TimeOut has just released its 2025 ranking of the best food cities in the world, and this edition confirms an undeniable trend: Latin America is a global gastronomic powerhouse. With four cities in the top 20, the region ranks on par with Europe in terms of diversity and culinary excellence. Let’s focus on Medellín, Mexico City, Lima, and San José, metropolises where food is not just an art but a way of life.
Medellín, the Rising Star of Global Gastronomy (3rd place)
The biggest surprise in this ranking: Medellín, Colombia, takes an impressive third place worldwide, just behind New Orleans and Melbourne. Once renowned for its eternal spring climate and exemplary urban transformation, the capital of Antioquia is now emerging as a must-visit gastronomic destination.
With a bold and rapidly evolving food scene, local chefs (known as paisas, from the Antioquia region) brilliantly reinterpret Colombian and regional classics. The city is home to institutions such as El Cielo, the first Colombian restaurant to earn a Michelin star, alongside a new wave of establishments focused on local ingredients and culinary traditions. Street markets, stuffed arepas, bandeja paisa, and innovative dishes inspired by Colombia’s vast biodiversity are delighting food lovers from around the world.
Our article: Medellín, Urban Adventures in the City of Eternal Spring
Mexico City, a Gastronomic Heritage Recognized by UNESCO (6th place)
The Mexican capital needs no introduction when it comes to its vibrant food scene, which reflects both a rich history and an unmatched creativity!
From tacos al pastor sold at street taquerías to the high-end tasting menus of Michelin-starred chefs, Mexico City is a constant invitation to gastronomic exploration. Traditional markets such as La Merced and Coyoacán overflow with flavors, offering specialties like tlacoyos, tamales, and gorditas, which continue to captivate both locals and visitors alike.
Lima, the Culinary Capital of South America (12th place)
For over a decade, Lima has reigned as the gastronomic capital of South America. With restaurants consistently ranked among the best in the world, such as Central (named Best Restaurant in the World in the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking), Maido, Kjolle, and Mayta (ranked 5th, 16th, and 41st in 2024, respectively), the Peruvian capital continues to captivate food lovers globally.
The key to Lima’s success? A flavor-packed culinary fusion, blending Andean traditions, Spanish heritage, and Asian influences from nikkei and chifa cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian and Chinese-Peruvian fusion).
Our article: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024: Latin America takes centre stage
San José, a Cuisine Gaining International Recognition (20th place)
Long overlooked on the Latin American gastronomic scene, Costa Rica’s capital is now a culinary hotspot focused on sustainability and authenticity.
Costa Rican cuisine highlights local ingredients such as corn, cassava, fresh fish, and cacao. Sodas, small family-run restaurants, remain essential for tasting casado, the country’s emblematic dish. In recent years, a new generation of chefs has emerged, transforming traditional Costa Rican dishes into refined gastronomic experiences.
Latin America: A Gastronomic Continent at Its Peak
With four cities in the top 20, Latin America proves once again that it is a top-tier culinary destination, thanks to its unique diversity.
TimeOut’s ranking celebrates a continuously evolving gastronomic landscape, where tradition and modernity blend to offer unforgettable experiences to travelers. As food becomes an increasingly decisive factor in travel choices, these Latin American cities will undoubtedly continue to attract food lovers in search of authenticity and innovation.
Photos: Shuttertock | Maleo Photography | Restaurant Quintonil – Mexico | Instagram Restaurant Sylvestre – San José
