The world’s best food destination for 2026 named – and unlikely US city bags top spot

The world’s best food destinations for 2026 have been named – and top of the list is a US state.

Boston, Massachusetts tops the ranking thanks to its appeal for foodies worldwide.

The list, part of Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Places to Go guide, highlights destinations that are so renowned for their food, you might even want to plan an entire trip with the aim of testing out the culinary delicacies on offer.

It includes European hotspots such as Crete in Greece, as well as further-flung cities in countries such as Colombia and Nepal.

While some places on the list are well-known foodie hubs, others are more up-and-coming destinations well worth a visit. 

Here are the top 10 best food destinations for 2026…

Boston, USA

Lobster is a classic delicacy to test out when you’re visiting Boston

The appeal of this US city is its ‘global flavours, waterfront dining, and more neighbourhood action than ever,’ according to Conde Nast Traveller.

It’s famous for its fresh seafood – especially lobster rolls and clam chowder.

But over the years, it has also expanded its repertoire, becoming a veritable foodie hub with a fabulous local restaurant scene and an atmosphere of innovation.

Crete, Greece

Cretan food is made of healthy ingredients, often home-grown by locals

Cretan food is made of healthy ingredients, often home-grown by locals

Greek food is hardly a well-kept secret – indeed, such delicacies as gyros and feta are loved around the world.

But Crete is best of all, with such offerings as sfakianopita (oney-drizzled pie with cheese), bougatsa (a traditional sweet or savoury pie), smoked pork loin and delicious potatoes and tomatoes.

The island boasts fantastic restaurants serving classic Greek cuisine at its finest. 

Fes, Morocco

Moroccan breakfast in a luxurious riad in the old city of Fes

Moroccan breakfast in a luxurious riad in the old city of Fes

Moroccan food is often one of the key reasons people visit the country – and upon arrival, it’s easy to see why.

Fes is perhaps best of all – hailed for its ‘immersive culinary experiences, ancient markets, and a splashy opening from Alain Ducasse’ by Conde Nast Traveller.

With delicious tagines and couscous, Moroccan bread and, of course, mint tea to accompany it all, this bustling market city makes the list. 

Hong Kong

Chinese dim sum being served in a restaurant located in Hong Kong

Chinese dim sum being served in a restaurant located in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a hub of food innovation, blending traditional cuisine with the modern.

There is a real blend of international food traditions here, including Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese and even French.

Plus, there are loads of cocktail bars in the city, promising delicious beverages served in style.  

Medellín, Colombia

Traditional Colombian dish Bandeja Paisa with fried egg, beans, rice, chorizo, and pork rind

Traditional Colombian dish Bandeja Paisa with fried egg, beans, rice, chorizo, and pork rind 

Medellín’s food scene is a representation of hearty Colombian cuisine.

Bandeja Paisa, a massive platter with meats, beans, rice, egg, and avocado, is the crown jewel.

There are plenty of other staples to try out in this city, such as arepas (corn cakes) with cheese, crispy chicharrón (pork belly), rich Mondongo soup, and sweet empanadas.

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bun) in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bun) in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Brazilian food is at its best in Minas Gerais – based around pork, beans, corn and local cheeses. 

Key dishes include Pão de Queijo (cheese bread), Tutu de Feijão (bean purée with cassava flour), Frango com Quiabo (chicken with okra), Feijão Tropeiro (beans with sausage, eggs, greens), and flavorful cheeses.

Plus, Minas Gerais’s artisanal cheese production has even been recognised by UNESCO.

Parramatta, Sydney, Australia

The Farmers Market at Centenary Square, in Parramatta

The Farmers Market at Centenary Square, in Parramatta 

Trendy Parramatta in Sydney, Australia is a hub of food and shopping.

It houses a real mix of flavours inspired by multicultural cuisine.

For example, there’s lots of Lebanese restaurants present, as well as Chinese and Japanese food.

Patan, Nepal

Traditional street markets offer fresh produce in Patan Durbar Square

Traditional street markets offer fresh produce in Patan Durbar Square

Patan, Nepal, offers rich Newari cuisine, famous for dishes such as Chatamari (rice crepe “pizza”), Yomari (sweet rice dumpling), and flavorful momos (dumplings).

The hub of food culture here is on the vibrant streets and traditional restaurants around Patan Durbar Square.

With ‘knock-your-socks-off cocktails, tasteful takes on native ingredients, and lessons on Nepal’s tea terroir’, Conde Nast Traveller highly recommends this spot.

Prince Edward County, Canada

Prince Edward County, Canada is known for both its beauty and its food scene

Prince Edward County, Canada is known for both its beauty and its food scene

Prince Edward County in Canada is a picturesque region with stunning landscapes, vineyards, and quaint villages. 

It’s also home to many fantastic restaurants, with the emphasis on homegrown produce.

Don’t forget the wine, here, either – there are many vineyards in the region known for their handcrafted wines. 

Seville, Spain

Spanish salami and olives sold at a market in Seville

Spanish salami and olives sold at a market in Seville

10 best places to eat in 2026 

  • Boston, USA
  • Crete, Greece
  • Fès, Morocco
  • Hong Kong
  • Medellín, Colombia
  • Minas Gerais, Brazil
  • Parramatta, Sydney, Australia
  • Patan, Nepal
  • Prince Edward County, Canada
  • Seville, Spain

Spanish food is a classic for a reason – and Seville is one of the best cities in the country for its gastronomy.

The emphasis in Seville is on tapas culture, with traditional dishes such as Espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach & chickpeas) and marinated fried fish (Cazón en Adobo).

There’s also slow-cooked pork cheeks (Carrillada), and rich Ibérico ham.

As for dessert, hot chocolate with churros are the best the region has to offer. 

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