One of the great privileges of working in food and beverage is the opportunity to experience how different cities and cultures express themselves through dining. Each place has its own rhythm, character, and flavour, and together they tell a story of how F&B is evolving globally.

Mexico City: Energy and Authenticity

My first stop took me to Mexico City, better known as CDMX. It is a place where food is not simply about eating but about culture, community, and ritual.

At Contramar, an institution in Roma, seafood is the star of the show, with tuna tostadas that are every bit as good as their reputation suggests. Speakeasies are thriving here too, and Handshakes stands out as one of the most memorable, not just for being named among the world’s best bars, but for its theatrical welcome where every member of the team greets you on arrival and departure.

Street food remains the heartbeat of the city. Carinito Tacos and Taqueria Orinoco deliver authentic flavours, while Licorería Limantour, also ranked among the world’s top bars, elevates cocktails to a form of craftsmanship.

Mexico City’s dining culture is both rooted in tradition and ambitious in its creativity. It’s clear there is an opportunity for authentic Mexican food to grow further in the UK, and I’ll be watching with interest as this influence spreads.

New York: The Global Trendsetter

New York needs no introduction when it comes to food and drink, but every visit reminds me just how much the city continues to push boundaries.

The Restoration Hardware flagship exemplifies how retail and hospitality are converging, with rooftop drinks served against a backdrop of curated luxury design. Coffee culture is thriving, with places like Devoción demonstrating the craft and care that New Yorkers now expect from their daily brew.

Dining in New York balances casual comfort with ambition. Cornerstone has quickly cemented itself as a modern institution, while Dante in the West Village perfects the classic cocktail bar atmosphere. On the lighter side, Cha Cha Matcha is proof that matcha is more than a trend – it is fast becoming a staple of the city’s lifestyle. And of course, no trip is complete without the energy of Madison Square Garden, where food, drink, and sport blend into an experience that is pure New York.

The city continues to lead by example, showing how F&B can evolve without losing its sense of place.

Cape Town: Effortless Charm

Finally, to South Africa, and specifically Cape Town – a city that has captured my heart. Its dining scene is vibrant, relaxed, and deeply charming, with a confidence that makes everything feel effortless.

The Belmond Mount Nelson, affectionately known as The Nelly, is a timeless reminder of the importance of heritage in hospitality, delivering a flawless five-star experience. By contrast, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market captures the spirit of the weekend, alive with local delicacies, artisanal goods, and a true sense of community.

Cape Town’s nightlife is equally compelling. The Athletic Club is the go-to spot for late-night energy, while Willoughby’s remains an institution for impeccable sushi and seafood. Visitors still flock to The Silo, and for good reason – the views across the bay with a glass of MCC in hand are unforgettable. Up on Signal Hill, the DORP Hotel offers one of the city’s most spectacular outlooks, with breakfasts at The Salon among the best I’ve had anywhere.

Cape Town has a food culture that feels grounded and fresh at the same time, making it a city you want to return to again and again.

From the energy of Mexico City to the innovation of New York and the effortless charm of Cape Town, it is clear that food and beverage remains one of the most powerful ways for cities to express their identity. Whether through heritage institutions, global trends, or community-driven markets, these destinations remind us that hospitality is about more than what is on the plate or in the glass – it is about creating experiences that resonate long after the visit ends.