Lima Named World's Best City for Food in 2026 by Time Out

Lima, Peru, has earned the title of the world's top city for food in 2026, according to a new ranking by Time Out magazine. The prestigious list, compiled from the opinions of 24,000 residents across 150 cities, places the Peruvian capital at the forefront of global culinary destinations.

Time Out's selection process involved surveying residents on restaurant quality, food accessibility, and the city's overall culinary culture. Lima, a coastal city widely recognized as a gastronomic powerhouse in Latin America, particularly impressed with its seafood specialties like ceviche and causa limeña. Beyond its acclaimed dishes, Lima was also noted as the most affordable city for dining among the top 20 on the list.

Virginia Gil, U.S. editor at Time Out, emphasized that these cities are celebrated for more than just their dining establishments. "Cities on this list are known for their ingredients, iconic dishes, and deeply rooted culinary histories that have influenced how people eat around the world," Gil told CNN Travel. "These are not just places that food lovers flock to today, but cities that have drawn travelers in search of great meals for decades."

Following Lima, Bangkok, Thailand, secured the second position for the second consecutive year, praised for its "unparalleled street food culture." Mexico City ranked third, recognized for its diverse food scene ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant street food markets. London rounded out the top four, celebrated for its extensive global cuisine offerings and high-quality restaurants, as rated by locals.

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Cities on this list are known for their ingredients, iconic dishes, and deeply rooted culinary histories that have influenced how people eat around the world. These are not just places that food lovers flock to today, but cities that have drawn travelers in search of great meals for decades.