January 16, 2026 | 05:55 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - People who travel often have their own motivations, and it is not uncommon for some to cross the globe solely to experience new flavors. To satisfy that hunger, certain destinations have earned global recognition as the best places to eat, thanks to their thriving and innovative culinary scenes.
From Boston to Hong Kong and Medellin, here are the 10 best places to eat around the world in 2026, drawing from Conde Nast Traveler and Michelin Guide.
List of the Best Places to Eat in 2026
1. Boston, USA
Boston’s dining scene has matured into one of quiet confidence, all while staying true to its coastal heritage. The city reaffirms its status among the best places to eat around the world, inviting visitors to savor the finest, innovative flavors across neighborhoods like the South End and Fort Point. For the most vibrant experience, visit in late spring or early fall when local farmers’ markets are at their peak.
2. Crete, Greece
Crete’s famed gastronomy has earned it a place among the best places to go in Europe 2026. Extending beyond the definition of Mediterranean simplicity, its cuisine delivers humble, deeply satisfying dishes crafted from fresh produce, olive oil, herbs, and seafood. The best part is that each of Crete’s four regions—Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi—shines with its own specialties, ensuring a richly varied journey.
3. Venice, Italy
Venice proves that tradition never loses its appeal when executed well. Away from tourist traps, the city’s culinary soul is quietly expanding, as high-profile hotels begin to host both local talents and big-name chefs under one roof. Amid this evolution, authentic Venetian cuisine remains center stage, ranging from hearty meats to fresh seafood.
4. Fes, Morocco
While Fes stands as Morocco’s culinary heart, its acclaim is only now reaching a wider international audience. Fassi cuisine is richly aromatic and beautifully layered, often featuring ingredients such as honey and aged cheeses. In select restaurants, traditional dining is presented in its most authentic form, where indulgent dishes are accompanied by the soulful strains of a live oud player.
5. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is named as one of the Michelin Guide’s best culinary tourism destinations for 2026. Major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are elevating traditional dishes to a whole new level through the use of contemporary techniques. But the exploration isn't limited to this very point, as international cuisines are also executed with equal finesse.
6. Hong Kong
While Hong Kong is best known for its glittering skyline, its culinary scene is just as appealing. With a diverse and dynamic range of offerings, the city brings together the best of both worlds: East and West. From hearty Cantonese classics to refined Japanese fare and inventive French fusion, every culinary journey in Hong Kong feels endlessly special.
7. Cappadocia, Turkiye
Cappadocia offers a dining experience shaped by its unique terrain and ancient history. Almost 70% of the local food scene is defined by a rigorous farm-to-table philosophy. Local ingredients, ancestral cooking methods, and Anatolian flavors come together in dishes that feel deeply rooted and unpretentious, from clay-pot stews to soups and grilled meats.
8. Medellin, Colombia
Medellin’s gastronomy embraces the beauty of both classic and new experimental flavors. Chefs are drawing from Colombia’s biodiversity, creating menus that spotlight local produce and traditional flavours with modern techniques. The result is a food scene that feels fresh, expressive, and proudly Colombian.
9. Route 66, USA
The 100th anniversary of Route 66 places the legendary highway as one of the best places to eat in 2026. Rooted in local staples, the celebration brings everything from classic roadside diners to regional barbecue and lively food festivals into the spotlight. Stretching across the iconic 2,448-mile route, the festivities also honor the rich Indigenous heritage woven into its history.
10. Minas Gerais, Brazil
Minas Gerais is increasingly receiving the recognition it deserves. Long celebrated for its farm-made cheeses and exceptional coffee, the region’s culinary journey is now expanding beyond the table. Across its villages, guided tours to local farms and vineyards are gaining traction, adding a more immersive touch to the gastronomic experience.
Together, these destinations show that great food is never just about what is served, but about the stories and cultures behind every plate. In 2026, the world’s best places to eat invite travellers to savour each bite and connect more deeply with the places they visit. For a similar discovery, let’s take a look at the top eight culinary traditions recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
Read: Michelin Guide Names 16 Best Culinary Tourism Destinations for 2026
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