Food has become a major driver of global travel, with destinations offering a blend of traditional cuisine, top-tier dining and rich new flavours. For travellers who plan their journeys around what’s on the plate, 2026 is shaping up to be a fruitful year. The Michelin Guide has released its annual list of the “Best Places to Travel in 2026 for Food Lovers,” highlighting 16 destinations around the world that promise memorable meals, elevated culinary experiences and cultural richness at the table. From long-established food capitals to destinations gaining new attention, the selection reflects a global appetite for places where travellers of all tastes can enjoy memorable dining experiences.
European classics
Venice, Italy, tops the list, buoyed by a wave of luxury hotel openings and restaurant renovations that promise to refresh the city’s famous lagoon cuisine. With more than 60 Michelin Guide restaurants, Venice is primed for a culinary renaissance.
Czechia is also gaining attention thanks to its first nationwide Michelin Guide, which highlights everything from Prague’s restaurants to the spa town kitchens of South Moravia.
The Dolomites region in northern Italy, spotlighted for its alpine cooking during the Winter Olympic Games, and Wrocław, Poland, noted for its modern takes on Silesian traditions, round out European entries with strong local voices.
The Amalfi Coast’s classic Mediterranean flavours are being rediscovered, with Michelin Guide inspectors recommending travel in late spring and early autumn to savour fresh local produce coupled with scenic dining.
Middle East and Asia: New horizons
For the Middle East, Saudi Arabia marked a significant milestone with the launch of its own Michelin Guide, placing cities like Riyadh and Jeddah on the global food map. The kingdom’s evolving restaurants mix traditional Arabic fare with international influences.
In Asia, Cappadocia, Türkiye — long known for its dramatic landscapes — is now attracting food lovers eager for regional Anatolian recipes and farm-to-table cooking inside cave restaurants.
Jiangsu Province in China emerges as an affordable yet refined food destination, with cities such as Suzhou and Nanjing offering garden cuisine and classical techniques.
The Philippines shows rapidly rising food scenes in both Manila and Cebu, where local favourites like sisig and sinigang share menus with modern interpretations amid abundant fresh produce.
North America: Diverse and dynamic
Across North America, food tourism is flourishing. The Michelin Guide’s list includes Route 66 in the United States, celebrated as a culinary road journey in its 100th anniversary year, with classic diners, BBQ joints and regional specialties between Chicago and Los Angeles.
The American South as a region earned a spot for its evolving recognition of local specialties from Alabama to Tennessee, while Florida’s statewide selection reflects its seafood and chef-led restaurant growth.
Historic cities like Boston and Philadelphia also featured on the list with a fresh emphasis on their seafood and seasonal sourcing. In Boston, chefs are reinventing the city’s seafood legacy, pairing New England shellfish with global influences. Philadelphia highlights seasonal mid-Atlantic ingredients and diverse immigrant traditions, favoring cozy neighborhood restaurants over formal dining. Both cities are tied to national celebrations in 2026: Boston with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, and Philadelphia as a co-host of the FIFA World Cup.
Canada’s culinary scene
Canadian destinations complete the list, with Quebec’s French-inspired kitchens and bistros serving harvest-driven menus, while Vancouver takes its place on the global stage as a 2026 World Cup host. The city’s Pacific location and cultural mix shape a vibrant culinary scene, from fresh seafood and Asian influences to emerging Indigenous cuisine. Michelin recommends visiting in summer, when outdoor dining thrives, and the city’s nature views become part of every meal.
As travel evolves, the Michelin selection highlights how cuisine and culture shape destinations, making dining a central part of the journey.
