People will travel for food, whether it's “the world’s best pizza” or a Michelin star menu. In fact, foodie trips are more popular than ever. The culinary tourism market anticipates a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of nearly 17% from now to 2027. So grab your Bento Bag and pack some stretchy pants; these are the best trips for foodies.
New Orleans
New Orleans is known for dishes like po’boys, gumbo, etouffee, red beans and rice, beignets, and the list goes on. It’s hard to find a bad meal in the Big Easy, from swine fries and po’boys at Bevi Seafood Company to a family-style ode to Gulf seafood at Mosquito Supper Club.
New York
It’s easy to take a bite, well, many, out of the “Big Apple.” The ultimate culinary melting pot, you can go on a foodie trip around the world without leaving the five boroughs. Peter Luger is the spot for a classic New York steakhouse experience, and a trip to the legendary Jewish deli Russ & Daughters for fresh bagels and lox is practically mandatory.
Copenhagen
Arguably the world’s most exciting fine-dining destination, Copenhagen is known as the home to the world’s best restaurant—Noma. Largely responsible for the Scandinavian culinary revolution sweeping the globe, if you can’t score a reservation there, try Geranium or Amass.
Bangkok
Thailand's capital is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Try the street food stalls selling satay on the sidewalk in Chinatown, or venture down its alleys for a bowl of spicy green curry. Bangkok runs the gambit from fine-dining at the country’s first French restaurant Le Normandie to Michelin star street food at Jay Fai. You may wait a while, but the crab omelet is worth it.
Tokyo
For many foodies, it doesn’t get better than Japan. Chefs here don’t just master the art of sushi or ramen, but the perfect pizza and burgers. For some of the tastiest noodles in town, stop inside Tokyo Station’s Ramen Alley at Rokurinsha. For Wagyu, Sumibiyakiniku Nakahara specializes in a multi-course feast of the most delicious beef you’ll ever eat. For the world’s finest pizza, yes, pizza, head to Savoy.
Lima
Did you know there are more than 4,000 types of potatoes in Peru? An incredible variety of indigenous fruits and vegetables mixed with culinary ambition has created some of the world’s top restaurants, including Central. Don’t skip out on the local ceviche spots throughout the city; La Mar Cevichería Peruana is particularly beloved.
Charleston
This South Carolina city has a huge variety of options in its ever-evolving, consistently delicious dining scene. When south of the Mason Dixon, soul food is a must; Nigel's Good Food and Bertha’s are the places to get it. And for some of the country’s most succulent barbecue, try the brisket at Lewis Barbecue and the pulled pork at Rodney Scott’s.
Melbourne
Known for its quality coffee, it’s also the culinary capital of Australia. Its myriad of Asian immigrants means its dim sum, phở and nasi goreng are top-notch. For upscale dim sum and Peking duck, book a reservation at Flower Drum. It’s worth waiting for a table at the perennially-popular Chin Chin, but if you can’t wait, head next door to Coda Melbourne.
Modena
Let’s be honest; any Italian city could end up on this list. But Modena is different. It’s home to the world’s best Italian restaurant, Osteria Francescana. If you can’t land a seat for dinner here, don’t worry, Franceschetta 58 is an affiliated second. For lunch, you’ll find the city’s best Italian cold-cut sandwiches at Bar Schiavoni.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a wildly underrated destination for a foodie trip. The region is known for its fantastic soft cheeses like labneh and its next-level, high-quality produce. Sarona Market or Carmel Market are the perfect places to start sampling everything from halva to olives. Near Carmel Market, walk to Sabich Tchernichovsky, famous for their sabich, an Iraqi-originated sandwich stuffed with eggplant and all the fixings. For hummus, head to the iconic Shlomo & Doron Hummus.
