From world-renowned restaurants to destinations attracting a new generation of food-loving travellers, the global culinary industry’s leading names have been recognised at the World Culinary Awards in Jamaica.
The 7th annual World Culinary Awards, hosted at Princess Grand Jamaica, brought together international leaders from the culinary, hospitality and tourism industries to celebrate the talent, creativity and innovation transforming the way the world experiences food.
At the top of this year’s honours, The Cullinan Dubai was named ‘World’s Best Restaurant’, while Don Alfonso 1890 (Canada) claimed ‘World’s Best Fine Dining Experience’. Further global accolades went to La Pergola @ Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel (World’s Best Hotel Restaurant), Quipas Restaurante, Peru (World’s Best New Restaurant), Nobu (World’s Best Restaurant Brand) and Saigontourist Group Culinary Culture, Delicacies Festival (World’s Best Culinary Festival).
Food has become a powerful reason to travel, with visitors increasingly seeking authentic tastes, local traditions and distinctive dining experiences. This year’s destination winners reflect the growing influence of gastronomy in defining a place’s identity and international appeal.
United States was crowned ‘World’s Best Culinary Destination’, while New York City received the title of ‘World’s Best Culinary City Destination’. Regional honours included South Africa (Africa’s Best Culinary Destination), Bangkok (Asia’s Best Culinary City Destination), Jamaica (Caribbean’s Best Culinary Destination), Barcelona (Europe’s Best Culinary City Destination), Peru (Latin America’s Best Culinary Destination), and Sydney (Oceania’s Best Culinary City Destination).
From exceptional hotel dining and luxury resorts to new restaurant concepts and alternative culinary experiences, the industry continues to push boundaries and respond to evolving traveller expectations.
Among this year’s winners, lebua at State Tower, Thailand (World’s Best Culinary Hotel), Forte Village Resort (World’s Best Culinary Resort), At.Mosphere Burj Khalifa (World’s Best Culinary Experience), Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica (World’s Best All-Inclusive Culinary Resort), The Culinary Institute of America (World’s Best Culinary Training Institution) and Star Princess (World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship) were recognised for their contributions to the diversity and development of global gastronomy.
Further awards celebrated Occasions Caterers (World’s Best Catering Company), Mall of America (World’s Best Shopping Mall for Dining), Turkish Airlines International Lounges (World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining) and The International Kitchen (World’s Best Culinary Tour Operator), demonstrating the many ways culinary excellence extends beyond the traditional restaurant setting.
Rina van Staden, Director, World Culinary Awards, said: “Our 2026 winners demonstrate the extraordinary talent, imagination and dedication driving the global culinary industry. They show us how food can bring people together, celebrate cultural identity and inspire travel. We are delighted to recognise their achievements in Jamaica, a destination whose own culinary heritage makes it a fitting setting for this year’s celebrations.”
The 2026 winners reflect an industry that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the universal appeal of exceptional food, hospitality and cultural discovery.
