Top 20 food cities in the world revealed for 2026 see where NYC ranks after being ignored last year

Time Out has released its annual — and fully subjective — list of the 20 best cities for food, naming Lima, Peru, as the global culinary capital this year.But, perhaps more importantly, New York City returned to the list at No.15 after being conspicuously absent from last year’s rankings.

Of course, the placement still seems woefully low given that NYC boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any US city, with cuisines spanning every corner of the globe from Togo to Tokyo.To compile the countdown, Time Out surveyed more than 24,000 locals from around the globe, asking them to rate the caliber and affordability of their hometown food scene, along with the best grub spots.Time Out’s panel of editors and food critics then selected their picks for the globe’s most exciting dining destinations, eventually whittling the pool down to 20.This year’s a particularly captivating time for urban gourmands, per the mag.“Locals are looking beyond small plates and sourdough, instead packing out neo-tavernas, selling out signature dishes from much-loved independent restaurants and lining up for the best pizza slice in town,” said Time Out Travel Editor Grace Beard.

“That’s the beauty of the list: today’s culinary capitals are primed for every palette, from the budget eater to the certified bon vivant.”The Peruvian capital sat atop this Mount Rushmore of metropolitan gastro-hubs.Time Out cited the city’s numerous culinary accolades, most notably fusion hotspot Maido, which previously snagged the title of “World’s Best Restaurant” for 2025.Among locals, Lima scored 80% for quality and 85% for affordability — the cheapest on the list for eating out.

It also ranked joint-second, amassing 70% of the votes for Time Out’s expert panel.Bangkok has always been a destination for epicurean pilgrims, but this veteran food scene has arguably never been hotter — and not just because of the atomically spicy chili peppers.Time Out cited the Thai capital...