As a foodie, travel is more than just about exploring new places—it’s about savoring the unique flavors that each destination has to offer. For me, it’s the experience of tasting the history, culture, and passion in every bite that makes traveling so enriching. With 2025 just around the corner, I’ve been dreaming about where my next culinary adventure will take me, and I’ve put together a list of the top 10 culinary destinations that I believe should be on every food lover’s radar this year. Let’s dive in!
1. Tuscany and Umbria, Italy
If you’ve read my blog before, you know how much I adore Tuscany and Umbria. The rolling hills, the vineyards, and, of course, the food. We travel back to Italy every year just so I can get my fix of food and wine. One rule about dining in Italy – you’ll never have a bad meal! One of my favorite wineries of all time is Chiesa del Carmine near Perugia (entire post coming soon – it’s THAT good!). Be sure to book a wine tasting there and opt for the full meal experience!
Here are a few ideas for some food and wine experiences in Tuscany that you may want to check out!
2. Kyoto, Japan
If you’re a lover of delicate, intricate flavors, Kyoto should be at the top of your list for 2025. This ancient city offers a culinary scene that’s deeply rooted in tradition, and every meal feels like a journey through time. The multi-course kaiseki meals are an absolute must, where seasonal ingredients are prepared in the most elegant way imaginable. Beyond that, Kyoto’s tea culture will make you fall in love with matcha all over again. Trust me when I say that sipping a freshly whisked bowl of matcha in one of Kyoto’s serene tea houses is an experience you’ll never forget.
3. Lima, Peru
Lima’s culinary scene is explosive, vibrant, and full of surprises. Peruvian food is not only delicious, but it’s also an amalgamation of influences from Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cultures. Whether you’re dining on ceviche by the ocean or indulging in the innovative dishes at the city’s top restaurants, Lima offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. For those of us who love fresh seafood, the ceviche here is unmatched—it’s truly an experience in itself.
4. Barcelona, Spain
I’ve always been captivated by Barcelona’s energetic atmosphere, and the food scene matches that perfectly. With everything from tapas bars to Michelin-starred dining, Barcelona is a place where the flavors of Spain come alive. The city’s seafood is unparalleled, and you can’t leave without trying paella, of course. On a recent trip, we did a food tour at La Boqueria Market that was a sensory overload of colors, scents, and flavors that are an absolute feast for the senses.
5. New Orleans, USA
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing New Orleans’ cuisine, you’ll understand why it’s a city that continually calls me back. There’s something magical about the blend of French, African, and Creole influences that make the food here so unique. From po’boys and jambalaya to crawfish etouffée and beignets, New Orleans has an energy in its food that’s infectious. The street vendors, the cozy cafes, and the lively jazz-filled streets—it all adds up to a one-of-a-kind culinary journey that you’ll never forget. Tip: Stay at the very cool Pontchartrain Hotel and visit the Hot Tin Roof(top) bar.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a vibrant mosaic of culture, history, and yes, incredible food. I’m talking about tacos al pastor that you can find on every corner, street food that makes your taste buds dance, and rich moles that taste like they’ve been simmering for days. There’s an artistry to Mexican cuisine that, for me, feels both comforting and exciting. The city’s food scene is bursting with modern interpretations of traditional dishes, and every meal feels like an exploration of Mexico’s diverse regions.
I’m headed to Mexico City later this year and here are a few foodie activities I’m looking at.
7. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a city that’s steeped in history and spice—and trust me, the food here is just as rich. The street markets are a maze of colors and fragrances, and every corner is an invitation to taste something new. I love the tagines—slow-cooked stews full of tender meat and vegetables, often infused with exotic spices like cinnamon and saffron. And don’t get me started on the pastries! Moroccan sweets like baklava and almond-filled pastries are perfect for a mid-day indulgence.
8. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is known for its natural beauty, but the food here is equally captivating. Balinese cuisine is all about fresh, vibrant flavors with an emphasis on herbs, spices, and local produce. One of my favorite things to do in Bali is to visit the markets, where you can sample everything from nasi goreng (fried rice) to satay skewers and fresh tropical fruits. There’s a spiritual quality to the meals here, as they’re often prepared with such care and reverence for the ingredients. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in an unforgettable food culture, Bali is the place to be.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
There’s something about Istanbul that makes it feel like the crossroads of the world. As a lover of both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, I’m always in awe of the city’s diverse offerings. And lucky me, as I highlighted in my post on finding cheap first class airfares, I got to spend a few days in Istanbul enroute to Abu Dhabi. From tender lamb kebabs to flaky baklava and savory böreks, Istanbul’s food scene is an explosion of flavors that’s sure to make your heart sing. The spice markets, with their vibrant displays of spices and dried fruits, are a great place to get lost and discover new ingredients to bring home with you.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Before our recent safari, we spent a few days in Cape Town is an up-and-coming destination that I’m so excited to see gaining recognition in the culinary world. The fusion of African, Dutch, and Malaysian influences makes Cape Town’s food scene wonderfully diverse. What I love most is the focus on fresh, local ingredients—whether it’s fresh seafood from the coast or locally grown produce. And, of course, Cape Town is home to some amazing wine regions, so don’t forget to pair your meals with a glass (or two) of South African wine. We stayed right on the harbor at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel which was so convenient to all the restaurants.
Which of these destinations is calling your name? Let me know in the comments below—maybe we’ll bump into each other on a food tour!
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