Wherever you travel, the one thing you’re sure to be raving or ranting about later is the food you had along the way.

Although many countries may think they’re home to the best cuisine in the world, Time Out just gave its stamp of approval to 20 cities; and only one Australian spot made the list.

The Italian city of Naples came out on top.

With a specific shoutout to the city’s pizza margherita, which is thought to have originated in Naples, Time Out said locals named the iconic pizza a portafoglio (‘wallet pizza’) as the city’s best-value dish.

Imagine eating pizza a portafoglio on the streets of Naples. Photo: Getty

Naples also ranked as the most affordable city to eat out in Time Out‘s list.

“Neapolitan cuisine celebrates diversity, simplicity and the marriage between land, sea and history,” writer and Naples local Gabriela Proietti told Time Out.

‘This rich food culture can be found everywhere in the city: It’s in the piping hot plates of pasta alla genovese and Neapolitan ragù, the morning sugar rush from ricotta-filled sfogliatella or rum-soaked babà, a stroll through the sixteenth-century Mercato della Pignasecca.”

Runner-up was South Africa’s Johannesburg, with Time Out lauding the various African cuisines presented throughout the city, from Ethiopian to Nigerian.

But of course, locals listed South African delicacies as their favourite in the city, with a street dish called the kota sandwich (a hollowed-out quarter loaf of bread filled with everything from potato chips to beef patty) named as the overall favourite, followed by bunny chow and mala mogodu.

The kota sandwich is a local street food favourite. Photo: Getty

Rounding out the list’s top three was Peru, Lima, which was declared the “culinary capital” of South America by Time Out.

Ceviche (fresh seafood steeped in citrus juice and spices) was listed as the city’s must-eat dish, with nods also given to the local pisco sour cocktail, lomo saltado and what locals decided was the city’s most affordable dish, arroz con pollo (chicken and rice).

Fresh seafood and citrus is a favourite combination in Peru. Photo: Getty

Australia’s top city for food

Sydney came in at No. 17.

The city’s must-eat dish? Australian steak.

“Sydney’s got the golden beaches, the babes and the famous white-sails of the Opera House, but it’s our multicultural dining scene that really has me smitten,’ Time Out Sydney food and drink editor Avril Treasure said.

Labelled by Time Out as one of the world’s “great brunch cities” and the birthplace of avocado on toast, Sydney was noted for its eclectic food scene, home to everything from rock oysters to pad thai.

“For a fiery curry with as much depth as the Pacific Ocean, make a beeline to Little India,” Treasure said.

“For Thai, try hole-in-the-wall Porkfat. Sean’s is perfect for a long lunch with a side of Bondi Beach views, while Quay, overlooking the harbour, is a go-to for a fancy meal. And for seafood, Josh Niland has you covered.

“Sydney may first capture you with her good looks, but her diverse, joyous and delicious eats and drinks will keep you coming back for more.”

Time Out ranked the top 20 cities for food by quizzing thousands of people across the world to rate their city’s food scene based on quality and affordability.

The selection was narrowed down by including only the highest-scoring city for each country, with Time Out editors and writers also asked for input.