New ranking: Prague is one of the best food capitals in the world

Prague has been named one of the world’s best food capitals, according to a new global study as featured by travel magazine Time Out.

Japanese transport firm JR Pass evaluated several criteria, including the number of five-star restaurants in a capital, Michelin-guide spots, food-based attractions, national dishes, a city’s score in the Global Food Security Index, and the average meal price for two.

The conclusion: Prague is the world’s sixth-best foodie capital—and makes the top five in Europe overall. Paris ranked first overall in the JR Pass findings.

The result corresponds with a global ranking by insurance provider Compare the Market AU, which analyzed top cities for food lovers based on quality, diversity, and accessibility. Impressively, Prague was ranked the second-best culinary destination in the world.

Similar to the JR Pass ranking, the research considered several criteria, including the number of Michelin-starred establishments, availability of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and average meal prices. 

Prague was noted for its affordability—with an average three-course meal costing CZK 1,131—and the Czech capital’s diversity of international offerings. 

Prague stood out with the highest number of five-star restaurants per 100,000 inhabitants—67.93—outperforming major culinary hotspots like Venice, Amsterdam, and San Francisco.

Despite having just two Michelin-starred restaurants, Prague scored high overall thanks to its broad offering of dietary-friendly establishments. 

The city has 75.49 vegan or vegetarian restaurants and 24.33 gluten-free options per 100,000 people—figures that underscore its appeal to a wide range of diners.

A growing trend in culinary tourism, according to the report, includes an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, along with rising interest in farm-to-table dining. These preferences are well reflected in the top-ranked cities.

Other cities featured in the ranking included scenic and gastronomically rich locales such as Venice, Amsterdam, and San Francisco, which combine iconic views with dynamic food cultures.

Prague has recently performed well in other food-related indices, with four local pizzerias recognized in this year’s 50 Top Pizza Europe ranking. 

Additionally, a 2025 study by Prague to be one of Europe’s most affordable dining cities, ranking fourth cheapest for a three-course dinner for two. On top of that, Time Out earlier this year named the Czech capital as Central Europe’s most cost-effective city to eat and drink out.