When Canadians are considering travel destinations, countries, cities and regions with rich food culture and a global reputation for dining are at the top of the list, which might not come as much of a surprise.
The pervasiveness of smartphones means travellers have an easy way to seek out top culinary experiences wherever they go. A quick search online and globetrotters have everything from menus to directions, usually easily translatable to your preferred language, at their fingertips.
At OpenTable, a leading online restaurant reservation provider, we recently conducted a survey that revealed that the vast majority of Canadians (84 per cent) would pick a leisure travel destination based on its culinary scene, and a little more than half (54 per cent) had already done so.

         Food and restaurant apps lead Canadians to some great cuisine.

Once Canadians arrive at the destinations, the majority prefer to seek out restaurants that focus on authentic, local flavours (84 per cent). Not to dwell on the numbers, but the same survey shows Canadians prefer to plan ahead when indulging in meals abroad, with 66 per cent responding they have booked a restaurant reservation prior to travelling. Those findings further cement the idea that Canadian travellers are doing their research before they leave home and know where they want to dine before they arrive at their destination.
Based on the survey results, it’s clear Canadians will (and do) fly for food, but where are their top culinary travel destinations? It turns out the dream dining cities for Canadians are Florence,  Paris and Barcelona.

Above: Florence is one of the places Canadians like to enjoy Italian food.

Canadians Crave Italian Dining

As a leading global tourist destination steeped in history, it’s easy to understand why Florence topped the list of places Canadians would most like to visit for food. Florence may be best known as the home of great Renaissance artisans and innovators, such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, but it also boasts hundreds of restaurants in the city, including a number of famed Michelin-starred essential dining spots, such as Il Palagio. As the capital of Tuscany, a region globally renowned for its red wines and olive oils, visitors to Florence can indulge in some truly memorable cuisine — if they know where to look. To that extent, searching out family-run trattorias and asking locals for recommendations is an excellent strategy in a city with so many dining options. Downloading and using a reservations app for your smartphone like OpenTable can also help you discover restaurants that are highly rated by other travellers and get a sense of the atmosphere and menu before committing.

Left: Eating in Paris is high on our list.

Dining Out In La Ville-Lumière

Paris combines incredible cultural attractions and some of the world’s finest restaurants. It is truly not only the City of Light but a “city of delight.” Paris is widely regarded as the birthplace of fine dining and it remains a magnet for gourmands with its market-driven fare featuring exquisitely prepared courses. However, that reputation shouldn’t hinder diners on any budget. From trendy bistros, to quaint cafes and boulangeries, there are endless options in a range of price points to satisfy even the most demanding foodie travellers.

Eat often in Barcelona

Although Florence and Paris may have a broader culinary recognition, Barcelona is equally worthy of your attention. Canadians have clearly recognized this as well, naming Barcelona as the third city they’d most like to visit on a culinary vacation. Barcelona sits on the Mediterranean, and, as you’d expect, its restaurants feature some of the freshest seafood available. However, when in Barcelona, it’s best to adjust your dining habits slightly — lunch and dinner are served later than in Canada (and aren’t typically referred to as such, but rather la comida and la cena). The main meal is taken in late afternoon — around 2-4 p.m. — and is the biggest meal of the day for locals, who don’t normally eat again until later in the evening. Typically, the late meal is light as a result. When eating late in Barcelona, tapas — small snacks served both hot and cold — are a must. Be sure to sample as many dishes as possible!

Craving for Montreal and Vancouver

While it’s clear Canadians have some preferred global destinations they would enjoy visiting, there are plenty of exceptional culinary adventures to be had from coast-to-coast in Canada.
Among cities in our own country, Canadians were most likely to cite Montreal and Vancouver as destinations they would be most willing to travel to for food.