KEY POINTS
- The Michelin Guide highlights 16 must-visit culinary destinations for 2026.
- Highlights include Venice, the American South, Route 66, and the Philippines food scenes.
- New and emerging regions like Czechia and Saudi Arabia also earn recognition as food travel hotspots.
Food-focused travel is rising in 2026 as the Michelin Guide identifies top global destinations worth visiting for cuisine and culinary culture.
The list highlights where worlds of taste and travel intersect, from historic cities to emerging food scenes.
In Europe, classic Italian regions draw attention, including Venice for a culinary renaissance backed by high-end hotel openings.
Nearby, the Dolomites show rising alpine gastronomy, boosted by Winter Olympics-linked innovations.
The Amalfi Coast earns praise for scenic settings paired with refined Mediterranean plates.
Beyond Italy, Czechia invites food travelers with its first nationwide Michelin Guide recognition.
Poland’s historic city Wrocław also ranks as a destination with growing culinary appeal.
The Middle East appears on the map, with Saudi Arabia gaining notice for its evolving dining culture.
This region is increasingly drawing inspectors’ attention for its dynamic food offerings.
In Asia, the Philippines secures a spot with Manila and Cebu gaining recognition for vibrant native cuisine.
Local dishes, markets, and chef-driven restaurants form part of the draw for visitors seeking authentic experiences.
North America food travel gets a boost from multiple entries.
Historic Route 66 is noted not only for its scenic drives but also for a revived culinary scene in roadside eateries.
The American South — spanning Atlanta, Louisiana, Tennessee and more — earns acclaim for regional staples and Michelin picked venues.
Florida’s diverse food scene, from Miami to Gulf Coast towns, is also recommended as an evolving destination.
Classic food cities Boston and Philadelphia appear as destinations where Michelin recognition adds depth to historic culinary reputations.
Meanwhile, Québec and Vancouver highlight Canadian food culture with local specialties and seafood influences.
Travelers looking for mix of gastronomy and broader cultural experiences will find Europe’s offerings compelling.
From Venice’s canals to Czech regional dishes, these destinations blend heritage with innovation.
Emerging regions like Saudi Arabia and the Philippines show how Michelin’s global reach expands each year.
Recognition can signal rising quality and influence future gastronomic tourism.
Many of these destinations benefit from both traditional food traditions and modern chef-led dining rooms.
Visitors are encouraged to explore local markets, street food scenes, and Michelin-recommended restaurants for a full taste of place.
The inclusion of diverse regions reflects changing travel trends in 2026.
Food lovers increasingly seek out destinations where eating experiences are as important as sights and activities.
Travel planners say that Michelin recognition often boosts local tourism, drawing cooks, critics, and travelers alike.
This year’s list may shape culinary-oriented trips and influence where people book their tables and tours.
