Melbourne has been named one of the world’s top food destinations for 2026, earning a place in the top 10 of a new global ranking celebrating the best cities for eating and drinking.
The annual list from Time Out crowned Lima, Peru, as the world’s leading culinary hotspot, with Melbourne securing seventh place ahead of Beijing, Athens and Lisbon.
The rankings were based on a survey of more than 24,000 people worldwide, combined with votes from the publication’s food writers, critics and editors, who assessed the most exciting food destinations around the globe.
While Lima claimed the top spot thanks to its vibrant mix of traditional Peruvian, Spanish, Asian and African influences, Melbourne was recognised for its diverse restaurant scene, thriving cafe culture and innovative chefs.
According to Time Out, 94 per cent of Melburnians surveyed rated the city’s food scene as either “good” or “amazing”, with coffee and cafes emerging as particular strengths.
“In a city long revered for its restaurant scene, there’s never been a more exciting time to eat out in Melbourne than right now,” Time Out Melbourne editor Leah Glynn wrote.
“Chefs like Tom Sarafian, Rosheen Kaul, Gayan Pieris and Zoe Birch are expanding hungry diners’ horizons through their wildly innovative and modern takes on Armenian, Egyptian, French, Chinese, Sri Lankan and local Australian cuisine.”
Among the Melbourne venues highlighted were Armenian-Lebanese-inspired restaurant Zareh, burger favourite Charrd, sandwich shop Chicky Boi, pastry destination Bakemono, Portuguese restaurant Marmelo and Ukrainian eatery Otakoi.
Glynn singled out Zareh’s chicken skewer as a standout dish.
“Slathered in toum [garlic sauce], grilled and served over a punchy bed of herbs and pickled green chilli, it’s the kind of dish that forces you to reconsider the idea that chicken could ever be boring.”
The result adds to Melbourne’s growing reputation as a global food destination.
Earlier this year, the city was named the world’s most diverse foodie destination by travel eSIM company Holafly, while UK travel company Travelbag ranked it among the best long-haul destinations for food lovers.
“If you’re planning a trip to Australia, Melbourne is an absolute must for food lovers,” Travelbag’s Australia expert Fiona Wood said.
“The city has a strong Korean influence, and Healeys Lane, nicknamed ‘Kimchi Lane’ by locals, is a perfect example. From Korean BBQ and hot pots to trendy bakeries, there’s something for everyone.”
The top five cities in Time Out’s 2026 rankings were Lima, Bangkok, Mexico City, London and Barcelona, with Melbourne the only Australian city to make the top 10.
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