When it comes to discovering a destination, few experiences are as revealing (or as delicious) as exploring its food scene. We asked theTravel + Leisure team to share the cities that left the strongest impression on their taste buds, from street food havens to fine-dining capitals. Whether it’s bold flavors or rich culinary traditions, these food cities are the ones that served up a long-lasting experience for T+L.
Thailand
“Thailand is one of those places where the food itself is the destination. When my husband and I honeymooned in the land of fish sauce and chilies a few years ago, our itinerary read more like a menu, our days and nights revolving around where and what we’d eat next: boat noodles slurped outside a street stall in Bangkok; fragrant khao soi at a Chiang Mai recommendation we’d gotten from a local Uber driver; green curry in a countryside cooking class using ingredients we’d handpicked just nearby; a whole, salt-crusted fish with an ice-cold Singha on the beach in Railay; and sweet mango sticky, well, anytime we had the chance.
What makes Thailand’s culinary scene stand out is its flavors, yes—a pungent alchemy of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy (sometimes all at once)—but it’s also about the accessibility of absurdly good food. You don’t need reservations or a big budget. Some of the best meals we had came wrapped in banana leaves or served in plastic cups with a straw. Street vendors are revered like celeb chefs, and we ate well whether we were sitting outside on a wobbly plastic stool devouring som tum or tucked into a Michelin-starred restaurant being served course after course.
Eating in Thailand isn’t just for sustenance; it’s about exploring, nourishing not only your stomach, but your senses, from following your nose through a night market or learning to pound curry paste from scratch in a countryside cooking class.”
— Alisha Prakash, Associate Editorial Director
New York City
“When it comes to the range and quality of cuisines, New York City can’t be beat. Sure, the tacos are still not as great as Los Angeles, but where else can you get top-notch cuisine from places like Uzbekistan, Armenia and Ethiopia? The diversity of Japanese cuisine alone is amazing, whether you want sushi, tempura, soba noodles, or grilled eel. That said, it’s the fried chicken, caviar, champagne at Coqodaq that made me fall in love with the city again. It feels like a party every night.”
— Denny Lee, Articles Editor
NYC Dining Hot Take: Avoid any restaurant that won’t seat you until the full party is there.
Best Slice: The sweet chili oxtail slice at Cut and Slices.
Rome
Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure
“In Rome, life is centered around food. From the espresso crowds spilling out of tiny cafes in the mornings to long afternoons spent at sidewalk tables over pasta and wine, there’s no better way to live, if you ask me. I studied abroad in Rome over 15 years ago, and I’ve been returning regularly ever since—mainly to eat. Without fail, I’ll have a bowl of bucatini all’amatriciana in front of me within half an hour of stepping foot in the city center. If you’re there in March or April, you must also eat artichokes everywhere you go. I don’t make the rules.”
— Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director
Favorite Restaurant(s): Taverna Trilussa (there is truly nothing better than Roman pasta served straight from the pan in busy Trastevere, one of my favorite neighborhoods); Pierluigi for top-quality seafood and an impressive wine cellar; wine bar L’Antica Enoteca (a Ruggiero family favorite); La Terrazza at Hotel Eden; Idylio by chef Francesco Apreda; and Ineo at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi
Must-try Dishes: Spaghetti alla carbonara; bucatini all’amatriciana (my favorite; I’m a red sauce girl); tonnarelli cacio e pepe; Roman pizza (Pizzarium Bonci, an Anthony Bourdain go-to); supplì (basically a perfectly proportioned little rice ball with steaming hot mozzarella at the center); and porchetta (crispy pork best eaten as a sandwich) off the street.
Can’t Miss Events: When in Rome, you must go to a food market, even if it’s just to browse and people watch (prepare to see the most animated conversations you’ll ever witness over vegetables and cheese). I love Mercato Trionfale in Prati, one of the biggest, and Mercato Campo de’ Fiori, one of the oldest. Mercato Testaccio is a little more out of the way, but well worth it for the street food.
New Orleans
“Many American cities have their own culinary specialties but New Orleans has such a distinct preserved cuisine that stands out from other destiantion in America. Only enhancing it further are the micro-communities of immigrants who are thriving in the food space. It’s a living, breathing fusion of cultures—French, African, Spanish, and Creole, to name a few. From iconic staples like gumbo and beignets to neighborhood po’ boy shops, I always feel like the city tells a story with every meal. I’ve had some of the best Honduran and Vietnamese food here. I’ve been to New Orleans eight times and I’m always down to go back—just for the food.”
— Susmita Baral, Senior Editor
Taiwan
“Taiwan has one of the most diverse and vibrant culinary scenes in the world because of its political history. Original Taiwanese cuisine is largely Indigenous cuisine—there are 16 recognized Indigenous communities in Taiwan, each with its own foodways. Over the centuries, immigrants from the Chinese mainland, the vast majority of them from Southern China, came to Taiwan for all sorts of reasons: to farm, fish, and, in general, most came to Taiwan to try their luck if they hadn’t been able to make it on the mainland.”
— Mae Hamilton, Digital Editor
Favorite restaurants: Yu Dong Goose Meat, Fuzhou Pepper Buns in Raohe Night Market, Yuan Fang Guabao, Wang’s Broth, Mao Yuan, and, of course, Din Tai Fung
Must try dishes: Braised pork rice, cuttlefish geng, fresh bamboo shoots served with sweet mayonnaise, daikon soup, gua bao, Taiwanese shaved ice.
Can’t Miss Events: Visit during the Dragon Boat Festival for zongzi (aka “Chinese tamales”); the Mid-Autumn Festival for mooncakes; and for Lunar New Year to have feasts of epic proportions and countless dishes. While in Taipei, make sure to go to at least one night market—I recommend Raohe Night Market.
Charleston
“Charleston is the “It City” for Southern cuisine. South Carolina’s Lowcountry benefits from an incredible local bounty of fresh produce and seafood, and for hundreds of years, the diverse mix of people that have called this region home have shaped what we now see as quintessential Southern food. And its not just the deep food history that makes Charleston special; new chefs and experiences are redefining what Lowcountry cooking can be and bringing new flavors and cuisines to this South Carolina city.”
— Elizabeth Rhodes, Senior Editor
Must-try Dish: Local seafood is a must. First-time visitors absolutely have to try she-crab soup, a Lowcountry boil, and shrimp and grits.
Can’t Miss: The Food and Wine Classic in Charleston! The event is entering its second year and offers an incredible lineup of local and internationally renowned chefs and makers. Plus, there are so many tasty bites to try during the Grand Tasting.
San Miguel de Allende
From left: Anna Mardo/Getty Images; Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images
“In San Miguel de Allende, T+L’s No. 1 city in the world for 2025, the dishes are colorful, textured, flavorful and indicative of the vibrant culture there. Mexican cuisine is some of the best food I love to have when I travel. I was drawn to San Miguel being a quaint city with bustling elements so I knew there would be high-end restaurants, as well as local mom and pop shops where the food is just as good.”
— Kareema Bee, Senior Visual Producer
Favorite Restaurant(s): Tostevere for tostadas and Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s Luna Rooftop for a meal with a breathtaking view of the city during sunset.
No. 1 Food Tip: Find a rooftop bar—you can thank me later. My choice is Bekeb.
Must-try dishes: Churros, tostadas, and the spicy margaritas!
Seoul
“Whether you’re wandering a night market or sitting down for a lengthy barbecue dinner, Korean food is perfect for sharing and trying lots of different things. I loved that small dishes of banchan (daikon, kimchi, bean sprouts, and other pickled veggies) and rice accompany almost every meal; the artfully arranged little bowls are also incredibly aesthetically pleasing.”
— Elizabeth Cantrell, Senior Editor
No. 1 Dining Tip: For a satisfying meal-on-the go, don’t overlook convenience stores and department stores. Major department stores like Shinsegae, Hyundai, or Lotte have immaculate food courts, and convenience stores have fresh foods, so you can eat affordably.
Must-try Dish: Salt bread from Jayeondo Sogeumppang, in Seoul’s Seongdong neighborhood. Salt bread is a small crescent roll, similar to a croissant, with a crispy exterior (flaked with salt) and buttery, soft inside. And in most markets you can find candied fruit (mandarins, grapes, berries) on a stick—truly a perfect dessert on-the-go.
Can’t Miss: My favorite night of the trip was eating fried chicken and drinking beer and soju in Euljiro’s Nogari Alley, where people come after work and sit at plastic tables with folding chairs. Unpretentious, delicious, a little messy, a lot fun. For sampling a variety of savory snacks, go to a night market in Myeongdong or Gwangjang. I also found Seoul’s coffee and pastry scene to be very strong, particularly in the Seongdong neighborhood.
Portland, Maine
From left: DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images; Jess Feldman/Travel + Leisure
“The culinary leaders who come here are truly not afraid to be creative. (Spoiler alert: it’s not just lobster rolls and oysters.) There’s Southern food at Hot Suppa, New England-inspired Asian at The Honey Paw, and delicious fine-dining restaurants that do specialize in seafood, but in the best way, like Scales or Fore Street.” — Jess Feldman, Special Projects Editor
Favorite Portland, Maine, Restaurants:
Marcy’s Diner for breakfast, The Honey Paw for lunch, and Scales for an elevated meal to end the day.
Best Lobster: For a truly delicious whole lobster that’s paired with an elegant dining experience, head to Scales. For a more laid-back vibe and a nontraditional take on a lobster roll, Eventide Oyster Co. is the place for you.
No. 1 Food Travel Tip for Portland, Maine:
There are so many great options inside the city, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on the “best” ones by not getting a reservation. I suggest taking a drive along the city limits and trying the seafood shacks by the sea. Some of my favorites are Bite into Maine and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, both in Cape Elizabeth, and Docks Seafood in South Portland. They are unfussy, and as a New Englander, just feel like home.
Hong Kong
“Hong Kong has a trend of savory cocktails that I’m OBSESSED with. Not your typical dirty martinis. It’s also home to the best bar in asia (according to 50 best). It’s also a great spot for high/low dining. The street markets are filled with fun and unique bites and the city is jam-packed with Michelin-starred restaurants.”
— Taylor McIntyre, Senior Visuals Editor
Baltimore
Lydia Price/Travel + Leisure
“While new luxury hotels and white-cloth eateries signal an uptick in Baltimore’s tourism efforts, the city’s culinary roots are deep and longstanding. Eclectic local cuisine draws from Southern soul food, coastal working-class creations, and influences from Polish immigrants. These hearty dishes hit the stomach like a warm hug, perfect for satiating the appetite after a long day of work on the Chesapeake. When you visit Baltimore, come hungry for Old Bay everything and crab served in every conceivable form.”
— Lydia Price, Senior Editor
Favorite Restaurant(s): Captain James Landing has been a trusted favorite in my family since 1979, but there’s no shortage of great options like L.P. Steamers and Faidley’s Seafood. For pit beef—another Baltimore essential—head to local chain Chaps or beloved road-side joint Pioneer to feast on a smoky sandwich you won’t soon forget.
Must-try Dish: Crabs. Crabs. Crabs. Crab cakes are undoubtedly Baltimore’s most famous dish. Extra-lumpy with minimal filler, the cakes let blue crab, the pride and joy of Charm City, shine. From crab soup to crab dib and, of course, just good ‘ole steamed crab, Baltimore know to make the most of its signature seafood.
Portugal
“The foodie love, pride and appreciation found all over Portugal was something I instantly connected to and fell in love with. Talking with locals in each city visited about their countries history and the food tied into it is an incredibly experience wherever you go but doing so in one of the oldest countries in Europe carries a little something extra. Even being seeped with so much history, having some of their most iconic treats and dishes being made for over 200 years, the kindness and ease of the people is truly what drew me in.”
— Alessandra Amodio, Digital Photo Editor
Favorite Restaurant(s): I’m still dreaming of the steak I had at A Severa, a traditional Fado House in the Bairro Alto neighborhood of Lisbon. Its recipe hasn’t changed in the 70 years since it was opened and made by the current owners grandparents.
Must-try Eats: Daily caught fresh seafood, especially the cod cakes; Pastéis de Belém’s iconic pastel de nata; Casa Piriquita in Sintra for a ginja and to try their travesseiros.
Portland, Oregon
RyanJLane/Getty Images
“Portland, Oregon, is an eclectic heaven—and it’s culinary scene represents just that. With its food cart culture, independent coffee shops, and roughly 83 microbreweries, it’s no surprise this West Coast city attracts over 12 million visitors a year. I traveled here for the coffee culture for my solo birthday trip—and it consisted of reading in a new shop every morning while drinking locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee.”
— Jessica Vadillo, Editorial Assistant
Favorite Restaurant(s): I was floored by Andina, a Peruvian restaurant with incredible tallarines, lomo saltado, and yuca frita, as well as alfajores for dessert. For brunch, I recommend Screen Door, the Southern comfort brunch spot of your dreams.
Must-try Drink: My favorite coffee shop was hands down Sisters Coffee Company, where I got a simple iced latte made to perfection.
Can’t Miss: There’s no shortage of festivals and events, some including: Portland Greek Festival, Portland Seafood and Wine Festival, and Feast Portland, as well as Portland Saturday Market and the Portland Craft Beer Festival.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-leisure-editors-favorite-food-destinations-11758808