventure.
Quebec City, Canada
Once again, some foodies may be genuinely surprised to see Canada make another appearance on the Best Cities for Food list. But it does seem like the Great White North is working towards a strong reputation in the culinary world. The dishes to tick off in Quebec include modern takes on the classic Bannock (traditional bread that was once a staple in the diets of Canada's Aboriginal people) and the hearty tourtière (a traditional meat pie).
Malaga, Spain
The top five kicks off with one of the friendliest cities in Europe, Malaga. The top recommendation here includes grilled sardines, found in almost any case along the coastline. Other specialties include white gazpacho and a fascinating selection of traditional tapas paired with a glass of wine from Spanish vines.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexican food has long made a name for itself on the international culinary stage, with most cities boasting a bustling Mexican restaurant — or many. But if you are looking to travel to the heart of the trend, consider a culinary expedition to Mexico. Here, you will get a proper introduction to smooth tuna tostadas, spicy ceviche, mouth-watering brisket tacos, and more.
Naples, Italy
Italy reappears on the list in the top three. The port city of Naples has earned itself this coveted spot thanks to one unmistakable classic — the famous Naples-style pizza.
Neapolitan pizza is known for being simple. All you get on top of the thin, crispy dough are tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and a few drops of olive oil. Leaving Naples with a slice may well be considered a serious foodie crime.
Tel Aviv, Israel
In second place, we have Tel Aviv, a versatile coastal city known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and culinary delights. Here's what makes Tel Aviv a foodie haven: there are over 4,000 restaurants and cafes in the city. This means that you can go on all sorts of gourmet quests without leaving the city. Tel Aviv can keep your taste buds busy with Michelin-starred gastronomy and fusion foods — but it would be a big mistake to miss out on local flavors such as falafel, shawarma, shakshuka, and generous portions of creamy hummus.
San Sebastian, Spain
There is something really comforting in the fact that the top spot on the list of the best cities for food goes to a small town of under 190,000 people. San Sebastian is a picturesque seaside village in the Basque region — but don't let the size fool you. San Sebastian has earned itself the reputation of the food capital of Spain thanks to the overwhelming abundance of fresh seafood, outstanding fine dining options, heavenly desserts, and more. So, if you only have time for one culinary destination this year, San Sebastian may be just everything you are looking for.
