The million dollar question: Where in the world can you try the best local food?

We decided to rummage through our database and combine the findings with restaurant ratings on Google.

What we did was the following: we combined the average of the ratings of the best local and regional dishes served in a particular city, the average rating of the national dishes served in that city, and the average Google rating of the best traditional restaurants in that city.

And voila – here is a list of the best cities in the world to enjoy local food according to our database and users’ ratings in it.

1. FLORENCE, ITALY

SCORE: 4.71

Credits: Shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Seek out the lesser-known schiacciata, a local flatbread often topped with olive oil and salt, perfect for an on-the-go snack.

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking architecture. The local food scene is a delightful fusion of old-world charm and modern culinary innovation, with a unique emphasis on farm-to-table dining and an array of intimate family-run trattorias. Traditional Florentine cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and focus on high-quality local ingredients.

Locals love their bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, juicy T-bone steak grilled over an open flame and seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Credits: Trattoria Dall’Oste

Lampredotto, a Florentine street food staple, is made from the fourth stomach of a cow and served in a sandwich, a unique and emblematic dish of the city.

While trippa alla fiorentina, a dish made from slow-cooked tripe in a tomato sauce, may not appeal to everyone due to its distinct texture, it is an authentic and cherished local delicacy.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Bistecca alla Fiorentina
○ Lampredotto
○ Ribollita
○ Pappardelle al cinghiale
○ Trippa alla Fiorentina

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ Antica Trattoria da Tito
○ I Fratellini
○ Gelateria dei Neri
○ L’Osteria Di Giovanni
○ All’Antico Vinaio

Discover the best local food and restaurants in Florence

2. ROME, ITALY

SCORE: 4.68

Credits: Shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Venture into Testaccio neighborhood to find some of the best, authentic Roman cuisine in more low-key trattorias.

Rome, the Eternal City, boasts a rich history, iconic monuments, and a vibrant cultural scene. Its local food scene combines the authenticity of traditional trattorias with a growing number of contemporary and inventive eateries. Roman cuisine is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes made from simple, fresh ingredients.

Locals adore pasta, particularly the classic cacio e pepe, a minimalist dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper.

Credits: Shutterstock

Supplì, deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce, is a unique and emblematic Roman street food.

Pajata, a dish made from the intestines of a milk-fed calf, cooked with tomato sauce and served over pasta, is a lesser-known Roman specialty, revered by those with adventurous palates.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Pasta carbonara
○ Cacio e pepe
○ Penne all’arrabbiata
○ Pizza al Taglio
○ Saltimbocca alla Romana

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ Trapizzino
○ Antico Forno Roscioli
○ Giolitti
○ Armando al Pantheon
○ Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto

Discover the best local food and restaurants in Rome

3. LIMA, PERU

SCORE: 4.66

Credits: Shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Explore the city’s markets to find the freshest ceviche, often prepared right in front of you.

Lima, the capital of Peru, offers a stunning coastal setting, a vibrant arts scene, and a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. The local food scene is renowned for its innovative fusion of traditional Peruvian ingredients with international culinary techniques, making Lima a gastronomic hotspot. Traditional Limenian cuisine is characterized by its diverse flavors and the use of fresh seafood.

Locals are particularly fond of ceviche, a dish made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers.

Credits: Shutterstock

Tiradito, a Peruvian-Japanese hybrid featuring thinly sliced raw fish with a spicy sauce, is a unique and emblematic offering of the city.

Anticuchos, skewers of marinated beef heart grilled to perfection, may not sound like an appealing dish but are hard to beat when it comes to street food.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Butifarra
○ Salchipapas
○ Ceviche
○ Anticuchos
○ Aji de gallina

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ Isolina Taberna Peruana
○ Astrid y Gaston
○ Mi Barrunto
○ Panchita
○ Antigua Taberna Queirolo

Discover the best local food and restaurants in Lima

4. NAPLES, ITALY

SCORE: 4.65

Credits: Shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Don’t miss a chance to try frittatine, a local street food made of pasta, cheese, and ham, fried to golden perfection.

Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is a bustling Italian city known for its vibrant street life, historic sites, and stunning views of Mount Vesuvius. The local food scene is an enticing blend of time-honored trattorias and contemporary eateries, with a unique focus on Neapolitan pizza. Traditional Neapolitan cuisine is characterized by its robust flavors and simple ingredients.

No dish is more emblematic of Naples than pizza Margherita, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, symbolizing the colors of the Italian flag.

Credits: Shutterstock

This vibrant city is also home to the sfogliatella, a uniquely Neapolitan pastry filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and citrus peel.

’O per e ’o muss, a dish made from pig’s feet and snout, slowly boiled and served cold, is an unconventional local favorite.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Pizza Napoletana
○ Spaghetti alle vongole
○ Spaghetti alla puttanesca
○ Sfogliatella
○ Babà

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
○ Pizzeria Starita a Materdei
○ Antico Forno delle Sfogliatelle Calde Fratelli Attanasio
○ Da Nennella
○ Gino e Toto Sorbillo

Discover the best local food and restaurants in Naples

5. HONG KONG

SCORE: 4.63

Credits: shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Visit a cha chaan teng, a local diner-style eatery, to taste affordable and authentic Hong Kong comfort food.

Hong Kong, a dynamic metropolis where East meets West, is renowned for its stunning skyline, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage. The local food scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Cantonese cuisine, international influences, and a thriving street food culture. Hong Kong’s traditional dishes are known for their delicate balance of flavors, textures, and aromas.

Not to be missed are dim sum, an assortment of bite-sized delicacies typically served with tea in a lively communal setting.

Credits: Shutterstock

Snake soup, a warming dish made from snake meat and flavored with mushrooms and other ingredients, is an intriguing, yet polarizing culinary offering cherished by many locals.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Dim sum
○ Char siu
○ Roast goose
○ Egg tart
○ Wonton noodles

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ Wang Fu
○ The Chairman
○ Mak Man Kee
○ Yue Kee
○ One Dim Sum

Discover the best local food and restaurants in Hong Kong

6. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

SCORE: 4.61

Credits: shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Dive into the world of street food, with tacos al pastor being a must-try for an authentic experience.

Mexico City, a vibrant and culturally rich metropolis, is known for its impressive pre-Hispanic history, architectural wonders, and diverse neighborhoods. The local food scene is a delightful blend of traditional Mexican cuisine, contemporary dining experiences, and an abundance of street food vendors. Mexico City’s traditional food is characterized by its bold flavors, colorful presentation, and the use of indigenous ingredients.

Tacos al pastor, featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, is a local favorite and a regular on many lists of dishes to try.

Credits: shutterstock

Pulque, a unique fermented beverage made from the sap of the maguey plant, is a Mexico City specialty, typically found at traditional bars called pulquerías.

Tlacoyo, a lesser-known street food snack made from blue corn masa filled with beans or cheese, provides a taste of Mexico’s rich culinary traditions.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Enchiladas Suizas
○ Torta de tamal
○ Tacos al pastor
○ Cochinita pibil
○ Pambazo

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ Café de Tacuba
○ Contramar
○ La Hacienda de Los Morales
○ El Cardenal
○ Azul Histórico

Discover the best local food and restaurants in Mexico City

7. NEW YORK CITY, USA

SCORE: 4.60

Credits: shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Explore the diverse food options in Queens, where you can find a melting pot of international cuisines.

New York City, often called “The Big Apple,” is a global metropolis known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and unparalleled arts scene. The local cuisine is a melting pot of culinary traditions from around the world, and traditional New York City foods are defined by their simplicity and the influence of the city’s many immigrant communities.

One of the icons of the NY food scene is New York-style pizza, characterized by its thin, foldable crust and generous toppings.

The city is also known for its bagels, a unique, doughy bread roll that has become synonymous with New York City’s culinary identity.

Credits: shutterstock

And although one may overlook chopped cheese, a sandwich made with ground beef, cheese, and various toppings, it would be a shame not to try it along with the more famous Reuben.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Pastrami on rye
○ New York-style pizza
○ New York-style cheesecake
○ New York City bagels
○ Hot dog

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ Katz’s Delicatessen
○ Keens Steakhouse
○ Rubirosa Pizza
○ Peter Luger Steak House
○ Levain Bakery

Discover the best local food and restaurants in New York City

8. PARIS, FRANCE

SCORE: 4.60

Credits: shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Visit the local bakeries (pâtisseries) early in the morning to experience the freshest baguettes and pastries.

Paris, the City of Light, is famed for its romantic ambiance, stunning architecture, and world-class museums. The local food scene is characterized by exquisite staples of traditional French gastronomy, and hundreds of cozy bistros and brasseries. Parisian cuisine is celebrated for its refinement, focus on high-quality ingredients, and expert preparation.

There is nothing more Parisian than having freshly baked baguettes with butter, confiture (fruits and jams) and café au lait.

Credits: shutterstock

Andouillette, a sausage made from pork intestines and onions, is a divisive yet authentic Parisian dish, appreciated by those with a taste for the unusual.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Escargot
○ Confit de canard
○ Croque-monsieur
○ Steak frites
○ Macarons

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ Angelina
○ Breizh Café
○ Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes
○ La Fontaine de Mars
○ Josephine Chez Dumonet

Discover the best local food and restaurants in Paris

9. TOKYO, JAPAN

SCORE: 4.59

Credits: shutterstock

LOCAL TIP:  For an unforgettable sushi experience, visit the Toyosu Fish Market and eat at the restaurants there.

Tokyo, a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation, is known for its impressive skyline, historic temples, and vibrant neighborhoods. The local food scene in Tokyo is a diverse mix of world-class sushi restaurants, izakayas, ramen shops, and cutting-edge culinary experiences. Traditional Tokyo cuisine is characterized by its delicate flavors, artful presentation, and focus on seasonal ingredients.

Locals adore their sushi, particularly nigiri sushi, which features perfectly seasoned rice topped with the freshest seafood.

Credits: shutterstock

A unique aspect of Tokyo’s food scene is the prevalence of theme-based cafes and restaurants that cater to niche interests. Fugu, a potentially lethal delicacy prepared from the poisonous pufferfish, stands out among them and is an offering that is revered by many adventurous eaters.

LOCAL FOODS YOU HAVE TO TRY:
○ Nigiri
○ Oyakodon
○ Tsukemen
○ Shoyu ramen
○ Chankonabe

ICONIC FOOD PLACES:
○ Tofuya Ukai
○ Asakusa Imahan
○ Ginza Kyubey
○ Ginza Sushiko Honten
○ Tempura Motoyoshi

Discover the best local food and restaurants in Tokyo

10. MILAN, ITALY

SCORE: 4.59

Credits: shutterstock

LOCAL TIP: Look for aperitivo spots, where you can enjoy a drink accompanied by a buffet of Italian appetizers in the evening.

Milan, a global fashion capital, is renowned for its upscale shopping districts, stunning gothic architecture, and thriving arts scene. When it comes to food, Milan offers the best of traditional Lombard cuisine, along with fashionable aperitivo bars. Milanese cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, rich flavors, and generous use of butter and rice.

Nowhere is that more obvious than in risotto alla Milanese, a creamy, saffron-infused rice dish that is emblematic of the city’s culinary heritage.