This City Was Just Named the Top Food Destination in the World by Tripadvisor-and No It's Not Paris, NYC, or Rome

"For ages, London's culinary reputation-perhaps best defined by fish and chips at neighborhood pubs, (excellent) curry shops, and buttoned-up afternoon teas-seemed to lag behind global counterparts like Paris and Tokyo. Today, though, the British capital hums with Michelin-starred institutions, vibrant street food markets, and cooking that draws from the heritage of the immigrants who call the metropolis home. Underscoring that evolution, Tripadvisor just named London the No. 1 "Best of the Best Food Destination in the World" for its 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards."

""I think London is the best food city in the world because of its incredible diversity," says Mathew Carver, the founder of Pick & Cheese, the world's first cheese conveyor belt restaurant. "We're blessed with amazing culinary experiences at every price point-from show-stopping bowls of noodles for £10 to fine-dining restaurants that are genuinely worth the splash out. You can eat exceptionally well any day of the week, whether it's a quick bite or a full on occasion.""

London's culinary reputation traditionally centered on fish and chips, curry shops, and afternoon tea but lagged behind Paris and Tokyo. The city now hosts Michelin-starred restaurants, lively street-food markets, and cooking rooted in immigrant heritage. Tripadvisor named London the No. 1 "Best of the Best Food Destination in the World" for its 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards. Mathew Carver of Pick & Cheese credits the city's incredible diversity and wide price range, from inexpensive noodle bowls to splurge-worthy fine dining. Borough Market, Seven Dials Market, Neal's Yard Dairy, Bread Ahead, Agora, and Mello exemplify the market and dessert scenes. The Cheese Bar and Pick & Cheese spotlight British and Irish cheeses and plan international expansion.

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