If you plan trips around meals, Europe had a strong showing in Food & Wine’s latest global rankings.
Five European cities made the magazine’s Global Tastemakers list for 2026, which ranked the top cities for food and drink after polling more than 400 chefs and travel experts.
Hong Kong took the top spot overall, but London was the highest-ranked city in Europe, coming in second.
Food & Wine praised London for its “seamless mix of high and low”, adding that you are “just as likely to eat an elevated bowl of curry as you are to find a street vendor selling remarkable shish taouk”.
The magazine said the city was picked for its range of culinary options, from food tours and cooking classes to Michelin-star dining and hole-in-the-wall spots. London has 88 Michelin-starred restaurants, the second most in Europe after Paris. The city’s pubs and food stalls, including those in Borough Market, were also highlighted.
Barcelona was the next European city on the list, placing seventh overall. Food & Wine pointed to the city’s seafood, saying the Catalan capital is known for making the most of fresh catches in paellas and simple grilled dishes.
Paris ranked eighth. Experts said “you don’t have to try very hard to have an incredible meal – everywhere you go, the food will find you”.
The list highlighted dishes including steak au frites, coq au vin and beef bourguignon, served in historic bistros across Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Montmartre and the Marais.
Copenhagen came ninth. Food & Wine said the city “emphasises local, seasonal ingredients and industry-leading techniques that are far from simple”.
The ranking pointed to craft breweries and bakeries in Nørrebro and Vesterbro, along with restaurants including Noma and Alchemist.
Istanbul rounded out the top 10. Food & Wine said the city “represents a culinary crossroads of Ottoman traditions and Mediterranean influences”.
The list pointed to traditional dishes at the Grand Bazaar, as well as contemporary versions of those plates at Nicole and Mikla.
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