Dublin has been recognised as one of the top 10 capital cities worldwide - and it's all thanks to its food.

Food isn't just a necessity for survival, but it also serves as a cultural language. Cities around the world offer unique dining experiences that incorporate local ingredients and honoured traditions.

Dining out at restaurants, cafes, bistros, and other food spots is a popular social activity. It's perfect for first dates, catching up with friends, celebrating special occasions, and more.

For some holidaymakers, the local cuisine is a crucial factor when planning a trip. Research shows one in three people would travel to new places solely to try the local food.

The culinary tourism market, worth billions of dollars, is predicted to grow by nearly a fifth (19%) by 2032. This suggests experiencing new cuisines is a key part of travelling.

With plenty of iconic places well worth visiting, which destinations stand out when it comes to food? JR Pass, a rail company specialising in Japanese exploration, was eager to find out.

To determine the best capital cities for food enthusiasts, JR Pass evaluated various factors. These included the number of 5-star restaurants, culinary tourist attractions, and the amount of Michelin Guide restaurants.

While Paris claimed the top spot with an overall score of 93.1 out of 100, Dublin secured a respectable eighth place on the list.

The city is renowned for its lively nightlife, featuring an array of popular bars, clubs, and pubs that cater to both locals and tourists. Additionally, Dublin boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous attractions showcasing its musical and literary heritage.

However, the city's food scene, often overshadowed by famous landmarks like Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse, is equally impressive. JR Pass awarded Dublin a score of 76 out of 100, citing its 39 five-star restaurants, 10 culinary tourism attractions, six Michelin Guide restaurants, and traditional dishes like Irish Stew and Coddle.

According to the research, the average cost of a meal for two in Dublin is £75.67.

On social media, Dublin's food scene has received similar praise. A popular video by @eat.snack. repeat highlighted 10 "great places to eat" in the city, including health-conscious Urbanity, pizzeria Bambino, bakery Bread 41, Chinese restaurant Hang Dai, and more.

Viewers were quick to commend the variety of food options in Dublin, with one commenting: "Wow looks delicious" and another simply stating: "Beautiful". One Dubliner admitted: "I'm from Dublin and haven't tried half these places [crying laughing emoji] thanks for sharing".

Meanwhile, some tagged friends to point them towards the clip, and others pitched in with their personal picks for Dublin's dining scene.

The top 10 capital cities for food lovers:

1. Paris
2. Athens
3. Tokyo
4. Zurich
5. Amsterdam
6. Prague
7. Brussels
8. Dublin
9. Madrid
10. Ljubljana