2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best foodie destination

Winner: Italy

Why we love it…

From giving cacio e pepe a twirl in Rome’s lively Trastevere to enjoying a folded triangle of pizza in Naples, the #italiansdoitbetter hashtag on social media feeds is like an evolving exhibition of Italy’s food culture. The country perfumed with tomato sugo, basil and fior di latte – the colours of the Italian flag – deserves its top spot as one of the world’s most celebrated foodie destinations.

Hot tip…

Italians consider it their national duty to make sure you’re fed well. Ask everyone from your Uber driver to the dude you met at that rooftop bar for recs on where to drink and dine.

Runners-up

Japan

Eating and drinking is given so much consideration in Japan that it’s an obsession. Be swept through the day, like a pebble in a rock garden, from tamagoyaki (egg roll) for breakfast to donburi (rice bowl) for dinner.

France

For all the pomp and ceremony of haute cuisine, it’s the bare-bones bistros and simplicity of a baguette eaten with a hunk of brie that best captures our affection for the French food scene.

Vietnam

The bánh mì must be up there as an Australian staple. But it’s not the most memorable dish you’ll eat in Vietnam: that honour is reserved for bowls of piping-hot pho and bún chả.

Singapore

The island nation of Singapore is known for everything from its hawker food such as Hainanese chicken rice to high-end dining experiences like Nobu Singapore.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.