This past year has been wild in the foodie universe with surprising newcomers and dramatic shifts in what travellers rave about. So let us tuck in and explore the top cities serving flavours worth flying for.

Here are Conde Naste Readers Choice 2025 Most Delicious Cities in the world! 

New York Where Every Bite Has Attitude

There is no city quite like New York when it comes to eating your way through a concrete jungle that never sleeps mostly because it is too busy chewing. New York buzzes with restaurants that open and close faster than you can say pass the salt. Yet some icons remain steady favourites from glitzy celebrity hangouts to humble bakeries.

One moment you are nibbling artisan pastries in Brooklyn the next you are dressed to impress for a Michelin starred feast in Manhattan. The beauty of New York is that you can eat like royalty or like someone who just needs the biggest slice of pizza at 3 am either way you win.

Foodie tip Locals queue for banana pudding here even in miserable weather which tells you everything you need to know.

Palma The Mediterranean Daydream

If you have ever fantasised about eating with the sun warming your skin the sea breeze teasing your hair and a flaky pastry in your hand Palma will feel like walking straight into a holiday advert. This Balearic beauty blends tradition with creativity from bakers scattering sugar like confetti to rooftop restaurants serving leisurely lunches with a view.

Morning markets brim with fresh produce perfect for self catered travellers who like to pretend they are on a cooking show. When the day ends and the heat mellows all paths lead to Palma Old Town for feasts washed down with a chilled glass of rosé.

San Sebastian The Quiet Genius With Michelin Stardust

San Sebastian is the kind of place food obsessed travellers whisper about as though revealing a precious secret. With more Michelin stars per resident than almost anywhere else you can expect culinary magic. But let me tell you a secret it is not all fancy tasting menus.

The real heart of the city lies in its pintxo bars. Pull up a stool chat to the locals and let them tell you where to go next. Every cobbled lane hides a surprise and the joy is in the exploration.

Lisbon A City That Feeds The Soul

Lisbon is sunshine in edible form. Think grilled sardines warm custard pastries and cherry liqueur that locals sip with a cheeky glint in their eye. Food here is steeped in heritage with recipes passed down through generations from fishermen to grandmas who know exactly how to spoil you.

Everything is close together which means you never walk more than a few minutes before stumbling upon a great recommendation. Nibbles in wine bars street snacks flaky pastries or open air Michelin delights Lisbon makes it impossible to stay hungry.

Cape Town Where Cultures Flavour Every Bite

Cape Town is not just a city it is a culinary quilt stitched together with influences from Africa India Malaysia and Europe. One minute you are eating sizzling seafood by the water the next you are deep in the winelands sipping something crisp before diving into a plate inspired by centuries of tradition.

A visit to Cape Town feels like a world tour without ever leaving the city.

Quito Elevation High Flavour Higher

Quito might make you breathe a little faster but it also makes you fall in love with its food. Markets overflow with fruit that looks almost too pretty to eat street stalls fry empanadas to golden perfection and local chefs are crafting Ecuadorian cuisine that is as beautiful as it is bold.

Come hungry. Leave full of both food and bragging rights.

Chiang Mai A Symphony Of Street Food

Wander Chiang Mai and you will hear woks hissing like applause chillies sizzling and vendors calling out their freshest offerings. Locals travellers and wandering food pilgrims gather shoulder to shoulder in bustling markets ready to eat themselves into bliss.

Expect fragrant noodle soups spicy sausages and riverside suppers under lanterns. It is warm it is flavourful and it will absolutely ruin boring meals back home for you.

Madrid The Confident Queen Of Tapas

Madrid eats with swagger. From legendary restaurants you book months ahead to tiny side street bars that locals try not to reveal Madrid is a treasure hunt of flavour.

You start your morning with churros dipped in molten chocolate move on to beautifully carved jamón and end with tapas bursting with creativity. This city celebrates food as though it were an art form.

Santa Fe Where Tradition Meets Heat

Santa Fe is a slow burn in the best possible way. The scent of roasted chillies fills the air tacos and tortillas tell centuries of stories and chefs bring Indigenous traditions into modern dining. It is flavour layered with history and pride.

Tokyo The Global Champion Of Food

This is it. The top dog. The big feast. The city where your tastebuds go on holiday and never want to come home. Tokyo is a mighty mix of markets Michelin stars convenience store snacks that shock you with how good they are and ramen that will have you weeping softly with joy.

Whatever you crave Tokyo has it. And usually in several mind blowing versions. Want sushi Grab some from a market Want a multi course masterpiece Take your pick Want a steaming bowl of something delicious at midnight You will be surrounded by options.

Tokyo is a dream for travellers who judge a city by its menu.

Ready To Taste The World

If any of these cities are calling your name or making your stomach growl slightly louder than usual I would love to help you plan a delicious escape. Whether you want street food safaris pastry pilgrimages or reservations at culinary icons I can help build the perfect trip for your appetite and your budget.

Get in touch and let us start crafting your foodie adventure.

Check out my travel journal here