Lima has officially been crowned the world’s best city for food in 2026.

According to Time Out’s latest global rankings, Peru’s capital claimed the top spot ahead of Bangkok, Mexico City, London and Barcelona. The ranking was based on feedback from more than 24,000 residents across 150 cities, along with evaluations from over 100 editors and cultural experts. Lima earned top marks for the quality, diversity and affordability of its food scene.

While the city is home to some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, Lima’s culinary reputation extends far beyond fine dining.

No visit is complete without trying Peru’s iconic ceviche, featuring fresh fish cured in lime juice with red onion and chili peppers. Street food is equally unforgettable, with favourites like anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), tamales and sweet picarones served throughout the city.

Lima is also home to some of the most acclaimed restaurants on the planet. Central, famous for showcasing Peru’s diverse ecosystems through its tasting menu, was named the World’s Best Restaurant in 2023. More recently, Maido earned the title of The World’s Best Restaurant 2025, cementing Lima’s status as one of the world’s greatest culinary destinations.

Beyond the restaurants, neighbourhoods like Barranco offer visitors a vibrant mix of cafés, cocktail bars and creative eateries surrounded by colourful street art and a lively arts scene. Food lovers can also explore Mercado de Surquillo, one of Lima’s most authentic markets, packed with tropical fruits, fresh seafood, native potatoes, peppers and countless ingredients that make Peruvian cuisine so unique.

Of course, no culinary journey through Peru is complete without enjoying a classic Pisco Sour or discovering Nikkei cuisine, the world-famous fusion of Japanese cooking techniques and Peruvian ingredients that has become one of the country’s greatest gastronomic contributions.

Lima’s food tells the story of Peru itself, blending Indigenous traditions with Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese influences into a cuisine unlike anywhere else in the world.

The city’s growing influence on the global culinary stage will continue later this year when Lima hosts The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony in November 2026, marking the first time the prestigious event will be held in Peru.

For food lovers, Lima has become more than just a destination—it’s a bucket-list experience.