What is the best food city in the world? There are plenty of strong opinions, but few can claim to have eaten in as many different places as Travel + Leisure‘s trusted travel advisors. They are regularly called upon by clients to recommend the best places to eat — not just the most celebrated, but also hidden neighborhood restaurants favored by locals. Below, 10 advisors share their favorite cities for dining out.  

Amsterdam, Netherlands

“Amsterdam packs a punch with Michelin starred-restaurants and some of the freshest fish and produce around. The real standout comes from the city’s long history of exploration and progressive culture (think: plant-forward meals served in a greenhouse).

Time-starved travelers can enjoy a casual snack from street stalls that serve poffertjes (little pancakes), oliebollen (fried sweet ‘doughnuts’), or fresh herring. Tea time can mean sipping on coffee in a historic café with a slice of Dutch apple pie; or fruit vlaai — a pie originally from the southern Netherlands. If you prefer a drink, go to a ‘brown cafe’ for a freshly tapped beer or a jenever (Dutch gin).” — Rob Clabbers, Q Cruise + Travel

Istanbul, Turkey

“Turkish street food reaches great heights in Istanbul. With food tours in both the Asian and European neighborhoods of Istanbul, visitors can take cooking classes to learn how to make some of the country’s most popular dishes. As of 2024, there are 12 Michelin-starred restaurants, including one with two stars: Turk Fatih Tutak.” — Engin Kadaster, Turkey At Its Best

Mendoza, Argentina

“Mendoza, Argentina, has long been a gastronomic capital, but it has finally received the acclaim it deserves thanks to new recommendations from the Michelin guide.” — Olivia Schellenberg, Extraordinary Journeys

Cape Town, South Africa

“Cape Town undeniably reigns as one of the world’s foremost culinary destinations, garnering global acclaim for its diverse gastronomic offerings set against stunning natural beauty. The city boasts a fusion of flavors influenced by its multicultural heritage; it continually captures the attention of discerning food enthusiasts worldwide. Its commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table practices has earned it accolades for responsible dining. Moreover, as it was recently named one of the world’s best food cities by T+L, Cape Town stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, where every meal is a journey through flavor and culture.” — Maija de Rijk-Uys, Go2Africa

Lyon, France

“Lyon reigns supreme as a foodie paradise. Bouchon Lyonnais (local eateries) serve age-old comfort food, while the legacy of chef Paul Bocuse inspires a generation of innovative chefs. During a La Vallée de la Gastronomie food tour, a stop in Lyon boasts unmatched access to fresh, local ingredients. From hearty fare to cutting-edge cuisine, the city offers an unforgettable culinary adventure for every palate.” — Mark Bonte, French Side Travel

Delhi, India

“Delhi takes the crown for best food city for its mélange of influences from various ruling dynasties and its resultant cultures. The restaurant Indian Accent is a pioneer of ‘inventive Indian cuisine,’ and there are several others taking this concept to the next level, including Dhilli at The Oberoi, whose menu is created by Michelin-star chef Vineet Bhatia.” — Marion Miller, Micato Safaris

Palermo, Italy

“Determining the best food city in Italy is challenging due to the country’s diverse and rich culinary landscape. However, Palermo has exceptional gastronomic offerings. In local markets, you can find vibrant street food such as popular arancine (fried rice balls filled with ragu), the crispy panelle (fried chickpea fritters), and sandwiches bursting with aromatic flavors and freshness. Then, there are the tantalizing first courses featuring Mediterranean ingredients like eggplants, olives, breadcrumbs, capers, and sardines, making Palermo’s culinary scene a true delight for the senses. Desserts like cannoli and cassata complete the gastronomic journey through Sicily’s capital, leaving visitors with lasting culinary memories.” — Matteo Della Grazia & Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario – Discover Your Italy

Athens, Greece

“Athens is renowned for its rich history and lively culture, but it’s an unsung gem when it comes to the global dining scene. The city is dedicated to showcasing authentic Mediterranean cuisine — one of the best and healthiest in the world — with a modern twist. Although not entirely new, Delta Restaurant epitomizes this culinary ethos. Located within the stunning Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Delta offers Michelin-starred gastronomic delights and champions sustainability and cultural preservation. By sourcing ingredients from small-scale producers across Greece and adopting a ‘nothing lost, nothing wasted’ approach, Delta ensures an eco-conscious and indelible dining experience.” — Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips

Dubai, United Arab Emriates

“Dubai has the best food anywhere. I can always find whatever I’m in the mood to eat, since there’s cuisine from every part of the world. The top chefs are always in competition, which leads to consistently innovative options, and the dining at One&Only One Za’abeel is world-class, too. The hotel has nine different dining venues, each more exciting than the last.” — Mo Noubani, The Travel Box International

Asturias, Spain

“This region of Spain offers a feast, including exquisite seafood, local cheeses, savory meats, mushrooms, and sidra (cider). Thanks to Spanish-American chef José Andrés, Asturias is gaining global recognition as an epicurean paradise. We love frequenting local bars and foraging for mushrooms like chanterelles and boletus that often inspire seasonal dishes across the countryside. Don’t miss percebes (gooseneck barnacles) harvested from treacherous cliffs along the Cantabrian Sea.” — Pablo Argüelles & Nina Aquino, Bravo Luxury Travel