Travel Daily News: World Culinary Awards 2026 winners announced in Jamaica

Sun 18 October 2026

The World Culinary Awards has announced its 2026 winners, recognising restaurants, destinations, hotels and businesses across the global culinary and hospitality sectors. The seventh annual ceremony took place at Princess Grand Jamaica, bringing together representatives from the culinary, hospitality and tourism industries.

The awards recognise achievements across restaurant dining, culinary destinations, hotel and resort experiences, food festivals, training institutions and specialist tourism services.

Global restaurant and culinary destination winners

The Cullinan Dubai received the title of World’s Best Restaurant. Don Alfonso 1890 in Canada won World’s Best Fine Dining Experience, while La Pergola at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, received World’s Best Hotel Restaurant.

Quipas Restaurante in Peru won World’s Best New Restaurant. Nobu received World’s Best Restaurant Brand, while the Saigontourist Group Culinary Culture, Delicacies Festival won World’s Best Culinary Festival.

The United States received the title of World’s Best Culinary Destination. New York City won World’s Best Culinary City Destination.

Also read → Winners revealed at 5th annual World Culinary Awards in Dubai

Regional awards recognised destinations across six continents. South Africa received Africa’s Best Culinary Destination, while Bangkok won Asia’s Best Culinary City Destination.

Jamaica received Caribbean’s Best Culinary Destination. Barcelona won Europe’s Best Culinary City Destination, Peru received Latin America’s Best Culinary Destination, and Sydney won Oceania’s Best Culinary City Destination.

Hotels, resorts and culinary experiences recognised

The awards also recognised hospitality businesses and venues offering culinary experiences across different accommodation categories.

lebua at State Tower in Thailand won World’s Best Culinary Hotel. Forte Village Resort received World’s Best Culinary Resort, while At.Mosphere Burj Khalifa won World’s Best Culinary Experience.

Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica received World’s Best All-Inclusive Culinary Resort. The Culinary Institute of America won World’s Best Culinary Training Institution, while Star Princess received World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship.

The awards covered additional food-related services and venues beyond traditional restaurants and accommodation. Occasions Caterers received World’s Best Catering Company, while Mall of America won World’s Best Shopping Mall for Dining.

Turkish Airlines International Lounges received World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining. The International Kitchen won World’s Best Culinary Tour Operator.

Organisers highlight culinary tourism and cultural identity

Rina van Staden, Director of 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 awards highlight the role of gastronomy in tourism, including local food traditions, distinctive dining experiences and destination identity. The 2026 results span restaurants, hotels, resorts, festivals, transport services and culinary tourism operators.

The winners represent a range of businesses and destinations across the international food, hospitality and travel sectors. The awards also cover culinary education, catering, airline lounge dining and organised food tours.