Discovering local cuisine is one of the highlights of traveling. These 10 culinary capitals are home to some of the best restaurants and chefs in the world. 

10. Madrid, Spain

Discover some of the world's most legendary food in Spain's colorful capital city! For those looking for a refined Spanish experience, indulge in a meal at La Tasquería, a Michelin-starred restaurant dedicated to the traditional dish offal. Experience the world's #1 ranked plant-based restaurant at El Invernadero, where innovative dishes will delight and surprise your palette. 

Stop in for lunch at the local bistros and bakeries you pass by, Madrid's chefs are known for their love of fresh produce and bright flavors!

Experience Spanish cuisine on a Madrid Barcelona and Mallorca Private Journey 

9. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is home to a world-class food scene. Locals flock to neighborhood bistros like Postino Osteria for consistently fresh and  delicious cuisine and cocktail lovers can find some of the best mixed drinks in the world at Cantina OK!, 

Looking for an unforgettable dining experience? Try Oncore, by Three Michelin-starred Chef Clare Smyth, where meticulously orchestrated service and exceptional cuisine come together. 

Explore Sydney on our Australia Explorer Itinerary. 
 

8. Paris, France

Explore Paris' world-famous cuisine, known for its gourmet dishes and fine dining establishments. Paris is home to 123 Michelin-starred restaurants like Le Jules Verne (a Two Star Restaurant on the Eiffel Tower) and Le Cinq (a Three Star Restaurant in the Four Seasons George V), where you can truly indulge in a fine dining experience unlike any other. 

Experience the eclectic side of french cuisine with local bistros like Lissit, where technical precision meets rich flavors. 

Discover the flavors of Paris with our Provence to Paris France Explorer.

7. Mexico City, Mexico

Dive into the bold and vibrant food culture of Mexico City, where centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge culinary innovation. For an unforgettable fine dining experience, book a table at Quintonil, where seasonal produce and indigenous flavors are elevated into world-class dishes.

For a refined taste of Mexico City’s everyday flavors, explore the vibrant stalls of Mercado Roma or savor expertly crafted tacos al pastor from a celebrated neighborhood taquería, like El Buen Taco.

Explore the authentic flavors of Mexico on our Central Mexico Explorer Itinerary.

6. Cape Town, South Africa

African, Dutch, Malay, and Indian cuisines influence South African cuisine, making it a melting pot of exceptional food. Experience a meal on Cape Town's famed waterfront at PIER Restaurant or enjoy some of the world's best fish and chips at SeaBreeze Fish & Shell, known for their fresh seafood menu. 

Indulge with a meal at La Colombe, one of Cape Town's most loved and awarded restaurants where contemporary fine dining elevates seasonal local ingredients. 

Discover Cape Town's fresh flavors with our Cape Town and Winelands Escapade.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s culinary scene blends rich tradition with modern innovation, offering an unforgettable journey for food lovers. Dine at Belcanto, a Two Michelin-starred restaurant and enjoy imaginative Portuguese cuisine with global flair. Book a meal at the elegant riverside setting of Feitoria, known for its creative tasting menus.

For a more relaxed experience, savor fresh seafood and petiscos at local gems like Cervejaria Ramiro, where Lisbon’s love of simple yet refined flavors truly shines.

Experience Lisbon firsthand with our Lisbon and Porto Portugal Escapade.

4. Medellín, Colombia

Medellín offers a dynamic culinary scene where Colombian traditions meet modern gastronomy! Dine at El Cielo, where fine dining is blended with Colombian heritage to create a multi-sensory menu. For a world-class dining experience, visit Carmen, one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, where local ingredients are transformed into inventive, globally inspired dishes.

Explore Medellín's incredible food scene with our Colombia and Panama Explorer.

3. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world.

For an extraordinary fine dining experience, book a coveted seat at Sukiyabashi Jiro, the legendary sushi restaurant awarded three Michelin stars, where every piece of sushi is crafted with uncompromising precision. Indulge in a meal at Narisawa, celebrated for its innovative approach to Japanese cuisine that highlights the beauty of nature and seasonality.

Explore the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market for ultra-fresh seafood, sample steaming bowls of ramen at local shops tucked away on quiet side streets, or indulge in traditional kaiseki meals that showcase centuries of culinary artistry. 

Discover Tokyo's incredible cuisine with our Japan Golden Route Explorer.

2. Rome, Italy

The Eternal City is a paradise for pasta lovers, with iconic dishes like cacio e pepe, and carbonara found in trattorias across the city. To experience Rome like the locals, stop by Roscioli, a celebrated restaurant and wine bar, or head to Da Enzo al 29, a charming trattoria celebrated for its authentic Roman recipes and warm atmosphere. 

For an elevated dining experience, visit La Pergola, Rome’s only Three Michelin-starred restaurant, where Chef Heinz Beck transforms Italian tradition into refined culinary artistry. Order the iconic Fagottelli “La Pergola”, a rich and elegant dish that reimagines a Roman classic.

Enjoy the finest Roman cuisine with our Italian Art Capitals from Rome to Venice Itinerary.

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is often hailed as the world’s greatest food city, where dazzling street markets and Michelin-starred restaurants coexist in perfect harmony. Indulge in a meal at Gaa, a Michelin-starred restaurant where Chef Garima Arora transforms traditional Indian and Thai influences into a contemporary tasting menu that is both refined and adventurous. Seasonal Thai ingredients meet modern culinary techniques at Le Du, ranked one of Asia's best restaurants. 

Wander through Yaowarat (Chinatown) for sizzling woks of pad Thai, fragrant curries, and mango sticky rice. From humble bowls of noodles to visionary tasting menus, Bangkok’s culinary scene embodies energy, innovation, and flavor at every level. 

Explore Bangkok on an unforgettable adventure with our Thailand Explorer.

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