For many frequent travellers, discovering incredible cuisine is just as important as seeing iconic landmarks or relaxing on beautiful beaches. Food has the power to tell the story of a country all on its own, providing insights into centuries of tradition, promoting local ingredients and showcasing regional specialities that simply can't be replicated elsewhere.
If you've ever wondered what countries have the best food, there are a handful of destinations that consistently stand out for their exceptional culinary heritage, world-class restaurants and unforgettable gourmet experiences.
From the rustic flavours of Tuscany to Michelin-starred dining in Paris and Tokyo, these five countries offer some of the finest foodie holidays in the world. Whether you're looking to enjoy award-winning restaurants, explore bustling local food markets or learn authentic recipes from expert chefs, these destinations promise a feast for all the senses.
1. Italy
Italy has long been regarded as one of the world's greatest culinary destinations. The birthplace of iconic dishes including handmade pasta, Neapolitan pizza, creamy gelato ice cream and some of the world's finest wines, every region offers its own distinctive flavours and traditions. From the truffle infused cuisine of Piedmont to fresh seafood along the Amalfi Coast and the rustic cooking of Tuscany, Italy is a paradise for foodies.
One of the finest hotels from which to experience authentic Italian cuisine is Borgo Pignano in Tuscany. Surrounded by 750 acres of picturesque farmland, the organic offerings at Borgo Pignano provide a true taste of the Tuscan countryside. Its exceptional farm-to-fork gastronomy has earned the estate a prestigious Green Michelin Star, recognising its commitment to sustainability and outstanding cuisine.
Guests are invited to fully embrace the estate's culinary philosophy through guided tours of the grounds, opportunities to collect organic honey from the beehives and immersive cooking classes where master chefs provide insights into the creation of traditional Italian bread, focaccia and pizza. Combined with Tuscany's celebrated vineyards and breathtaking scenery, Borgo Pignano offers an unforgettable foodie holiday experience.
2. France
If Italy is famous for comforting regional cuisine, France is synonymous with refined gastronomy. Across the country, tourists can savour everything from freshly baked pastries and artisan cheeses to world-class wines and champagne. Paris, in particular, remains one of the world's leading culinary capitals, with 127 Michelin-starred restaurants at the time of writing.
A stay at La Reserve Paris Hotel & Spa allows guests to immerse themselves in this remarkable dining scene. The hotel's celebrated Le Gabriel Restaurant proudly holds two Michelin Stars, where Chef Jerome Banctel creates contemporary French cuisine inspired by the changing seasons. That means that no two visits to the hotel are ever quite the same.
For those looking to discover something different, the hotel's Cos Pagoda restaurant takes diners on a culinary journey along the historic Spice Route. Jerome Banctel's imaginative menus blend exceptional French techniques with exciting global influences, creating memorable dishes that delight adventurous food lovers. An outstanding collection of fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails at The Bar completes one of the most sophisticated gourmet offerings in Paris.
Beyond the capital, France's celebrated vineyards, from Champagne and Burgundy to Bordeaux, provide countless opportunities for wine tastings and vineyard tours that perfectly complement a foodie holiday.
3. Japan
You may not automatically associate Japan with fine cuisine, but the country has recently been firmly establishing itself as one of the world's best food countries, combining centuries-old traditions with extraordinarily attention to detail and varied ingredients. Nowhere is this more evident than in Tokyo, which boasts nearly 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, making it the city with the greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants anywhere in the world. This includes the highest concentration of prestigious three Michelin Star restaurants, the highest possible score on the metric.
Tokyo's incredible food culture extends far beyond fine dining. Visitors can explore the famous Tsukiji Outer Market for exceptional fresh seafood, sample perfectly grilled yakitori in the atmospheric alleyways of Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku or discover the unique flavours of monjayaki along Tsukishima Monja Street.
The Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo provides an exceptional base for food lovers. At Piacere, Michelin star-trained Executive Chef Andrea Ferrero showcases elegant Italian cuisine in luxurious surroundings beneath spectacular chandeliers overlooking the city skyline. Meanwhile, Nadaman offers authentic Japanese dining with interactive sushi and teppanyaki counters, allowing guests to experience world-renowned Japanese cuisine prepared by expert chefs right before their eyes.
4. Portugal
Portugal has rapidly established itself as one of Europe's premier foodie holiday destinations. The country's famous Douro Valley and Porto wine regions are celebrated for producing sweet Port wines alongside bold red wines crafted from native grape varieties including Touriga Nacional.
Further south, the Algarve offers an entirely different culinary experience centred around freshly landed seafood, traditional copper-pan cataplana stews and the region's famous spicy piri-piri chicken. Food lovers can browse the bustling Olhao Municipal Market, enjoy contemporary bistro dining in Lagos or visit Guia, the birthplace of authentic charcoal-grilled piri-piri chicken.
Vila Vita Parc perfectly showcases Algarve gastronomy at its very finest. Set within lush subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the resort offers an exceptional culinary journey through six bars and twelve restaurants. The highlight is undoubtedly the two Michelin-starred Ocean Restaurant, where innovative cuisine celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients. Guests here can enjoy freshly caught seafood overlooking the ocean, traditional Portuguese dishes served in a rustic taverna and a wide variety of international dining experiences, making every meal a major moment in your overall holiday experience.
5. Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula offers one of the most distinctive culinary experiences anywhere in the Americas. Thanks to centuries of relative geographic isolation from the rest of Mexico, the region has developed its own remarkable food culture that blends ancient Mayan ingredients with European, Caribbean and Middle Eastern influences.
Visitors can sample slow-cooked pit meats, vibrant local food markets, handmade tortillas and complex spice blends that reflect generations of culinary heritage and evolution. Every meal offers a fascinating insight into the history and traditions of the Yucatan people.
Chable Yucatan is an exceptional choice for discerning food lovers. Much of the fruit, vegetables and herbs served throughout the resort's restaurants are harvested directly from its own organic Mayan garden. Menus here are created by acclaimed chef Jorge Vallejo, whose Mexico City restaurant, Quintonil, has been repeatedly recognised as being among the top 50 best restaurants in the world.
Create the Ultimate Foodie Holiday with Elegant Resorts
If you've been wondering which countries have the best food, these five extraordinary destinations showcase some of the finest gastronomic experiences the world has to offer. Whether you're sampling Tuscany's farm-to-table cuisine, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and Tokyo, discovering Portugal's celebrated wines or exploring the unique flavours of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, every destination offers unforgettable dining experiences which are sure to stay with you long after the holiday has ended.
The experienced Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts can help you create a tailor-made foodie holiday itinerary designed entirely around your culinary passions. Drawing on their first-hand knowledge and destination expertise, they can recommend exceptional hotels, make reservations at sought-after restaurants and build personalised itineraries that perfectly suit your tastes and dietary requirements. Get in touch today with our friendly team and start the exciting planning process for your next tailor made foodie holiday with Elegant Resorts.