The list is based on responses from more than 24,000 residents across 150 cities worldwide and highlights the destinations offering the most exciting, accessible and distinctive dining experiences.

London, Barcelona, Athens and Lisbon were among the European cities that were included in the global top 10.

This research was compiled using residents’ views on the quality and affordability of restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars, alongside assessments of each city’s most notable aspects of the local culinary scene. More than 100 Time Out editors and local food experts also contributed to the evaluation, with the final results weighted 70 percent towards local opinion and 30 percent on expert analysis.

Culinary diversity

Peru’s capital secured first place thanks to its internationally acclaimed food scene, which continues to blend traditional flavours with innovation and world-class culinary talent.

Bangkok claimed second position, followed by Mexico City in third, while London finished fourth, ahead of Barcelona in fifth, Ho Chi Minh City in sixth, Melbourne in seventh, Beijing in eighth, Athens in ninth and Lisbon in tenth.

London emerged as the highest-ranked European city, earning fourth place for the extraordinary breadth of its dining scene.

From traditional bagels and pie and mash to Ethiopian vegan cuisine and Danish smørrebrød, the British capital was recognised for offering one of the most varied food cultures in the world.

According to Time Out, 96 percent of Londoners surveyed described the city’s food scene as either “good” or “amazing”. However, affordability remained a challenge, with only 42 percent believing dining out in the capital represents a fair value.

Experts highlighted a growing wave of Italian restaurants as one of the city’s most distinctive trends, with dishes such as white risotto, Abruzzese-style skewers and traditional meatballs attracting increasing attention. Meanwhile, gourmet pizzas served in pubs continue to gain popularity among diners seeking more casual options.

Catalan cooking

Barcelona was ranked fifth globally and emerged as Spain’s highest-rated food destination for 2026.

As only the top-performing city from each country was included in the final ranking, Barcelona replaced Madrid, which had been Spain's leading representative in the previous year's list.

The Catalan capital was praised as one of Europe's most exciting cities for dining, with 82 percent of residents expressing positive views about its food culture.

Although Barcelona is renowned for Michelin-starred establishments and fine dining, experts indicated a renewed appreciation for traditional Catalan cooking. Dishes such as capipota, slow-cooked sofregits, hearty stews and bombas – the city's famous fried potato croquettes – were cited as examples of the culinary heritage driving the city's success.

Blending tradition and fine dining

Athens secured ninth place, receiving strong ratings from both residents and food experts.

Among locals, 78 percent described the city as an exciting place to eat, while experts rated it even more highly, with 80 percent praising its culinary offering.

Residents highlighted the city's thriving café culture and family-run establishments, while specialists pointed to the rapid growth of Athens' fine dining sector.

Dynamic food destination

Lisbon claimed 10th place, cementing its reputation as one of Europe's most dynamic food destinations.

The Portuguese capital performed impressively among residents, with 86 percent praising the local dining scene and 63 percent describing eating out as affordable.

One of the defining trends highlighted in the report is the rise of the so-called “neo-tascas”, which are modern interpretations of Portugal's traditional neighbourhood taverns, combining technical precision and creative menus with a strong connection to Portuguese culinary heritage.

Among the venues singled out as examples of the movement were O Velho Eurico, Polémico, Vida de Tasca and Gancho, the restaurant created by chef Louise Bourrat.

A year of creativity

Grace Beard, Time Out's Travel Editor, said the ranking reflects a year in which cities around the world have embraced creativity and experimentation in the kitchen.

From Lima to Lisbon, chefs are reinventing traditional dishes, blending unexpected flavours and creating experiences that appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets.

The result, she suggested, is a global food landscape that offers something for everyone — whether diners are searching for affordable local favourites or exceptional fine dining experiences.