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Are you inclined to choose your travel destinations based – at least partially - on culinary experiences and new flavors’ discovery? If so, here are five cities that are worth visiting for their gastronomic scene and local delicacies.

What to know – The port city of Malaga, nestled on the sunny Mediterranean coast, seamlessly blends traditional Spanish cuisine with diverse Mediterranean flavors. Its prime location ensures an abundance of beachside restaurants offering fresh fish and seafood sourced straight from the sea. 

What to eat – El Caleño, a renowned waterfront eatery, delights diners with its mouthwatering espetos, a quintessential Malaga dish featuring grilled sardine skewers adorned with lemon and olive oil. Savored amidst the sea breeze, it's a simple yet sensational culinary experience. Meanwhile, Michelin-starred gem La Taberna de Mike Palmer tantalizes taste buds with traditional fare, highlighting Malaga's famed fried delicacies. Indulge in their fresh tempura oysters for a salty treat! Don't miss the chance to dine on their charming terrace, offering a modern, tranquil ambiance that truly invigorates the senses. 

Photo Credits: @latabernademikepalmer, @lasrecetasdemj

What to know – Istanbul, hailed as Turkey's culinary hub, boasts a gastronomic scene steeped in its historical and Ottoman roots. Offering a tapestry of rich and diverse flavors, it caters to every palate. Its extensive array of vegetarian and vegan offerings reflects its penchant for fresh, delectable vegetables. 

What to eat – Matbah beckons you into its enchanting, enclosed garden, promising an unparalleled dining journey. Transporting you to the opulent era of royal Ottoman cuisine, their menu intertwines each dish with a specific moment in Turkish history. Indulge in the stuffed melon with beef meat, a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors to captivate your palate. Alternatively, for a quick culinary adventure amidst sightseeing, explore Istanbul's vibrant street food scene. From traditional kebabs to delectable baklavas, the city teems with vendors offering an array of mouthwatering delights.

Photo Credit: @matbahrestaurant

What to know – Lima, one of South America's largest and most vibrant metropolises, beautifully intertwines gastronomic traditions with indigenous heritage. Drawing from Peru's diverse landscapes—from the mountains to the Amazon rainforest and the Pacific Ocean—the city offers a captivating array of locally sourced ingredients. This abundance yields an exciting culinary landscape characterized by rich flavors, vibrant colors, and enticing textures, making Lima's food scene a true delight for gastronomes. 

What to eat – Nestled in the city's heart, Casa Tambo—a meticulously restored colonial house—hosts a restaurant serving delectable local cuisine. Its various rooms, art displays, and courtyards offer not just a meal but an immersive dining experience. Remember, no Peruvian meal is complete without ceviche—the national dish—a refreshing starter of raw fish marinated in citrus and spices. Don't miss their lively Sunday noon dance show! For an authentic culinary adventure, head to La Picantería. This tavern, renowned among locals, opens for dinner, allowing you to select your fresh fish from the day's catch and specify your preferred cooking method. Be sure to arrive early as they close once the day's fish is sold out.

Photo Credits: @casatambo.pe, @lapicanteria_cl

What to know – Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto continues to embody the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine, shaped by centuries of influence from royalty, samurai, and priests. While seafood reigns supreme in Japan, Kyoto, situated inland, takes a distinctive culinary path, offering an array of vegetables, meats, and other flavorful ingredients. Embrace Japanese customs by removing your shoes before entering certain restaurants, ensuring a serene dining experience that allows you to savor each dish in tranquil surrounding. 

What to eat – Nestled in a Japanese garden, Kinobu restaurant's intimate private rooms offer a retreat from the bustling city. Delight in meticulously prepared dishes elegantly presented in small plates, allowing you to savor a diverse array of culinary delights. For aficionados of meat, a visit to Wagyu Ryotei Bungo Gion is a must. Indulge in their exquisite Wagyu offerings, a perfect blend of Kyoto's classic cuisine and modern culinary practices, epitomizing the city's rich food culture.

Photo Credit: @kinobu_official, @gion.wagyu_ryotei_bungo

What to know – Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its remarkable richness and diversity, often stealing the spotlight in trips to Marrakech. With locals proudly declaring their mothers as the best cooks—a sentiment hard to dispute—culinary expertise is passed down through generations, ensuring that cherished traditions endure over time. 

What to eat – Make sure to visit Dar Cherifa to indulge in their exquisite local delicacies, including the iconic Tanjia Marrakchia, a slow-cooked masterpiece brimming with lamb or beef and an array of Moroccan spices, delivering a rustic yet refined flavor. Legend has it that this dish was born out of necessity, crafted by laborers seeking a hearty meal after a long day's work. Nestled within a stunning riad, Dar Cherifa offers a picturesque setting with an open-air patio, bathing the space in natural light, perfect for savoring other Moroccan specialties. For a more festive experience, head to Comptoir Darna, where sumptuous meals are accompanied by lively dances and shows, ensuring a joyous atmosphere that never fails to delight, whether with family or friends. 

Photo Credit: @comptoirdarna, @darcherifaofficial