Time Out Reveals Top 20 Foodie Cities of 2025: Is Your Fave City on the List?

• Time Out canvassed opinions from more than 18,500 people to produce the list
• Are you in agreement with these ratings? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
• EXPLORE FURTHER: Japanese Etiquette Specialist Uncovers Common Mistakes Made by Tourists

The top 20 best global cities 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 American city beat hot competition from other global foodie hotspots, including Paris and Madrid.

To get the results, Time Out More than 18,500 individuals globally were polled regarding the culinary landscape in their respective cities. Each location received rankings based on cost-effectiveness and the caliber of its food offerings. Subsequently, this information was integrated with evaluations provided by a group of Time Out specialists—including authors and gourmet professionals—who offered perspectives on "the top destinations for dining worldwide at present."

Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, says: 'Food is the backbone of local culture in our cities and the reason many of us choose to travel – Time Out’s annual ranking of the world’s best cities for food celebrates culinary culture the world over and is a great bucket list for foodies.

Guided by insights from both local residents and the seasoned professionals at Time Out— including their writers, food critics, and chefs at Time Out Market—this serves as the ultimate resource for eager explorers seeking delicious discoveries.

'The cities on this list showcase the best of the old-school and the new when it comes to eating and drinking. In every city, you’ll find a real melting pot of cuisines, a wave of young chefs at the helm of cutting-edge kitchens, and traditional stalwarts serving up affordable classics.'

Scroll down to view the complete list, which is shown below in descending order...

10. Jakarta, Indonesia

Time Out characterizes Jakarta's culinary landscape as a "true melting pot," influenced by various factors. Indonesia ’s diverse ethnic groups and global influences, including Dutch Indian, Chinese, and Arabic.

Moreover, Jakarta achieves a 94 percent local approval rating, ranking it as the third highest-rated city among residents surveyed, coming after Cape Town and Paris.

Where should one visit to savor its 'undeniably delicious and diverse' food?

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 also notes that 'upscale dining options are increasingly popular,' featuring restaurants including Caspar and Henshin 'offering global flavours'.

9. Paris, France

The gastronomic 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 has a high-end food scene, it receives a 95 percent satisfaction rate from locals who describe its cuisine as "gourmet" and "trendy."

Timeout's specialists suggest bistros like Lissit and Cornichon For reinterpretations of French classics, while wine bars like Œillets , Furia and coffee shops Grave and Simple 'simply buzz with energy'.

In honor of 'fine dining,' the travel guide praises restaurants. Vaisseau and Le Gabriel for their 'unforgettable dishes'.

Hunting for comfort food?

Time Out recommends trying saucisse purée at Les Arlots — a timelessly comforting classic."

8. Shanghai, China

Time Out characterizes Shanghai as ' China known as the 'dining epicenter' because it 'presents 5,000 years of culinary history within a single 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 also love Shanghai's 'neo-bistros run by young chefs' who 'are redefining local ingredients with global techniques'.

Looking for quintessential Shanghainese cuisine?

Time Out recommends 'shengjianbao, a crispy-bottomed, broth-filled dumpling'.

7. Lagos, Nigeria

Time Out describes Lagos as a paradise for food lovers, noting that "food is intricately intertwined with culture, history, and everyday life" and that the flavors are "strong and delightful."

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 cost much," 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 worldwide.

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

Time Out notes: "Street food flourishes—akara (bean fritters) paired with agege bread and boli (roasted plantain) are common everyday choices, while puff-puff (deep-fried dough) caters to those with a sweet tooth."

6. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico The city's culinary scene stands out as particularly impressive according to Time Out’s food specialists, placing it at number two globally.

It also receives high marks from locals, as 80 percent rate Mexico City's culinary landscape as either 'good' or 'amazing.'

Time Out 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 always a beloved eatery for everyone.'

Experts suggest that chefs are merging international methods with regional tastes, a trend that has significantly boosted restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil to 'world fame'.

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

Time Out uncovers: 'A surge of high-quality Italian, Korean, and Thai eateries – such as' Piazza Pasticcio , Jowong , and "Ladyboy" – are capturing hearts. If chiles en nogada are available during their season, Nicos is a must.'

5. Madrid, Spain

The people living in Madrid are described by Time Out as being the most prone to characterize their city’s cuisine as “varied” and “innovative.”

That makes for a 'winning combination,' since 90 percent of locals view the Spanish food scene very favorably.

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 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 elevates fresh produce to create exceptional dishes – Madrid’s newest gastronomic attraction.'

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, thanks largely to its exceptional culinary landscape, as mentioned by the travel guide.

Cape Town receives a 95 percent approval rating from its inhabitants, with residents being among the most prone to describe its food as 'delicious'.

According to Time Out, Cape Town's culinary landscape stands out as 'distinctly varied' due to the integration of Asian, European, and African flavors.

Time Out Market The travel guide claims it "offers the finest of the city all in one place," and Bree Street, dubbed the 'Gourmet Boulevard,' features 'essential destinations 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 “almighty Gatsby” – a substantial bread roll filled with fries, salad, along with your preferred stuffing.

Tempted? Marium's Restaurant at the Waterfront has 'one of the best'.

3. Medellin, Colombia

'Medellín locals rated the city highly across the board,' says Time Out, 'but it particularly stood out for affordability – 89 per cent of locals say dining out is budget-friendly, and 94 per cent say grabbing a coffee is cheap.'

The guide stresses: 'No matter the budget, the city offers rich culinary experiences.'

So where are the hotspots?

According to Time Out, you can take a walk through La Placita de Flórez and sample exotic fruits such as chirimoya and gulupa, savor bandeja paisa—featuring rice, chorizo, and a fried egg—in any neighborhood, or treat yourself to upscale dining experiences in El Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles.

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

2. Bangkok, Thailand

According to Time Out, the cuisine in Bangkok’s metropolitan area is celebrated globally, and an impressive eighty-six percent of residents assess its gastronomic offerings as either 'good' or 'extraordinary.'

Bangkok also receives the largest portion of votes from Time Out's food specialists, securing the second spot globally for cuisine in 2025.

Time Out observes: "The culinary charm of Bangkok stems from its adaptability — be it a Michelin-starred dinner or a budget-friendly street-side banquet for just $3/£2.32 illuminated by fluorescent lights, each dining encounter remains equally memorable."

The travel guide suggests exploring 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 perfectly."

1. New Orleans, USA

Crowning as the globe's premier location for cuisine in 2025 is New Orleans.

Its food scene combines French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African influences, offering everything from classic fine dining experiences at Antoine’s to casual favourites like Parkway Bakery & Tavern ', says Time Out.

'Delightful classics' like 'shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and red beans with rice' are available throughout 'the city,' and these eateries are highly praised. Dakar , Acamaya , and Saffron offer 'new twists on Louisiana flavors.'

The travel guide mentions that there’s ‘always something delightful to sample’ in New Orleans since ‘food holds center stage throughout the year,’ with various festivals dedicated to dishes like gumbo, beignets, and others.

TIME OUT RANKS THE TOP URBAN DESTINATIONS FOR GOURMET LOVERS IN 2025, SPANNING FROM NEW ORLEANS TO NAPLES

1. New Orleans, USA

2. Bangkok, Thailand

3. Medellin, Colombia

4. Cape Town, South Africa

5. Madrid, Spain

6. Mexico City, Mexico

7. Lagos, Nigeria

8. Shanghai, China

9. Paris, France

10. Jakarta, Indonesia

11. Marrakech, Morocco

12. Lima, Peru

13. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

14. Mumbai, India

15. Abu Dhabi, UAE

16. Cairo, Egypt

17. Porto, Portugal

18. Montreal, Canada

19. Naples, Italy

20. San José, Costa Rica

Source: Time Out

Read more