The Best Vacation Destinations for Foodies

Traveling the world is one of the most exciting things that you can do. Not only do you get the chance to meet any number of interesting people, but you also have an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture.

For most cultures, food is one of the most important aspects.

Whether you consider yourself a “hardcore foodie,” or you just enjoy having a dish that you can’t get in your hometown, local cuisine is one of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling.

If you’ve found yourself trying to pick your next vacation spot, consider some of these best foodie vacation spots.

Mendoza, Argentina

While many wine enthusiasts may know about Mendoza, Argentina for the high-quality wine that comes from the region, it’s also become one of the best places for foodies to visit.

Mendoza is full of wineries, but don’t let the name of these places fool you. Most wineries in Mendoza offer impressive lunch and dinner menus, too.

To make things even more appealing, the staff at most of the wineries in Mendoza, Argentina are well-trained on how to help you choose the right pairing of wine and food, so you’re sure to get something that you enjoy.

Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada is home to thousands of restaurants, meaning that you can find virtually anything that you can think of if you visit one of Canada’s biggest cities.

In 2023, Michelin Guide, the leading name in the restaurant rating industry, awarded 15 restaurants with the prestigious Michelin Star award.

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with enjoying some good Canadian cuisine, your options are limitless in Toronto.

There are more than 100 languages spoken in Toronto, which has cemented its position as one of the most diverse cities in North America.

ByBlacks Restaurant Week is a semi-annual festival held in November that focuses on the city’s diverse food options. If possible, try to schedule your trip accordingly.

Paris, France

While Paris, France is widely known for its world-class art museums and historic attractions, it’s also one of the best foodie vacation spots in the world.

Paris is home to multiple street food markets, so you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.

The city is also close to some of the most famous wine regions in the world, making it both a foodie haven and a great place for wine enthusiasts.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thai cuisine is some of the most beloved and diverse food in the world, and Bangkok, Thailand’s location as one of the centralized cities in Thailand makes it a perfect place to try various options.

Whether you’re looking for some of the best curry that you’ll find anywhere in the world, or you’re interested in trying tom kha kai, Bangkok has something for you.

The socioeconomic diversity of Thailand also means that you’ll be able to find several options when it comes to where you eat.

You can stop in one of the city’s multiple Michelin Star restaurants or swing by a street vendor and find some of the same options.

Bologna, Italy

When literally translated, Bologna, Italy’s name means, “fat lady.” The city is home to some of the most famous eateries in Italy, which is a country largely known for its food.

In addition to being the birthplace of Bolognese sauce, Bologna is also home to tortellini and the world’s best ice cream.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Bologna as a foodie destination is that there are no tourist traps anywhere in town. This is a city that truly revolves around food, making it one of the best places for foodies in the world.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

If you’re an American foodie, you probably know how diverse your dining options are in the United States.

Not only can you find completely different dining options simply by going from one region to another, but America, which is widely known as a melting pot of different cultures, has incredibly diverse food options.

However, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California is home to 60 restaurants, the most of any small town in the United States.

Food is such a key part of this town’s culture that they host an annual Carmel Culinary Week, usually around the first week of June.

Charleston, South Carolina

We’ll get back to some of the options from around the globe in a moment, but no list of best destinations for foodies is complete without a mention of Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston is one of the most historic cities in the southeast. The Carolinas are renowned for their barbeque, and Charleston’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean also means that you’ll be able to find loads of great seafood options.

Many restaurants in the area focus on the city’s Southern influences. Additionally, the Zero George Street Hotel in Charleston is ranked as one of the top five foodie hotels in the world.

Barcelona, Spain

While you probably think of tapas and other traditional Spanish foods when you think of Barcelona, there are loads of other options available.

Barcelona is home to a staggering 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, making it one of the best dining destinations anywhere in the world.

In addition to the dozens of world-class restaurants, there are also several open-air markets where you can pick up fresh produce, seafood, and other delicacies that are native to Barcelona.

New York City, New York

“The city that never sleeps” is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world.

Thanks to the countless influences that are such a cornerstone of what makes New York City unique, it’s possible to walk down a single street and find any number of international dining options.

By and large, New York City is the birthplace of culinary trends that have gained popularity the world over, so it’s no wonder that it makes the list of best destinations for foodies.

In addition to the international dining options, you’ll find dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Tuscany, Italy

If it seems like Italy keeps coming up on our list, it’s because the country is home to some of the best food in the world, making virtually every area an ideal foodie vacation destination.

Restaurants in Tuscany are widely revered for their pasta, which is obviously a staple in Italy.

However, there are loads of other options available to you, including world-class wineries that have expansive lunch and dinner menus.

Tokyo, Japan

Even if you don’t consider yourself a sushi enthusiast, every foodie should visit Tokyo, Japan at some point.

Obviously, Japan as a whole is mostly known for its sushi options, as you’ll be able to find a wide variety of options that are widely considered the best in the world, but that’s not all there is to enjoy.

Foodies who vacation in Japan are usually drawn to the izakayas, which are virtually everywhere around the city.

Since they’re mostly located in alleys, foodies who enjoy a bit of an adventure typically enjoy looking for these eateries that are tucked away in every crevice imaginable.

While they may look like a dive bar, the quality of food that you find inside is world-class.

Pack Your Appetite and Go!

Enjoying the food offered in some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is a great way to learn more about different cultures while gaining a deeper appreciation for the people who have crafted these recipes over the years.

Whether you want to hit up some of the best dining options in the United States or purchase a plane ticket and see the world, you’re sure to find something that tickles your taste buds.