London Beats New York City to the Top 5 in Time Out's Newly Released 'Best Cities for Food in 2026' List

Jokes surrounding London's food scene aren't aging too well as it takes a spot alongside Peru, Thailand, Spain and Mexico in Time Out's 20 Best Food Cities in the World for 2026, Presented with HelloFresh, beating New York City by strides as it sits at #15 on the list.  Best Cities for Food in 2026

To rank Time Out’s Best Cities for Food with HelloFresh, Time Out surveyed 24,000 local residents across 150 cities worldwide, alongside input from 100+ Time Out editors and food experts.

The final ranking combined 70% local sentiment and 30% expert evaluation, using a weighted scoring model across five pillars: Best Cities for Food in 2026

• Quality of restaurants and eating out

• Affordability of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and bars

• Quality of food and grocery shopping

• How locals describe their city (e.g. exciting, diverse, welcoming)

• Expert assessment of each city’s food scene in 2026

As part of the research, residents were also asked which parts of their city’s food scene stand out most, from street food and cafés, to brunch spots, food markets, late-night eats and independent family-run restaurants.To ensure global representation, only the highest-scoring city in each country was included in the final ranking.

Lima Named the World’s Best Food City in Time Out’s Best Cities for Food 2026  Best Cities for Food in 2026

 Best Cities for Food in 2026

Recognized for its diversity, affordability and culinary excellence, the Peruvian capital topped Time Out's global ranking of food destinations. From iconic ceviche and under-the-radar local specialties to internationally acclaimed restaurants, Lima's food scene reflects the rich cultural and regional influences that have made Peru one of the world's great food capitals.

The ranking also highlights the strength of food scenes across North America, with Mexico City placing third and New York City making the global top 15.

Time Out's Best Cities for Food is an established ranking that highlights the world's leading culinary destinations, drawing on the views of more than 24,000 city residents worldwide alongside insights from Time Out editors, food writers and local experts. This year's ranking goes beyond restaurant recommendations, exploring the iconic dishes, culinary traditions and local food cultures that define how each city eats.

In a first for the Best Cities for Food ranking, Time Out has partnered with HelloFresh to launch the Best Cities for Food Recipe Collection. Available across the U.S., the limited-edition collection features 18 recipes inspired by cities in this year's ranking, allowing food lovers to explore global flavors from their own kitchens.  Best Cities for Food in 2026

Virginia Gil, USA Editor at Time Out, said:  Best Cities for Food in 2026

“As someone who plans many of my travels around food, I know that some of the best ways to understand a city happen around a table.

This year's Best Cities for Food ranking with HelloFresh goes beyond restaurant recommendations to explore the stories, traditions and local favourites that define each destination's food culture. Drawing on insights from thousands of locals alongside Time Out's global network of food experts, the list celebrates the cities where eating isn't just a necessity — it's a way of life.

From legendary street food and family-run institutions to world-class dining and neighbourhood cafés, these are the cities every food lover should have on their radar right now”

The full top 20 Best Cities for Food ranking includes:

1. Peru: Lima

   
   
   
   

Lima tops the ranking thanks to its world-famous culinary scene, where regional traditions from across Peru come together in one city. From ceviche and causa Limeña to emerging Amazonian influences, Lima offers extraordinary diversity alongside affordability. It was also rated the most affordable city for eating out on the list, with 90 percent of locals describing restaurant dining as affordable.  Best Cities for Food in 2026

2. Thailand: Bangkok

   
   
   
   

Bangkok ranks second for its unmatched street food culture, bold flavours and around-the-clock dining scene. From Yaowarat's legendary food stalls to neighbourhood restaurants serving dishes that balance sweet, sour, salty and spice, food is woven into everyday life. Eighty-one percent of locals rated the city's restaurant scene highly.  Best Cities for Food in 2026

3. Mexico: Mexico City

   
   
   
   

Mexico City takes third place with a food scene built on exceptional ingredients, vibrant markets and world-class restaurants. From taco al pastor to contemporary Mexican cuisine, the city offers remarkable depth and variety. Eighty percent of locals rated its restaurant scene as amazing, while 93 percent said grabbing a coffee remains affordable.

4. UK: London

   
   

London's food scene is one of the most diverse in the world, combining historic institutions with cutting-edge restaurants and cuisines from every corner of the globe. From Sunday roasts and Michelin-starred dining to beloved neighbourhood favourites, the city continues to set the pace globally. No city on the list scored higher for restaurant quality among locals.

5. Spain: Barcelona

   
   
   
   

Barcelona's culinary identity is shaped by centuries of Mediterranean history, local markets and Catalan traditions. Alongside iconic dishes and neighbourhood eateries, the city continues to innovate through a thriving restaurant scene. Eighty-two percent of locals highly rated both its restaurants and grocery shopping.

6. Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City

   
   
   
   

Ho Chi Minh City's food culture is built on creativity, resourcefulness and bold flavours. From bánh mì and cơm tấm to late-night street food, the city blends tradition with constant reinvention. Eighty-four percent of locals gave food and grocery shopping top marks, while coffee remains one of the city's most affordable pleasures.

7. Australia: Melbourne

   
   
   
   

Melbourne's multicultural identity has helped create one of the world's most exciting dining destinations. Influences from across Europe, Asia and beyond sit alongside a world-renowned coffee culture and thriving restaurant scene. More than 93 percent of locals rated Melbourne's restaurants positively, one of the highest scores globally.

8. China: Beijing

   
   

Beijing's food scene reflects the breadth of China itself, bringing together regional cuisines from across the country. From iconic Peking duck to late-night crayfish hotspots, the city offers exceptional variety and value. Eighty-six percent of locals said both restaurant dining and coffee are affordable, making Beijing one of the best-value food cities in the ranking.

9. Greece: Athens

Athens combines thousands of years of culinary tradition with a growing modern dining scene. Historic tavernas sit alongside Michelin-starred restaurants, while souvlaki remains a staple of daily life. Locals highlighted the city's cafés and independently owned restaurants among its greatest strengths.

10. Portugal: Lisbon

Lisbon continues to attract food lovers with its seafood, traditional taverns and vibrant café culture. Classic dishes such as bifanas and clams à Bulhão Pato remain city favourites, while contemporary chefs continue to push Portuguese cuisine forward. Eighty-six percent of locals rated Lisbon's restaurant scene highly.

11. South Africa: Cape Town

Cape Town's food culture reflects centuries of cultural exchange, from Cape Malay cuisine to modern fine dining. The city's food scene is deeply connected to its communities, landscapes and local ingredients. Ninety-three percent of locals rated Cape Town as a great city for dining out.

12. Japan: Osaka

Known as Japan's "nation's kitchen", Osaka has shaped the country's food culture for centuries. Famous for its rich dashi tradition, intimate kappo restaurants and exceptional value, the city continues to attract food enthusiasts from around the world. Ninety-nine percent of locals said grabbing a coffee is affordable.

13. India: Bangalore

Bangalore's food scene reflects the city's mix of tradition, migration and innovation. From iconic breakfast institutions serving dosas and idlis to its distinctive Donne biryani, the city offers flavours found nowhere else. Eighty-two percent of locals rated the restaurant scene positively, while many highlighted its late-night food culture.

14. Italy: Naples

Naples remains one of the world's great food cities, shaped by centuries of history and the enduring influence of cucina povera. From pizza fritta and street food to globally celebrated Neapolitan pizza, food is central to everyday life here. Nearly three-quarters of locals rated the city's restaurant scene highly.

15. USA: New York City

New York's food culture is inseparable from its immigrant history. Pizza, bagels, pastrami and countless other iconic dishes tell the story of communities that shaped the city. New York was rated one of the most exciting and diverse food destinations in the world, with 91 percent of locals praising its restaurant scene.

16. Hong Kong: Hong Kong

Hong Kong's food scene reflects its role as a global crossroads, blending Chinese traditions with international influences. From cha chaan teng cafés and dim sum to fine dining and street food, the city offers exceptional range and accessibility. Locals praised both its affordability and diversity of dining options.

17. Argentina: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires combines European influences, world-class beef and a deeply social food culture. The city's famous parrillas remain at the heart of local dining, while cafés and restaurants continue to serve as gathering places for long conversations and shared meals. Locals particularly highlighted the city's welcoming atmosphere.

18. France: Marseille

Marseille's food scene has been shaped by more than 2,500 years of migration and trade. Influences from across the Mediterranean sit alongside Provençal traditions, creating a unique culinary identity. From bouillabaisse to couscous and pizza, the city's food culture is as diverse as its population.

19. Denmark: Copenhagen

Copenhagen helped redefine modern dining through the New Nordic movement and continues to punch above its weight as a global food capital. Alongside acclaimed restaurants, the city boasts a thriving bakery culture and strong local food traditions. Eighty-eight percent of locals rated dining out positively.

20. Colombia: Medellín

Medellín rounds out the ranking with one of the world's most beloved restaurant scenes. From traditional bandeja paisa and chicharrón to cafés and late-night dining spots, food plays a central role in city life. Ninety-four percent of locals rated its restaurant scene positively, among the highest scores in the survey.

HelloFresh launches Best Cities for Food Recipe Collection

This year’s list is supported by HelloFresh, the world’s leading meal kit company, through a dedicated “Best Cities for Food” Recipe Collection that brings the most distinctive flavors of Time Out’s top gastronomic destinations of 2026 to the weeknight dinner table - no passport required. The collection features 18 recipes, available from June 13 through the end of the month: 

• Week of June 13: Spicy Peruvian Aji Verde Chicken Bowls; Portuguese-Inspired Beef Chorizo Caldo Verde with Kale, Potatoes, & Garlic Butter Ciabatta; Colombian Style Bistec a la Criolla with White Rice & Kidney Beans; Vietnamese Salmon Banh Mi Baguettes; Thai Chicken & Rice with Spicy Cucumber Pickles, Ginger Scallion Sauce, & Broth; Spanish Smoky Paprika Shrimp Fideuà

  
  

• Week of June 20: Hong Kong Style Baked Pork Chops; NYC-Inspired Chopped Cheese & Beef Heroes; Chickpea Fritters with Pita & Greek Salad; Indian Style Fenugreek Spiced Tilapia with Potato & Pepper Curry & Basmati Rice; Cod & Scallop Bouillabaisse with Romesco Aioli Crostini; Saltimbocca & Mushroom Risotto

  
  

• Week of June 27: Burger with Sweet Chili & Pineapple Mayo plus Sweet Potato Wedges; English Roasted Chicken with Onion Gravy, Garlic-Herb Roasted Carrots & Potatoes, Minty Creamed Peas & Green Goddess-Cucumber Tea Sandwiches; Yakitori Donburi with Pickled Cucumbers & Lime; Spicy Kung Pao-Style Chicken Thighs with Bell Pepper, Peanuts & Jasmine Rice; Cheesy Choripan with Loaded Potato Wedges & Smoky Chipotle Mayo Dipper; Mexican Barramundi with Cilantro-Lime Oil & Corn "Elote" Salad

  
  

“Our customers have always had a deep curiosity for globally-inspired flavors and love to explore new cultures from their kitchens, making this partnership with Time Out a natural fit,” said Michelle Doll Olson, Head Chef at HelloFresh US. She added: “Time Out knows the heartbeat, culture and flavors of the world’s best cities, while HelloFresh knows exactly how to bring that culinary magic to life. Developing this collection was an exciting challenge that allowed us to dive into each city’s unique identity. Whether it’s a bowl inspired by the streets of Lima, a classic NYC bodega order, or a French Rivera bouillabaisse, we wanted every recipe to feel like a culinary passport stamp.” 

To learn more about the Best Cities for Food Recipe Collection, please visit: www.HelloFresh.com