New Orleans is the Best City in the World for Food right now, according to locals whose survey ratings were combined with insights from Time Out’s experts.
An impressive 93% of New Orleans locals rated their city highly for restaurants and dining out, with Time Out’s panel of food experts also singing its praises – so it’s no surprise the Big Easy topped Time Out’s list as the best city for food in 2025. With a rich, diverse culinary history shaped by global influences, New Orleans offers a dining scene as vibrant as its culture. From traditional favourites like gumbo and beignets – celebrated at dedicated festivals – to world-class fine dining and iconic street food, the city serves up something for every palate, making it a true foodie’s paradise.
To compile the list, Time Out – the global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city – used two data sources. First, more than 18,500 people around the world were surveyed about food in their city and each city was ranked on how locals rated the quality and affordability of their food scene – with 18 different criteria. This data was then combined with scores from a panel of Time Out food experts – Time Out’s writers, food critics and Time Out Market chefs from the ten food and cultural markets open around the world – who were asked to share their insights into the best cities for food around the world right now. For the final list, Time Out editors included only the highest-scoring city for each country to ensure the list reflects culinary cities globally.
Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out said: “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. Informed by locals and bolstered by the insight and expertise of Time Out’s writers, food critics and Time Out Market chefs, this is the definitive guide for the hungry traveller. 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.”
Here are the top 10 of Time Out’s Best Cities for Food in 2025 – find the full list of 20 here: timeout.com/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-food
- New Orleans, USA
The city’s 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. Classic dishes – shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and red beans and rice – can be found citywide, while acclaimed spots like Dakar, Acamaya, and Saffron put fresh spins on Louisiana flavours. Food takes centre stage year-round, with festivals celebrating gumbo, beignets, and more – ensuring there’s always something delicious to try.
- Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s food scene is world-renowned, and locals agree – 86% rated it ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. It also received the highest share of votes from Time Out’s food experts (47%), securing its spot as the second-best city for food in 2025. Bangkok’s culinary magic lies in its versatility – whether it’s a Michelin-starred meal or a $3 street-side feast under fluorescent lights, the experience is equally unforgettable. Wander through Old Town or Chinatown, follow the crowds, and eat what looks best. For a top-tier som tam, head to Hai Som Tam Convent, where green papaya, fiery chilies and sticky rice pair perfectly with grilled chicken and a cold beer.
- Medellín, Colombia
Medellín locals rated the city highly across the board, but it particularly stood out for affordability – 89% of locals say dining out is budget-friendly, and 94% say grabbing a coffee is cheap. No matter the budget, the city offers rich culinary experiences. Stroll La Placita de Flórez for exotic fruits like chirimoya and gulupa, enjoy bandeja paisa in any barrio, or indulge in fine dining in El Poblado, Envigado, and Laureles. Food festivals showcase the city’s playful side, while top spots like La Cafetiere de Anita, Bistro El Mordisco and Mar Y Fuego highlight its global flavours.
- Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town topped Time Out’s best cities in the world list earlier this year, thanks in no small part to its incredible food scene. With a 95% approval rating, it was the joint-highest-rated food city among locals, and Capetonians were also among the most likely to call their cuisine ‘delicious’. A blend of Asian, European, and African influences makes Cape Town’s culinary scene uniquely diverse. Time Out Market Cape Town brings the best of the city under one roof at the V&A Waterfront, while Bree Street – dubbed ‘Gourmet Boulevard’ – boasts must-visit spots like Boma and Iron Steak. Seafood is a staple, with fish and chips rivaling London’s. But if there’s one dish to try, it’s the almighty Gatsby: a towering bread roll stuffed with chips, salad, and your choice of filling. For one of the best, head to Mariam’s Kitchen on the Foreshore.
- Madrid, Spain
Madrileños were the most likely to describe their city’s food as both ‘diverse’ and ‘experimental’ – a winning combination, with 90% of locals rating Madrid’s culinary scene highly. The Spanish capital’s food scene is thriving, from El Invernadero, named the world’s best plant-based restaurant, to Michelin-starred La Tasquería, which elevates offal. Young chefs are making waves at OSA, Chispa, Lur, and Tonton, while stalwarts like Sacha and La Tasquita de Enfrente remain beloved. For a must-try, head to Pabú, where chef Coco Montes transforms fresh produce into next-level dishes – Madrid’s latest culinary highlight.
- Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico’s capital was the second-favourite city among our panel of food experts, garnering 42% of the overall vote, and it’s not hard to see why it is a food-lover’s paradise. From a torta de chilaquiles to tacos al pastor, everyone has a favourite spot. Chefs are blending global techniques with local flavours, propelling restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil to world fame. A wave of top-notch Italian, Korean, and Thai spots – like Piazza Pasticcio, Jowong, and Ladyboy – are winning hearts. If chiles en nogada are in season, Nicos is a must. And the locals agree: 80% rate the city’s dining scene as ‘good’ or ‘amazing’.
- Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is a city where food is woven into culture, history, and daily life. Its vibrant scene reflects Nigeria’s diversity, from smoky suya to rich Igbo Ofe Nsala. Afro-Brazilian influences shine in Frejon, while smoky party jollof rice is world-famous. Street food thrives – Akara with Agege bread and Boli are daily staples, while Puff-Puff satisfies sweet cravings. ILÉ IYÁN celebrates Yoruba cuisine, while NOK by Alara and Slow Lagos add a modern twist. Bold, diverse, and delicious, Lagos is a foodie’s dream. It is also the second-most affordable city for eating and drinking, with 88% of locals saying it doesn’t cost a lot to get a drink and 68% saying going out to a restaurant is easy on the wallet.
- Shanghai, China
Shanghai is China’s dining epicentre, offering 5,000 years of food history in one city. Regional cuisines thrive, from Guizhou’s minority dishes to Xinjiang’s spice-dusted skewers and Yunnan’s tropical flavours. Neo-bistros run by young chefs are redefining local ingredients with global techniques. For Shanghainese cuisine try shengjianbao, a crispy-bottomed, broth-filled dumpling. Locals love their city’s food scene, calling it ‘diverse’ and ‘trendy’, and giving it an overall 92% approval rating. In Shanghai, every meal is an adventure.
- Paris, France
Paris’s food scene has never been this electric, with new restaurants popping up everywhere. Bistros like Lissit and Cornichon reinvent French classics, while wine bars (Les Œillets, Furia) and coffee spots (Grave, Simple) buzz with energy. Fine dining gems like Vaisseau and Le Gabriel serve unforgettable dishes. Try saucisse purée at Les Arlots – a timeless, comforting classic. Despite its food scene being on the pricier end, Paris boasts a 95% local approval rating, with residents calling it both ‘gourmet’ and ‘trendy’.
- Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta’s culinary scene is a true melting pot, shaped by Indonesia’s diverse ethnic groups and global influences, including Dutch, Indian, Chinese and Arab. With a 94% local approval rating, Jakarta’s restaurant scene ranked just behind Cape Town and Paris, making it one of the highest-rated in our survey of locals. Explore street food hubs like Jalan Sabang and Jalan Pecenongan for Madura noodles, Sumatra’s grilled satay, and smoky Chinese claypot rice. Fine dining is on the rise too, with spots like Caspar and Henshin offering global flavours. Don’t miss Kaum’s Kepiting Soka Saus Padang – crispy soft-shell crab in a sweet-spicy sauce. Jakarta’s food scene is undeniably ‘diverse’ and ‘delicious’.
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Lima, Peru
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Mumbai, India
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Cairo, Egypt
- Porto, Portugal
- Montreal, Canada
- Naples, Italy
- San Jose, Costa Rica