Some travelers choose a destination based on the museums they want to visit, while others begin with the dining table. For the latter, Tripadvisor has unveiled the Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best 2026 dedicated to restaurants, the platform’s most prestigious award. The winners aren’t decided by a panel of critics, but by the community itself: the award goes to venues that, over twelve months, have gathered a high number of reviews and excellent ratings from travelers. A milestone far from guaranteed, since it is reached by less than 1% of the 8 million profiles on the site. The rankings are divided into several categories, designed for every kind of traveler and every occasion. They range from refined cuisine, with menus crafted by top-tier chefs, to informal restaurants where good food and a relaxed atmosphere go hand in hand. There are also romantic spots, hidden gems away from the most traveled circuits, and vegan and vegetarian venues. There is even a category entirely dedicated to viral experiences, i.e. restaurants that surge on social media and that, apparently, are worth the wait.
Refined Cuisine
The top of the refined cuisine rankings, for the second year in a row, is Fogón Asado in Buenos Aires. Here the traditional Argentine asado, a wood-fired grill of large cuts of meat, is reimagined in a gourmet light: guests sit around a counter that encircles the fire and witness the preparation of an eight-course tasting menu, from provoleta to ribeye to tira de asado, paired with Argentine wines. Seats are limited: it’s best to book in advance.
Viral Right Now
The first place among viral experiences goes to Dishoom King’s Cross in London, a restaurant inspired by the historic cafés of Bombay. Although it’s now an institution, the queue for its black dal and for the tandoori lamb chops shows no signs of shrinking. The tip? Go for brunch, when booking is easier and the menu features the iconic naan-wrapped bacon wrap.
Italy makes its mark in seventh place with Cremeria Santo Stefano in Bologna, an artisanal gelateria tucked under the porticoes on the eponymous street. Among the flavors stand out those inspired by traditional desserts, such as strawberry tiramisu, Malaga cream, and biancomangiare with almonds from Noto. Alongside gelato, they also craft cakes, cookies, chocolates, macarons, and granitas.
Informal Restaurants
The top spot among informal restaurants goes, surprisingly, to an Italian pizzeria…but in Paris. Pizzeria Arrivederci wins over Parisians and travelers with its thin-crust pizzas and desserts. In this category, however, Rome takes the spotlight with three venues in the rankings. There’s Tonnarello, a reference point for Roman cuisine; Da Cicero, which focuses on pinsa, in a setting that blends rustic and modern vibes; EnoBistrot, a kitchen and wine bar with a creative menu.
Romantic Restaurants
For a romantic dinner, travelers have crowned a spot on the other side of the world: Waitui Bar & Grill on Denarau Island, in the Fiji Islands. The cuisine is simple, pub-style dishes made with local ingredients, but what sets it apart is the sunset panorama to be enjoyed in a relaxed adults-only setting. Also in this category, Italy is represented with three establishments in the rankings. In Venice there is Hostaria Castello, with an intimate atmosphere where tradition meets a modern touch. In Tuscany, La Vineria di Montepulciano offers a menu that changes with the fresh regional ingredients, to be paired with the house red. Rounding out the trio is the best-known name: Villa Crespi, in Orta San Giulio, Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s restaurant housed in a Moorish-style villa on Lake Orta.
Hidden Gems
Among hidden gems, the top spot goes to Tua Casa, hamburger joint in Maragogi, Brazil, praised for its burgers with artisanal sauces and shareable dishes. Two Italian spots, both in Lazio: Sfiziarte in Rome, where you feel like a guest at a friend’s dinner, and Osteria Antonello in Monterotondo, with homemade pasta and generous portions. The tagliatelle are a must-try!
