Lifestyle

The South African city voted one of the best in the world for food

Caitlyn Hilliard-Lomas

 ·11 Jun 2026

Cape Town has been ranked the 11th-best city in the world for food in Time Out’s 2026 ranking, sitting alongside global giants like Lima, Bangkok, Mexico City, London, and Barcelona.

The annual ranking is based on a global survey of residents and evaluated by Time Out’s international network of food experts.

It measures food quality, affordability, innovation, diversity, and local dining culture in cities across the world.

Although Cape Town dropped from fourth place in 2025, the city received the third-highest score globally for food quality, with 93% of locals rating its food scene positively.

Its fall in the rankings was primarily attributed to affordability constraints.

Among the standout experiences mentioned by Time Out were Amura by Ángel León and the Test Kitchen Fledglings.

The group said that this recognition is part of a broader wave of international acclaim for South African food and culture.

Earlier this year, Time Out ranked Zuney Burger’s Wagyu Burger as the second-best burger in the world, following Tokyo’s Smash Things.

Johannesburg’s Mafia Bite secured the eighth position, demonstrating the depth and diversity of South Africa’s culinary scene.

The country’s pizza offerings have also gained international acclaim, with Johannesburg’s Little Kitchener’s Pizzeria and Cape Town’s Pizza Connection being named among the world’s best.

Cape Town has made a significant appearance in Time Out’s annual global culture rankings.

“These rankings are about far more than individual restaurants or cities. They reflect the richness of South Africa’s cultural identity, shaped by diverse communities, traditions, influences and stories across the country,” said Time Out South Africa Managing Director Aisha Mohamed.

“While Cape Town’s recognition is significant, what excites us most is seeing South African creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural innovation earning recognition on the global stage,” said Mohamed.

“The success of our food, culture and creative sectors lies in their diversity, and we believe South Africa’s story is strongest when multiple voices, perspectives and cities are represented on the global stage,” she said.

She said that Time Out South Africa plays a role not only in celebrating what is already internationally recognised, but also in uncovering the people, places and cultural movements shaping South African life.

Top 15 cities in the world for food

South Africa ranked among the best for art and culture

In May 2026, Cape Town was ranked fifth in the world in Time Out’s 2026 Top 20 best cities for art and culture, noted for its layered, evolving cultural scene.

Each year, Time Out seeks to identify the world’s cultural capitals—places where locals and visitors can easily access and enjoy art collections, theatre, music, and cultural celebrations at affordable prices. 

To ensure the list represents the best cultural cities globally, Time Out said it included only the highest-scoring cities from each country.

“Africa’s collective creativity is anchored at the Zeitz MOCAA and in the Norval Foundation’s contemporary sculpture garden,” said Time Out Cape Town Editor Selene Brophy.

“You can catch the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at City Hall, home to a bronze statue of Nelson Mandela honouring his first address to the nation after his release from prison.”

Additionally, the Labia, Baxter Theatre, and Artscape Theatre were highlighted as the city’s attractions.

“In 2026, Cape Town is experiencing a blockbuster year for art. Brand-new cultural moments include the recent immersive digital art installation LUMENOCITY and the limited-edition Veuve Clicquot’s Emotions of the Sun’s Magnum Photos collaboration,” said Brophy.

Time Out reported that in its survey, Capetonians expressed strong approval for their city’s art and culture scene, giving it an 84% approval rating, along with a 60% score for affordability.

When asked what Cape Town excels at, 57% of respondents highlighted festivals, while 59% pointed to live music as the city’s strengths.