World's most stylish gourmet destinations to visit, where couture meets culinary delights

Whether you eat to live, or live to eat, it's always nice to know there are experiences out there made to savour life's big and small milestones. For the stylish gourmand, these culinary experiences travel borders. No getaway ever feels complete without the indulgence of a destination's most exquisite culinary offerings. From legendary local street eats to Michelin-starred marvels, this curated guide by HELLO! India spotlights the world's most sought-after gourmet hotspots for all discerning food lovers. So, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or looking for gastronomical experiments that make your taste buds tingle, each destination promises an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly blends flavour, luxury and the culture of the city. 

11 CULINARY DESTINATIONS FOR A GASTRONOMICAL EXPERIENCE

1. Paris, France

In Paris, every meal feels like a rendezvous with culinary artistry. The city offers an indulgent mix of local gems, refined fine-dining establishments, and celebrated French restaurants that define gastronomic excellence. Among them, Le Comptoir du Relais stands as a timeless Parisian icon. Always abuzz with an elegant crowd and famed for its authentic French fare served in a quintessentially chic setting, which attracts one and all. From the comforting richness of French Onion Soup to the perfectly crisp Duck Confit, and the delicately herbed Ratatouille, each dish embodies the finesse and flavour that make Paris the world’s undisputed capital of cuisine.

2. Mumbai, India

Mumbai’s culinary scene is as dynamic and glamorous as its nightlife. From celebrity-frequented fine-dining spots to beloved local institutions, the city celebrates food with unparalleled flair. Papa's in Mumbai redefines traditional Indian cuisine with contemporary elegance, blending regional flavours with inventive presentation. No wonder it presented itself on Time Magazine's "World's Greatest Places of 2025" list for its incredible versions of Indian classics blended with global technique and heavy doses of nostalgia. The rasam, or peppery South Indian broth, flavoured with cured trout and watermelon; lamb Wellington cooked korma-style; char siu shaped like modak, a festive local sweet; and samosas stuffed with tuna instead of potatoes, are some of the must-have dishes to try on your next visit. 

3. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s culinary landscape is a masterclass in elegance, where every dining experience mirrors the city’s impeccable aesthetic sensibilities. Restaurants here are so coveted that reservations are often secured months in advance, making each meal a coveted indulgence. Sukiyabashi Jiro, the legendary sushi temple, epitomises this allure. The experience is as exclusive as it is unforgettable. Vegetarians can delight in delicately crisp Vegetable Tempura, non-vegetarians are treated to the sublime freshness of Sushi and Sashimi, and vegans can savour the refined simplicity of Zaru Soba, chilled buckwheat noodles paired with a nuanced soy dipping sauce, where each dish a celebration of Tokyo’s sophisticated culinary artistry

4. Rome, Italy

Rome is a city where indulgence meets artistry, and its culinary experiences rival the grandeur of its historic landmarks. The city’s finest restaurants pulse with energy, drawing both locals and discerning travelers alike. Roscioli, a sophisticated deli-restaurant hybrid, is celebrated for serving some of the city’s most exquisite pasta, always buzzing with gastronomes. From the delight of the simplicity of Cacio e Pepe, Saltimbocca, a speacialty dish where veal is wrapped in prosciutto and sage, or the vibrant Pasta Pomodoro, bathed in a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce, each dish is a luxurious taste of Rome's timeless charm. 

5. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok’s vibrant food culture blends tradition with modern creativity. Michelin-starred street food stalls are common, and they’re always full. Jay Fai is a legendary street food restaurant with queues stretching for hours. Some of the must-try dishes are the Pad Thai Jay, a tofu and peanut-stirred noodle dish, Tom Yum Goong, a spicy shrimp soup and the Green Curry, which can be made to non-vegetarian to vegan preferences. 

6. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul’s cuisine is a perfect blend of East and West, and its most famous eateries are always bustling with customers. Nusr-Et Steakhouse is owned by the internet-famous Salt Bae. This restaurant is a hotspot for food lovers and celebrities. Some of their signature dishes are their steaks, cooked as per your liking, Iskender Kebab, a mouthwatering doner meat dish, and the very famous, Dolma, stuffed vine leaves with spiced rice and other assortments. 

7. New York City, USA

New York's culinary scene does not need an introduction. Every neighbourhood in New York offers a mix of legendary estabilishments and trendsetting hotspots. From the From the timeless charm of Katz's Delicatessen to the sleek Elevan Madison Park, the trending Vikas Khanna-helmed, The Bungalow and the modern allure of Le Bernardin or Gramercy Tavern, the city caters to every palate with flair. Whether exploring classic eateries or contemporary fine dining, New York promises a gastronomic journey that is as dynamic, stylish, and unforgettable as the city itself.

8. Delhi, India

Delhi’s culinary landscape is as majestic as its history, where heritage restaurants continue to draw crowds day after day. Bukhara at the ITC Maurya, an iconic emblem of Indian fine dining, is famed for its rustic Mughlai flavours and signature dishes like the smoky Dal Bukhara, tender Tandoori Kebabs, and the indulgent and mammoth Family Naan, that doesn't just grab eyeballs for its massive size, but for the flavours too. Each meal in this culinary haven promises a journey through rich aromas, vibrant spices, and unforgettable flavours, making the city a one-of-a-kind destinary for food lovers. 

9. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s culinary scene is as inventive and captivating as its art, where dining becomes a celebration of flavour and creativity. Tickets by Albert Adria Acosta stands as an avant-garde tapas destination, with reservations coveted months in advance. Signature dishes include Patatas Bravas, crispy potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce; Paella de Marisco, a saffron-infused seafood rice dish; and Escalivada, smoky roasted aubergines and peppers, each offering a luxurious and unforgettable taste of Barcelona and its vibrant culture.

10. London, England

London is home to some of the most sought-after restaurants, where getting a table is often a challenge. Dishoom is a Bombay-inspired café with queues even for breakfast. The Bacon Naan Roll is a total hit for the morning chasers. Other signature dishes at this cult favourite restaurant in London are the House Black Daal, the famous slow-cooked black lentil curry, the Chicken Ruby, owing to the red tomato base it is made in and Spicy Lamb Chops. 

11. Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s culinary scene is as cosmopolitan and glamorous as the city itself, where every meal is a luxurious experience. Nobu, the world-renowned Japanese-Peruvian hotspot, is celebrated for its innovative sushi and Black Cod Miso. Zuma, a contemporary Japanese izakaya, offers exquisitely crafted dishes in a chic, vibrant setting. Pierchic, perched over the Arabian Gulf, serves fresh seafood with breathtaking views, making every dining moment unforgettable. With such iconic restaurants, Dubai has firmly established itself as a premier destination for discerning food lovers.

Text compilation by Divya Batra 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews