Culinary capitals: The UK’s best foodie cities

The UK is a nation of foodies. In fact, research by the Food Standards Agency revealed 64% of UK adults eat out for dinner around two to three times a month, and 23% do so about once a week.

Our cities are filled to the brim with restaurants of different cuisines, and it can often be difficult to decide on where to go. Luckily for you, we’re here to help make your choice easier. We’ve uncovered which cities are best for different types of dishes, and which restaurants should be on your list next time your friends want to schedule a meet-up or you have some family members to wine and dine. Let’s dig into the results!

Which city in the UK has the best restaurants?

Whether you’re after a decadent feast with family or a light bite with friends, Glasgow comes out on top as the go-to destination for foodies with its thriving restaurant scene. Also making an equally good choice is Edinburgh, in second place. If you’re looking for somewhere slightly more central, Manchester is the third-best city to consider.

These cities take the top three spots thanks to their high number of restaurants serving the UK’s most popular cuisines (Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Greek), ‘Excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews, mentions on social, and Google searches for restaurants.

Want to find out where the rest of the UK’s northern cities place? The full rankings can be found below.

The best city for Indian food: Glasgow

Glasgow has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s top foodie destinations, offering an exciting and diverse culinary scene that reflects the city’s vibrant culture and global influences. From award-winning fine dining establishments to buzzing street food markets and cosy neighbourhood cafés, Glasgow’s 1.3k restaurants cater to every taste and budget.

The city is also renowned for its variety of international cuisines, especially authentic Indian curries, as shown by its 9.9k monthly Google searches for “Indian restaurants”. So, whether you're craving a silky butter chicken, a spicy rogan josh or a hearty dhal, you'll find it all within walking distance in the city centre. Its thriving food scene is also driven by a strong community of 204 well-known and independent restaurants, run by innovative chefs. With nearly 10k ‘Excellent’ reviews on TripAdvisor for its top restaurants, Glasgow is a must-visit for anyone seeking a tasty Indian banquet.



Nestled in the heart of the city, Glasgow Central station is a major hub that’s easily accessible from various places in the UK , including direct trains from Manchester or Edinburgh. If you’re seeking some inspiration for where to grab a warming curry, we’ve made it easy for you by listing the top-reviewed Indian restaurants, helping you plan your next meal out in Glasgow.

The top-rated Indian restaurants in Glasgow

1. Green Gates Indian Restaurant, 24 Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1LD: A top-rated spot in Glasgow serving authentic, home-style North and South Indian cuisine with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
2. Kinara, 10 King St, Glasgow, G1 5QP: Led by an award-winning chef, Kinara offers a refined journey through India’s regional flavours with modern flair and exceptional service.
3. Obsession of India, 25 High St, Glasgow, G1 1LX: Located in Merchant City, this vibrant restaurant is celebrated for its fresh, flavour-packed dishes and consistently outstanding customer reviews.

The best city for Italian food: Edinburgh

Edinburgh stands out as the UK’s premier city for Italian cuisine, blending traditional flavours with contemporary flair across a wide range of 161 exceptional restaurants. From rustic trattorias tucked into historic Old Town lanes to sleek, modern eateries in New Town, the city offers an impressive variety of Italian dining experiences. Whether you're after handmade pasta, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, or refined regional dishes from Tuscany or Sicily, Edinburgh delivers with authenticity and style. The food is so good, in fact, that you’ll be wanting to share it online as other supporters have already done (over 1k posts on Instagram to date).

The city's Italian food scene is enriched by passionate chefs, many with direct ties to Italy, who are appreciated for their quality and craft – as shown by the whopping 20.6k ‘Excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews for the top Italian restaurants in Edinburgh. With its mix of heritage, innovation and culinary excellence, the Scottish capital is a true haven for lovers of Italian cuisine.



Sandwiched between Edinburgh’s New and Old Towns, Edinburgh Waverley station is the gateway to the city, offering direct routes from Manchester and regular trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh. If you’re not sure where to start when looking for an Italian eatery in the city, we’ve got you covered with the top-rated Italian restaurants that you need to visit.

The top-rated Italian restaurants in Edinburgh

1. Locanda De Gusti, 102 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh, EH11 2DW: A warm and welcoming gem on Dalry Road, Locanda De Gusti serves authentic Southern Italian seafood and pasta dishes using premium Scottish ingredients.
2. One20 Wine Café, 120 Dundas St, Edinburgh, EH3 5DQ: Stylish and family-run, One20 Wine Café blends gourmet Italian comfort food with an exceptional wine list in a relaxed, all-day dining setting.
3. Radicibus, 2 Deanhaugh St, Edinburgh, EH4 1LY: Tucked away in Stockbridge, Radicibus offers refined Italian fine dining with handmade pasta, seasonal tasting menus, and a deep commitment to organic, local produce.

The best city for Greek food: Liverpool

Greek cuisine has found a vibrant home in Liverpool, where the city’s dining scene embraces both tradition and Merseyside’s creativity. Rather than clustering in one area, Liverpool’s 34 Greek restaurants are found throughout the city, each offering its own take on classic dishes like souvlaki, moussaka and fresh seafood meze. Liverpool’s lively, welcoming atmosphere sets it apart from other nearby cities.

Many of these eateries are run by families or chefs with deep roots in Greek culinary heritage, bringing authenticity and passion to every plate. This love for the food shines through in the 5.8k ‘Excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews for the top-reviewed restaurants. For food lovers seeking bold flavours and warm hospitality, Liverpool’s Greek restaurants offer an experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious.



Liverpool Lime Street station sits at the top of Liverpool’s main shopping precinct and is well connected to surrounding cities, with trains from Glasgow and Manchester to Liverpool running regularly. If you’re spoilt for choice when looking for where to eat, look no further than these three top-rated Greek restaurants.

The top-rated Greek restaurants in Liverpool

1. Greek Taverna, 76 Bold St, Liverpool, L1 4HR: A beloved city-centre favourite, Greek Taverna offers generous portions of authentic dishes like lamb kleftiko and meze in a lively, holiday-like atmosphere.
2. Othello's, 105 Gateacre Park Dr, Gateacre, Liverpool, L25 1PD: A long-standing local gem, Othello’s blends traditional Greek flavours with warm, personalised service that keeps generations of diners coming back.
3. GUSTUM Bar, 72 Rose Ln, Liverpool, L18 8AG: Though more Mediterranean-Turkish in focus, GUSTUM impresses with its grilled meats, vibrant flavours, and stylish setting that appeals to lovers of Greek-inspired cuisine.

The best city for Chinese food: Glasgow

Not just the perfect place to grab a curry, Glasgow is also the standout city for Chinese cuisine, thanks to its mix of traditional and contemporary restaurants that reflect the diversity of good Chinese grub. From long-established Cantonese restaurants to modern Sichuan and dim sum spots, the city boasts an impressive range of 203 restaurants that cater to every palate.



Glasgow’s Chinese food scene has made its home throughout the city, rather than in one district like other cities. Driven by a blend of heritage, innovation and authenticity, many restaurants source fresh ingredients and cook dishes that stay true to regional Chinese flavours. Whether you're after comforting classics or bold, spicy creations, Glasgow’s Chinese restaurants deliver quality and variety, making it a top destination for lovers of Chinese cuisine in the UK. If you’re visiting Glasgow soon, why not check out these top-rated restaurants?

The top-rated Chinese restaurants in Glasgow

1. Cosmo, St Enoch Sq, Glasgow, G1 4BW: A lively world buffet offering a wide selection of Chinese favourites alongside global cuisines, perfect for families and large groups.
2. Hot World Cuisine, Terminus, 251 Paisley Rd, Glasgow, G5 8RA: Known for its vast buffet and friendly service, Hot World Cuisine delivers fresh Chinese dishes in a spacious, relaxed setting.
3. Opium, 191 Hope St, Glasgow, G2 2UL: An award-winning city-centre gem, Opium blends traditional dim sum with modern Asian fusion in a stylish, intimate atmosphere.

The best city for Thai food: Edinburgh

From European to Asian cuisine, Edinburgh has also earned a reputation as one of the UK’s top cities for Thai food, offering a vibrant and authentic taste of Southeast Asia across its diverse restaurant scene. With 43 elegant Thai fine dining restaurants and cosy, family-run eateries, the city showcases the bold flavours and aromatic spices that define Thai cooking.



Whether you're indulging in fragrant green curries, perfectly balanced pad Thai or fiery som tam salads, Edinburgh’s Thai restaurants deliver quality and authenticity in every dish – as shown by the 8.5k ‘Excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews for its top restaurants. With a strong focus on fresh ingredients, traditional techniques and warm hospitality, the city’s Thai food scene continues to thrive, making it a must-visit destination for fans of Thai cuisine. These are the top-rated restaurants that you need to visit on your next trip to Edinburgh.

The top-rated Thai restaurants in Edinburgh

1. Shamoli, First Floor, 105 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG: Offering both Thai and Indian cuisine, Shamoli is a versatile Old Town favourite known for its flavourful stir-fries and warm, welcoming service.
2. Dusit, 49A Thistle St, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY: A long-established gem in New Town, Dusit serves refined, authentic Thai dishes in an intimate setting, with consistently high praise for its attentive staff.
3. Mintleaf, 28 Bernard St, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6PP: A hidden treasure in Leith, Mintleaf delights with fresh, aromatic Thai curries and a romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for couples and families alike.

Whether you're planning a foodie weekend or simply craving something new, there’s some incredible culinary diversity waiting to be discovered across the North and Scotland. From sizzling Thai dishes in Edinburgh to rich Greek flavours in Liverpool and bold Chinese cuisine in Glasgow, there’s a taste adventure for everyone.

Grab your train tickets and let TransPennine Express be your route to uncovering the UK’s most delicious destinations, because great food is just a train ride away!