Irish city ranks one of the best cities in the world for food

Dublin has been ranked eight in a list of the best capital cities for foodies thanks to its number of incredible five star restaurants.

One in three admit they would travel to new destinations just to experience the local cuisine, according to research, and as the multi-billion dollar culinary tourism market is expected to surge in growth by almost a fifth (19 per cent) by 2032, it’s clear that experiencing new culinary delights is an integral part of travel.

But, where is the best place to visit for foodies? JR Pass sought to discover which of the world’s capital cities are best for food fanatics, by assessing different metrics including, the number of five-star restaurants, culinary tourist attractions, and the number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

Dublin, Ireland places eighth, with an overall score of 76/100. Boasting 39 five star restaurants, six Michelin guide restaurants and two national dishes, including hearty Irish stew, there’s definitely no shortage of institutions looking to tantalise your palette.

Paris takes the top spot as the best capital city for foodies to visit, with an overall foodie score of 93.1/100. With 12 national dishes to pique your interest (the highest of any capitals ranked), 24 Michelin guide restaurants and 100 five star restaurants per 100,000 people, your next love affair may just be between your taste buds and the delectable goods you pick up in Paris.

Athens in Greece takes second place with an overall score of 84.4/100. From creamy yet crispy Bougatsa to Moussaka, the Greek isles offer up tantalising treats that are rich on the stomach yet light on the wallet, as where Athens falls short in its offering of Michelin Guide restaurants, it makes up for with its relatively budget-friendly food offering (€50.46 average price for a meal for two).

Tokyo in Japan ranks third with an overall score of 81.5/100. With seven national dishes including the TikTok-viral Karaage chicken, four Michelin Guide restaurants and 34 five star restaurants per 100,000 people, Tokyo is a firm choice for foodies, offering a wonderland of culinary delights.

The fourth best city, if food is your priority, is Zurich in Switzerland, with a final foodie score of 81/100.

Despite being a pricier option for a meal for two (€124.26), Zurich’s 19 Michelin Guide restaurants, ten culinary tourism attractions and 57 five star restaurants per 100,000 people earn it the fourth spot. So whether it’s for a swiss fondue or to try the local swiss chocolate, Zurich can be added to your food tour.

Amsterdam rounds off the top five, with an overall score of 79/100. Despite requiring a slightly higher budget, the capital remains cheaper on average than its predecessor, Zurich, at €88.42. Boasting 60 five star restaurants, 13 Michelin Guide restaurants per 100,000 people, there’s definitely no shortage of institutions looking to tantalise your palette.

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