If you haven’t ventured west in a while, now may be the time to put it back on your radar. After recently being named one of the world’s best places to visit in 2026, Parramatta has landed another global accolade, this time for its vibrant food scene. The Western Sydney hub has ranked seventh on Condé Nast Traveller‘s list of the world’s best food destinations in the year ahead, alongside a diverse mix of established dining destinations from around the globe. While it may surprise some Sydneysiders, anyone who’s spent time eating their way around Parramatta will tell you this has been a long time coming.
Condé Nast Traveller credits Parramatta’s growing cultural profile, with the soon-to-open Powerhouse Parramatta, set to become the largest museum in NSW, cited as a key part of that change. In its coverage, the publication notes that the museum has been “championing the local food scene,” citing pre-opening tours, workshops and talks with local producers as part of Parramatta’s shift “from slightly scrappy city to Sydney’s second centre.”
As the streetscape continues to change, food has become central to the suburb’s identity, drawing diners from across Sydney for its range of multicultural cuisine, hidden gems and long-standing favourites. Beyond the eateries, the riverside suburb also offers historic buildings, laneways, a lively high street and a growing bar scene.
The ranking highlighted several local-favourite spots, particularly around Parramatta Square, which has emerged as a key eating precinct. Cafes such as Circa Espresso and Homage Specialty Coffee were singled out alongside restaurants including Henrietta, Lilymu and Oribu.
The world’s 10 best food destinations for 2026
According to Condé Nast, these are the top destinations food lovers should add to their list this year.
- Boston, USA
- Crete, Greece
- Fès, Morocco
- Hong Kong
- Medellín, Colombia
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Parramatta, Sydney, Australia
- Patan, Nepal
- Prince Edward County, Canada
- Seville, Spain
Read the full ranking here and plan your visit to Parramatta with our neighbourhood guide.