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: