Food has always been central to travel at the MICHELIN Guide, shaping how we connect with cultures and destinations across the world. Currently, we're witnessing buzzy Mexico City redefine heritage flavors by blending street food authenticity with fine dining experiences, while Thailand’s expansive culinary scene will once again be in the spotlight with Bangkok and the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket featured in the new season of The White Lotus—part of a growing trend, where popular series reignite global interest in destinations. Austin keeps it delightfully weird, infusing elegance into its iconic Texan barbecue, which earned multiple MICHELIN Stars last year, and Osaka’s hundreds of MICHELIN-approved restaurants will shine globally as it gears up for hosting the 2025 World Expo.
The growing array of restaurants, from top-end haunts to hidden gems and colorful street food markets, demonstrate how food plays a key role in bringing travelers closer to locals, immersing them in the history and traditions of a place. That’s why we’re sharing a curated guide of 10 noteworthy destinations for food lovers to explore in 2025. All you need is an appetite and an open mind—we’ve got the inspiration covered.
Sticky spare ribs at One-MICHELIN-Star La Barbecue and the bar at Austin Proper Hotel, Austin, Texas. Ⓒ La Barbecue / Austin Proper Hotel
Americas
Austin, Texas, United States
Why go now: Recently added to the MICHELIN Guide, Austin's vibrant food scene—showcasing innovative barbecue, a commitment to local ingredients, craft breweries, creative cocktails, and live music—cements its status as a must-visit city.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 44 restaurants, including 14 Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks) and seven One-Star restaurants.
Last November, we launched the MICHELIN Guide for Texas to much acclaim – NASA astronauts even commended the restaurants that received a distinction, all the way from space. Famous for its barbecue, Austin's food scene is a hearty mix of Texan tradition and fine-dining techniques, earning its place as one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the U.S. right now.
Iconic spots serving world-class brisket and Tex-Mex staples include Franklin Barbecue (a Bib Gourmand), where lines of eager diners wrap around the block, and recent MICHELIN-Starred staples like La Barbecue, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue and InterStellar BBQ. But the city’s food culture extends far beyond its legendary brisket and Tex-Mex. Austin also has a thriving food truck scene highlighting everything from globally inspired fusion dishes to vegan comfort food. Farm-to-table dining is a cornerstone of the city's ethos too, with many chefs focused on bringing local, seasonal ingredients to their menus like at restaurants Emmer & Rye or Dai Due.
Austin is also a hotspot for craft beer, boasting numerous breweries, and a burgeoning cocktail scene. Paired with its live music culture and laid-back vibe, Austin’s food scene delivers a unique mix of bold flavors, creativity, and good old southern hospitality, making it a must-bookmark for 2025 travels.
Where to stay: Austin’s hotel scene is on the rise with Two-Key stunners like the Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, a 1920s mansion surrounded by gardens spanning no less than 10 acres, or the private-members’ style boutique Austin Proper Hotel, awarded One Key.
Casa Polanco Hotel and grilled octopus at Two-MICHELIN-Star restaurant Pujol, Mexico City. Ⓒ Casa Polanco / Pujol
Miami, Florida, USA
Why go now: Enjoy the calm of Miami’s South Beach and snag easier reservations at top restaurants before the crowds of Grand Theft Auto fans arrive to relive iconic moments from the Florida-based video game, set to be one of the biggest releases of all time.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 64 restaurants, including 17 Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks), 13 One-Star restaurants and one Two-Star restaurant.
While our focus is on food rather than video games, the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA) in the fall, slated to be the entertainment sector’s biggest launch of all time, surpassing any Hollywood production, will take place in the state of Florida, including Miami, a city renowned for its fusion of Latin American, Caribbean, and Southern flavors. Whether you're at a food truck, beachfront café, or fine-dining restaurant like the One-Star Colombian-rooted Elcielo or Stubborn Seed, which mixes Latin American and Asian influences, Miami’s multicultural food scene celebrates evolving culinary traditions, blending diverse ingredients and cooking styles. Expect an abundance of fresh seafood too, from ceviche to stone crab, thanks to Miami’s prime coastal location. Delve into the neighborhoods of Little Havana and Little Haiti for a taste of authentic street food, while upscale restaurants innovate with global influences, all supported by a thriving cocktail scene and a growing focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
Where to stay: Miami’s hotels rival any of GTA’s iconic beachy backdrops—if not surpass them—with sleek designs and breathtaking turquoise waters brought to life. Standouts include Two-Key Miami Beach hotels The Setai and Faena or smaller South Floridian Art Deco gems like One-Key Betsy.
Mexico City, Mexico
Why go now: The MICHELIN Guide’s recent arrival in Mexico highlights its capital’s culinary scene, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge creativity, meaning food lovers can get a taste for street-side tacos to Two-Star Mexican gastronomy. MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 62 restaurants, including 20 Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks), five One-Star restaurants and two Two-Star restaurants.
Last May, the MICHELIN Guide launched in Mexico, spotlighting its compelling culinary scene, with Mexico City leading the charge. Rooted in centuries-old heritage, the city offers traditional dishes like tacos al pastor and mole, prepared with ancient techniques and heirloom ingredients. However, while travelers can explore authentic street food at spots like the Mercado de San Juan, the city's also got some heavy hitters in terms of haute gastronomy, like Two-Star restaurants Pujol and Quintonil. Many of the city’s chefs are championing indigenous ingredients, techniques and seasonal produce, while elevating traditional recipes to fine-dining standards, making Mexico City one of the world’s most exciting food destinations for 2025.
Where to stay: You’re spoiled for choice of places to stay in Mexico City, with 16 hotels receiving the One- or Two-Key distinctions, like rehabilitated mansion hotels Casa Polanco, Brick Hotel, Nima Local House Hotel or Amomoxtli in a nearby town, which boasts spectacular mountain vistas poolside.
Thailand is about to be back in the spotlight, thanks to the new season of White Lotus. Ⓒ Four Seasons Koh Samui
Asia
Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket, Thailand
Why go now: With Thailand's first-ever Three-Star restaurant and the buzz from a new season of The White Lotus, Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket are about to steal the limelight as culinary hotspots.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 169 restaurants, including 40 Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks), 24 One-Star restaurants, seven Two-Star restaurants and one Three-Star restaurant.
Bangkok has long been a restaurant and food mecca, from its world-renowned restaurants to its dizzying street food markets. But with Thailand scoring its first-ever Three-Star restaurant last November and the highly anticipated third season of The White Lotus set to drop, the Thai capital is poised for a fresh wave of attention. Travelers can devour the culinary wonders of Bangkok before jet-setting to Koh Samui and Phuket for awe-inspiring views of jungly karst islands floating in the bluest waters, following in the show cast’s footsteps. This season’s guests will be checking into not one but two hotels: the Four Seasons Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, both destinations with thriving food scenes.
Koh Samui, with 12 MICHELIN Guide-vetted spots, offers a laid-back dining scene of beachside bars like Jun Hom where the stir-fried squid is a highlight and fine-dining hideaways like jungly Koh Tai Kitchen at the Four Seasons, celebrating the island’s tropical charm. From laid-back night markets to upscale beachfront resorts, sustainability is key, with farm-to-table menus highlighting local ingredients like Samui’s pulpy coconuts.
Meanwhile, Phuket shines with 58 restaurants, including the One-Star Pru, and captivates diners with its unique mix of Thai, Chinese, and Muslim influences. The island’s food scene spans everything from aromatic curries and fresh seafood to savory street food like satay and roti, as well as Khanom A Pong coconut crepes you have to try at A Pong Mae Sunee's food stall in Phuket Old Town.
Where to stay: Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui are synonymous with high-caliber hotels. The Thai capital boasts 17 Key hotels like the historic Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Three Keys). Phuket has 14 Key hotels, with Aman Puri and Keemala leading the way both with Three Keys, while Koh Samui has eight Key hotels, with Samujana Villas topping the list with Three Keys.
Osaka, Japan
Why go now: With the 2025 World Expo on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to explore Osaka's highly acclaimed MICHELIN-Starred dining scene.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 237 restaurants, including 62 Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks), 72 One-Star restaurants, 10 Two-Star restaurants and three Three-Star restaurants.
Located on Japan’s Kansai coast, Osaka is known as the "Kitchen of Japan" for food characterized by playful, bold flavors and casual atmosphere. Mouthwatering street foods like takoyaki (octopus-filled dough balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) are staples in neon-lit districts like Dotonbori. Beyond street food, Osaka one of the most sophisticated fine-dining scenes in the world, with over 80 MICHELIN-starred restaurants that push the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine, incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients. The selection includes Three-Star establishments like Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama, where the menu pays homage to ancient festivals, to stylish good-value spots like Sobakiri Karani, known for its soba noodles. With Osaka set to host the 2025 World Expo, themed on “designing our future lives,” the city's already dynamic dining scene is poised for even greater international attention, making it the perfect time to visit.
Where to stay: While Osaka's dining scene is one of the most dynamic in the country, its hotel offering has yet to catch up, with stays primarily consisting of sleek, modern tower buildings and business-focused properties from major chains like InterContinental and Ritz-Carlton.
Long stretches of beach at Banyan Tree Lang Co, Vietnam and a Yunnanese meal at Dai Tai in Fujian, China Ⓒ Banyan Tree Lang Co / Dai Tai, Fujian, China
Fujian, China
Why go now: With the MICHELIN Guide launching in Fujian last December, now is the perfect time to explore this coastal province’s food scene, renowned for its fresh seafood and time-honored dishes, while immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 69 restaurants, including 47 Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks), and five One-Star restaurants.
The Fujian province, located on China’s southeastern coast, offers heaps of tucked-away charm and a unique food scene that combines delicate broths, fresh seafood, and a distinctive balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Known for its light, aromatic dishes, the province’s food scene features time-tested dishes like Fujian Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup (made with rare, health-boosting, ingredients like abalone, sea cucumber, and Jinhua ham; the soup is a symbol of opulence and often served during celebratory feasts) and sour soup, usually rustled up using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Try classic dishes prepared with heritage techniques at One-Star Wenru No.9 or Bib Gourmand Dai Tai, specializing in Yunnanese home cooking of the Dai ethnic group. With the MICHELIN Guide launching in Fujian last December, the region is gaining global recognition for its exceptional dining scene. Beyond food, Fujian’s rich cultural history, scenic coastal landscapes, and elegant traditional architecture make it an captivating destination for those looking to explore a lesser known yet vibrant part of China’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Where to stay: Hotels are relatively sparse for the moment and include the well-priced futuristic-looking Hualuxe Xiamen Haicang and the W Xiamen at the upper end of the scale, both with city views over Xiamen.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Why go now: With the MICHELIN Guide's debut in Da Nang last June, spotlighting its exceptional seafood and regional cuisine, this charming corner of Vietnam is set to welcome a wave of curious travelers.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 36 restaurants, including 16 Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks) and one One-Star restaurant.
Da Nang is located on the coast in central Vietnam between the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved architecture and picturesque lantern-lit streets, and the imperial city of Hue, a lively coastal city beloved by the locals for its beaches, cultural landmarks, and growing culinary reputation. The city’s food scene, spotlighted by the MICHELIN Guide since last June, blends fresh seafood, regional specialties, and traditional Vietnamese flavors. Dishes like mi Quang, a rich turmeric noodle broth, and bun cha ca, a flavorful fish cake soup, reflect the influence of both northern and southern Vietnamese cuisines. Must-visit spots include the minimalist and theatrical Nén Danang and Madame Lân, where you'll find outdoor tables illuminated by colorful lanterns hanging in the trees above, plus an array of local cuisine styles.
Da Nang's coastal location ensures an abundance of exceptional seafood, with shrimp, clams, and squid taking center stage in many dishes. The restaurant scene is a dynamic mix of street food vendors and modern eateries, offering everything from casual fare to upscale dining. Whether exploring the Golden Bridge in the Ba Na Hills, hiking the Marble Mountains, or relaxing on its beaches, Da Nang’s blend of scenic beauty and culinary delights makes it an intriguing destination away from the well-trodden path.
Where to stay: Hotels in the area remain limited, so it’s best to book early. A few options can be found in and around Da Nang, including beachfront stays like the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa just outside of the city center, which is one of the better options, along with the palm-tree-lined Four Seasons, The Nam Hai located in Hoi An or Banyan Tree Lang Co northwards up the coast.
The entrance of the Three-Key Hotel Sacher Wien in the Austrian capital and a fresh asapargus dish at MAST Weinbistro restaurant in Vienna. Ⓒ Hotel Sacher Wien / Mast Weinbistro, Vienna
Europe
Vienna, Austria
Why go now: Ambitious chefs are giving Vienna’s Austro-Hungarian food legacy a fresh twist while exploring the range of home-grown ingredients.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 51 restaurants in the selection, including seven Bib Gourmands (our pick of good-value establishments), and five One-Star restaurants, four Two-Star restaurants and one Three-Star restaurant.
While it’s true that Viennese cuisine is traditionally rooted in the country’s Austro-Hungarian legacy, with world-renowned dishes like Wiener Schnitzel (a thin, breaded, and fried meat cutlet, typically made from veal or pork), Tafelspitz (boiled beef served in a flavorful broth with sides like horseradish, applesauce, and root vegetables), and goulash (a hearty stew or soup made with meat, onions, paprika, and other spices, served with potatoes or noodles), Vienna’s food scene is evolving, with innovative chefs reinterpreting classics and infusing global influences into their cooking. Bridging the gap are a host of fantastic restaurants, like the Three-Star Amador, located on the Hajszan Neumann wine estate hugging the city outskirts, or MAST Weinbistro, known for its farm-to-table ethos, as well as heurigen (wine taverns) where you can sample regional tipple like Grüner Veltliner from the Wachau Valley, while grazing on cured meats and cheeses from the glorious Alpine region of Tyrol. Vienna has a vibrant street food scene and markets like Naschmarkt highlight Austria’s best produce. The city’s mix of heritage dishes with international flavors makes Vienna—and Austria—a culinary destination to watch in 2025.
Where to stay: Options vary from historic hotels like the Three-Key Sacher Wien dating back to 1876, to wallet-friendly options like One-Key hotels Hollmann Beletagne Design & Boutique Hotel and Hotel Josefine.
The sunlit Scheepskameel restaurant and The Dylan Hotel on the canal, Amsterdam Ⓒ Scheepskameel restaurant / The Dylan Hotel
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why go now: Amsterdam will be celebrating its 750th anniversary with a year of cultural events, making it the perfect time to bicycle through the multi-cultural food scene.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 114 restaurants, including 18 Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks), 24 One-Star restaurants and seven Two-Star restaurants.
As the Dutch city rings in the New Year with an expansive celebration until October 27th, marking the date of its 750th anniversary, there's never been a better time to explore Amsterdam's festivals, events, and dynamic restaurant scene. For instance, on June 21st, don't miss Ring A10, when the entire ring road around Amsterdam will be closed to traffic for a parade of music, dance and theatre. Traditional staples include bitterballen (bite-sized croquettes filled with a rich, savory meat ragout, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried, served with mustard for dipping), stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies with a caramel-like syrup filling, served atop a cup of hot coffee or tea to warm and soften the syrup), and herring at restaurants, local cafés, and bruin cafés (brown cafés), with their cozy atmosphere alongside good Dutch beers.
While Amsterdam hasn’t reached the top of foodie lists in recent years, the city's ambitious chefs are quietly redefining Dutch cuisine with a more staunchly seasonal and sustainable approach, leading to a flourishing dining scene with spots like the Two-Star haute local cuisine De Bokkedoorns or Scheepskameel for a more laid-back take on Dutch cooking. The city is also a hub for international flavors, with diverse neighborhoods showcasing Surinamese, Indonesian, Turkish, and Moroccan dishes, reflecting the city’s multicultural identity.
Don't skip Amsterdam’s thriving street food scene and markets like Albert Cuyp and Foodhallen, where you can try everything from artisanal local cheeses to global fusion bites. All in all, the canal-side dining, innovative MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and growing focus on plant-based cuisine, make Amsterdam a rising food destination this year.
Where to stay: While we have yet to launch our hotel Keys in Amsterdam, there are some fantastic options, from boutique hotel TwentySeven Amsterdam to traditional canal side grandes dames like De L’Europe Amsterdam and affordable stays including Hotel V Nesplein.
Bath, England
Why go now: Brush off your cocktail attire, Bath is about to throw some of England’s most sumptuous balls for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, one of the world’s literary greats.MICHELIN Guide restaurants: 13 restaurants, including two Bib Gourmands (our best-value picks), one One-Star restaurant.
The picturesque UNESCO heritage spa town of Bath, known as England’s prettiest town for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, is set to host several costumed balls in honor of English writer Jane Austen, who called the quaint town home in 1801-06. Regarded as the greatest romance novelist, Austen wrote timeless classics like Pride and Prejudice, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. Inspired by the elegance of the era, the balls promise to transport guests to a world reminiscent of Bridgerton, the popular Netflix series that was filmed here. The city’s restaurants are noteworthy, thanks to chefs and farmers putting the Somerset region’s produce in the limelight, like at OAK, where the chefs plate up plant-led food prepared with ingredients plucked right from the owners’ garden.
Where to stay: While our selection of Inspector-vetted hotels in and around Bath is small, it is mighty, with several Key hotels like Two-Key Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, a collection of 18th-century houses and a Bath landmark. For smaller budgets, cozy The Bird inside a converted Victorian mansion is also a great option.
Hero image: ⒸFour Seasons Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand.
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