9 Cities Around the World That Foodies Will Love

Paris is a no-brainer destination for those who prioritize eating as much as sightseeing. Every local and visitor has their list of must-hit Parisian dining spots, but perhaps the best way to taste the city is spontaneously. Side streets pack tempting cafes and kitchens with under-the-radar chefs cooking up some delicious treats. Of course, the wine, bread, and cheese are more than enough to satiate you. Those who are in it for the pastries must make a stop at Dessance in Le Marais, which serves a fruit- and vegetable-focused dessert tasting menu that’s unlike anything else available in the city.

As the city with the most 2- and 3-starred Michelin restaurants in the world, Tokyo is packed with highly rated, high-end food. But you don’t have to splurge on upscale fare for a delicious trip through the city. Street vendors hawk treats like takoyoki (fried octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and yakitori (meat skewers). In addition to street eats, Tokyo also offers authentic ramen that’s typically slurped after a few Sapporos to quench drunk munchies.

Chef Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana in Modena has twice been named the best restaurant in the world. So yes, that does technically mean the best pasta in the world can be found here. A reservation at the restaurant doesn’t come easy, and if you’re lucky enough to score a table, be ready to spend almost 300 euros per person for the 12-course tasting menu. But even if you can’t get in to Osteria Francescana, know that Modena is packed with plenty of other great restaurants. The Michelin Guide has a list of acclaimed spots to seek out, but let’s be honest: it’s pretty difficult to have a bad meal in Italy. So go ahead and fill up on pasta, pizza, and fresh produce to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content.

Barcelona is built for eating. Build up an appetite while walking around because lunch, which can run anywhere from one to three hours, is followed by tapas time (think of it as a pre-game to dinner) and then dinner at around 9pm. When you’re not sitting down to eat, pass through La Boqueria Market (Mercat de la Boqueria), which is brimming with stalls selling fruit, meat, and fish, as well as full-service restaurants. And if you want to learn more about the cuisine, sign up for a class at La Boqueria, which will school you on tips and tricks on Spanish cooking.

Home to Marche Atwater market, Montreal is a great city to satiate your hunger. In addition to the iconic market, which features food purveyors spread across two floors, be sure to stop by La Fromagerie Atwater, which Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern dubbed “the cheese shop of your dreams.” But that’s not all. Lachine, Montreal's oldest public market, has its own cheese factory and bakery. Those who want to go the extra mile can book a food tour that highlights local vendors, off-the-beaten-path bites, and Quebec classics.

If you find yourself in this coastal city, plan on munching on traditional bites like biltong, a type of jerky made from beef or other game meats, as well as indulging in South African meals like a braai (wood-fired barbecue). Cape Town also surrounded by wine country, which means there’s an abundance of great vino to pair with your food. Located an hour outside of the city, Noble Hill Wine Estate offers wine tastings (free with a purchase of a bottle of wine). Or, take a Cape Winelands day trip to hit more than one winery.

Thanks to the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables grown in California, you’re sure to enjoy something healthy and truly delicious in Los Angeles. Indulge in one of the popular restaurants like the highly-acclaimed Gjelina or uber-trendy Sqirl, which consistently draws in a long line for its signature breakfast toasts and crisp rice salads. Make time to visit the Original Farmers Market or Grand Central Market, a 99-year-old food hall that's flooded with hip dining spots (think sustainable burgers from Belcampo Meat Co., breakfast sandwiches from Eggslut, and artisanal scoops from McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream).

Lima's fine dining restaurants are no strangers to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, with Maido (a Japanese and Peruvian eatery run by Peruvian-born chef Mitsuharu Tsumura), Astrid Y Gaston, and Central all featuring—and in some cases topping—the list. In addition to the fine dining scene, street food and traditional Peruvian fare are reason enough to visit Lima. Try pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken), various kinds of ceviche, and Inca Kola, a bubble-gum flavored soda only available regionally. Carb-loaders will also be overjoyed to find plenty of potatoes and starchy yuca, served in a variety of ways, from fried to mashed to roasted under hot coals in a traditional pachamanca.

Sure, Queens isn't technically a city, but it’s New York City's most populous and diverse borough, with more than 2 million residents. From Queens Night Market, modeled after hawker markets in Asia, to delicious Greek restaurants in Astoria, and the endless dim sum joints in Flushing, Queens satisfies every kind of palate. Hop on the 7 train, which travels through neighborhoods like Jackson Heights (for Indian and Thai), Elmhurst (for Malaysian), and Corona (for Mexican), and see where the scents lead you. Don’t disregard the food carts—some of the borough’s best bites are sold by street vendors. For fine dining enthusiasts, Queens is also home to two Michelin-starred spots: M. Wells Steakhouse and Casa Enrique, both of which are in Long Island City.