Dubai ranked world’s second-best food destination for 2026

Dubai has been named the world’s second best food destination in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, which spotlight top culinary cities as voted for by millions of travellers worldwide. The results place two Gulf cities in the global top 10 – Dubai in second and Doha, Qatar, in seventh – underscoring the region’s growing status as a gastronomic hub.

Based on reviews and ratings posted over a 12‑month period, the awards recognise destinations that receive a high volume of consistently exceptional feedback across everything from street food to fine dining. Out of more than 8 million listings on the platform, fewer than 1% achieve this “Best of the Best” milestone, with the 2026 top 10 led by London, followed by Dubai, Rome, Hong Kong, Paris, Majorca, Doha, Crete, Bangkok and Marrakech.

Dubai’s thriving culinary landscape

Home to more than 13,000 restaurants and bars – around 60% of the UAE’s total food outlets – Dubai ranks among the world’s most saturated and competitive dining markets, blending authenticity, innovation and showmanship. From souk‑side shawarma stalls and karak tea stops to underwater dining rooms and rooftop tasting menus, the city caters to every price point and palate.

Dubai’s culinary credentials are also recognised beyond Tripadvisor, with a guided food and culture tour through Old Dubai recently named among Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 experiences for offering an “authentic taste of the city’s heritage”.

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Powered by a population that is more than 85% expatriate, Dubai’s food scene layers influences from South Asia, the Levant, the Mediterranean, East Asia and Europe, helping cement its position as a global culinary hub for both Michelin inspectors and international gourmets.

The current Michelin Guide Dubai 2025 lists 19 starred restaurants, including three with three stars, among them 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.