Based on 590,228 valid ratings for 18,912 foods in our database, Italian cuisine earned the highest average score of 4.61/5, ranking as the best cuisine in the world for 2026.
The first country to win UNESCO recognition for national cuisine, Italy turns regional traditions, locally sourced ingredients, and time-honored recipes into a world-renowned culinary legacy.
From the iconic pasta dishes and pizza Napoletana to risotto, its classics rely on quality elements like sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and good olive oil. Each region contributes distinctive specialties — Tuscany offers robust bistecca alla fiorentina, Sicily delights with seafood and cannoli, Emilia-Romagna showcases rich ragù and Parmigiano Reggiano, Piedmont brings tajarin and Castelmagno, Calabria features ’nduja and soppressata, Sardinia presents pecorino and bottarga, and Veneto is home to tiramisù.
This blend of regional diversity and respect for time-honored techniques is what makes Italy among the most appreciated and highly rated cuisines globally.
Check the entire list: tasteatlas.com/best/cuisines
