Unveiling the 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards: A Culinary Celebration
Food & Wine has just released its highly anticipated 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards, showcasing the finest in food and drink experiences from bustling cities to quaint hidden gems around the globe. This year, the awards mark a significant achievement—celebrating the top 165 culinary destinations, including restaurants, bars, hotels, airports, and even cruise lines. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or just beginning your culinary journey, this year’s winners promise to "expand your palate" and deepen your connection to different cultures through their incredible flavors.
Honoring Global Culinary Excellence
In its third year, the Global Tastemakers Awards aims to spotlight destinations that reflect not just outstanding cuisine, but also a profound sense of local culture and community. Selected through a comprehensive poll of 400 chefs, travel experts, writers, and wine professionals, the awards honorees were further refined by the discerning editors and Global Advisory Board of Food & Wine. Curious food lovers can explore all the award details and methodologies at the official Food & Wine Global Tastemakers site, with further insights available in the May issue on newsstands starting April 18.
A Journey Through Culinary Creativity
Hunter Lewis, the VP and Editor in Chief of Food & Wine, eloquently expresses the essence of this year’s selections: "Each winner embodies what we at Food & Wine savor about travel: a connection to culture and community; abundant, delicious, and mind-expanding experiences; and a taste of something real."
This year’s award winners present a refreshing shift towards casual, culture-rich dining experiences. For the second consecutive year, New York City stands tall as the Best U.S. City for Food & Drink, celebrated for its vibrant culinary creativity and ceaseless energy. Meanwhile, Burdell in Oakland takes the crown for Best U.S. Restaurant with its soulful, retro-inspired California cuisine.
Exceptional International Honorees
On the international scene, Bangkok makes its inaugural appearance as the Best International City for Food & Drink, a testament to its resilience and rich culinary tradition. The Best International Restaurants list celebrates establishments where flavor drives the experience, from a curry shop in Bangkok to a tortilleria in Mexico City, crowned by Asador Etxebarri in Spain—an extraordinary live-fire Basque restaurant nestled in a 30-year-old stone farmhouse.
Cities like Charleston, Miami, and Austin also feature in the U.S. Best Cities list, illustrating that culinary brilliance knows no bounds, extending far beyond the larger metropolises. Acclaimed hotel destination Blackberry Farm in Tennessee and the burgeoning coffee scenes in Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico were recognized amongst this year’s impressive lineup.
Explore the Highlights: 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards
Below are some of the highlighted winners:
Top 10 U.S. Cities for Food & Drink
- New York City
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Austin
- New Orleans
- Charleston
- Miami
- San Francisco
- Houston
- Philadelphia
Top 10 International Cities for Food & Drink
- Bangkok
- Tokyo
- Mexico City
- Barcelona
- Hong Kong
- London
- Paris
- Lima
- Copenhagen
- Melbourne
Top 15 U.S. Restaurants
- Burdell’s, Oakland, California
- Canlis, Seattle, Washington
- The Musket Room, NYC
- Lowland Tavern, Charleston
- Emeril’s, New Orleans
- Mr. Tuna, Portland, Maine
- Yang Ban, Los Angeles
- My Loup, Philadelphia
- Myriel, Minneapolis
- Stissing House, Pine Plains, New York
- Nancy’s Hustle, Houston, Texas
- Penny, New York City
- Sunny’s, Miami
- Virtue, Chicago
- Oyster, Oyster, Washington, DC
Best Overall Winners in the U.S.
- Best U.S. Restaurant: Burdell’s, Oakland, California
- Best City in the U.S. for Food and Drinks: New York City
- Best City in the U.S. for Pastry: New York City
- Best City for Coffee: Los Angeles
- Best Hotel in the U.S. for Food and Drinks: Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
- Best U.S. Hotel Bar: King Cole Bar, St. Regis, New York City
- Best Bar in the U.S.: Cure, New Orleans
- Best Airport for Food and Drinks: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Best Overall International Winners
- Best International Restaurant: Asador Etxebarri, Axpe, Spain
- Best International City for Food and Drinks: Bangkok, Thailand
- Best International City for Pastry: Paris, France
- Best City for Coffee: Melbourne, Australia
- Best International Hotel for Food and Drinks: Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi, Italy
- Best Market for Food and Drinks: La Vucciria, Palermo, Italy
- Best International Hotel Bar: Bar Les Ambassadeurs, Hotel de Crillon, Paris
- Best International Bar: Bar Nouveau, Paris, France
- Best Airline for Food and Drinks: Emirates Airways
- Best Airport for Food and Drinks: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Best Cruise Line for Food and Drinks: Silversea Cruises
A Two-Part Selection Process
The awards are the result of a meticulous two-part selection process. Initially, Food & Wine surveyed over 400 chefs, travel experts, and food aficionados to gather their insights on top culinary travel experiences. Subsequently, the Global Advisory Board alongside the Food & Wine editorial team reviewed and ranked the leading nominees in each category to create this prestigious list.
To delve deeper into the selection methodology and discover the complete guide to the best culinary destinations worldwide, visit Food & Wine Global Tastemakers and find out more about their incredible culinary journeys on Instagram @foodandwine.
A Note from Our Sponsor
This year’s Global Tastemakers Awards are proudly presented by Capital One.
Join Us in Supporting Those in Need
Additionally, it’s important to note that the winners were selected prior to the recent Myanmar earthquake, which is impacting Thailand as well. If you’re looking to contribute, here’s how you can help Myanmar and Thailand right now.
About Food & Wine
Food & Wine continues to celebrate the global epicurean experience through its award-winning magazine, curated online content, social media platforms, newsletters, and esteemed events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. With expertly tested recipes and trusted recommendations for dining, drinks, and culinary travel, they inspire food lovers to discover, create, and relish the best in food and drink, every day and everywhere.
As you embark on your next culinary adventure, let the 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards serve as your ultimate guide to discovering unforgettable flavors and experiences. Bon appétit!
