These Are the World’s Best Food Destinations of 2020
There probably won’t be much traveling this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t marvel at all the delicious things there are to eat on this planet. Just before coronavirus kept us all at home, the World’s Best Awards survey closed, ranking the 25 best food destinations of the year.
From the birthplace of mezcal to the cities with the most Michelin-starred restaurants and chefs, these are the best places to visit when you’re hungry:
1. Oaxaca
Taking the top spot by a mile this year is Oaxaca, the birthplace of mezcal. Besides mezcal, the city is known for combining culinary traditions such as mole, molotes and soul food with the refreshing flavors of modern Mexican cuisine.
2. Beirut
Lebanon’s capital, always a winner among foodies, attracts culinary talent from all over the world, but it’s the traditional dishes made by Lebanese chefs themselves that continue to impress year after year.
3. New Orleans
Traditional NOLA dishes have always been delicious, but this southern city continues to make more and more of an impression on the taste buds of people from all walks of life year after year.
4. San Sebastián
This is home to the best seafood in the world and an impressive number of Michelin stars per square meter. Pintxos are the local tapas style, and although they’re traditionally delicious, they serve as a canvas for some of the city’s culinary innovation.
5. Florence
From fettunta, the garlic bread, to ravioli nudi, or “naked” ravioli, famous chefs around the world draw inspiration from Florence’s traditional dishes. But why not simply go to the source?
6. Rome
Gelato, pasta carbonara and pizza are only the beginning—the abundance of culinary hotspots and traditional restaurants run by generations of the same family gives the nickname “Eternal City” a double meaning.
7. Kyoto
There may be no better place to restaurant-hop and eat all day than Gion—a Kyoto neighborhood by the water with narrow streets filled almost exclusively with restaurants, wherever you look.
8. Charleston
Charleston’s rich food culture stems from its residents. Black-owned restaurants paved the way for this southern city’s reputation with fantastic American soul food.
9. Tokyo
You could probably eat at a new restaurant in Tokyo every hour for the rest of your life and still not try all the good ones. Although you may not visit this Japanese city solely to eat (there are too many other things to see and do), a visit to themed restaurants such as the Robot Restaurant, as well as famous and hidden restaurants, should definitely be on the agenda.
10. San Miguel de Allende
One of Mexico’s more cosmopolitan cities, San Miguel de Allende has become home to some of the country’s most talented and innovative chefs. But the local, traditional dishes that have always been there still reign supreme.
11. Singapore
The stalls at Singapore’s many hawker centers make its food culture what it is in this diverse country. Each stall specializes in a dish that has been perfected over generations.
12. Paris
It wouldn’t be a list of the best foodie destinations without this legendary location. From croissants to steak frites, Paris is every culinary and fashion-conscious food lover’s dream.
13. New York City
People from all over the world live in NYC, and—very fortunately—they’ve all brought their dishes with them to the big city. Combined with the city’s creativity and ingenuity, the food culture here is phenomenal.
14. Lyon
A city where you could eat for the next 100 years without getting tired, Lyon serves French classics and fresh, modern dishes without Paris’s waiting lists and price tags.
15. Bologna
Also known as Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna has a way of life that almost revolves around food. And with ingredients of the same quality as the cars that come from this region, why not?
16. Chiang Mai
This city in northern Thailand has some of the most renowned street food in the world. Fast and casual, but prepared with care.
17. Mexico City
As Mexico City’s chefs increasingly combine international and national flavors, this Mexican destination has become a major draw for food lovers from all over the world.
18. Aix-en-Provence
Traditional, “homemade” French cuisine is what this university city does best. And if you look around its hidden streets, it’s very affordable too.
19. Chicago
They know what to do with American classics here (read: deliciously greasy). Combined with the city’s hospitality and culinary luxury, you’ll have a great time.
20. Bangkok
Another legendary Thai street food destination. There’s a good chance you’ll eat something here you’ve never tried before—and it’s probably going to be amazing.
21. Barcelona
Food and drink go hand in hand all evening in Barcelona. Tapas keep you energized during nights of dancing and drinking.
22. Mendoza
Home to some of the world’s best Malbecs, this Argentinian wine region has claimed its own corner of the gastronomic and foodie travel scene with its incredible cuts of meat and fresh produce.
23. Osaka
Osaka’s takoyaki, okonomiyaki and izakayas, or the “Nation’s Kitchen,” are calling to be explored. A nice bonus: the latter stay open until very late.
24. Hong Kong
Another major city with more culinary adventures than you could experience in a lifetime, starting with dim sum.
25. Madrid
Wine and tapas are a way of life in this Spanish city. Don’t leave without trying paella, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you eat (cocido madrileño, oreja a la plancha and more are waiting for you).
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