Dubai named world’s second-best food destination in Tripadvisor’s 2026 rankings
Global travellers vote the emirate among elite culinary capitals
DUBAI has been ranked the world’s second-best food destination for 2026 in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, reinforcing its growing reputation as a global culinary capital.
The rankings are based on millions of reviews and ratings shared by travellers worldwide over a 12-month period, highlighting destinations that consistently deliver standout dining experiences. Dubai placed just behind London, with Rome taking third place.
The recognition reflects a broader rise in food-led travel, a segment projected to grow by 20 percent year-on-year through 2030, according to Precedence Research. Industry figures show travellers now spend an average of 25 percent of their total holiday budget on food, while more than half of gastronomy-focused tourists book restaurant reservations before confirming flights.
Global rankings
Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best Destinations 2026” food list is derived from user-generated reviews that exceed standard expectations across service, quality and overall experience. Out of more than eight million listings worldwide, fewer than one per cent earn the Best of the Best designation.
London topped the 2026 rankings, followed by Dubai in second place. Rome ranked third, Hong Kong fourth and Paris fifth. Majorca secured sixth position, while Doha placed seventh, making it the second Gulf city in the global top 10. Crete, Bangkok and Marrakech completed the list.
The strong showing by Dubai and Doha underscores the Middle East’s growing presence on the global food tourism map, driven by diverse populations, expanding fine-dining scenes and increasing international recognition.
Dubai’s dining landscape
Dubai is home to more than 13,000 restaurants and bars, accounting for around 60 percent of all food outlets in the UAE. The city is widely regarded as one of the most competitive dining markets globally, offering everything from street food and neighbourhood cafés to destination fine dining.
The emirate’s culinary appeal lies in its range. Visitors can move seamlessly between Emirati cuisine, South Asian staples, Levantine dishes, East Asian flavours and European classics, often within the same neighbourhood. This diversity is shaped by a population that is more than 85 percent expatriate, creating a food culture that reflects both global influences and regional heritage.
Dubai’s credentials have also been recognised by other international platforms. A guided food and culture tour through Old Dubai was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 experiences, praised for offering an authentic insight into the city’s culinary roots.
Michelin recognition
Dubai’s fine-dining credentials continue to strengthen, with the Michelin Guide Dubai 2025 listing 19 starred restaurants, including three three-star establishments. Among them is Trèsind Studio, the world’s only three-star Indian restaurant and one of just two Middle East entries on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.
On Tripadvisor, Trèsind Studio is the highest-reviewed among Dubai’s Michelin-starred venues, holding a 4.5-out-of-5 rating from around 2,000 reviews, the largest review base in the group. Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm, known for its underwater dining experience, also ranks highly, combining strong ratings with a large volume of positive feedback.
The city’s restaurant pipeline continues to expand. Recent high-profile openings include Nobu One Za’abeel, located 230 metres above the city, and Carbone at Atlantis The Royal, bringing New York-style Italian-American dining and tableside service to the Palm.
Regional spotlight
Doha, ranked seventh globally, has also gained significant international attention. The Michelin Guide Doha 2026 lists 44 restaurants, including three starred venues: Italian restaurant Alba, IDAM by Alain Ducasse, and Indian fine-dining concept Jamavar. Four additional restaurants received Bib Gourmand distinctions, reflecting quality dining at more accessible price points.
Tripadvisor’s rankings highlight a shift in how travellers evaluate destinations, with consistency, depth and cultural expression playing a central role in dining experiences.