Dubai has done it again. The city has been ranked the world’s second-best food destination for 2026 in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, placing just behind London and ahead of cities like Rome and Paris.
The ranking is based on millions of reviews shared by travellers from around the world over the past year. These are first-hand experiences from people who ate, explored, and rated restaurants across the city. No panels. No judging committees. Just real diners sharing honest feedback.
For anyone living in Dubai, the news feels familiar. The city’s food scene has long been one of its strongest selling points, and this recognition simply confirms what residents and regular visitors already know.
Explore some must-try food spots across Dubai on our page:
How TripAdvisor Decided the 2026 Rankings?
TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best Destinations 2026” list is one of its most competitive annual rankings. Out of more than eight million listings worldwide, fewer than one per cent earn a place.
Destinations are ranked based on consistent high scores for food quality, service, and overall dining experience. Reviews are collected over a full 12-month period, which helps balance seasonal trends and one-off experiences.
London took the top spot this year. Dubai followed in second place. Rome ranked third, while Hong Kong and Paris completed the top five. The rest of the top ten included Majorca, Doha, Crete, Bangkok, and Marrakech.
Dubai’s position reflects consistency. Visitors know they will get good food, clear service standards, and plenty of choice, no matter where they dine.
Why Food Has Become a Travel Priority?
Food-led travel is no longer a niche trend. It now plays a central role in how people choose destinations.
Travellers are spending a larger share of their budgets on dining, with food often shaping entire itineraries. Many book restaurant reservations before flights or hotels, especially when visiting cities known for strong culinary scenes.
Dubai fits this shift perfectly. The city offers access, variety, and scale. A visitor can have Emirati breakfast in Deira, Japanese lunch in DIFC, and a fine-dining dinner at Palm Jumeirah, all in one day and without long travel times.
Neighbourhoods like Downtown Dubai, JBR, Al Barsha, and Karama each bring a different food identity. This ease and variety make Dubai attractive for short breaks and longer stays alike.
A City Built on Food Diversity
Dubai is home to more than 13,000 restaurants and cafés, accounting for around 60 per cent of all food outlets in the UAE.
What truly sets the city apart is its range. Emirati cuisine shares space with Indian, Pakistani, Levantine, East Asian, African, and European food. Budget-friendly cafeterias sit next to high-end restaurants, often on the same street.
This reflects the city itself. With over 85 per cent of the population made up of expatriates, Dubai’s food culture mirrors its people. Many restaurants are family-run or chef-led, offering flavours that feel authentic rather than adapted.
For residents, this means variety without compromise. For visitors, it means discovering new cuisines while still finding comfort food from home.
Michelin Stars Strengthen Dubai’s Global Standing
Dubai’s food reputation is also supported by the Michelin Guide. The Michelin Guide Dubai 2025 lists 19 starred restaurants, including three holding the top three-star rating.
One of the most talked-about names is Trèsind Studio, the world’s only three-star Indian restaurant. It has also built a strong following on TripAdvisor, with a large number of reviews and consistently high ratings.
Other standout experiences include Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm, known for its immersive underwater setting, and Nobu One Za’abeel, which offers city views from more than 230 metres above ground. Carbone at Atlantis The Royal has also gained popularity for its classic Italian-American menu and tableside service.
These restaurants attract tourists, but they are just as popular with residents celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.
Dubai’s future
Being ranked the world’s second-best food destination for 2026 highlights Dubai’s ability to deliver quality at scale. It is not just about a few famous restaurants. It is about reliability across thousands of dining spots.
The recognition is likely to boost food tourism further, encourage new restaurant concepts, and attract global chefs and brands to the city. It also reinforces Dubai’s image as a lifestyle destination, where food plays a key role in everyday life.
From early-morning karak to late-night fine dining, Dubai’s food culture continues to grow, adapt, and impress.
Dubai’s second-place ranking in TripAdvisor’s 2026 food destination list confirms its position as one of the world’s most exciting places to eat. The city offers choice, quality, and consistency, all shaped by its multicultural identity.
For travellers planning their next trip, and for residents who enjoy exploring new spots every weekend, Dubai’s food story is far from over.
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