Around the World in Plates: Cities That Will Make You Book a Flight Just to Eat

There’s something undeniably magical about wandering the streets of a new city, the aromas of unknown spices and sizzling dishes drawing you into bustling markets and cozy restaurants. It’s the universal language of good food that brings us together, creating unforgettable memories that linger long after the last bite. So, if you’re someone who dreams of culinary adventures, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a gastronomic journey to the top 10 cities that have left food lovers like you thinking about their meals long after they’ve returned home.

“Food” by Skånska Matupplevelser is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Seoul, Korea, kicks off our list with a score of 93.66. Here, Korean cuisine is not just food; it’s an experience. Imagine sitting in a traditional Korean barbecue restaurant, the sound of bulgogi sizzling on the grill, the aroma of charred hanwoo filling the air. Seoul teases your palate with its spicy kimchi pork stews and classic bibimbap, all while introducing you to the joys of soju and makgeolli. It’s a city where every meal is a celebration of flavors waiting to be discovered.

We jet off to Rome, Italy, with a score of 93.77. The Eternal City is a haven for pasta lovers, offering steaming plates of cacio e pepe, carbonara, and bucatini all’Amatriciana. But Rome’s culinary scene goes beyond pasta. From the hearty gnocchi alla Romana to the crunchy pizza alla Romana, each dish tells a story of Rome’s rich history and tradition. And let’s not forget the supplì and carciofi alla giudìa – these regional delicacies will have you coming back for more.

And there are those restaurants around the world that offer more than just delicious food – they offer a view that takes your breath away. Imagine dining at Nessun Dorma in Manarola, Italy, perched on a cliff with a stunning view of the sea, or sipping cocktails at the Panorama Room in New York, high above the city’s iconic skyline. These dining spots combine epic vistas with mouth-watering menus, offering an experience that’s truly once in a lifetime.

But what makes a dining experience truly unforgettable? In places like El Diablo in Lanzarote, Spain, it’s the thrill of dining atop an active volcano, your meal cooked on a basalt grill using the volcano’s geothermal energy. Or perhaps it’s the novelty of dining in complete darkness at O.Noir in Toronto, Canada, where your senses of touch, taste, and smell are heightened in a way you’ve never experienced before.

As we continue our culinary tour, we can’t help but marvel at the unique dining concepts scattered across the globe. From the undersea wonders of Ithaa in the Maldives to the treehouse charm of Sur un Arbre Perche in Paris, each restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience that goes beyond the plate. It’s these creative concepts, combined with delectable food, that leave a lasting impression on our hearts and our taste buds.

Dining out isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about the stories, the atmosphere, the people, and, of course, the food. It’s about those moments when the world seems to pause, and all that matters is the plate in front of you and the memories being made. So, the next time you find yourself in a new city, take a moment to dive into its culinary scene. Who knows? You might just discover your next unforgettable meal.