Time Out Reveals Top 20 Global Food Cities for 2025: Is Your Fave City on the List?

• Time Out gathered feedback from over 18,500 individuals to compile this list.
• Are you in agreement with their ratings? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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The top 20 cities globally for cuisine as of 2025 have been unveiled and ordered by Time Out — and this year it includes New Orleans that takes the crown.

The southern U.S. city outshone tough competitors from various international culinary hubs, such as Paris and Madrid.

To get the results, Time Out Surveyed over 18,500 individuals globally regarding the culinary landscape in their respective cities. Each location received rankings based on cost-effectiveness and food quality. The information was subsequently merged with evaluations from a team of Time Out specialists—including authors and cooks—who provided perspectives on "the top destinations for dining out today."

Grace Beard, the Travel Editor at Time Out, comments: "In our cities, food forms the core of local culture, which often drives our decision to travel. The yearly ranking from Time Out highlighting the globe’s top destinations for cuisine honors culinary traditions worldwide and serves as an excellent must-visit list for gastronomy enthusiasts."

'This comprehensive guide for eager travelers has been enriched with local insights and enhanced by the knowledge and skills of Time Out’s writers, food critics, and chefs at Time Out Market.'

The cities featured here highlight the perfect blend of classic and contemporary dining experiences. Each location offers an eclectic mix of culinary options, with innovative young chefs leading state-of-the-art restaurants alongside time-honored establishments providing budget-friendly favorites.

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

10. Jakarta, Indonesia

Time Out characterizes Jakarta's culinary landscape as a "true melting pot," influenced by various factors. Indonesia 's varied ethnic communities and worldwide impacts, including Dutch Indian, Chinese, and Arabic.'

Moreover, Jakarta achieves a remarkable 94 percent local approval rating, ranking it as the third-most approved city in the resident survey, coming after Cape Town and Paris.

Where should you visit to savor its 'undoubtedly tasty and varied' 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 constantly across the city, as reported by Time Out.

Despite being at the higher price range, Paris receives a 95 percent satisfaction rate from locals who describe its food scene as 'gourmet' and 'fashionable.'

Timeout's specialists suggest bistro places 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 commends various 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 'features 5,000 years of culinary history within one metropolis.'

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 spicy grilled kebabs of Xinjiang and the tropical tastes of Yunnan.

The experts also appreciate Shanghai's 'new-generation bistros led by young chefs' who 'are reinventing local ingredients using international methods.'

Searching for authentic Shanghai food?

Time Out suggests trying 'shengjianbao, a dumpling with a crunchy bottom and filled with brothy goodness.'

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 delightful."

Furthermore, it ranks as the second most budget-friendly city in terms of dining and nightlife expenses—88 percent of residents believe that getting a drink does not require much money, and 68 percent find that eating at restaurants is quite economical.

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

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

Time Out notes: 'Street food flourishes – bean fritters known as akara paired with agege bread and roasted plantains called boli are common fare, whereas deep-fried dough balls referred to as puff-puff cater to those with a sweet tooth.'

6. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico The city's cuisine stands out as notably impressive according to Time Out's culinary specialists, placing it at the second-best position 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 it’s considered a haven for food enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a torta de chilaquiles or tacos al pastor, there’s always a preferred place for each person.'

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

It’s not only the regional food that receives praise.

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

5. Madrid, Spain

According to Time Out, Madrid's inhabitants are 'most prone to characterize their city’s cuisine as "varied" and "innovative."'

This makes for a 'winning combination,' considering that 90 percent of locals highly regard the Spanish gastronomy scene.

Timeout notes: "The culinary landscape of Madrid is flourishing, ranging" El Invernadero , recognized as the world's top plant-based restaurant, to a Michelin-starred La Tasquería , which elevates offal.'

The travel guide additionally suggests OSA , Chispa , Lur , and Tonton For 'up-and-coming chefs causing a stir' Sacha and La Tasquita de Enfrente are 'beloved stalwarts'.

The city's must-try?

Time Out suggests: 'Go to Pabú , where chef Coco Montes elevates fresh produce to create exceptional dishes – Madrid’s newest gastronomic sensation.'

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 remarkable 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 have their own competitor London 's'.

However, as per the travel guide, the city’s ‘must-try’ delicacy is the renowned Gatsby—a substantial sandwich made from a large loaf filled with fries, salad, and your preferred stuffing.

Tempted? Mariam's Kitchen at the Waterfront is considered 'one of the best.'

3. Medellin, Colombia

According to Time Out, Medellín residents gave high marks 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 a coffee to be inexpensive.

The guide emphasizes: "Regardless of the budget, the city provides abundant culinary experiences."

Where exactly are these hotspots located?

Time Out recommends: "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 any neighborhood, or treat yourself to high-end cuisine in El Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles."

To experience the city’s ‘fun-loving atmosphere’, visit a food festival as suggested by the travel guide, while also checking out some of the ‘must-see locations’ 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 ‘world-famous,’ and an impressive 86 percent of local residents consider its food offerings to be either ‘good’ or ‘amazing.’

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 notes: "The culinary charm of Bangkok stems from its adaptability—be it a Michelin-starred dinner or a budget-friendly $3/£2.32 street food feast lit by fluorescent lamps, each dining experience remains equally memorable."

The travel guide suggests exploring Old Town or Chinatown, going with the flow of the crowd, and trying 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 top global destination for cuisine in 2025 is New Orleans.

The culinary scene blends French, Spanish, Vietnamese, and African influences, offering everything from historic fine dining at Antoine’s to casual favourites like Parkway Bakery & Tavern ', says Time Out.

'Do-not-miss 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 an enticing dish to sample in New Orleans since food remains the highlight throughout the year, accompanied by festivals dedicated to dishes like gumbo and beignets.

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