One in five people travel specifically to seek out new restaurants or culinary experiences, reminding us that adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion can all be found on our dinner plates.
A new study conducted by UK-based travel agency Travelbag used data from social media, OpenTable, and Get Your Guide to rank international destinations for foodies. At the bottom of the world, Melbourne, Australia, was named the top food city, largely thanks to its 100 different cuisines at more than 3,500 restaurants.
Melbourne was followed by Toronto, Dubai, and Sydney—all of which notably offer a wide variety of cuisines.
While traditional European dishes like pastas or paellas have beckoned foodies for years, travelers’ tastes are diversifying to account for their growing cultural curiosity. Intrepid eaters are seeking international cities that deliver a taste of everything.
Melbourne’s food scene celebrates its diverse population, and the city’s history is told through its restaurants. In the middle of the CBD, Melbourne has one of the world’s largest and oldest Chinatowns, dating back to the 1850s. Every local has a different dumpling spot that they are loyal to, and hungry visitors can join them in the graffiti-coated laneways of Little Bourke Street.
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Similarly, Melbourne has the largest population of Greek people outside of Greece, which also dates back to the Australian gold rush in the 1850s. This community is celebrated through places like Jim’s Greek Tavern: its menu-less approach and warm hospitality makes it feel more like being welcomed into someone’s home. Stalactites is another spot that is special to the local Greek community, and diners are advised to look out for tennis stars and singers like Billie Eilish.
As for its Australian history, vegemite—the controversial and iconically Aussie spread—was invented in Melbourne. Travelers can experiment with vegemite-flavored ice cream at Fluffy Torpedo, an ice cream shop that is famous for its wacky flavors and generous donations to charity.
The undefinable nature of Melbourne’s dining scene is why restaurants like Etta choose to identify as “Melburnian,” because their menu doesn’t fit in a box and it changes with the seasons. Rather than being confined to a specific cuisine, they focus on delivering fresh and local ingredients from around Victoria.
Whether you are looking for authentic Ethiopian food in Thornbury or a Japanese market in Collingwood, you can be transported to different continents by green trams and colorful menus. This is a city where fresh sushi is served as street food, brunch is a lifestyle, coffee is practically a religion, and each meal is an adventure.
