Time Out has released its annual ranking of the world's best cities for food, and four European destinations have secured spots in the top ten for 2026. The Peruvian capital, Lima, took the top position, but European cities—London, Barcelona, Athens, and Lisbon—demonstrate the continent's enduring culinary appeal.
The ranking draws on a survey of more than 24,000 residents across 150 cities worldwide, who rated the quality and affordability of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and bars. Over 100 Time Out editors and local experts also contributed, with the final score weighted 70% on local sentiment and 30% on expert opinion.
London: Fourth Place
London's food scene is defined by its diversity. Residents can find everything from traditional bagels and pie and mash to Ethiopian vegan dishes and Danish smørrebrød. A striking 96% of those polled described eating out in the British capital as 'good' or 'amazing', though only 42% considered it affordable. Experts highlighted a surge in Italian openings, with Osteria Vibrato's creamy white risotto, Auguste's Abruzzian skewers, and Martino's meatballs as must-try dishes. Pub pizza is also trending, with residencies from Dough Hands, Short Road, Hot Saint, and Little Earthquakes appearing at various pubs across the city.
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Barcelona: Fifth Place
Barcelona claimed the top Spanish spot this year, overtaking Madrid. With 82% of residents rating the gastronomic scene highly for quality, the coastal city is celebrated for its return to traditional Catalan cooking. While Barcelona has long been a capital of fine dining—boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other Spanish city—experts are now excited by dishes like capipota (a gelatinous veal head and trotter dish), slow-cooked sofregits, long-braised stews, and bombas, the fried potato balls for which the city is best known.
Athens: Ninth Place
Athens performed strongly among both locals and experts, with 78% of residents and 80% of experts rating it an exciting place to eat. Residents recommend the city's coffee shops and family-run spots, while experts point to fine dining establishments such as Delta—Greece's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant—and newer venues like Kuchisabishii, Thirio, and Zigoala.
As European cities grapple with rising costs, real wages across the eurozone have slipped, making affordability a key factor for many diners.
Lisbon: Tenth Place
Lisbon rounds out the European contingent, with 86% of locals rating its food scene highly and 63% finding it affordable. The rise of neo-tascas—authentic, welcoming neighbourhood restaurants that combine technical precision with creative menus rooted in Portuguese tradition—is a defining trend. Notable examples include O Velho Eurico, Polémico, Vida de Tasca, and Gancho by Louise Bourrat. While Lisbonites love the city's bakeries and dessert spots, experts recommend trendy sandwich spots like Tosta and Bibs.
The full top ten list is as follows: Lima, Peru; Bangkok, Thailand; Mexico City, Mexico; London, United Kingdom; Barcelona, Spain; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Melbourne, Australia; Beijing, China; Athens, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal.
Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, commented: 'Kitchens from Lima to Lisbon are having a lot of fun with food in 2026, experimenting with unexpected flavour combinations and elevating classic dishes. Locals are looking beyond small plates and sourdough loaves and packing out neo-tavernas, selling out signature dishes from independent restaurants and lining up for the best pizza slice in town.'
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