Italy, the birthplace of pizza and pasta, has been officially crowned the World’s Best Culinary Destination at the 2025 World Culinary Awards. The European nation triumphed over other prominent destinations, including the United States, Dubai—which held the title last year—and Vietnam.
The announcement was made during a prestigious dinner reception in Sardinia, Italy, on October 23, 2025. The event gathered global culinary experts, tourism leaders, and food enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate excellence in gastronomy.
Renowned for its simplicity, authenticity, and regional diversity, Italian cuisine continues to captivate hearts and palates globally. With its emphasis on high-quality ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, aromatic olive oil, and artisanal cheeses, Italy’s culinary tradition embodies both elegance and passion.
From the hearty meat dishes of Tuscany to the seafood delicacies of Sicily, every region offers its own distinctive flavors and cooking styles. This rich tapestry of taste, combined with a deep respect for local produce and time-honored recipes, has helped Italy maintain its status as a culinary powerhouse.
Rina van Staden, Director of the World Culinary Awards, praised the winners for their creativity and commitment to excellence. “The 2025 World Culinary Awards winners truly exemplify the meaning of striving for culinary excellence, innovating, breaking boundaries, and serving only the best,” she said during the ceremony.
The World Culinary Awards is a sister event to the World Travel Awards, which has recognized excellence in the global travel and tourism industry since 1993. The culinary awards highlight the achievements of chefs, restaurants, destinations, and food tourism initiatives across the globe.
Votes for the awards are cast by both culinary industry professionals and the general public over a year-long period. Winners are determined by the highest number of votes received in each category, ensuring that public appreciation plays a central role in the final decision.
Meanwhile, Vietnam once again claimed the title of Asia’s Best Culinary Destination 2025, reaffirming its rising influence in the global food scene. Its capital, Hanoi, was also named Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City 2025, a testament to the country’s unique combination of traditional recipes and modern innovation.
Vietnamese cuisine continues to charm global diners with its balance of flavors, healthy ingredients, and deep cultural symbolism. From bustling street food markets to fine dining establishments, each dish reflects the nation’s vibrant connection to nature and community.
In a related recognition, international food magazine TasteAtlas ranked Italian cuisine as the second best in the world for 2025, placing it just behind Greek cuisine. Despite this ranking, Italy’s latest victory at the World Culinary Awards underscores its enduring influence on global gastronomy.
For food lovers around the world, Italy’s victory serves as a reminder that true culinary artistry lies not in complexity but in celebrating simple ingredients with skill,passion, and heart.