Athens was crowned the second-best food city in the world according to extensive research to identify the world’s premier food cities by Japanese rail ticket provider JR Pass.
Evaluating a comprehensive range of factors, including the number of five-star and Michelin-guide restaurants, food-based attractions, national dishes, the Global Food Security Index, and the average meal price for two, the study has placed the Greek capital in a remarkable second position globally.
According to the MICHELIN Guide Athens 2024, the city boasts:
- 1 restaurant with Two MICHELIN Stars: Delta
- 11 restaurants with One MICHELIN Star
- 3 restaurants with a Green Star (recognizing sustainable practices)
- 6 Bib Gourmand restaurants (offering excellent food at reasonable prices)
- Numerous other “Recommended” restaurants.
This confirms Athens’s position as a significant culinary destination with a diverse range of high-quality dining experiences from cutting-edge creative cuisine to excellent traditional and modern Greek flavors.
Related: 2024 Michelin Star Restaurants Greece: Guide to Fine Dining
While Paris clinched the top spot—a surprise to precisely no one, given its abundance of Michelin and five-star eateries and a rich tapestry of 12 national dishes averaging a reasonable $80 for a two-person meal—Athens’s strong performance highlights its burgeoning culinary appeal.
Athens’ second-best food city
Athens’ securing of the silver medal underscores its vibrant and increasingly recognized food scene. While specific metrics for Athens weren’t detailed in the ranking, its high placement suggests an impressive balance of quality, accessibility, and a rich culinary heritage.
The city is celebrated for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, deeply rooted traditional flavors, and an evolving contemporary dining landscape that offers everything from authentic tavernas to sophisticated gastronomic experiences.
Its strong showing likely reflects a combination of numerous revered eateries, engaging food attractions, a wealth of delicious national dishes, and a favorable score in food security and affordability.
The capital has also long served as a gateway for the wider MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Athens has welcomed immigrants from Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria, who combine their foodways with Greek ingredients and customs in fine dining to street food.
In recent years, the city’s chefs have developed new genres of gourmet Greek cuisine, with influences from across the eastern Mediterranean and help from an up-and-coming generation of cooks who cut their teeth in restaurants around the world. Even TV shows like MasterChef Greece have had a noticeable impact, driving interest in new dining options and highlighting industry talent.
Following Athens, Tokyo secured third place, with other notable mentions on the list including Ljubljana, Seoul, and Reykjavik, showcasing the diverse global appeal of culinary excellence.
Top 15 foodie capitals worldwide
For those eager to embark on a gastronomic journey, here are JR Pass’s top 15 foodie capitals worldwide:
Paris
Athens
Tokyo
Zurich
Amsterdam
Prague
Brussels
Dublin
Madrid
Ljubljana
London
Seoul
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
Riga
Related: Varvakios: The Grand Food Market of Athens
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