Istanbul, Turkey

Ancient Istanbul is a city of contrasts, where old and modern traditions meet. The result? A thriving food scene. Although you won’t miss Western food in Istanbul, the best food is local, and nothing is more local than the mezes. Think of dozens of small plates, snacks, fried goodies, finger food, sauces, spreads, and dips; all served at once in an appetizer course that’s often heartier than the main meal! Char-grilled eggplants? You got it. Kebab skewers? They got those, too. And save space for a slice of authentic Baklava.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon wasn’t considered a foodie destination until recently, but it’s now as popular as Paris, especially with lovers of good food. Although Lisbon is a modern city, it appears frozen in time. The hilly landscape, the ancient architecture, and the thriving nightlife are reasons enough to visit, but you’ll find the city’s food equally impressive. Visit the local markets and go straight to the canned fish. Don’t forget to stop for a few creamy pasteis the nata (custard tarts) while at it; Portuguese pastries are legendary.

Marseille, France

Marseille is the oldest city in France, founded thousands of years ago by the Ancient Greeks. The sunny coastal city has been a heavenly spot for food lovers since then, and it’s because the city offers the most comforting yet stylish expression of Mediterranean seafood. From the famous Bouillabaisse seafood soup to the region’s refreshing rosé, Marseille is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Marseille’s Food Festival is a relatively new excuse to visit the city in summer — expect the best of the best in a single place!

Osaka, Japan

Avoid Tokyo’s crowds and visit Osaka this year. It has the second largest fish market in the country, which means sushi is good here. The city’s proximity to Kobe means Osaka is also a great spot to taste the world’s butteriest beef. And that’s not all; Osaka is home to the annual Ramen Expo, where the best ramen restaurants in Japan come together to show off their skills. Although this is not a competition, you’ll feel like the winner.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City has gone from chaotic to a modern metropolis, where you can find fine-dining restaurants a few feet away from traditional taquerías. The fifth-largest city in the world is impossible to explore on a single trip. Still, walking around the city center, the bohemian Condesa, and the upscale Polanco neighborhoods is enough to get a feel of the enormous city. Try the pastor tacos, the city’s flagship dish, incredibly late at night after a loud night out clubbing.

Palermo, Italy

Italy’s most touristic cities can get crowded, especially during summer. Of course, you can avoid the crowds in Rome, Florence and Venice and visit Palermo instead. Sicily’s capital city is a foodie destination with thousands of years of history. Here, Moorish and Italian traditions have created Italian food that looks and tastes like nothing you’ve tried before. Visit during the carnival season between February and March for a taste of what the city offers regarding food and festive customs.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, is not only one of the most exciting food destinations right now, but it’s also one of the cheapest. Visiting the city temples is a fantastic way to make time between meals, and your evenings should always end at the night market, where the country’s best street food awaits. And here’s a tip: the food in Chiang Mai is formidable, but their coffee is on another level, so try a few cups at different shops and find your new favorite brew.

New Orleans, USA

New Orleans has had its ups and downs but has slowly gone from an all-out party destination to a more relaxed foodie hot spot – and my favorite destination in the U.S. Almost every month, there’s a food festival featuring seafood, po-boy sandwiches, or good-old fried chicken. There’s a gumbo festival, too. There’s something colorful to eat on every corner in New Orleans, and although the city is more food-friendly than ever, the nightlife is still memorable. New Orleans is for you for music, dancing, drinking or just eating downright delicious.

Lima, Peru

It’s no surprise some of the finest restaurants in South America are in Lima, Peru. The city has positioned itself as a foodie destination, making the most out of the best seafood from its Atlantic shores and the unique produce from the Andes Mountains.

And although Peruvian food is a must-try, including the famous ceviche, you might also want to try Nikkei food — Japanese food with South American flair. A list of cities for food lovers would just be incomplete without the Peruvian gem.

What are your favorite foodie destinations this season?