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Here's Where T+L Editors Love to Travel for Food
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Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, July 31st 2025 at 22:22 GMT by Travel + Leisure🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
When it comes to discovering a destination, few experiences are as revealing (or as delicious) as exploring its food scene. We asked theTravel + Leisure team to share the cities that left the strongest impression on their taste buds, from street food havens to fine-dining capitals.
Travel + Leisure Editors' Favorite Food Destinations: A Culinary Journey Around the World
In the ever-evolving world of travel, few experiences rival the joy of discovering a destination through its food. The editors at Travel + Leisure have long been passionate about gastronomy, and they've compiled a list of their all-time favorite food destinations. These spots aren't just about Michelin stars or trendy eateries; they're places where history, culture, and innovation collide on the plate, offering travelers a profound sense of place through every bite. From bustling street markets to hidden gems in historic neighborhoods, these recommendations span the globe, highlighting why food is often the heart of any great adventure. Let's dive into the editors' top picks, exploring what makes each one a must-visit for food lovers.
Starting in Asia, Tokyo, Japan, stands out as a perennial favorite. One editor describes it as a "food lover's paradise" where the sheer variety is overwhelming in the best way possible. Tokyo boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, but its true magic lies in the everyday eats. Imagine wandering through the Tsukiji Outer Market (now relocated to Toyosu), sampling fresh sashimi, grilled eel, or tempura that's light as air. The city's izakayas—casual pubs—offer endless small plates like yakitori skewers and onigiri rice balls, paired with sake or highballs. For a deeper dive, head to depachika, the gourmet food halls in department stores, where you can find everything from artisanal chocolates to seasonal bento boxes. Tokyo's food scene is a blend of precision and creativity; sushi masters spend years perfecting their craft, while innovative spots like ramen shops experiment with flavors like truffle-infused broth. It's a city where you can eat omakase at a high-end counter one night and slurp noodles from a vending machine the next, all while feeling the pulse of a metropolis that's as much about tradition as it is about pushing boundaries.
Shifting to Europe, Bologna, Italy, earns rave reviews for its rich, hearty cuisine rooted in the Emilia-Romagna region. Known as "La Grassa" (the fat one), Bologna is the birthplace of classics like tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. An editor highlights the Quadrilatero district, a medieval market area brimming with fresh pasta shops, salumerias, and osterias. Here, you can indulge in piadina flatbreads stuffed with prosciutto or tortellini in brodo, a comforting soup that's perfect for cooler days. Don't miss the chance to visit nearby Modena for balsamic vinegar tastings or Parma for ham and cheese tours. Bologna's food culture emphasizes quality ingredients and slow cooking, with family-run trattorias serving dishes passed down through generations. It's a destination that invites lingering over meals, perhaps with a glass of Lambrusco, and exploring the portico-lined streets that make the city so walkable and inviting.
Across the Atlantic, Mexico City, Mexico, captivates with its vibrant, layered food scene. Editors praise it as a place where ancient traditions meet modern flair. Street food reigns supreme: think tacos al pastor, with spit-roasted pork marinated in achiote and pineapple, or tlacoyos—masa cakes filled with beans and topped with nopales. The Mercado de la Merced offers a sensory overload of chiles, exotic fruits, and mole sauces in every hue. For upscale experiences, restaurants like Pujol showcase contemporary Mexican cuisine with tasting menus featuring ingredients like ant larvae or heirloom corn. The city's neighborhoods, from Roma to Coyoacán, each have their specialties—perhaps churros dipped in chocolate or pozole stew simmering in giant pots. Mexico City's food tells stories of indigenous heritage, Spanish influences, and global fusion, making every meal an education in flavor and history.
No list would be complete without New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, a city where food is synonymous with celebration. Editors love its Creole and Cajun roots, evident in dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée. The French Quarter buzzes with beignets dusted in powdered sugar at Café du Monde, while po'boys—sandwiches overflowing with fried shrimp or roast beef—define casual dining. Venture to spots like Commander's Palace for upscale takes on turtle soup or bananas Foster flambéed tableside. New Orleans' food scene thrives on its multicultural influences—African, French, Spanish, and Native American—creating bold, spicy flavors that pair perfectly with the city's jazz-filled streets. Festivals like Mardi Gras amplify the culinary energy, with king cakes and crawfish boils drawing crowds. It's a place where eating is communal, often accompanied by live music and a sense of joie de vivre that's infectious.
Istanbul, Turkey, bridges continents and cuisines, earning accolades for its eclectic offerings. Straddling Europe and Asia, the city is a melting pot of flavors from the Ottoman Empire to modern Middle Eastern twists. Editors recommend starting with a Turkish breakfast spread: simit bread, olives, cheeses, and menemen scrambled eggs. Street vendors hawk balik ekmek (fish sandwiches) by the Bosphorus, while the Grand Bazaar tempts with lokum (Turkish delight) and spices. For heartier fare, try kebabs, meze platters, or baklava dripping in honey. Istanbul's food scene is about abundance and hospitality; tea houses serve endless cups of çay, and rooftop restaurants offer views of minarets while you savor lamb kofte or stuffed grape leaves. The city's markets, like the Spice Bazaar, are treasure troves of saffron, pistachios, and dried fruits, inviting travelers to haggle and sample.
Paris, France, remains an eternal classic, with editors calling it the ultimate food capital. Beyond the Eiffel Tower, it's the boulangeries with flaky croissants, fromageries stocked with pungent cheeses, and bistros serving escargot and coq au vin. The Marais district is ideal for falafel from L'As du Fallafel or crêpes on the go. High-end spots like those helmed by Alain Ducasse offer multi-course extravaganzas, but the real charm is in everyday rituals: picnicking with baguettes and charcuterie along the Seine. Paris's food culture reveres technique and seasonality, with markets like Marché d'Aligre bursting with fresh produce. It's a city that inspires romance through cuisine, whether sipping café au lait at a sidewalk café or indulging in macarons from Ladurée.
Bangkok, Thailand, pulses with street food energy that editors can't get enough of. The city's chaotic markets, like Chatuchak, serve pad Thai, som tam papaya salad, and mango sticky rice from humble carts. Boat noodles along the Chao Phraya River or tom yum soup laced with lemongrass and shrimp define the bold, balanced flavors of Thai cuisine—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in harmony. Fine-dining venues elevate these with molecular gastronomy twists, but the soul is in the streets, where vendors grill satay skewers and fry up crispy pork belly. Bangkok's food scene is accessible and adventurous, encouraging exploration of night markets and hidden alleys.
Singapore shines as a hawker center haven, where affordable, diverse eats reflect its multicultural fabric. Editors highlight spots like Maxwell Food Centre for Hainanese chicken rice, laksa noodle soup, or chili crab. The city's Peranakan influences add unique dishes like nyonya kueh desserts. From Michelin-starred stalls to rooftop bars, Singapore blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western flavors seamlessly.
San Sebastián, Spain, is a Basque Country gem famed for pintxos—small bites like anchovy toasts or txakoli wine-paired tapas. Editors rave about the Parte Vieja's bar-hopping culture and Michelin-heavy scene, including Arzak. Nearby cider houses offer hearty chorizo and cod omelets.
Finally, Lima, Peru, impresses with ceviche, causa potato cakes, and pisco sours. Central and Maido restaurants innovate with Amazonian ingredients, while markets like Surquillo showcase anticuchos and lucuma fruit.
These destinations, as shared by Travel + Leisure editors, remind us that food is more than sustenance—it's a gateway to understanding the world. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these spots promise unforgettable culinary journeys that linger long after the last bite. (Word count: 1,248)
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