The best way to get to know a place is by plate; for travellers who are easily seduced by sampling local delicacies, there are a million and one reasons to consider choosing a county based on the brilliance of its cuisine. Whether its world-class wines that make you weak at the knees, rambling street carts, or stashed away Michelin starred eateries – the whole world is a pantry just waiting to be ransacked. After much munching and deliberation, we have whittled our list down to the dreamiest food destinations in the world.

Florence, Italy

They don’t call it Eataly for nothing; from pasta to pizza and creamy whipped gelato, its no wonder this European gem consistently tops the charts for weep-worthy dining. Florence is the epicentre of Tuscany’s food culture. Head to the Mercato Centrale and graze your way around the bright and bountiful stalls where fat olives, crunchy Tuscan bread, and traditionally cured salamis sit in wait. Don’t leave without trying the wild boar pappardelle and the famous Florentine steak served alongside a beautiful blood red Chianti. Nom.

Lima, Peru

Peruvian cuisine hits all the high notes in the capital city of Peru. Against the backdrop of South American splendour, you can kickstart proceedings by sipping the salty tang of a Pisco Sour. Being perched on the sea, Lima is the best place to try ceviche. The national dish takes raw sea bass and marinates it in lime juice until it naturally cooks before serving it cold with hot chilis, onion and salt. The texture is melt in the mouth with a hint of chew – delicious. Make sure to sample the aji de gallina, where shredded chicken is served in a thick creamy sauce created from smoked cheese rind, walnuts, and aji Amarillo.

Tokyo, Japan

The worlds most spellbinding city is famed for a million things; robots, cat cafés, costume culture, and lashings of weird and wonderful happenings. But Tokyo is also beloved for its drool-worthy foodie scene. You will find noodle joints on every corner, but one of the best can be found in the JR Tokyo Station at T’s Tantan – and veggies delight they are famed for their fabulous vegan ramen. Even breakfasts in Tokyo are lush as you can protein away that karaoke hangover with smoked mackerel, rice and steaming green tea or head to the Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh 6 am sushi.

San Sebastian, Spain

Consistently earning top accolades for being one of the best foodie spots in the world, San Sebastian is home to scores of restaurants consistently making the top 50 restaurants list. There are no less than nine Michelin starred eateries in this dazzling little city and plenty of gorgeous markets stacked with fresh goodies along with lively pintxos bars to boot. Be sure to order up the anchovies especially when served with green olives and spicy pickled peppers, order up a frenzy of foie gras, and let the salt cod and sheep milk cheese purse your lips as you pay homage to the taste of true perfection.

Baja California, Mexico

Home of some of the best fish tacos in the world, Baja seems to straddle the line between Mexico and the USA meaning that you get a mash-up of magical flavour. We are talking cactus topped nachos and bright breakfast bowls brimming with huevos ranchos, but also surprising delights – did you know Baja was apparently the birthplace of the beloved Caesar salad? Heap your plate with some meaty Puerto Nuevo lobster, mop up the buttery juice with some tostada, and guzzle your fair share of margaritas and beautiful home-grown wines.

Food travel trends are on the rise so share with us which destinations are topping your foodie bucket list?