For many travellers, the heart of a holiday lies in its cuisine, whether that's authentic pizza in Italy, fresh sushi in Japan, or vibrant street food in Mexico. Now, a comprehensive new study has pinpointed the ultimate global destinations for food lovers, with one European nation claiming a clean sweep of the podium.
Italy's Culinary Triumph in Global Food Study
The food guide platform TasteAtlas has unveiled its definitive rankings for the world's best cities for food. The research is based on an analysis of close to half a million user ratings across a staggering 17,073 cities listed in its database. The results, published on 19 December 2025, deliver a clear verdict: Italy reigns supreme.
Securing the coveted number one position is the vibrant southern city of Naples. Celebrated as the historic birthplace of pizza, lasagna, and macaroni, Naples's rich culinary heritage earned it the top spot. However, its victory was part of a broader Italian domination, with the country claiming all three top positions.
The Top Contenders and Notable Absences
Following Naples, Milan took second place, lauded for its signature risotto alla Milanese and the festive sweet bread, panettone. The city's status as the home of the aperitif Campari also bolstered its appeal for diners seeking the complete gastronomic experience. Rounding out the top three was Bologna, the famed origin of spaghetti bolognese, rich ragù, and delicate tortellini.
While Italy's presence was formidable, other world-renowned culinary hubs also featured in the top ten. These included Paris, Vienna, and Mumbai, demonstrating a diverse mix of global flavours. However, the research highlighted some significant omissions. The United Kingdom failed to place any city within the top 30 rankings. It was joined by other notable foodie destinations like Hong Kong, Barcelona, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Amsterdam.
What the Rankings Mean for UK Travellers
For British holidaymakers, the list offers enticing inspiration, with the majority of top-rated cities located within easy reach in Europe. The full top 30, as determined by TasteAtlas, is as follows:
- Naples
- Milan
- Bologna
- Florence
- Mumbai
- Rome
- Paris
- Vienna
- Turin
- Osaka
- Madrid
- New York
- Genoa
- Nice
- Lima
- Jakarta
- Kyoto
- Gaziantep
- Ferrara
- New Orleans
- Catania
- Singapore
- Venice
- Istanbul
- Tokyo
- San Francisco
- Lisbon
- Guadalajara
- Chicago
- Philadelphia
The study underscores the deep connection between travel and culinary exploration, proving that for many, a destination's flavour is just as important as its sights. While the UK may have missed out on a top spot this time, the rankings provide a delicious roadmap for future gastronomic adventures much closer to home.
