TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Travelers visit cities for many reasons, from sightseeing and tracing architectural history to immersing themselves in nature or discovering local culture. Increasingly, however, one motivation is rising above the rest: food.
In 2026, culinary experiences are expected to become a primary driver of global travel. For travelers planning their next journey, the Michelin Guide’s newly released list of the 16 Best Culinary Tourism Destinations for 2026 offers a compelling source of inspiration.
The list spans established food capitals and emerging destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, places where dining is becoming as important as the destination itself.
Europe
1. Venice, Italy
Venice enters 2026 amid a surge of luxury hotel openings from brands such as Orient Express, Cheval Blanc, Rosewood, and Airelles—developments that are reshaping the city’s dining landscape.
Local chefs are elevating lagoon-based cuisine using native ingredients, with understated gems like Vini da Gigio offering refined, authentic experiences away from tourist crowds.
2. Czech Republic
With the Michelin Guide now covering the country nationally, the Czech Republic’s culinary spotlight extends beyond Prague.
Spa towns such as Karlovy Vary, South Moravia’s countryside, and river-rich regions are gaining recognition for ingredient-driven cooking rooted in local produce, including potatoes and freshwater fish.
3. The Dolomites, Italy
Set to host the 2026 Winter Olympics from February 6–22, the Dolomites, particularly Cortina, are undergoing a tourism transformation. New infrastructure, luxury alpine hotels, and inventive mountain cuisine are redefining traditional dishes like speck, buckwheat pasta, and alpine cheeses.
4. Wrocaw, Poland
Wrocaw’s fast-growing culinary scene blends classic Polish comfort food with modern techniques. Its lively cafés and riverside bars along the Oder River have helped position the city as one of Central Europe’s rising food destinations.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Renowned for dramatic coastal scenery, the Amalfi Coast also shines for its seafood-forward cuisine. A new train connection from Paris is expected to make the region more accessible, adding to its appeal for culinary travelers in 2026.
Middle East
6. Saudi Arabia
The debut of the Michelin Guide in Saudi Arabia marks a milestone for the Kingdom’s food scene. Cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are reinterpreting traditional dishes—rice, grilled meats, and seafood—through contemporary techniques, placing the country firmly on the global culinary map.
Asia
7. Cappadocia, Turkey
Known for its iconic hot air balloons and surreal rock formations, Cappadocia is also gaining attention for its farm-to-table philosophy. Traditional Anatolian dishes are served in atmospheric cave restaurants, offering a deeply local dining experience.
8. Jiangsu Province, China
Just north of Shanghai, Jiangsu offers refined and diverse culinary traditions, from delicate freshwater fish dishes to subtly seasoned regional classics, an appealing alternative to China’s megacities.
9. Cebu and Manila, Philippines
The Michelin Guide highlights Cebu and Manila for their vibrant food cultures, driven by fresh seafood and iconic Filipino dishes such as sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo, which are increasingly gaining international recognition.
North America
10. Route 66, United States
As Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, the legendary highway offers more than nostalgia. Travelers can explore classic diners, regional barbecue, and food festivals celebrating America’s culinary heritage.
11. The US South
Southern states including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, and the Carolinas continue to refine their culinary identities. From Creole and Cajun traditions to whole-hog barbecue and seafood-focused coastal cuisine, the region blends heritage with innovation.
12. Florida, United States
Florida’s food scene, from Miami to the Gulf Coast, features chef-driven restaurants and menus built around fresh seafood, reflecting the state’s diverse cultural influences.
13. Boston, United States
With its own Michelin Guide, Boston’s culinary evolution is gaining attention. The city pairs classic New England seafood with creative modern dining, particularly vibrant from late spring through summer.
14. Philadelphia, United States
Philadelphia continues to establish itself as a major US food city, blending immigrant culinary traditions with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
15. Quebec, Canada
Quebec’s cuisine reflects strong French influence and a deep commitment to seasonality. From urban bistros to rural dining tables, the province offers food that is both expressive and deeply rooted in place.
16. Vancouver, Canada
As a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Vancouver stands out for its blend of Pacific seafood, Asian influences, and strong local culinary traditions, enhanced by its scenic waterfront setting.
Princess Az Zahra Suheman contributed to the writing of this article.
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