The 25 Best Foodie Vacations Around the World
By Cassie Bailey | Published on December 3, 2025
If your travel style revolves around what to eat next, you’re not alone — food travel is one of the most rewarding ways to discover the heart of a destination. The best places for food tourism blend culture, tradition and innovation into unforgettable meals. When you're enjoying lobster rolls by a New England harbor, discovering the fusion flavors of Southeast Asia or joining a food tour through the Mediterranean, every bite tells a story. These top destinations for food lovers are filled with vibrant street food, fine dining and local specialties — all waiting to be explored. Read on for a list of the best foodie destinations in the world, from spicy Caribbean staples to globally inspired cuisine across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Ready to discover your next food trip? Let’s dig in!
Key Takeaways
- ● These 25 foodie destinations span the globe, from coastal cities in the U.S. to culinary capitals in Asia, Europe and South America.
- ● Discover the best places for food tourism in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman.
- ● Explore top culinary travel experiences in North American cities like New York, San Diego, Charleston and Portland in the U.S. as well as Quebec and Halifax in Canada.
- ● Taste global cuisine in destinations like Tokyo, Rome, Cape Town and Hanoi — some of the best foodie destinations in the world.
- ● This ultimate foodie travel guide is perfect for anyone seeking memorable food travel trips and immersive cultural dining.
- ● Start planning your culinary adventure with Royal Caribbean’s global cruise itineraries.
Savor Caribbean Flavor: A Top Destination for Food Lovers
The best way to experience all the Caribbean has to offer is with a food travel vacation — eat your way through this tropical paradise on a true culinary vacation. Each island offers unique local flavors, from fresh seafood and rich stews to the citrus-forward cuisine of Mexico’s pyramid-dotted Yucatan Peninsula and the French-inspired flavors of St. Maarten. One of the top destinations for food lovers, the Caribbean’s culinary delights offer an unbeatable food scene filled with unique cooking styles, traditional dishes and plenty of options for every taste bud.
1. Mexico
A culinary journey through the Yucatan Peninsula is the ideal path to paradise for any food lover. Finish a day spent exploring the Mayan pyramids of Tulum with an evening tearing into tacos filled with tangy “cochinita pibil,” pork braised for hours in citrus and fragrant, bright-red achiote spice paste. Or use tostadas to scoop fresh ceviche — raw white fish or shellfish “cooked” with lime juice — after an afternoon jet skiing off the coast of Cancun.
If you happen to find yourself in Merida, a medium-sized city slightly inland from the main ports of the peninsula, grab a reservation at Kuuk. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves innovative, “molecular” takes on traditional Mexican fare like fried pumpkin, coconut taro and tamales — just one taste and you’ll see why Mexico belongs on the list of the best foodie destinations.
2. Jamaica
When it comes to Caribbean cuisine, Jamaica’s delicacies are among the most famous, featuring iconic jerk chicken and other dishes that include the kick of jerk spice, made from thyme, allspice and searing-hot Scotch bonnet pepper. Other unique treats in Jamaica include the fried Jamaican patty dumpling, with curry-spiced beef and onions wrapped in a crunchy, golden brown exterior.
In Negril, taste a mixture of classic Jamaican dishes and fresh-caught seafood right on the beach at Blue Mahoe Restaurant. In Ocho Rios, a visit to Mom’s lives up to the promise of homestyle cooking as the restaurant’s name suggests. Every bite here is a culinary delight worth traveling for, showcasing the island’s proud culinary traditions in bold, flavorful ways.
3. Puerto Rico
Travelers heading to Puerto Rico will quickly find the island — especially its capital, San Juan — is one of the best foodie vacations in the Caribbean. This is due first and foremost to Puerto Rico’s rich culinary heritage , which is built upon staple foods like tostones — fried plantains that are mashed and then fried again, often served as a side to a whole fried fish or another protein — and “papas rellenas,” potato croquettes stuffed with paprika-spiced ground beef.
Puerto Rico is also a hotbed of constant culinary innovation. Head to the capital’s San Juan Smokehouse to peruse a meaty menu that fuses the grilling styles of this island paradise with the smoky flavors of Tennessee barbecue. You can also expand your taste bud horizons by sampling everything from street food to fine dining around Old San Juan.
4. Anguilla
Anguilla's culinary traditions — from jerk-style barbecued meats commonly associated with Jamaica to seafood soups you find everywhere from Barbuda to Belize — are a collection of everything that’s best about Caribbean food. Restaurants like the homestyle Tasty’s in South Hill and the upscale Falcon Nest in Island Harbour serve up amazing takes on Caribbean seafood and comfort food, presenting them with an elegance that matches the landscape. Try grilled local lobster served with lemon and garlic or Caribbean seafood stew. This is an ideal foodie destination for anyone seeking both relaxation and a memorable culinary experience.
5. Grand Cayman
The Grand Cayman offers the opportunity for you to enjoy classic Caribbean cuisine with a view of pristine beaches. It’s also one of the closest islands to the North American mainland. Sit down at any beach café and order a basket of cracked conch, piping-hot fritters made with a shellfish that’s a staple food throughout the Caribbean region.
If you’re looking for an indulgent treat, head just about anywhere to grab a slice of heavy cake, a suitable name as it’s made with the flour of cassava, a root vegetable. For an upscale meal, stop at restaurants like Veranda or Morgan’s, which allow you to dine al fresco on iconic Seven Mile Beach and to feel the Cayman sea breeze as you feast. This combination of local cuisine and serene ocean views can truly turn your food travel vacation into a culinary adventure.
6. St. Maarten
Saint Maarten (in Dutch — it's known in French as Saint Martin) is an island where a Caribbean soul fuses with both Dutch- and French-colonial influence, a pedigree that’s reflected in the Caribbean food you find here. For example, St. Maarten spareribs draw on the Dutch’s penchant for hearty, meaty meals but use island-raised proteins. On the French side, meanwhile, enjoy fresh-caught seafood prepared à la Française, with continental glazes such as luxuriant brown-butter meunière.
Craving a wholly European dining experience? Head to Le Cottage in Grand Case to enjoy classic French escargot. Or enjoy a homemade Caribbean approach to cooking at the no-frills Yvette’s in Quartier d’Orleans. St. Maarten’s food scene always serves up a true culinary delight for anyone looking to explore the best foodie destinations in the region.
7. St. Barts
Caribbean cuisine is just the beginning of the delicious opportunities on St. Barts, which, in spite of its tiny footprint, has more than 70 restaurants. Crack open fresh-caught grilled lobster with zesty Creole spices like paprika, thyme and cayenne for lunch. Then, head to Le Tamarin for a French-fusion dinner, with dishes like duck foie gras served with peppers and a rum sauce.
St. Barts’ beaches are the sorts that make your mouth hang wide open with their beauty, from the semi-circular hideaway at Grand Cul-de-Sac to the castaway Ile Fourchue. Likewise, every meal you eat on this French-speaking island, even the simple meals at spots like the open-air La Cantina, will have you singing praises. St. Baarts is ideal for a full culinary vacation packed with flavors you’ll never forget.
8. Bermuda
North America’s Culinary Coastline: Foodie Cities Across the U.S. and Canada
9. New York City, New York
The self-proclaimed “center of the universe,” New York City is not only the pre-eminent destination for cuisine in the Northeast United States, but a global culinary hub if there ever was one. A trip to New York practically guarantees a great meal, whether you sample local staples like bagels and New York-style pizza, eat your way through ethnic neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown, or rub elbows with the global elite at upscale spots along Wall Street and Fifth Avenue.
Want something simple and satisfying on your next trip to the Big Apple? Head to Katz’s Deli on East Houston Street and order a pastrami and corned beef on rye, but be prepared to wait in line! NYC offers endless possibilities for a memorable culinary adventure.
10. Portland, Maine
Lobster rolls, oyster bars and high-end bistros make Portland one of the best foodie destinations in New England for classic, must-try dishes. Portland’s restaurant scene has something for every sort of food lover. Check out Eventide for local-caught oysters and their famous brown butter lobster roll. If you want to explore an even broader food scene, grab a map of local food trucks before heading out and snack your way around Portland.
11. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is the hub of New England and offers some of the best food in the Northeast. Taste classic New England clam chowder — a creamy soup made with fresh, meaty chunks of clam and potato — at local favorite Boston Chowda Co. Boston's high-end dining scene offers dishes like the pan-roasted cod with piquillo peppers, chorizo and clams at French bistro Mistral, combining the city’s European heritage with the local bounty. Head to the Italian North End for cannoli pastries, fried dough shells filled with sweetened ricotta cheese filling. Compare the offerings at long-time rivals Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry. Or explore the area’s food trucks to find quick bites on-the-go. Every mouthful is a taste bud bonanza.
12. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is the place to go if you like seafood — especially lobster. Lobster ravioli is a meal that never goes out of style, just like the late-19th-century mansions in the city. For an upscale dining experience, visit The Mooring or go off the beaten path to Anthony’s in neighborhood Middletown for the regional favorite stuffed quahogs, a hearty shellfish — it’s basically a huge clam — mixed with onions, peppers and spicy Portuguese sausage. Pair these dishes with scenic harbor views, and you’ll see why Newport deserves its place among the best foodie destinations in New England.
13. San Francisco, California
A global food scene, legendary street food and Michelin-starred restaurants make San Francisco a must for foodies. The city blends global flavors with West Coast creativity. Grab clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl by Fisherman’s Wharf, sample dim sum in Chinatown or enjoy Michelin-starred seafood near the Golden Gate. Don’t miss the Ferry Building Marketplace for local cheeses, oysters and farm-to-table bites — ideal for a DIY food tour.
14. San Diego, California
Laid-back vibes meet bold flavors in San Diego, a rising star among foodie destinations in the USA. Here, fresh fish tacos, craft beer and Baja-inspired cuisine reign supreme. Start in Little Italy, where bustling farmers markets and fine dining coexist. Then head to North Park for innovative food trucks and Mexican-fusion street food. From oceanside ceviche to gourmet Cali burritos, San Diego delivers some of the best food travel experiences on the West Coast.
15. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is where Southern soul food meets coastal elegance. This charming city is beloved for its shrimp and grits, Lowcountry boils and buttermilk biscuits. Stroll historic streets to find hidden culinary gems at local institutions like Husk and Rodney Scott’s BBQ — proof that Charleston deserves its spot among the top foodie vacations in the U.S.
16. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is all about seafood, especially soft-shell crab sandwiches and legendary crab cakes. Thanks to bountiful waters from Baltimore Harbor to Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is one of America’s seafood powerhouses. Much of the fanfare here focuses on Maryland soft-shell crabs, either served in sandwich form or as part of the best crab cakes you’ll ever eat. You might not find local-favorite spots like Faidley’s and Nick’s Fish House in guidebooks, but they’re definitely winners. The city’s food scene has something for any food lover, offering a comforting sense of tradition and local flavor in every dish.
17. Bar Harbor, Maine
A hidden foodie gem in the Northeast, Bar Harbor's culinary scene is as satisfying as the scenery that surrounds it, which includes towering Cadillac Mountain, among other impressive landscapes in Acadia National Park. Savor New England comfort food like a sumptuous clambake in casual establishments like The Travelin Lobster and Side Street Cafe. Whether you’re seeking a warm, traditional dish or a modern spin on classic flavors, Bar Harbor will capture your taste bud imagination and keep you craving more.
18. Quebec City, Quebec
It's as difficult to count the reasons why Quebec City is one of the best travel destinations for food lovers as it is to narrow down which French-colonial structure in the city is its most charming. Quebec City is ground zero for Canadian and Quebecois specialties like poutine — french fries with decadent gravy and cheese curds — and tourtiere meat pie, with spices, ground pork and potatoes inside a flaky pastry crust. Head to Aux Anciens Canadiens to enjoy local food in a low-key but opulent setting, or try Chez Muffy for a menu that’s more French than French-Canadian but still magnifique in any dialect. From street food festivals to refined fine dining restaurants, Quebec City’s culinary delights offer something for everyone.
19. Halifax, Nova Scotia
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For culinary travelers with global taste, these international cities serve up incredible food alongside rich cultural traditions. From exploring night markets in Southeast Asia to indulging in pasta in Italy, these best foodie destinations in the world offer an unforgettable food travel vacation.
20. Tokyo, Japan
Often considered the No. 1 food destination in the world, Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else. However, some of its most memorable dishes are found in humble ramen shops, bustling “izakayas” (drinking restaurants) or at the Tsukiji Market where fresh sushi is a must. Don't miss a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen or crispy tempura with dipping sauce. It’s no wonder Tokyo tops most lists of best places for food tourism.
21. Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the top destinations for food tourism, and Hanoi is where its culinary soul thrives. Begin your day with a bowl of pho (a noodle soup), then snack on banh mi sandwiches and street food like “bun cha” (a grilled pork and vermicelli noodle dish) or egg coffee. Its rich French colonial influence mixed with bold Southeast Asian spices makes Hanoi a top food trip choice.
22. Penang, Malaysia
Malaysia’s Penang Island is one of the best foodie destinations in the world thanks to its blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. Visit the night markets for “char kway teow” (stir-fried noodles), “assam laksa” (tamarind fish soup) and “roti canai” (a flatbread dish). Every bite is a sensory celebration of Southeast Asia’s rich culinary diversity.
23. Rome, Italy
Italy remains one of the best countries for food lovers, and Rome is its culinary crown jewel. Here, traditional dishes like carbonara, “cacio e pepe” (a spaghetti dish) and “supplì” (rice ball with tomato sauce) are served with a side of centuries-old history. Whether you’re sipping espresso at a sidewalk café or indulging in a multi-course meal near the Colosseum, every bite feels timeless. With its deep food history and passionate chefs, Rome is a true foodie capital of the world.
24. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a top destination for food lovers in the opinion of many travelers. With its rich blend of cultures and access to fresh seafood, it offers a unique food scene that mixes African, Dutch and Malaysian influences. Local food markets, “braai” South African BBQs and fine dining make this a top foodie vacation pick.
