Lima, Peru, has been named the world's best city for food by Time Out, celebrated for its vibrant dining scene and innovative takes on traditional Peruvian cuisine. The report, created in partnership with Intrepid Travel, highlights ten cities based on local feedback and expert opinions.
Peru's capital boasts a world-class culinary landscape, featuring new openings and bold culinary explorations. Nikkei fusion spot Maida was recognized as The World's Best Restaurant for 2025. The bohemian district of Barranco has become a notable dining hotspot with establishments like Fernandini, led by chef Rodrigo Fernandini, whose menu draws from Peru's diverse ingredients such as Andean root vegetables, Moriche palm fruit, and Amazonian cacao. Locally, 80 percent of residents praise the food quality, and 85 percent find dining out affordable.
Bangkok, Thailand, secured the second position, noted for its elevated street food, emerging dining districts, and a new wave of Thai fine dining. Restaurants like Sorn, Thailand's first three-Michelin-starred establishment, and ThongSmith, which offers a refined version of classic boat noodles, are contributing to the city's culinary reputation. Daeng Racha Hoi Tod is a popular spot for its crispy oyster omelette. Eighty-one percent of locals commend Bangkok's food scene, and 66 percent consider dining out to be affordable.
Mexico City ranks third, recognized for its creative Mexican cooking, widespread love for tacos, and evolving food districts. Areas like Condesa, Juárez, and San Miguel are incorporating Mediterranean, Asian, and French influences, while a new generation of chefs is fostering a more ingredient-focused approach to Mexican cuisine. Notable dishes include pipián croquettes at Café Ocaso and nixtamalized tortillas at Enrique Olvera's Pujol. Eighty percent of locals praise the food quality, and 73 percent find it affordable.
London, United Kingdom, placed fourth globally, with locals highlighting its diverse dining scene and dynamic restaurant culture. A surge in Italian restaurants in Soho and Chelsea, alongside pub pizza ventures, is shaping the city's culinary offerings. Standout recommendations include Osteria Vibrato for its risotto, Martino's for meatballs, and Auguste for Abruzzian skewers. Bethnal Green's Tiella is noted for its Italian soup and unique ambiance. While an impressive 96 percent of Londoners rate eating out positively, only 42 percent find it affordable. Sixty percent of locals identified upmarket restaurants as the city's biggest strength.
Barcelona, Spain, comes in fifth, experiencing a significant revival in its food scene, which includes Michelin-starred establishments, Asian fine dining, and a resurgence of traditional Catalan cooking. The city is also seeing growth in Latin American cuisine, particularly in areas adjacent to Barcelona. La Cova Fumada, a historic fishermen's tavern, is recommended for its iconic 'bomba' tapa. Eighty-two percent of locals rate Barcelona's food quality highly, and 80 percent of Time Out's experts consider it an exciting place to eat.
The list also includes Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (sixth), recognized for its thriving fine dining, street food, and café culture; Melbourne, Australia (seventh), praised for chefs drawing inspiration from diverse cuisines and its café scene; Beijing, China (eighth), where outdoor dining and creative experiences are gaining popularity; Athens, Greece (ninth), blending traditional tavernas with modern fine dining concepts; and Lisbon, Portugal (tenth), celebrated for its casual dining and the rise of the 'neo-tasca' trend.