Tokyo Tops Global Rankings as Premier Foodie Destination for 2026
Food-inspired travel is experiencing a significant surge, with travellers increasingly planning trips around culinary experiences—from hunting artisanal pastries in Paris to sampling street food in Bangkok. This trend shows no signs of slowing, as a new comprehensive study highlights the world's best cities for food lovers, with Tokyo claiming the top spot.
Tokyo: A Culinary Metropolis of Unmatched Variety
The vibrant capital of Japan, Tokyo, has been officially named the best foodie destination globally. The city offers an exceptional range of dining options, from traditional sushi bars and sizzling yakitori street stalls to innovative global cuisines. Food is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, attracting both locals and international visitors alike.
Tokyo's culinary scene is renowned for its social media hype, featuring viral items like ramen, convenience store snacks from 7/11, and matcha-flavoured desserts. Moreover, it stands as a gourmet powerhouse with an impressive 525 Michelin-starred restaurants and 124 top-rated dining establishments, solidifying its reputation for both high-end and affordable eats.
Study Methodology and Global Rankings
Car rental experts SIXT conducted the study to identify the ultimate food cities for 2026 holiday planning. Researchers analysed multiple factors, including tourist search interest, highly rated food attractions, listings from the world's 50 best restaurants, total Michelin-starred venues, and overall food attraction counts.
Following Tokyo, Paris secured second place as Europe's leading food destination. Known for its historic bistros and artisan bakeries, the French capital boasts 517 Michelin-starred restaurants and offers far more than just patisseries and cafés, catering to discerning palates with diverse culinary experiences.
Osaka, often called 'Japan's kitchen', took third position, famous for local specialities like takoyaki (octopus balls) and savoury pancakes.
Top 10 Foodie Destinations for 2026
- Tokyo, Japan
- Paris, France
- Osaka, Japan
- Porto, Portugal
- London, UK
- Seoul, South Korea
- New York City, US
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Singapore, Singapore
Highlights from the Rankings
Portugal emerged strongly with two cities in the top 10. Porto, in fourth place, is celebrated for its wine culture and now gains recognition for a diverse food scene, featuring over 83 food attractions and 32 Michelin-starred restaurants. Lisbon, ranked ninth, is a paradise for seafood enthusiasts and those seeking authentic Portuguese dishes, with a rapidly growing premium dining sector and 75 highly-rated food attractions.
Other notable entries include London, Seoul, New York City, Bangkok, and Singapore, each offering unique culinary landscapes that contribute to their high rankings. This study underscores the growing importance of gastronomy in travel planning, as destinations worldwide compete to attract food-focused tourists.
