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Some holidays are planned around museums and monuments. Others are a series of meals with a bit of sightseeing in between. If you fall into the latter camp, Condé Nast Traveller’s newly announced ranking of the world’s best countries for food is worth a look – and Europe has claimed the top three spots.
The results come from the publication’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, which asked thousands of readers to rate their favourite destinations. Voting took place between April 1 and June 30, with Condé Nast calculating the final scores from respondents’ ratings. Readers rated destinations on a five-point scale from excellent to poor, and the average was converted into a percentage. So, no, there wasn’t a panel of chefs arguing over who makes the best pasta. This one is all down to the travellers.
Italy claimed first place with a score of 96.92 percent. From pizza in Naples and cannoli in Sicily to risotto in Milan, the country’s regional specialities give you plenty of reasons to travel beyond the tourist trails. As CN Traveller points out, Emilia-Romagna is particularly worth a look for its rich food heritage. The region is the birthplace of Parmesan, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar and the ragù that inspired one of the world’s best-known pasta dishes. For more inspiration, check out Time Out’s guide to the best places to visit in Italy.
Greece scored 96.72 percent, with its combination of fresh seafood, traditional tavernas and regional cooking helping it secure the runner-up spot. The food scene varies between the mainland and the islands. Athens, which features on Time Out’s ranking of the world’s best cities for food this year, has trendy gastro-tavernas and fine-dining, while the Cyclades offer traditional taverna dining. If you’re plotting a trip, Time Out’s guide to the best Greek islands is a good place to start.
Portugal scored 96.57 percent, making it the highest-ranking new entry on this year’s list. CN Traveller highlights the seafood on its Atlantic coastline, from grilled sardines to seafood stews and clam rice, while Lisbon’s pastel de nata – the flaky custard tart best eaten warm – has become a destination-worthy snack in its own right. For something more substantial, the country’s traditional tascas serve up hearty, unfussy meals that are as much a part of local life as the food itself. Take a look at Time Out’s guide to the best restaurants in Lisbon before you go.
Outside Europe, Japan came fourth with 96 percent. Tokyo is a natural starting point for a food-focused trip, with its acclaimed restaurants, while traditional ryokan guesthouses offer another way to experience Japanese cuisine.
Türkiye took fifth place with 95.65 percent. Beyond its famous kebabs, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar is packed with dried fruits, Turkish delights and colourful spices. For baklava, CN Traveller recommends heading to Gaziantep in the south-east, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy known for its nutty, honey-soaked pastries.
One small head-scratcher – Indonesia actually scored higher than Turkey, despite appearing one place lower in the ranking. We’ve kept the order as published by Condé Nast Traveller.
The world’s best countries for food in 2026
- Italy – 96.92 percent
- Greece – 96.72 percent
- Portugal – 96.57 percent
- Japan – 96.00 percent
- Turkey – 95.65 percent
- Indonesia – 95.87 percent
- Spain – 95.48 percent
- Thailand – 95.31 percent
- Croatia – 94.39 percent
- South Africa – 94.26 percent
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Plus: These are the travel destinations on the rise for 2027.
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