New York City, known for its diverse and delicious food scene was just ranked #15 on Time Out's Best Cities for Food 2026 list, presented with HelloFresh. The eye opening roundup of 20 locations just went live, utilizing feedback from 24,000 local residents across 150 cities worldwide, alongside input from 100+ Time Out editors and food experts. 

The full top 20 Best Cities for Food ranking includes:

1. Peru: Lima

Lima tops the ranking thanks to its world-famous culinary scene, where regional traditions from across Peru come together in one city. From ceviche and causa Limeña to emerging Amazonian influences, Lima offers extraordinary diversity alongside affordability. It was also rated the most affordable city for eating out on the list, with 90 percent of locals describing restaurant dining as affordable.

2. Thailand: Bangkok

Bangkok ranks second for its unmatched street food culture, bold flavours and around-the-clock dining scene. From Yaowarat's legendary food stalls to neighbourhood restaurants serving dishes that balance sweet, sour, salty and spice, food is woven into everyday life. Eighty-one percent of locals rated the city's restaurant scene highly.

3. Mexico: Mexico City

Mexico City takes third place with a food scene built on exceptional ingredients, vibrant markets and world-class restaurants. From taco al pastor to contemporary Mexican cuisine, the city offers remarkable depth and variety. Eighty percent of locals rated its restaurant scene as amazing, while 93 percent said grabbing a coffee remains affordable.

4. UK: London

London's food scene is one of the most diverse in the world, combining historic institutions with cutting-edge restaurants and cuisines from every corner of the globe. From Sunday roasts and Michelin-starred dining to beloved neighbourhood favourites, the city continues to set the pace globally. No city on the list scored higher for restaurant quality among locals.

5. Spain: Barcelona

Barcelona's culinary identity is shaped by centuries of Mediterranean history, local markets and Catalan traditions. Alongside iconic dishes and neighbourhood eateries, the city continues to innovate through a thriving restaurant scene. Eighty-two percent of locals highly rated both its restaurants and grocery shopping.

6. Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City's food culture is built on creativity, resourcefulness and bold flavours. From bánh mì and cơm tấm to late-night street food, the city blends tradition with constant reinvention. Eighty-four percent of locals gave food and grocery shopping top marks, while coffee remains one of the city's most affordable pleasures.

7. Australia: Melbourne

Melbourne's multicultural identity has helped create one of the world's most exciting dining destinations. Influences from across Europe, Asia and beyond sit alongside a world-renowned coffee culture and thriving restaurant scene. More than 93 percent of locals rated Melbourne's restaurants positively, one of the highest scores globally.

8. China: Beijing

Beijing's food scene reflects the breadth of China itself, bringing together regional cuisines from across the country. From iconic Peking duck to late-night crayfish hotspots, the city offers exceptional variety and value. Eighty-six percent of locals said both restaurant dining and coffee are affordable, making Beijing one of the best-value food cities in the ranking.

9. Greece: Athens

Athens combines thousands of years of culinary tradition with a growing modern dining scene. Historic tavernas sit alongside Michelin-starred restaurants, while souvlaki remains a staple of daily life. Locals highlighted the city's cafés and independently owned restaurants among its greatest strengths.

10. Portugal: Lisbon

Lisbon continues to attract food lovers with its seafood, traditional taverns and vibrant café culture. Classic dishes such as bifanas and clams à Bulhão Pato remain city favourites, while contemporary chefs continue to push Portuguese cuisine forward. Eighty-six percent of locals rated Lisbon's restaurant scene highly.

11. South Africa: Cape Town

Cape Town's food culture reflects centuries of cultural exchange, from Cape Malay cuisine to modern fine dining. The city's food scene is deeply connected to its communities, landscapes and local ingredients. Ninety-three percent of locals rated Cape Town as a great city for dining out.

12. Japan: Osaka

Known as Japan's "nation's kitchen", Osaka has shaped the country's food culture for centuries. Famous for its rich dashi tradition, intimate kappo restaurants and exceptional value, the city continues to attract food enthusiasts from around the world. Ninety-nine percent of locals said grabbing a coffee is affordable.

13. India: Bangalore

Bangalore's food scene reflects the city's mix of tradition, migration and innovation. From iconic breakfast institutions serving dosas and idlis to its distinctive Donne biryani, the city offers flavours found nowhere else. Eighty-two percent of locals rated the restaurant scene positively, while many highlighted its late-night food culture.

14. Italy: Naples

Naples remains one of the world's great food cities, shaped by centuries of history and the enduring influence of cucina povera. From pizza fritta and street food to globally celebrated Neapolitan pizza, food is central to everyday life here. Nearly three-quarters of locals rated the city's restaurant scene highly.

15. USA: New York City

New York's food culture is inseparable from its immigrant history. Pizza, bagels, pastrami and countless other iconic dishes tell the story of communities that shaped the city. New York was rated one of the most exciting and diverse food destinations in the world, with 91 percent of locals praising its restaurant scene.

16. Hong Kong: Hong Kong

Hong Kong's food scene reflects its role as a global crossroads, blending Chinese traditions with international influences. From cha chaan teng cafés and dim sum to fine dining and street food, the city offers exceptional range and accessibility. Locals praised both its affordability and diversity of dining options.

17. Argentina: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires combines European influences, world-class beef and a deeply social food culture. The city's famous parrillas remain at the heart of local dining, while cafés and restaurants continue to serve as gathering places for long conversations and shared meals. Locals particularly highlighted the city's welcoming atmosphere.

18. France: Marseille

Marseille's food scene has been shaped by more than 2,500 years of migration and trade. Influences from across the Mediterranean sit alongside Provençal traditions, creating a unique culinary identity. From bouillabaisse to couscous and pizza, the city's food culture is as diverse as its population.

19. Denmark: Copenhagen

Copenhagen helped redefine modern dining through the New Nordic movement and continues to punch above its weight as a global food capital. Alongside acclaimed restaurants, the city boasts a thriving bakery culture and strong local food traditions. Eighty-eight percent of locals rated dining out positively.

20. Colombia: Medellín

Medellín rounds out the ranking with one of the world's most beloved restaurant scenes. From traditional bandeja paisa and chicharrón to cafés and late-night dining spots, food plays a central role in city life. Ninety-four percent of locals rated its restaurant scene positively, among the highest scores in the survey.