Global culinary guide TasteAtlas has released its annual list of the 100 Best Food Cities in the World, which explores destinations celebrated for their authentic local cuisines and culinary traditions. Based on an extensive evaluation of more than 477,000 reviews for over 15,000 dishes across 17,000 cities, the rankings list places that consistently deliver outstanding gastronomic experiences.
For its 2025 list, Italy’s Naples secured the top spot. The southern Italian city received a rating of 4.8, thanks largely to its legendary pizza, which earned a near-perfect score of 4.9. Other Italian culinary powerhouses, Milan, Bologna, and Florence, also ranked on this list.
Six Indian cities on TasteAtlas 100 best food cities
In this list, six Indian cities secured their spots.
Mumbai – 5th (Rating: 4.8)
Topping the Indian entries and breaking into the top five around the world, Mumbai’s food scene garnered widespread acclaim. The city’s street-side staples like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Ragda Pattice, and Bombay Biryani were among the most celebrated. Affordable, accessible, and rich in flavour, Mumbai’s culinary offerings have earned a loyal following from locals and tourists alike.
Amritsar – 43rd (Rating: 4.5)
Known for its indulgent North Indian food offerings, Amritsar secured the 43rd position. The city’s iconic Amritsari Kulcha, typically served with tangy chickpeas and chutney, received top marks for its rich, buttery textures and bold spices.
New Delhi – 45th (Rating: 4.5)
The capital city followed close behind Amritsar, on the 45th on the global list. Delhi earned high praise for dishes such as Chole Bhature, Nihari, and the ever-popular Butter Chicken. The city’s food culture blends North Indian street delicacies with royal Mughlai heritage.
Hyderabad – 50th (Rating: 4.47)
At number 50, Hyderabad was recognised for its aromatic, spice-rich food culture that draws from a fusion of Mughlai, Turkish, and Arabic influences. Signature items like Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, and assorted kebabs earned the city its place among the world’s gastronomic giants.
Kolkata – 71st (Rating: 4.41)
Kolkata’s food is a blend of tradition and innovation. The city’s ranking was boosted by fan favourites such as Kathi Rolls and Puchkas, along with sweets like Roshogolla and Sondesh. Its street food scene continues to be a forever hit and a personal favourite!
Chennai – 75th (Rating: 4.40)
Representing the South, Chennai rounded out India’s presence on the list. Famous for its dosa, idli, and Chettinad cuisine, the city received praise for delivering comfort and complexity through its time-honoured dishes.
Italian cities claimed multiple positions in the top 10, underlining the global appeal of the country’s culinary traditions. Besides Naples and Milan, Bologna and Florence also featured prominently. Japan and Spain also secured top-tier rankings.
TasteAtlas stated, “The rankings are based on the average ratings of each city’s best-rated dishes, focusing on traditional meals and local favourites.”
