Top 10 Culinary Destination Cities of 2023 (Tokyo #4)

Food enthusiasts, get ready to explore the top 10 culinary destinations of 2023, as ranked by the expert recommendations from Restaurant Guide World of Mouth.

With 1,583 expert recommendations added during 2023, and a total of 6,300 recommendations, these cities offer the most tantalizing and diverse culinary experiences.

In this list, Tokyo was named the 4th best culinary travel destination.

1. Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s transformation into the Nordic restaurant capital in just 15 years is astounding. Noma spearheaded this revolution, but the city’s culinary landscape has expanded far beyond. With a plethora of world-class restaurants, including Noma, Geranium, and Alchemist, Copenhagen offers a diverse array of global cuisines.

The city is a haven for food lovers, offering Danish smørrebrød, local seafood, renowned breweries, and vibrant cocktail bars. Its culinary scene thrives year-round, showcasing the best of Nordic gastronomy.

2. London

London, a melting pot of cultures and traditions, is a global culinary influencer. The city masterfully blends its rich heritage with innovative culinary techniques. Diners can enjoy a vast range of cuisines, from traditional British fare to exotic global flavors, in settings ranging from street stalls to luxurious dining establishments.

Key highlights include St John, Clove Club, Brat, KOL, and Ikoyi, reflecting London’s dynamic and inclusive culinary scene, catering to every palate and budget.

3. New York

New York City, a bustling hub of culinary innovation, offers a diverse and competitive food scene. From luxurious dining to street food gems, the city’s gastronomic landscape is a melting pot of global cuisines.

New Yorkers enjoy a spectrum of dining experiences, including Estela, Wildair, Atomix, and the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen. Manhattan’s dominance has now expanded to a city-wide culinary phenomenon, reflecting the diverse tastes of over eight million residents.

4. Tokyo

Tokyo, a culinary paradise, boasts an endless array of Japanese and international cuisines. Renowned for having the most Michelin-starred restaurants globally, Tokyo caters to all tastes, from exquisite sushi to vibrant street food and sophisticated fine dining.

The city’s culinary scene is a blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, offering unique experiences at Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurants and establishments specializing in grilled beef and modern Japanese cuisine.

The top 10 Tokyo restaurants ranked in this report are:

1. MAZ – Peruvian-Japanese
2. Sumibi Yakiniku Nakahara – Japanese barbecue
3. Den – kaiseki
4. Tempura Kondo – tempura
5. Savoy Tamato & Cheese – pizza
6. Pizza Marumo – pizza
7. The Blind Donkey – izakaya
8. Higashiazabu Amamoto – sushi
9. Gucci Osteria Tokyo – Italian
10. Parklet Bakery – pastries

5. Bangkok

Bangkok is a whirlwind of culinary delights, bustling from dawn to dusk. Its vibrant food scene features street markets, upscale terraces, and traditional floating markets. Offering a wide array of Thai and international dishes, Bangkok is home to renowned eateries like Raan Jay Fai, Le Du, Potong, and Sühring.

The city’s dining landscape ranges from street food to elegant fine dining, embodying the energetic and diverse nature of Bangkok’s culinary culture.

6. Paris

Paris, the epicenter of high gastronomy and traditional French cooking, offers an unparalleled variety of culinary experiences. The city’s rich diversity is evident in its array of restaurants, ranging from classic French bistros and oyster bars to innovative Japanese cuisine.

Home to various cultural influences, Paris’s culinary scene includes notable establishments like Table by Bruno Verjus and AT, as well as modern bistros like Parcelles and Le Bon Georges.

7. Barcelona

Barcelona’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its football, architecture, and beaches. This gastronomic hub offers a mix of traditional tapas bars, food market eateries, Michelin-starred venues, and molecular gastronomy pioneers. Highlights include Disfrutar and popular tapas and seafood spots in the old town.

Barcelona’s diverse offerings are complemented by a range of top-quality local produce, including seafood, meat, vegetables, mushrooms, and wines.

8. Dubai

In a short time, Dubai has carved out a niche as a culinary wonderland, blending tradition with innovation. Its dynamic food scene offers an eclectic mix of flavors and dining experiences, from local street food to world-famous chefs’ creations.

Highlights include Orfali Bros’ Syrian dishes, Trèsind Studio’s Indian flavors, and a variety of international cuisines like ceviche, noodles, and sushi, showcasing Dubai’s culinary diversity.

9. Berlin

Berlin, Germany’s capital, is also its culinary heart. The city’s diverse food scene includes everything from classic Döner kebabs and currywurst to avant-garde coffee roasters, wine bars, and fine dining.

Influenced by Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Asian communities, Berlin’s culinary landscape is rich and varied. Notable spots include Coda, Horvath, and Annelies, each representing a unique aspect of Berlin’s gastronomic diversity.

10. Stockholm

Stockholm’s culinary scene is a testament to the New Nordic food movement’s influence. Offering a blend of tradition and innovation, the city’s gastronomy includes everything from iconic hot dog stands and market hall foods to world-class restaurants.

Traditional Swedish dishes like meatballs, pickled herring, and vendace roe are must-tries, along with a variety of bakeries and cafés perfect for enjoying a Swedish fika.

These destinations, each unique in their culinary offerings, were chosen based on the highest number of expert recommendations in 2024 from the World of Mouth. They represent the global diversity and richness of culinary experiences, making them must-visit destinations for any food lover.

Source: WoW