Food and travel go hand in hand. Last year’s viral sensations prove the point: candied strawberries in Tokyo, Dubai’s pistachio-fuelled chocolate craze, Crumbl Cookies drawing in crowds across America, Thailand’s 7-Eleven toasties, and UK favourite Spudman turning a jacket potato stall into a tourist attraction. People are building entire trips around what they want to eat.
One in five (19%) Brits plan their entire holiday based on food and cuisine*, highlighting the importance of quality dining when away. It has also been found that food-loving Brits are more likely to travel in the UK, with 29% taking three leisure trips (with at least one night away) in the past year**.
This growing appetite for culinary adventures is changing how we explore. Food has become almost as important as the destination itself. With award-winning restaurants, buzzing food markets and viral eateries often spread across different cities and regions, travellers are increasingly shaping their journeys around food, to chase standout dishes, fit in must-visit spots, and follow recommendations as they go.
That’s why we’ve analysed the data to help you decide where to head this year for the best food experiences.
Whether you’re planning a multi-stop road trip around the UK’s top food destinations or flying abroad and exploring local cuisine at your own pace, having flexibility on the ground can make all the difference. With car hire available across the UK and at airports worldwide through SIXT, building a food-focused itinerary becomes that little bit easier.
The best places for food travel in the UK
We’ve revealed the UK’s ultimate food destination, analysing Google search volumes, Michelin-starred and World’s 50 Best restaurant rankings, and the breadth of culinary attractions each city offers.
London is named the food capital of the UK
It’s no surprise that London has been crowned the UK’s top food destination. With 161 of the world’s best restaurants and 364 Michelin-starred eateries, the capital ranks 5th globally, the only UK city to make the world’s top 10.
With the bustling stalls of Camden Market and the iconic street eats of Brick Lane, and the vibrant, offbeat corners of Shoreditch, every neighbourhood offers a new flavour to discover.
Two Scottish cities claim spots in the top UK food scenes
Two of Scotland’s most iconic cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, have ranked as the best food destinations in the UK outside London, placing impressively as the second and third spots.
Edinburgh, famous for its traditional and tasty dishes such as haggis, Cullen skink, and Scotch pies, also boasts a wide variety, with 79 food attractions, 30 rated 9+ (more than any other UK city), and endless dining options. From Stockbridge’s weekly markets to trendy restaurants along the Leith waterfront, the city is full of culinary gems that are waiting to be discovered.
Glasgow also shines in our ranking, with 31,720 tourist food-related searches and 12 food attractions rated 9+ (one more than London), making this city a hub of delicious meals and must-visit stops on your next culinary adventure.
UK Northern cities dominate the top 10 foodie cities
The North–South divide is usually a point of debate for Brits, but in this ranking, it proves exceptional dining extends far beyond the M25, with Northern cities having well and truly made a name for themselves.
Newcastle, York, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool have all been recognised as some of the absolute best cities in the UK for food, all thanks to their exceptionally rated restaurants and vibrant culinary scenes.
Newcastle claims the crown as the highest-ranking Northern city. With locally sourced delights at the iconic Grainger Market and 17 Michelin-starred restaurants offering luxurious dining experiences, the city has earned its place as a true foodie haven for the North.
The benefits of hiring a car whilst on your food travels in the UK
Planning your next road trip should be an exciting one; that’s why car hire transforms food travel from a logistical puzzle to pure adventure. You’re free to explore at your own pace, visit multiple cities in one trip, and make impromptu detours to a market or restaurant you have on your list.
With SIXT locations conveniently positioned across the UK, from airport pickups to city centre drop-offs, we’ve got you covered across the board so you can focus on discovering the UK’s very best food spots.
The best food destinations worldwide
The world’s most exciting food cities span from Europe to Asia, each with its own culinary identity and unmissable eating experiences. Using data on restaurant quality, global recognition, and traveller demand, we’ve identified the international destinations that should top every food lover’s bucket list. Here’s where to go when you’re ready to eat your way around the world.
Tokyo is the food capital of the world
Tokyo is a vibrant metropolis of lights, culture and style, but its food scene is one of the big reasons travellers flock here. The city’s traditional sushi and sashimi, often regarded among the world’s best, sits alongside sizzling street eats like yakitori, while countless restaurants showcase an exceptional variety of both authentic Japanese and global cuisines.
As well as trendy, innovative eateries, Tokyo is also a gourmet hotspot with 525 Michelin-starred restaurants, making this city a high-end food lover’s dream. From fine dining to hidden gems, Tokyo’s 124 top-rated restaurants make it one of the world’s most extraordinary food destinations.
The French capital is named second best city in the world for its food scene
When Paris comes to mind, you might think of world-class patisseries, fresh bread, and charming cafés, but this French city has so much more to offer. Ranked as the second-best food city in the world with a score of 51.49 out of 100, Paris is a must-visit for food lovers.
With high tourist demand for eateries (27,750 searches), and a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants (517), from classic to contemporary, Paris has something for every palate.
Two Portuguese cities are the best in the world for food travel
Portugal is shining bright on the global food map, with two cities earning a spot among the best in the world: Porto, in 4th place, and Lisbon, in 9th.
Porto, is already a popular city break thanks to its famous wine scene and charming cobbled streets, it is gaining further recognition for its diverse and high-quality food offering, boasting more than 83 notable food attractions. The city blends traditional Portuguese flavours with modern innovation, from seafood to hearty francesinha sandwiches; an abundance of trend-setting eateries awaits.
Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital, is a paradise for seafood lovers and those seeking authentic local delicacies. The city also has a rapidly growing premium dining scene, home to an impressive 75 food attractions with 9.0+ reviews, the second most in the top 10.
NYC is the best U.S. city for food
New York City reigns supreme as America’s food capital, landing 7th globally and number 1 in the U.S., leaving San Francisco in the dust at 24th.
New York City is home to 119 of the world’s top-rated restaurants and a staggering 359 Michelin-starred establishments. Its deep-rooted Italian influences are evident throughout the cuisine, but the city also offers dishes from around the globe to an exceptional standard.
From the authentic flavours of Chinatown to iconic New York staples like bagels and pizza slices, NYC should definitely be on every food lover’s travel list.
Car hire can enhance your food travel experience
No matter where your next culinary adventure takes you, our car hire is available in over 105 countries worldwide. With a safe, reliable set of wheels, you can follow the flavours, explore at your own pace, and set off on your next adventure with complete freedom.
Sources
- *Number of UK holidaygoers who base travel on food – Jet2holidays
- **Number of leisure trips in the past year- ABTA’s Holiday Habits survey
Methodology
Food Travel Index
We ranked each global city based on the following metrics:
- Tourist Search Volume for “food in [city]” & “restaurants in [city]” in both English and the city’s native language, calculated by subtracting the number of searches in the city from the global number of searches
- The total number of dining experiences and food tours for each city listed on Expedia (May 1st-15th was used as the date range to account for short-term unavailable listings, Expedia lists attractions in the city and “surrounding areas”)
- The total number of dining experiences and food tours for each city listed on Expedia with a 9.0+ rating and 20+ reviews
- The total number of restaurants listed on the World’s 50 Best directory (also covers the city and “surrounding areas”)
- The total number of restaurants listed on the World’s 50 Best Top 100 Restaurants
We ranked each UK city based on the following metrics:
- Tourist Search Volume for “food in [city]” & “restaurants in [city]” calculated by subtracting the number of searches in the city from the global number of searches
- The total number of dining experiences and food tours for each city listed on Expedia (May 1st-15th was used as the date range to account for short-term unavailable listings, Expedia lists attractions in the city and “surrounding areas”)
- The total number of dining experiences and food tours for each city listed on Expedia with a 9.0+ rating and 20+ reviews
- The total number of restaurants listed on the World’s 50 Best directory (also covers the city and “surrounding areas”)
- The total number of restaurants listed on the World’s 50 Best Top 100 Restaurants
- The total number of Michelin Star restaurants (also covers the city and “surrounding areas”)
- The total number of Michelin Star restaurants with 2* or 3*
