December 22, 2025, 11:55 am | Read time: 4 minutes

The Best Food Destinations According to “Condé Nast Traveller”

What is your favorite cuisine? According to a survey by the market research institute YouGov, most Germans prefer their own cuisine, followed by the famous Italian cuisine, which was recently even added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It is therefore surprising that in an online survey by the food platform Taste Atlas, Greek cuisine emerged as the best in the world. A particular part of the country seems to stand out, as shown by a recent official award. The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) named the island the “European Region of Gastronomy 2026.” It’s no wonder that Crete is among the recommendations of “Condé Nast Traveller” as one of the best food destinations in Europe for 2026. But let’s start from the beginning.

TRAVELBOOK recently reported on the Gold List by “Condé Nast Traveller,” which ranks the best hotels in Europe. However, the travel magazine also looks beyond hotel lobbies. It also ranks “Best Cities in Europe for Art,” highlighting cities with a special art scene, and similarly, places with particularly good food. We eagerly examined this new list.

Crete, Greece

The IGCAT, briefly mentioned earlier, is dedicated to strengthening regional food and cultural traditions. With the “European Region of Gastronomy” award, the institute honors Crete’s unique culinary identity, its strong commitment to sustainable practices, and its efforts to promote the richness of traditional food culture. And of course, the taste is convincing!

As “Condé Nast Traveller” writes, Crete’s diverse landscape—from gorges to high plateaus to the coast—provides a wide variety of fresh ingredients. Gathering wild herbs, vegetables, mushrooms, and truffles is a daily routine on the island and shapes the regional cuisine. Each region has its own specialties. In Chania, for example, it’s Sfakianopita—honey cake with goat or sheep cheese—and in Rethymnon, it’s Bougatsa: sweet or savory pastries. Heraklion is known for Apaki, smoked pork loin, and in the Lasithi plateau, the particularly exquisite potatoes and tomatoes are grown. From traditional taverns to gourmet restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs, Crete offers a vibrant restaurant scene—and let’s not forget the wineries.

Fès, Morocco

Fès, a city of millions in northeastern Morocco, is also one of the best food destinations for 2026 according to “Condé Nast Traveller.” The traditional Fassi cuisine combines influences from the Abbasid Caliphate, Islamic Andalusia, West Africa, and the knowledge of the Amazigh. Its origins can be discovered in markets like R’Cif, where fresh herbs, olive oil, and rare ingredients like ambrosia or mastic are offered. Fassi cuisine is characterized by a mix of traditional dishes, exotic spices, and centuries-old recipes. A typical menu includes various salads, Bastilla (stuffed pigeon pie), and slow-cooked lamb (M’hammar) with couscous. Sweet almond cookies and mint tea accompany the meal.

What might interest foodies: Starting in 2026, the world-renowned French-Monegasque chef Alain Ducasse will enrich the culinary scene at the famous 5-star hotel Palais Jamai, writes the travel magazine.

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Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, exceptional food is everywhere, as “Condé Nast Traveller” reports. The city combines Eastern and Western influences—and despite many new openings in 2026, it remains true to its rich culinary traditions. From street food at markets to modern interpretations of classic dishes, the culinary diversity of the metropolis is evident in all its facets—whether it’s a steaming basket of dim sum or a bowl of shrimp wonton soup. Those who wish can also dine at the highest level, such as with top chefs like Vicky Lau, the first Asian woman to be awarded two Michelin stars.

Prince Edward County, Canada

Prince Edward County is a community in southeastern Ontario, and according to “Condé Nast Traveller,” one of Canada’s most exciting emerging gourmet regions. Here, small wineries, farm-to-table concepts, and family-run establishments combine fresh, regional ingredients with creative dishes. Not least, it is probably the idyllic landscape that invites enjoyment and discovery. In 2026, the region will be among the top destinations for culinary-minded travelers worldwide.

The Best Food Destinations 2026 According to “Condé Nast Traveller” as a List

• Crete, Greece
• Fès, Morocco
• Hong Kong, China
• Medellín, Colombia
• Minas Gerais, Brazil
• Parramatta (Sydney), Australia
• Patan, Nepal
• Prince Edward County, Canada