Gourmet Getaways: The Top Culinary Destinations of 2024
Jul 17, 2024
At Go-Be, we encourage you to embrace your curiosity and step outside your comfort zone. In today’s blog, we’re inviting you to go be “epicurious” and explore the culinary wonders of the world. We believe some of life’s greatest adventures start with an unforgettable meal, where every bite tells a story.
Gourmet Getaways: The Top Culinary Destinations of 2024
Food tourism is one of the most dynamic and engaging ways to explore the world, allowing travelers to connect deeply with a culture through its flavors and culinary traditions. Whether it’s savoring street food in bustling markets, dining at world-renowned restaurants, or participating in local cooking classes, food tourists seek out culinary destination experiences that go beyond mere sustenance. They crave the stories, techniques, and heritage behind each dish, understanding that food is a universal language that can reveal a great deal about a place and its people.
Fueling the Appeal of Food Tourism
The driving force behind the allure of food tourism is the rise of the "foodie" culture. Platforms like Instagram,YouTube, and TikTok, have turned food into a visual and experiential art form, inspiring people to travel for unique experiential culinary destinations . From the hunt for the best ramen in Tokyo to discovering the hidden gems of Mediterranean cuisine, food tourists are constantly on the lookout for the next great culinary adventure.
Statistics support this burgeoning culinary destination trend. The global food tourism market was valued at approximately $1.1 trillion in 2023 and is expected to hit $6.2 trillion in 10 years. In the U.S., 95% of citizens express interest in having unique food experiences while traveling, with 93% of tourists having at least one unique food or drink activity during their travels over the past two years. Travelers also admit they spend a significant portion of their travel budget on food, with 33% of travel expenditures globally dedicated to culinary delights.
Culinary Destinations: A Boon for Local Economies
Besides the joy of experiencing new food, food tourism also supports local economies and promotes sustainable practices. By choosing to dine at locally owned establishments and buy from regional producers, travelers contribute to the preservation of culinary traditions and support small businesses. This conscious approach to travel fosters a deeper connection between visitors and the communities they visit, making the experience mutually enriching.
Curated for the Food Tourists
Interested in kicking off your own culinary destination adventure? Or maybe you’re a seasoned traveler who is looking for new ways to indulge in food tourism? Go-Be has you covered! Below is a list of the top trending culinary destinations around the world today, along with some of the best eateries in the region. If a food festival is more your style, we’ve covered those too, listing some of the most popular food festivals and events slated now through the end of 2024, specially curated by the Go-Be team. These events represent both traditional and modern culinary excellence, offer unique and immersive food experiences, and are often celebrated by experts and enthusiasts alike - sure to delight food tourists everywhere!
The Top 8 Global Culinary Destinations—and Their Must-Try Eateries
Italy
Italy remains a perennial favorite for food tourists due to its rich history, dedication to quality ingredients, and innovative chefs. The country’s regional diversity means each area has unique specialties, like pizza in Naples, pasta in Rome, and gelato in Florence. This makes it a delightful culinary destination for food lovers to explore.
Must-try Italian Eateries
Osteria Francescana (Modena): Led by Chef Massimo Bottura, Osteria Francescana is celebrated for its avant-garde approach to traditional Italian cuisine. It is consistently ranked among the world’s top restaurants due to Bottura’s unique skill of blending art, culture, and history with his culinary techniques, creating dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in local tradition.
Enoteca Pinchiorri (Florence): This Michelin three-star restaurant is located in the heart of Florence and offers a refined dining experience with an extensive wine list. The elegant setting and attention to detail in both food and service make it a standout food tourism destination in Tuscany.
La Pergola (Rome): Located in the Rome Cavalieri hotel, this Michelin three-star restaurant is known for its luxurious ambiance and stunning views of the city. Chef Heinz Beck’s Mediterranean cuisine is both inventive and meticulously executed.
France
France is synonymous with fine dining and gourmet cuisine. The country's focus on high-quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and culinary innovation draws food lovers from all over the world.
Must-try French Eateries
Le Jules Verne (Paris): Situated in the Eiffel Tower, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a combination of exceptional French cuisine and breathtaking views of Paris.
La Mère Brazier (Lyon): This historic restaurant has maintained its Michelin stars by focusing on classic Lyonnaise dishes and its commitment to deep-rooted culinary traditions. Not only is this an unforgettable culinary destination, but the city of Lyon was featured as one of our top Destination Dupes!
Le Chateaubriand (Paris): Known for his avant-garde approach to French cuisine, this “laid-back, hip Paris institution” is casual yet sophisticated, making it a favorite among locals and food tourists alike. There are also no menus, drawing the more adventurous foodies to this unique culinary experience.
Japan
Japan’s culinary scene is revered for its precision, technique, and dedication to seasonal ingredients. From street food to Michelin-starred dining, Japan offers a diverse range of gastronomic experiences deeply rooted in cultural traditions.
Must-try Japanese Eateries
Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo): This legendary sushi restaurant, featured in the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi," offers an unparalleled eating experience and is a must visit for sushi aficionados.
Narisawa (Tokyo): Known for its "Innovative Satoyama Cuisine," Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa is celebrated for his focus on sustainability and natural ingredients, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Kyubey (Tokyo): Another top sushi destination for food tourists, Kyubey offers an exceptional omakase experience, where each piece is crafted by artisan sushi chefs with precision and care.
Thailand
Thailand is celebrated for its vibrant street food culture and the complexity of its flavors. Bangkok’s night markets and diverse culinary offerings make it a hotspot for food tourists seeking both authenticity and innovation in Thai cuisine.
Must-try Thai Eateries
Gaggan (Bangkok): This progressive restaurant, led by Indian Chef Gaggan Anand, has topped Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant List multiple times and is known for its molecular gastronomic experiences and innovative dining experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional Thai and Indian flavors. This is sure to be a memorable culinary destination experience.
Nahm (Bangkok): Led by Chef David Thompson, Nahm is famous for its authentic Thai cuisine, which focuses on traditional techniques with a contemporary twist, showcasing bold and complex flavors.
Jay Fai (Bangkok): This Michelin-starred street-food stall offers authentic and delicious Thai dishes, such as crispy golden-brown crab omelets, in a casual setting, demonstrating that exceptional cuisine can come from humble origins. Be prepared to wait in line!
Spain
Spain’s culinary landscape is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on regional specialties and innovative cooking techniques. The country’s vibrant food culture, from tapas bars to avant-garde dining, attracts food tourists eager to experience both traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine.
Must-try Spanish Eateries
El Celler de Can Roca (Girona): Run by the Roca brothers, this restaurant is celebrated for its innovative Catalan cuisine that combines creativity with traditional flavors, frequently ranking among the best in the world.
Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo): This culinary destination restaurant sits between Bilbao and San Sebastian in a peaceful Basque village surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. Its chef, Victor Arguinzoniz, is passionate about cooking over fire, having grown up eating food cooked on the hearth, as his home had no electricity or gas. He uses traditional techniques in his dishes, offering a unique and deeply flavorful take on simple high-quality ingredients.
Enigma (Barcelona): This unique and daring restaurant run by Chef Albert Adria, offers a single 25 course tasting menu that changes monthly. This culinary destination showcases technical and imaginative gastronomical excellence in a fantastical, futuristic setting.
Mexico
Mexico’s culinary traditions are a vibrant blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. The country’s diverse and flavorful dishes make it a top destination for food tourists.
Must-try Mexican Eateries
Pujol (Mexico City): Chef Enrique Olvera reimagines traditional Mexican dishes with innovative, modern techniques, creating a unique culinary experience that still respects heritage and tradition.
Quintonil (Mexico City): This food tourism must-see focuses on native ingredients and contemporary Mexican cuisine, offering a fresh and innovative take on traditional dishes that celebrates local produce.
El Bajío (Mexico City): Celebrated for its traditional Mexican cuisine, particularly its mole and carnitas, this family-friendly eatery is loved by locals and tourists alike for its authentic culinary destination experience.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s cuisine is characterized by its fresh herbs, bold flavors, and regional diversity. The country’s street food markets and local eateries provide a rich culinary experience for all aspiring food tourists.
Must-try Vietnamese Eateries
Pho Thin (Hanoi): Located in a small side alley in the old town of Hanoi, this family-owned restaurant offers an authentic taste of Vietnam’s national dish, known for its rich broth and fresh herbs.
Bún Chả Hương Liên (Hanoi): Located in an unassuming street just south of the French Quarter in Vietnam’s capital city, this family-run restaurant gained fame after being visited by Anthony Bourdain and former President Barack Obama.
Cuc Gach Quan (Ho Chi Minh City): Located in an old school, this restaurant is far from the tourist-crowded streets and provides traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cozy setting, highlighting the freshness and simplicity of Vietnamese cuisine.
India
India’s culinary landscape is a tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that vary significantly from region to region. North India is known for its rich, creamy curries; tandoori meats; and bread, such as naan and roti. South India specializes in rice-based dishes, coconut, and spices such as curry and mustard seeds. West India is famous for its mix of spicy, sweet flavors, with Mumbai famous for its street food. And East India is known for its sweets and seafood.There is something to delight all food tourists in India, no matter your taste!
Must-try Indian Eateries
Bukhara (New Delhi): Renowned for its robust tandoori cuisine and rustic ambiance, Bukhara is a culinary landmark and a true culinary dining experience
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (Bangalore): Every foodie knows the value of an incredible breakfast! This restaurant, also known as MTR,is known for its affordable South Indian breakfast dishes.
Britannia & Co. (Mumbai): This iconic Parsi eatery is famous for its unique dishes and colonial-era charm. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime food tourist destination.
Food Tourism Events and Festivals
We scoured social media platforms and culinary websites to identify some of the most popular food-related events that offer an unforgettable immersive experience and are frequented by experts and food tourist enthusiasts.
Oktoberfest (Munich)
When: September 21–October 6, 2024
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, featuring traditional Bavarian music, costumes, and of course, beer. Food highlights include giant pretzels, Weisswurst (white sausage), and roast chicken. The atmosphere is festive and lively, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
White Truffle Festival (Alba, Italy)
When: October 5–November 24, 2024
Celebrating the prized white truffle, this festival includes truffle hunts, gourmet markets, and truffle auctions. Visitors can taste truffle-infused dishes, attend cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Langhe region. It’s a must-visit culinary destination for truffle enthusiasts and gourmet food lovers.
San Sebastián Gastronomika (San Sebastián, Spain)
When: October 6–9, 2024
One of the world’s most prestigious culinary congresses, featuring presentations and cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs. Attendees can enjoy tastings of innovative dishes and learn about the latest trends in haute cuisine. The event is held in a city known for its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, a must-visit for the discerning food tourist..
Día de los Muertos (Mexico)
When: November 1–2, 2024
This traditional Mexican holiday honors deceased loved ones with vibrant celebrations. Food plays a central role, with offerings like pan de muerto (a sweet bread), sugar skulls, and traditional dishes like tamales. It’s a unique cultural experience that combines food, art, and community.
Gourmet Food & Wine Expo (Toronto, Canada)
When: November 21–24, 2024
This is an annual event showcasing over 1,500 fine wines, beers, and spirits from around the world. Attendees can participate in tastings, cooking demonstrations by top chefs, and seminars on wine and food pairings. It’s a great place to discover new flavors and trends in the culinary world.
Each country was chosen by the Go-Be team based on their global reputation for culinary excellence, cultural significance, and diversity of cuisine, along with statistics from the World Food Travel Association. The eateries were selected based on their acclaim within the culinary community, innovative and traditional approaches to cuisine, and their recognition by prestigious culinary awards and guides, including the Michelin Guide and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List.
By exploring any of these eateries or festivals, you can transform any trip into a culinary destination experience worth savoring. Embrace the flavors, stories, and traditions that make each meal a journey of its own.