Cape Town named one of Nat Geo’s 2025 top food destinations

National Geographic has released its list of top food destinations for 2025 and Cape Town is one of the eight chosen destinations.

Cape Town’s vibrant food scene

Condé Nast named Cape Town the best city in the world for food in October 2024, and now Cape Town has made it onto National Geographic’s list of the top eight food destinations globally. Last year, several restaurants in the Mother City also received awards. Markedly, many people regard the city as a global culinary hotspot. Cape Town’s food scene is a lively mix of various tastes. It is influenced by African, Dutch, Malay, and Indian cuisines, creating a unique culinary experience.

Which other destinations made the list?

Mexico

Mexico has been a top choice for food lovers for decades. The arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2024 has added even more appeal. One of the awarded spots is Taquería El Califa de León, a simple eatery in Mexico City.

Catalonia, Spain

As Catalonia competes to win the title of World Region of Gastronomy, it is an ideal time to explore its food scene, and not just in Barcelona.

Must-visit spots include Casa Nova in Sant Martí Sarroca and also El Celler de Can Roca in Girona. The recently launched Esperit Roca is a unique venue in a 19th-century fortress that includes a restaurant, hotel, and a distillery.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily’s food tells the story of the island’s past and its cultural interactions, featuring influences from Arab, Greek, Spanish, and Norman traditions. After being crowned the European Region of Gastronomy 2025, Sicily is hosting a year-long gastronomic celebration, with a host of events taking place every month.

Cumbria, UK

In 2025, new travel itineraries will be introduced throughout Cumbria to showcase its food scene. These routes will take visitors through Carlisle, the Lake District, and the Cumbrian coastline, while focusing on local food experiences.

Croatia

Many local chefs from Croatia go to other countries to hone their culinary skills and then return home to revitalise traditional dishes and open their own places. Beyond fine dining, there is a variety of unique food experiences across the country, such as the Gacka Honey Trail, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of local beekeepers in the unspoilt Lika region.

Alabama, US

The US state’s tourist office has created several new routes for food enthusiasts. The most popular of these routes sends visitors on a self-guided tour around Alabama’s classic neighbourhood restaurants, many of which are family-run and have been in operation for over 100 years, giving visitors a slice of local history as they eat.

Busan, South Korea

Busan in South Korea is fast emerging as a culinary destination. It is a busy port city that is popular for its abundance of fresh seafood and local produce. Although it is home to a first-rate street food scene, a new wave of chefs has elevated its dining scene, making it one of the top food destinations.

Do you consider yourself a foodie?
Do you seek out the local food scene when travelling or not in particular?

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