Lima Named Top Culinary City for 2026
Lima has achieved a historic milestone by securing the first place in the ranking of the world’s best cities for food in 2026, a ranking compiled by the prestigious Time Out magazine.
This ranking brought together 20 international destinations renowned for their culinary excellence. Lima surpassed gastronomic hotspots such as Bangkok and Mexico City in a study that assessed the quality of the culinary offerings, the diversity of options, and the perceptions of residents and experts regarding the gastronomic experience in each city.
The Peruvian capital outperformed major culinary centers in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The evaluation considered factors related to the quality of restaurants, cafes, bars, and other establishments, as well as aspects related to the appeal of each local food scene and affordability.
The magazine emphasized that the result stems from a methodology based on the opinions of thousands of people. More than 24,000 residents from 150 destinations participated in the survey conducted by Time Out. A panel of specialized writers and local experts complemented the final evaluation.
A ranking based on the opinions of residents and specialists
To compile this list of 20 destinations, the publication used a methodology that combined primary sources of feedback. 70% of the final score corresponded to the responses of residents in each city, while the remaining 30% was determined by specialists connected to gastronomy and local culture.
Participants rated aspects related to the quality and price of the culinary offerings available in their cities. They also identified the elements they consider most representative of the gastronomic experience in each destination.
Peru and Mexico among the top 3
The only Latin American representatives, Lima and Mexico City, are among the best cities, occupying first and third place respectively.
Europe Holds Four Spots in the Top 10
Four European cities made it into the top ten of the 2026 ranking. London came in fourth, Barcelona fifth, Athens ninth, and Lisbon rounded out the list in tenth.
London stood out for the breadth of its culinary offerings. The publication noted that the British capital boasts a diverse array of culinary traditions and cultures.
Barcelona is renowned for its traditional Catalan cuisine. Time Out described Barcelona as a particularly attractive destination for those seeking diverse gastronomic experiences. While the city maintains a significant number of Michelin-starred restaurants, experts highlighted the resurgence of traditional Catalan dishes.
Athens received similar ratings from residents and experts. According to Time Out data, residents identified cafes and family-run businesses as essential to the local culinary experience. Meanwhile, experts focused on fine dining restaurants that enhance the city’s international profile.
Lisbon also secured a spot among the world’s top ten food cities. Experts also noted the growth of sandwich shops, a trend that shares the spotlight with traditional Portuguese pastry shops.
Expert opinions on food cities
Grace Beard, Time Out Travel Editor, stated that “From Lima to Lisbon, kitchens are having a blast with gastronomy in 2026, experimenting with unexpected flavor combinations and elevating classic dishes.”
She added, “That’s the best part of this ranking—there are options for every palate, from those on a tight budget to the most discerning bon vivants.”
Meanwhile, Virginia Gil, Time Out US Editor, explained to CNN that a food city transcends the experience of simply eating. She indicated that these destinations possess distinctive ingredients, recognizable cuisines, and culinary traditions that influence the eating habits of millions of people.
The expert noted that the cities included in the ranking have served for decades as points of interest for travelers seeking new culinary experiences. She also highlighted the influence of factors such as migration, local products, and culinary traditions in shaping the identity of each destination.
These are the ten best cities in the world for food in 2026:
- Lima, Perú
- Bangkok, Tailandia
- Ciudad de México, México
- Londres, Reino Unido
- Barcelona, España
- Ciudad Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Melbourne, Australia
- Pekín, China
- Atenas, Grecia
- Lisboa, Portugal