The international research group Culinary Compass released its "Top 10 Global Cities for Food and Drink in 2026" list on Tuesday, providing a comprehensive analysis of worldwide culinary destinations.
The Culinary Compass 2026 rankings place our city at number 12, just outside the coveted top 10. This annual report, closely watched by the hospitality and tourism industries, influences travel trends and local dining conversations for the year ahead, while highlighting specific areas of strength and opportunities for growth in our local food scene.
What We Know So Far
- The 2026 list of Top 10 Global Cities for Food and Drink was published by Culinary Compass, an independent food and travel analytics firm.
- Tokyo, Japan, secured the number one position for the second consecutive year, according to the report's executive summary.
- Our city was ranked 12th out of 100 cities evaluated worldwide, receiving high marks for "Cuisine Diversity" and "Emerging Chef Talent."
- The rankings are reportedly based on a weighted algorithm that includes 📌 24 distinct metrics, from restaurant density to public ratings on food sustainability.
- The Metropolitan Restaurant Coalition issued a statement acknowledging the ranking and noting it as a "valuable benchmark for our vibrant culinary community."
What are the Top 10 Global Cities for Food and Drink in 2026?
Culinary Compass's latest list presents a mix of perennial favorites and rising stars in the global food scene, celebrating cities for deep culinary traditions and innovation. The report's authors state that this year's rankings reflect a growing consumer interest in both high-end dining and authentic, accessible street food.
According to the firm, the final list was compiled after analyzing over 500,000 data points from public reviews, critic scores, and industry surveys. Tokyo's top placement was attributed to its "unmatched density of world-class restaurants and profound respect for culinary heritage," the report states. Paris and San Sebastián followed, praised for their influential fine dining and regional specialties, respectively.
The Culinary Compass 2026 report details the following top 10 cities:
| Rank | City | Country | Key Strength (per report) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | Japan | Michelin Star Density |
| 2 | Paris | France | Patisserie & Boulangerie |
| 3 | San Sebastián | Spain | Regional Cuisine |
| 4 | Mexico City | Mexico | Street Food Culture |
| 5 | New York City | USA | Cuisine Diversity |
| 6 | Rome | Italy | Historical Gastronomy |
| 7 | Bangkok | Thailand | Value & Affordability |
| 8 | Copenhagen | Denmark | Sustainability & Innovation |
| 9 | Lima | Peru | Unique Ingredients |
| 10 | London | UK | Global Food Marketplaces |
Methodology Behind the 2026 Global Food City Rankings
Culinary Compass's methodology provides a holistic view of a city's food scene, balancing elite culinary achievements with the everyday food experiences available to residents and visitors. This process is grounded in quantitative data, which the firm states minimizes subjective bias, helping to define what makes a city's food scene stand out.
The report details four major pillars used for evaluation. The first is "Quality and Diversity," which accounts for 40% of the total score. This category measures the number of award-winning restaurants, the variety of international cuisines available, and the prevalence of unique local dishes. Exploring the different cultural enclaves in our city, much like you might explore the historical architectural styles in our neighborhoods, gives you a taste of this diversity.
The second pillar, "Affordability and Accessibility," accounts for 30% of the score. This metric comprehensively analyzes the average cost of a mid-range meal, the density of restaurants per capita, and the availability of high-quality street food and markets, all crucial factors for residents and visitors.
A third category, "Innovation and Sustainability" (20%), was reportedly given more weight this year. It assesses the number of restaurants with stated sustainability practices, the prominence of farm-to-table movements, and the city's reputation for culinary innovation. Finally, "Public Sentiment" (10%) aggregates online ratings and reviews from major platforms to gauge overall diner satisfaction.
What We Know About Next Steps
More detailed information from Culinary Compass is forthcoming, following the release of the top 10 list. The full report, including individual scorecards and in-depth analysis for all 100 evaluated cities, will be published for subscribers on its website in early March.
In response to the ranking, the Metropolitan Restaurant Coalition stated it will "thoroughly review the detailed findings upon their release." The organization plans to host a town hall for local restaurant owners and chefs in the spring to discuss the report's insights and identify areas for collective improvement. A specific date for this event has not yet been announced.
