Panoramic views across San Sebastian in northern Spain © RexIt’s good news for food lovers today as consumer group Which? has named Spanish city San Sebastian the best place for foodies in the world – and it’s only two hours from the UK.
The city, which borders the south of France and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, beat off stiff competition from other foodie cities in the world including Tokyo, Sydney, New York and Paris.
It received an expert score of 81 per cent by the Which? panel, which included food and travel writer Nina Caplan, restaurant critic Andy Hayler and food blogger and cookbook author Niamh Shields.
[Related article: Taste test: Spanish food]
The team debated the quality of high-end, mid-range and budget eateries. They looked at street food, markets, delis, local food producers, tours and food festivals and they discussed local food culture, specialities and produce.
San Sebastian scored particularly highly for its exceptional eating experiences offered at all budgets, as well as the depth of its food culture and for the creativity of the city’s chefs.
“Many cities can provide you with a fantastic Michelin-starred meal, but to be able to walk into almost any eatery, order three dishes and be confident they’ll all be fantastic, is very rare,” said Nina.
[Related article: Food buy of the week: Spanish treat]
Tokyo came in a close second with 78 per cent and in third place was Sydney with a respectable 77 per cent - beating favourites New York and Paris who were tied in fourth place.
San Sebastian is a city of just 200,000 people – but it has more Michelin stars per head than anywhere else in the world.
We’re certainly hoping to take a visit.
Top 10 holiday destination for food lovers
1. San Sebastian, Spain
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Sydney, Australia
4 and 5. New York, USA and Paris, France (joint)
6. Emilia Romagna, Italy
7. Hong Kong
8. Melbourne, Australia
9. Sicily, Italy
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
