Athens Ranked 2nd Among Global Gastronomy Destinations for Food Enthusiasts

Athens has secured the second spot as a top destination for food lovers, according to a survey conducted by Japan Rail Pass (JRP) focusing on “hardcore foodies” and their favorite culinary cities. In a ranking of 30 capital cities, Athens was praised for its unique culinary offerings, earning an impressive overall score of 83.86 out of 100, just behind Paris.

The survey identified seven of Greece’s national dishes, which food enthusiasts highlighted as must-try experiences. Despite having only 627 five-star restaurants and 31 Michelin-rated venues, Athens won over the survey participants, who were particularly fond of traditional Greek dishes like the “creamy yet crispy bougatsa” and moussaka. Participants also noted that a meal for two in Athens is affordable, with an average cost of €49.89, making it a value-for-money option compared to other cities on the list.

Beyond Athens, special mentions were made of Greece’s islands, where travelers can find delectable local dishes that are “rich on the stomach yet light on the wallet.”

Paris Retains Top Spot for Gastronomy

Paris, long established as a global leader in gastronomy, topped the list with a score of 92.71 out of 100. The city’s wide variety of fine dining options includes 500 Michelin-starred restaurants and over 2,000 five-star establishments. Survey participants identified 12 signature French dishes, making Paris a favorite destination for culinary enthusiasts. Despite its reputation, dining out in Paris was noted as relatively affordable, with an average meal for two costing €69.84.

Tokyo: A Global Food Powerhouse

Tokyo came in third with a score of 81.34 out of 100, despite boasting 4,738 five-star restaurants—more than double the number in Paris. Tokyo’s rich food culture, combined with its affordability, stood out in the survey. The average cost of a meal for two in Tokyo was just €40.49, making it the most budget-friendly city for dining among the top three.

Interesting Findings

The survey revealed that 81% of travelers consider food to be the highlight of their trips. Zurich was found to be the most expensive city for dining, with an average meal for two costing €122.86, while Seoul claimed the highest number of five-star restaurants, with 4,739.

Athens‘ second-place ranking confirms the city’s growing status as a top culinary destination, blending traditional flavors with affordability to attract foodies from around the globe.