Sampling local cuisine is a defining part of any holiday, whether it is street food in Asia, fresh seafood on the Atlantic coast or fine dining in Europe; holidaymakers are increasingly planning trips around what is on the menu.New global rankings reveal the world’s best foodie destinations, and while long-haul favourite Tokyo takes the crown, there’s also good news for staycation lovers. London has secured a place in the global top 10, proving you don’t even need to leave the UK to enjoy one of the world’s leading culinary scenes. This is according to research by car rental experts, SIXT. Tokyo has been named the best foodie destination in the world thanks to traditional sushi counters, sizzling yakitori and world-class ramen. The Japanese capital offers an unmatched mix of authentic local cuisine and global gastronomy.Tokyo was named the best destination for foodies | PAInterest in Tokyo’s food scene is booming, the research found. Google searches for “best food in Tokyo” have surged 255 per cent over the past year, while the city welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025. It is also home to hundreds of Michelin-starred and other top-rated restaurants.In second place globally — and first in Europe — is Paris. While famed for patisseries and café culture, the French capital’s culinary reputation stretches far beyond croissants. With 517 Michelin-starred restaurants and soaring global searches for “Where to eat in Paris” (up 81 per cent in the past 90 days), the city remains a bucket-list destination for food lovers.Portugal performs particularly strongly, with both Porto and Lisbon ranking inside the top 10. Porto, known for its wine heritage, now boasts more than 83 food attractions and 32 Michelin-starred restaurants, while Lisbon continues to gain recognition for its seafood, traditional dishes and rapidly growing premium dining scene.Top 10 foodie destinations in the worldTokyo, JapanParis, FranceOsaka, JapanPorto, PortugalLondon, UKSeoul, South KoreaNew York City, USABangkok, ThailandLisbon, PortugalSingaporeFor those considering a food-filled staycation, London also features among the world’s hotspots. Paris ranked highly for European destinations | GETTY Britons looking for a UK break should consider a trip to London | GETTYWith its multicultural dining landscape, historic markets and ever-expanding fine dining scene, the capital proves that British travellers can enjoy globally recognised cuisine without boarding a plane.For many holidaymakers, food is no longer just part of the itinerary — it is the reason for the trip. From Tokyo’s Michelin credentials to Parisian bistros, Portuguese seafood and London’s global dining scene, culinary travel is firmly on the rise.The study considered metrics including tourist search interest, food attractions (9.0+), the world’s 50 best restaurants, total Michelin-starred restaurants, and total food attractions when compiling the list.