If you’re someone who checks restaurant lists before hotel reviews, this will feel very familiar. Food has become the main reason to travel, and Dubai is right in the middle of this trend. The city ranks second for food in the Best of the Best Destinations 2026 list by the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice.
The ranking is based entirely on traveller reviews. In the recent years, the city has built a strong homegrown dining culture, with local chefs, regional ingredients, and original ideas shaping what people are eating. Checking out the city’s newest and most unique restaurants, especially the ones locals won’t stop talking about.
Here’s the rest of the top ten destinations:
- London (UK) – 1st place
- Rome (Italy) – 3rd place
- Hong Kong – 4th place
- Paris (France) – 5th place
- Majorca (Spain) – 6th place
- Doha (Qatar) – 7th place
- Crete (Greece) – 8th place
- Bangkok (Thailand) – 9th place
- Marrakech (Morocco) – 10th place
Food tourism as a whole is growing fast. The World Food Travel Association says travellers spend around 25% of their holiday budget on food. Even more telling, many people who travel specifically for food book restaurant reservations before they book flights. Meals are now the reason for the trip.
Social media has played a big role in this change. Endless food videos and viral dishes have turned eating into something people actively plan around. This mindset is especially strong among younger travellers. In the UAE, a recent Gen Z survey showed that most prefer emotionally charged experiences, like live events or fine dining, over traditional gifts.
If you’re coming to the city soon or want to explore the best of its dining options, there’s no better place than Taste of Dubai 2026. It’s the annual foodie paradise that brings together crowd-favourite restaurants, top chefs, and live cooking moments. This event is a great way to experience why the city ranks second globally according to tourists.
Stay tuned for more food news, events, and city updates!
