As I have traveled more and more, I began to plan my trips completely around food. I pick destinations BECAUSE they have an amazing culinary scene, like when I was inspired to visit Mexico City to dine at Pujol. I’m sharing my top 10 favorite foodie vacation destinations that I have visited around the world.
A big part of travel for me is seeking out the very best restaurants in a destination. Every city has their own unique culinary scene that allows visitors to truly experience the culture. Eating is simply the best way to experience the heart of a city. From the buildings to the atmosphere to the people to the ingredients, there is so much to learn from restaurants.
Read on for all of the best foodie vacation spots to inspire your next holiday! I think you are going to like these!
1. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City was made for foodies! I was surprised to find so many different, but equally incredible restaurants (and bars) when I planned our trip. From world renowned favorites like Enrique Olvera’s Pujol to newcomers like Botanico, there is room for everyone to shine.
Expect to find traditional Mexican flavors along with international cuisines like Italian, Indian, Chinese, and French. From street tacos to China Town to Michelin Star status chefs, you will find plenty of variety in CDMX.
Visit the ancient chinampas at Xochimilco to learn about the ancient agricultural techniques still used by chefs today. The sustainable way of farming still fuels local markets and restaurants.
Additionally, you can visit some of the agave farms for a first hand look at the art of producing small batch tequila.
We chose to visit Mexico City entirely for the restaurants. After watching the Netflix Chef’s Table episode for Enrique Olvera, head chef of Pujol, we knew we had to plan a trip to this amazing foodie vacation spot. Check out all of my guides to plan your visit to Mexico City.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Wonderful Copenhagen! The happiest country in the world is filled with interesting people and a rich history. There are so many things to do like biking to the many castles, cruising along the canals, shopping on the famed pedestrian street, and of course, eating. Copenhagen Denmark is known for its world-renowned dining scene and Michelin starred chefs.
It has become one of the top foodie cities in the world, thanks in part to the talented team at Noma. It’s been voted the NUMBER ONE restaurant in the WORLD for several years and has received not one, not two, but THREE Michelin stars. If you want to dine at Noma, you need to book a reservation months in advance, then book your flights around when you can get in.
However, they certainly aren’t the only place that should be on your radar. With competition from places like Geranium and Alchemist, the Copenhagen foodie scene is on fire. My list of restaurants to try in Copenhagen is long and I’m constantly addingmore. We visit annually so I have you covered with all the travel tips below.
3. Sifnos, Greece
The Cycladic Islands are like stepping into a picture perfect post card. From the cobblestoned streets, white washed buildings, sprawling hot pink bougainvillae, to the blue domed churches, it feels like you are in a dream.
Most come to the Greek islands for this image alone, but you will definitely want to visit for the FOOD! If you are a food lover like me, then you will absolutely want to make a stop in a little island called Sifnos.
Known as the foodie island, Sifnos restaurants completely stole my heart in one bite. What I love most about restaurants in Sifnos, besides the food, is the lack of indoor dining. You will dine al fresco as the sun sets and the ocean breeze carries you away.
You will find many amazing restaurants like Omega-3 and Maiolica located beachside. Enjoy dining on fish that was most likely swimming this morning, locally grown produce, homemade hummus, traditional spices, and inventive styles in Sifnos. Take a cooking class where you’ll experience the full cooking process from the local farms to your plate!
4. Buenos Aires & Mendoza, Argentina
I recently visited Buenos Aires on a trip through South America and honestly was not sure what to expect. I have always heard that Buenos Aires was a fabulous city to visit, but didn’t know why. After trying it out for myself, I can say that I was blown away by the culinary scene in Buenos Aires!
Buenos Aires is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. The city is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants serving up everything from traditional Argentinean cuisine to international dishes.
Argentina is famous for its steak and malbec, but is truly so much more than that. Expect cuisine from all cultures and options for any diet whether vegan, pescatarian or if you eat meat.
Speaking of Malbec, any trip to Argentina is not complete without a visit to Mendoza. This world renowned wine region is nestled in a valley against the Andes and is known for its Malbec, specifically. Paired with Buenos Aires, it makes for the perfect foodie holiday.
The wineries across the region range from small batch, family owned and cozy, to super modern in their architectural design. I recommend trying a little of everything to gain a true understanding of what makes Mendoza special. Add my favorite restaurant to your list. Cundo Altamira which is a boutique tasting “room” with the best food and the kindest people.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The restaurants in the Amalfi Coast range from luxury Michelin starred establishments to long time family run cafes. If you are looking for a bucket list worthy foodie vacation in Italy where you can enjoy coastal Italian cuisine, add the Amalfi Coast to your list!
What I love about the Amalfi Coast is that it’s not all pizza and pasta. Yes, we had plenty of it. However, Southern Italian cuisine is characterized more by the fresh fish, clams, and shellfish found along the coast. Plus, world famous Amalfi lemons to give everything a refreshing spritz.
Enjoy a seafood pasta from Da Ciccio’s, a family run restaurant since 1911 (yes, you read that right), or try the 6 course tasting menu at the brand new La Libreria with its two Michelin stars.
Spend your days sailing along the coast, relaxing on the beach, and exploring the charming seaside towns. And, when in Italy, you have to plan for a cooking class to try your hand at homemade pastas!
6. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum restaurants have quickly become some of my favorite places to eat around the world. This tiny beach town has an impressive dining scene that has grown extensively over the years and will continue.
Tulum is a foodie’s Heaven, with a wide range of restaurants and bars offering everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to international fusion dishes. Whether you like smoothie bowls, simple tacos, Italian or fancy whole lobster, you can count on the freshest ingredients prepared in a way that is straightforward and sophisticated at the same time.
On top of the exquisite cuisine, the atmosphere at these restaurants is what I eat out for. It’s laid back but lively, incredibly chic, lush with greenery, and overflowing with the trendiest decor.
Tulum makes for a more low key, foodie vacation destination in Mexico. There are plenty of relaxing things to do in Tulum like exploring the cenotes, seeing the Mayan ruins or lounging beachside.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is known for its rich history, charming architecture, and delicious food. The city boasts some of the best restaurants in the country, offering a wide range of cuisine, from traditional Southern dishes to seafood and international fare. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of places to dine in Charleston.
Charleston boasts the most award winning chefs with numerous James Beard Award nominees and winners. These Southern chefs reinvented traditional Lowcountry cuisine and added their own personalities to breathe new life into ancient flavors. With locally sourced ingredients like seafood fresh from the docks or produce from the many local farms, these restaurants offer an unrivaled experience.
Try a few of my favorites like Chubby Fish, Leon’s, The Ordinary, Lowland, and Sorelle. From local oysters to handmade Italian pastas, Charleston is bursting with flavors and options for a delicious foodie vacation in the USA!
8. Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are located near Iceland between the North Atlantic Ocean and Norwegian Sea. The volcanic islands are made up of 18 different islands mostly connected by an impressive tunnel system or a ferry.
The Faroe Islands have quite the foodie scene for being such a tiny, remote island in the middle of the ocean. Thanks to KOKS and their two Michelin stars for putting the Faroe Islands on the map! Of course, I was pulled to visit the islands for their natural beauty, but to be honest, the restaurants really sealed the deal for me!
With their location surrounded by sea, the Faroese are known for their salmon farming and diversity in seafood. Expect to see all kinds of things on the menu like monkfish, caviar, and sea urchin. In addition, they are also farmers so you’ll see lamb and limited vegetables on the menus.
When planning your Faroe Islands itinerary, try restaurants like Ræst known for their fermented foods and authentic Faroese style of cooking (like wind drying their meats) or an inventive tasting menu at ROKS.
Be sure to make dinner reservations in advance. It’s a small island with only a few nice restaurants.
9. Switzerland
I was pleasantly surprised on my first vacation to Switzerland. I didn’t know much about the country prior to planning our 5 Day Switzerland itinerary, but it has since become one of my favorites. Now, we always try to make a stop when in Europe.
Switzerland borders Germany, Austria, Italy and France so you can imagine the influences on the culinary scene throughout the country. It is so fun to make your way across the country and see how the cuisine changes. In Geneva, you will find a heavy French and Italian influence with amazing pastas and French cafes. Once you get to Zurich, the cuisine is completely different with a big emphasis on Bavarian foods.
We put together a carefully planned itinerary taking us from Geneva to Zurich staying in 5-star hotels and eating at all the best restaurants. If you like to eat great food, leisurely stroll through old cities, and drink champagne on rooftops – my luxury itinerary through Switzerland is for you!
10. Miami, Flordia
If you are looking for a foodie vacation spot in the USA, consider visiting Miami, Florida. Its blend of international flavors make it a great trip for foodies to feel like they’ve ventured further than Florida. We visited for my babymoon, which was the perfect foodie spot when I was eating for two!
Picture this: a vibrant fusion of Latin American flavors, Caribbean influences, and a touch of Miami glamour sprinkled on top. It’s like a food lover’s paradise.
You’ve got your iconic Cuban sandwiches and cafecitos that fuel the city’s heartbeat, alongside fresh seafood that practically jumps onto your plate straight from the ocean. With plenty of diversity, from sizzling street food to elegant rooftop eateries with views that steal your breath away, Miami truly serves up a feast for every palate and mood.
Try one of our favorite Michelin starred spots, Le Jardinier, for fresh seafood and a vegetarian tasting menu, too. Or, a more casual favorite, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, that is right out of the Greek Isles.
Whether you’re strolling through Little Havana for authentic arroz con pollo or exploring Wynwood for its food truck scene, there’s always something new and delicious to discover. And let’s not forget the brunch spots—where bottomless mimosas and eggs Benedict are practically a religion.
So, if you’re craving a culinary adventure that’s as bold and colorful as Miami itself, you’re in for a treat.
The Wrap Up: There Are Many Amazing Foodie Destinations
If you’re a food lover looking for your next culinary adventure, there are some incredible cities to explore.
Mexico City offers a vibrant mix of street food and fine dining, with everything from tacos to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Sifnos, Greece is a laid-back coastal gem, known for its farm-to-table dining and fresh seafood.
In Copenhagen, you’ll find innovative Nordic cuisine and world-renowned restaurants like Noma.
Charleston serves up Southern comfort food with a modern twist, while Buenos Aires is a paradise for meat lovers, offering some of the best steaks in the world.
Whether you’re after street food or fine dining, these cities promise unforgettable food experiences.
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