Curious what the best cities for food are in the world? Admittedly, food may not be the first thing on your mind when planning a vacation. But wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy some mouth watering dishes while you’re on holiday? We have compiled a list of the world’s top 7 gourmet cities, in a style similar to our recap of the best places to visit before you die.
Bon Appetite!
No. 7: Napa Valley, California, USA
Admittedly, Napa Valley isn’t a city, but it is a great gourmet destination and it would have been a real shame not to mention it in our countdown. Meals are cooked with locally grown fresh ingredients and the dishes usually change from one season to another. Napa Valley cuisine has been heavily influenced by Italian, Spanish, French, and Mexican cooking. Oh, and let’s not forget about their great selection of wines.
No. 6: Fes, Morocco
Moroccan cuisine is all about the spices, so if you like your food flavored Fes is the place to be. Most dishes in Morocco include couscous, lamb, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. There are a number of great restaurants to choose from in Fes, but don’t forget to try the local Kebabs!
Continue reading for more on the world’s best cities for food:
No. 5: Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the perfect blend between Oriental flavor and Western atmosphere. Apart from being one of the most exotic and culturally rich places you can visit, the Turkish cuisine will surely delight you. Some of the local specialties include Turkish delight, lahmacun, or kebab. There are a ton of restaurants to choose from in Istanbul, both high-end ones and more neighborhood-like establishments.
No. 4: Bangkok, Thailand
You can’t consider yourself a true gourmet until you’ve tried Thai food. And the best place for Thai food? Bangkok, of course. While you’re there, don’t be afraid to try the food sold by street vendors; it is much more exquisite than you would think. If you’d like to mix things up, you should know that Bangkok has a great selection of Japanese, Chinese, or German food.
No. 3: New York City, USA
From street stands to five star restaurants, New York has it all. The New York cuisine has been influenced by the sheer number of immigrants who have brought along their culture and food: you have Chinatown, Little Italy, and Kosher Lower East Side. But over the years, New York has come up with its very own, signature dishes: the Waldorf Salad, the hot dog, the Deli sandwich, the cheesecake, the egg cream, and so on.
No. 2: Paris, France
French cuisine is world-renowned and what better place to get a taste of it than Paris? The French capital is the perfect place to relish the myriad of tastes and cuisines from all over the country. Crepes, croissants, quiche, cassoulet, escargot, fois gras, ratatouille, and so on. And they come complete with a wide selection of wines.
No. 1: San Sebastian, Spain
The reason why San Sebastian is the first place on our list? Well, it has more Michelin stars per square meter than any other city. Out of the five three stars restaurants in Spain, three of them are located in San Sebastian. Located in the Basque country, San Sebastian’s cuisine incorporates both traditional Spanish elements and the influences of Basque gastronomy. There are countless restaurants and tapas bars (locally called pintxo bars) that welcome you with some of the most delicious meals you’ve ever eaten.
