In Italy, you know that wherever you go you can eat well. But there is a real ranking of the best restaurants in the world and, according to the Compare The Market study, there are two Italian cities in the top 5: Venice, which dominates at number one, and Milan, at number five. We rank the top ten foodie-friendly cities.
The index of the best cities for food lovers
With the global culinary tourism market set to reach $3.46 billion by 2028, to help culinary enthusiasts find their next destination, a study conducted by Compare The Market AU revealed the index of the ten best cities for food lovers in the world, based on five factors, including the number of Michelin-starred restaurants, the cost of a meal and the number of restaurants dedicated to specific dietary needs.
Venice, queen of gourmets
Venice takes first place in the overall ranking: not just pizza, pasta and ice cream, but much more. With eight Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, there are plenty of high-class dining options. Surprisingly, Venice is also home to the highest number of gluten-free restaurants per 100,000 people, which means that travellers with gluten intolerances do not have to give up anything.
Prague and Amsterdam on the podium
European countries dominate the ranking, with Prague (3.172) and Amsterdam (2.992) in second and third place respectively. When one thinks of Czech cuisine, one probably thinks of large meals and full stomachs, and this is reflected in the fact that Prague offers the highest number of 5-star restaurants per 100,000 people, with travellers clearly leaving more than satisfied. Amsterdam is known for its stroopwafel and bicycle culture, but it is also fantastic at catering for dietary needs, ranking second on the list for vegans and vegetarians and third for gluten-free restaurants.
San Francisco, first in America
In the United States, San Francisco takes the title of most popular city for food lovers, with an overall score of 2,864. The Californian city is famous for offering a variety of dishes, from burritos to San Franciscan sourdough. The city is also densely populated with restaurants and for those who prefer more refined things, it is home to no less than 31 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Milan and the rest of the world
Closing the top five is Milan, with no less than 18 Michelin restaurants and a concentration of five-star restaurants of more than 16 per 100,000 inhabitants. There is less on offer for vegans and vegetarians and costs are significantly higher than in its cousin Venice.
Elsewhere, Taipei ranks first among Asian cities with a score of 2,424, known for offering extraordinary food at all hours. Dishes you absolutely must try include beef soup and fondue, and as the seventh cheapest city among those analysed, Taipei is one of the best places to eat at affordable prices. Dubai ranks seventh on the list, with the second highest number of 5-star restaurants per 100,000 people and many fantastic places to try authentic Emirati cuisine.
The ranking of the cities where you eat best in the world
| Ranking | City | Michelin restaurants | 5* restaurants per 100,000 inhabitants | Gluten-Free restaurants per 100,000 inhabitants | Vegan/vegetarian restaurants per 100,000 inhabitants | Cost of a meal in euros |
| 1 | Venice, Italy | 8 | 33 | 99 | 220 | 59 |
| 2 | Prague, Czech Republic | 2 | 68 | 24 | 75 | 49 |
| 3 | Amsterdam, Olanda | 33 | 46 | 48 | 130 | 69 |
| 4 | San Francisco, Usa | 31 | 50 | 51 | 113 | 89 |
| 5 | Milan, Italy | 18 | 16 | 32 | 75 | 73 |
| 6 | Taipei, Taiwan | 30 | 47 | 3 | 21,967 | 34 |
| 7 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 14 | 63 | 24 | 64 | 68 |
| 8 | Tokyo, Japan | 199 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 44 |
| 9 | Dublin, Ireland | 5 | 17 | 40 | 68 | 84 |
| 10 | Budapest, Hungary | 7 | 34 | 19 | 46 | 48 |
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