May 21, 2026, 11:40 am | Read time: 4 minutes
There are cities you visit mainly for their art, history, or legendary party scene. And then there are places whose names immediately whet your appetite–which doesn’t mean they don’t offer plenty of cultural or scenic attractions as well. But for now, let’s focus on outstanding cuisine. The culinary guide “Taste Atlas” has crowned the cities with the best food in the world based on numerous user reviews. Naples takes the top spot, with many other ranks also going to Italy, celebrated worldwide for its cuisine.
Recently, TRAVELBOOK reported on a similar “Taste Atlas” ranking: the countries with the best food in the world–with Italy at the top. However, it’s worth mentioning that Greece briefly held the top spot the previous year. Italy’s return to the top in 2026 is largely thanks to its culinary staple: Pizza Napoletana. The Neapolitan pizza, with its characteristically airy and crispy crust, received the highest ratings from the “Taste Atlas” community. It’s only fitting that its hometown, Naples, now leads the ranking of cities with the best food.
The Best City in the World for Food According to “Taste Atlas”: Naples
For the evaluation, “Taste Atlas” considered around 19,000 cities worldwide and just as many dishes from its own database. The ranking was based on more than 590,000 verified user reviews. The top 100 included cities whose typical regional and national specialties were rated the best on average.
In addition to its Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza, Naples impressed in the ranking with dishes like Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. According to “Taste Atlas,” this is a simple yet delicious dish from Campania: tender potato gnocchi in a creamy tomato-mozzarella sauce with basil, baked with melted cheese. Traditionally, they are served in small clay dishes. Watch out, they’re hot!
Carbohydrate fans will find plenty to enjoy in Naples. Additionally, the cuisine of the best city for food is naturally influenced by its direct location on the Mediterranean–with plenty of fresh fish and seafood traditionally consumed in Naples. Spaghetti Vongole, with clams, is also among the highly rated dishes.
Ranks 2, 3, and 4 of the Ranking–All in Italy
Following the leader Naples, Milan takes second place. The “Taste Atlas” community was particularly impressed by Risotto alla Milanese: a risotto that may appear modest but becomes quite refined with the use of saffron and its creamy texture. Classics like Ossobuco alla Milanese and the hearty stew Cassoeula are also among the city’s top-rated dishes.
Third place goes to Bologna, partly due to Tagliatelle al Ragù and Tortellini in Brodo–small stuffed pasta served in a rich broth. Finally, the Tuscan city of Florence secures fourth place. The famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak traditionally grilled over an open fire, is particularly well-received by “Taste Atlas” users.
The First Non-Italian Placement in the Ranking
While other Italian cities appear in the top 20 at ranks 6, 9, and 16, fifth place goes to an Asian metropolis. Which one might you expect here? Perhaps one from Japan? After all, East Asian cuisine, with its diverse and artfully prepared dishes, is experiencing a global boom. However, Japanese cities don’t appear until rank 11 (Osaka) and 14 (Kyoto).
Fifth place goes to Mumbai. The metropolis is considered one of India’s most important culinary melting pots and delights “Taste Atlas” users with an extraordinary range of flavors. Street food classics like Vada Pav, a fried potato patty, and the creamy-spicy vegetable curry Pav Bhaji are particularly popular. Bhelpuri, a crispy, sweet-spicy snack made from puffed rice, vegetables, and tamarind sauce, also received many thumbs up.
It’s Not Italy! This Is the Country With the Best Food in the World
This Dish Was Named the Best in the World
How Do German Cities Fare?
Only two German cities made it into the best cities for food: Munich at a respectable 46th place, and Berlin at 81st, still within the top 100.
Munich, ranked higher, is appreciated for its hearty Bavarian cuisine–from Weißwürste, traditionally served with sweet mustard and pretzels, to Käsespätzle and hearty meat dishes like roast pork. In Berlin, classics like Currywurst, Eisbein, and Königsberger Klopse are favored.
The Best Cities for Food According to “Taste Atlas” at a Glance
The ranking includes 100 cities. TRAVELBOOK presents the top 20 at a glance:
- 1. Naples (Italy)
- 2. Milan (Italy)
- 3. Bologna (Italy)
- 4. Florence (Italy)
- 5. Mumbai (India)
- 6. Genoa (Italy)
- 7. Paris (France)
- 8. Vienna (Austria)
- 9. Rome (Italy)
- 10. Lima (Peru)
- 11. Osaka (Japan)
- 12. Madrid (Spain)
- 13. Nice (France)
- 14. Kyoto (Japan)
- 15. New Orleans (USA)
- 16. Venice (Italy)
- 17. Gaziantep (Turkey)
- 18. Ferrara (Italy)
- 19. New York City (USA)
- 20. Singapore (Singapore)