Your 2026 trips might start with food
You know that moment when you pick a city, then immediately search “best places to eat”? Michelin basically did that for you, but on a global scale. Their 2026 list spots destinations where the food scene feels exciting right now.
This isn’t only about fancy tasting menus. It’s also about places with strong local flavors, new Guide coverage, and big events bringing fresh energy. Think of it as a “where to go next” menu.
Venice is having a fresh food moment
Venice tops the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 food-destination list. The Guide highlights a city-wide revival — with roughly 62 MICHELIN-listed restaurants (including two Two-Star and eight One-Star addresses) and renewed investment in hotels and dining that spotlight lagoon-forward seafood and modern Venetian cooking.
For travelers, the timing matters. Venice can be crowded, but the shoulder seasons can feel calmer and more local. If you want a “classic” Europe trip with a current food angle, this is it.
The Dolomites are going big in 2026
The Dolomites are on the list partly because of the 2026 Winter Olympics spotlight. Michelin points to increasingly ambitious alpine cooking built around local ingredients and mountain traditions. It’s hearty food, but with more creativity than you might expect.
This is the kind of place where lunch can be as memorable as dinner. Think cheeses, buckwheat, and seasonal mountain produce. If you love “food with a view,” the Dolomites deliver.
The Amalfi Coast is classic for a reason
Michelin keeps the Amalfi Coast on the radar for 2026, pointing to its famous Mediterranean flavors and strong travel appeal. It’s a place where simple ingredients can still taste like a big deal. Fresh seafood, citrus, pasta, and local produce do a lot of heavy lifting.
The Guide also notes new travel connectivity making the region feel more reachable. That matters because Amalfi planning can be stressful in peak season. Go with a food-first plan, and the trip feels smoother.
Czechia is more than Prague right now
Michelin calls out Czechia beyond Prague, especially after its first nationwide Guide. The suggestion is to explore spa towns and regions like South Moravia for ingredient-driven cooking. This is a “go deeper” pick, not a tourist checklist.
For food lovers, this is exciting because it’s less predictable. You can chase local markets, seasonal dishes, and small-town specialties. If you’ve “done Prague,” this is your upgrade.
Fun fact: Czechia has the highest density of castles in the world, with over 2,000 castles and chateaux scattered across the country.
Wrocław is Poland’s surprise food play
Wrocław makes Michelin’s 2026 list as a rising city with a young, ambitious scene. The Guide highlights modern takes on regional traditions, including fermentation and beloved comfort foods. It’s the kind of place where classic flavors get a clean, current update.
This is also a smart choice if you like value. Compared with some major European capitals, costs can be easier on your budget. You get a fresh food scene without the “everything is sold out” feeling.
The Philippines gets a Michelin debut
One of the biggest headlines is Michelin’s 2026 debut in the Philippines. The Guide points to Manila and Cebu, calling it a global moment for Filipino cuisine. That means more spotlight, more curiosity, and more travelers showing up hungry.
Michelin specifically praises Cebu’s seafood and Manila’s modern spins on classics like sisig. If you love food scenes that feel alive and fast-changing, this is a strong pick. It’s discovery energy, not “same trip again.”
Little-known fact: The very first Michelin Guide was published in 1900, originally as a practical guide for motorists.
Cappadocia is food with a wild setting
Cappadocia, Türkiye, lands on the list as a newly covered region in the Guide. Michelin highlights its “cave restaurants” and a farm-to-table approach rooted in Anatolian recipes. The experience is part landscape, part plate.
This is a great option if you want a destination that feels instantly different. You’re not just eating dinner, you’re eating in a place you’ll remember. Add local wines or tea culture on your own, but the food alone is worth the trip.
Little-known fact: Michelin began awarding stars in 1926, starting with a single-star mark before the multi-star system evolved later.
Jiangsu is a refined China detour
Michelin points to China’s Jiangsu Province, especially Suzhou and Nanjing. The Guide frames it as refined “garden cuisine” and classic technique, often at a gentler price than China’s biggest megacities. It’s a culture-and-food pairing that feels elegant, not rushed.
For travelers, this is a smart “second city” move. You can build a trip around historic sites and calm dining moments. If Beijing or Shanghai feels too intense, Jiangsu can feel like a better pace.
Saudi Arabia is in its food glow-up
Riyadh and Jeddah appear on the list with Michelin’s first Guide launch for Saudi Arabia. The Guide describes a culinary coming-of-age, mixing traditional flavors with global influence. That’s often when a dining scene feels most exciting.
This pick is about momentum. New attention brings new openings, new talent, and more experimentation. If you like being early to a trend, this is the kind of destination that fits. Just plan thoughtfully and respect local customs.
Route 66 is comfort food with nostalgia
Historic Route 66 makes the list as it heads into its 100th anniversary year in 2026. Michelin frames it as a revival moment for classic diners, BBQ joints, and road-trip eating across multiple states. It’s America on a plate, mile after mile.
The fun part is how flexible it is. You can do a long stretch or a weekend slice, like Chicago-to-St. Louis or Arizona-to-California. If your idea of travel is “eat, drive, repeat,” this is your lane.
Vancouver is seafood city with global flavor
Vancouver makes Michelin’s list with its Pacific seafood, strong Asian influences, and growing Indigenous cuisine spotlight. The Guide ties it to a major 2026 global event vibe, which usually means more visitors and more food buzz.
This is a great pick if you want “big city dining” without feeling too formal. You can go from sushi to seafood towers to creative tasting menus in a single weekend. Add a waterfront walk, and it’s an easy win.
Think the best food is only in the “famous” cities? Check out underrated cities gaining fame for their food scenes for the rising spots locals swear by before the crowds catch up.
What Michelin means by “irresistible”
Michelin’s 2026 picks mix famous food cities with places having a breakout moment. Some are boosted by new Michelin Guide launches, while others are riding the buzz of major travel events. It’s a smart way to spot what’s trending before it feels overdone.
The list totals 16 destinations, so it’s not a giant, vague roundup. Each pick has a clear reason for being hot right now. If you like planning trips around meals, this is a strong starting point.
Still hungry after Michelin’s latest rankings? Check out 16 U.S. cities every food lover must visit for the must-eat neighborhoods and iconic bites that deserve a spot on your 2026 food bucket list.
Do you agree with Michelin’s 2026 picks, or is your dream food city missing from the list? Share your thoughts and your view in the comments.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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