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Italy may be famous for pasta and pizza, but Mexico has taken the top spot in a new ranking of the world’s best destinations for travelers who plan their trips around food.
Italy and Spain claimed the next two spots, followed by Japan and India. The United States just missed the top five, coming in at No. 6 on Travel And Tour World’s list for 2026.
TTW based its list on factors including local cooking, street food, fine dining and the overall experience for travelers.
Mexico Claims the Top Spot
Mexico earned the No. 1 position for the distinct dishes, flavors and cooking styles found throughout the country. What travelers eat in Oaxaca can be very different from the food served in Mexico City, Guadalajara or the Yucatán Peninsula.
Alfonso de la Dehesa, executive chef at El Dorado Maroma, a Spa Resort by Lomas Hospitality in the Riviera Maya, said many visitors arrive for the beaches and discover that the food becomes an important part of their trip.
“People often travel to the Riviera Maya expecting incredible beaches, but they’re surprised by the richness of its culinary scene,” de la Dehesa said.
Fresh Caribbean lobster, locally caught fish, grilled octopus, handmade tortillas and tropical fruits are common across the Riviera Maya. Local cooks also use spice blends and sauces that give food from the Yucatán its distinct flavor.
“At El Dorado Maroma, we celebrate those regional flavors while pairing them with contemporary techniques, giving guests an authentic taste of the destination,” de la Dehesa said.
Mexico offers plenty of variety outside the Riviera Maya. Oaxaca is known for mole, tlayudas and mezcal. Guadalajara is the home of favorites such as birria and tortas ahogadas. In Mexico City, travelers can eat at neighborhood taco stands, busy markets and high-end restaurants, often on the same day.
Italy Shows Why Simple Food Works
Italy took second place, helped by the many different foods found across the country. Naples is famous for pizza, Bologna for pasta and ragù, and Rome for carbonara and cacio e pepe.
Hazel McKinlay, founder of Hazel’s Travels and a former head chef, said eating pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples changed the way she thought about the dish.
“As a former Mediterranean head chef, I thought I understood great pizza before I arrived, but the simplicity was what surprised me most,” McKinlay said. “A soft, airy crust, high-quality tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil were all it needed.”
Her experience is a reminder that a memorable meal does not require a long list of ingredients or an expensive restaurant. Sometimes it comes down to a familiar dish made well with fresh ingredients.
“It reminded me that the best regional dishes are often the simplest, and nowhere demonstrates that better than Naples,” McKinlay said.
Food can change considerably from one part of Italy to another. Travelers who visit several cities may find different pasta shapes, sauces, cheeses, wines and desserts at every stop.
Spain Serves Everyday Favorites
Spain placed third for its mix of neighborhood markets, small restaurants, tapas bars, seafood and modern dining.
In Madrid, visitors do not need to book an expensive restaurant to have a memorable meal, according to Andrés Serra, a trip planner who grew up in Spain and is head of operations at Optimise Travel.
“Madrid is special to me because its best food comes from simple dishes that locals enjoy every day,” Serra said. “You do not need to book an expensive tasting menu to get a real sense of the city’s food.”
One meal that stands out for Serra is a slice of tortilla de patatas from Casa Dani in Mercado de la Paz. The popular Spanish dish is made with potatoes and eggs. Serra remembered the lightly browned outside and the soft, slightly runny center.
Madrid’s neighborhood markets are also good places to sample several kinds of food without traveling across the city. At Mercado de Vallehermoso, traditional produce stalls sit alongside small restaurants and food counters. Visitors can try familiar Spanish market dishes as well as food with Latin American and Asian influences.
Serra advises travelers to look beyond the paella restaurants near the city’s busiest attractions. He recommends choosing a neighborhood and visiting a few small restaurants on foot.
“Madrid’s cuisine is not limited to a single dish,” Serra said. “It’s about discovering the city, sampling a bit at a time and finding out what each area has to offer.”
The United States Finishes Sixth
The United States placed sixth because of its mix of local dishes, immigrant influences and new ideas.
American food varies widely by location. New Orleans is known for Creole and Cajun dishes, while Texas draws travelers for barbecue. New England is famous for seafood, for example the fresh sushi at Bar Yoshi in Nantucket, and California is known for fresh produce, wine, and restaurants that bring together flavors from around the world.
No ranking will end the debate over which country has the best food. But for travelers deciding where to eat next, this list offers plenty of inspiration.