When you see a dish that makes your mouth water, saying “That looks delicious” is the go-to phrase. But there are many other creative, fun, and expressive ways to compliment food — whether you’re dining out, texting a foodie friend, or reacting to a photo online. Using different phrases can make your compliments sound more genuine and engaging.
Here are 25 alternative ways to say “That looks delicious”, each with meaning, examples, and the best context to use them.
1. That looks amazing!
Meaning: Expresses strong admiration for how good the food appears.
Example: Wow, that looks amazing! You’ve outdone yourself.
Best Use: Any casual or enthusiastic compliment.
Tone: Excited, friendly.
2. That looks mouthwatering!
Meaning: Suggests the food looks so good it makes your mouth water.
Example: Those burgers look mouthwatering — I can almost taste them!
Best Use: Food photos, restaurant compliments.
Tone: Expressive, casual.
3. That looks heavenly!
Meaning: Implies the dish looks divine or perfect.
Example: This dessert looks heavenly — I can’t wait to try it.
Best Use: Desserts, fancy meals, or luxurious dishes.
Tone: Elegant, admiring.
4. That looks tempting!
Meaning: The food is so appealing that it’s hard to resist.
Example: That pizza looks tempting — I might have to get a slice.
Best Use: Playful, casual conversation.
Tone: Light, teasing.
5. That looks out of this world!
Meaning: Indicates that the food looks unbelievably good.
Example: Those tacos look out of this world — where did you get them?
Best Use: Informal, high praise.
Tone: Enthusiastic, amazed.
6. That looks divine!
Meaning: A classy way to say something looks incredibly good.
Example: The chocolate mousse looks divine — perfect presentation!
Best Use: Elegant dining, social media posts.
Tone: Sophisticated, warm.
7. That looks so appetizing!
Meaning: The food looks very appealing and makes you want to eat.
Example: Everything on this plate looks so appetizing!
Best Use: Balanced meals, professional compliments.
Tone: Polite, genuine.
8. That looks fantastic!
Meaning: Shows broad, energetic approval.
Example: That pasta looks fantastic — what’s in the sauce?
Best Use: General compliments.
Tone: Cheerful, friendly.
9. That looks incredible!
Meaning: Emphasizes awe or amazement at how the dish looks.
Example: That sushi platter looks incredible — almost too pretty to eat!
Best Use: Creative dishes, food photography.
Tone: Excited, admiring.
10. That looks scrumptious!
Meaning: Fun and expressive word for something delicious-looking.
Example: Those cupcakes look absolutely scrumptious!
Best Use: Desserts, baked goods, casual compliments.
Tone: Playful, enthusiastic.
11. That looks irresistible!
Meaning: Suggests you can’t help but want to eat it.
Example: That cheesecake looks irresistible — save me a slice!
Best Use: Casual, sweet foods, friendly tone.
Tone: Light, tempting.
12. That looks tasty!
Meaning: A simple, casual compliment about the food’s appeal.
Example: That salad looks tasty and fresh!
Best Use: Everyday meals, casual settings.
Tone: Friendly, informal.
13. That looks phenomenal!
Meaning: High praise for something visually impressive.
Example: That barbecue spread looks phenomenal — great job!
Best Use: Parties, events, or professional cooking.
Tone: Excited, strong admiration.
14. That looks exquisite!
Meaning: Implies elegance and fine quality.
Example: The presentation looks exquisite — like something from a top chef.
Best Use: Gourmet dishes, formal dining.
Tone: Elegant, refined.
15. That looks so fresh!
Meaning: Compliments the quality and freshness of the food.
Example: That salad looks so fresh and colorful.
Best Use: Healthy meals, fruit, salads.
Tone: Bright, natural.
16. That looks like a masterpiece!
Meaning: Compares the food’s presentation to a work of art.
Example: That cake looks like a masterpiece — you’re so talented!
Best Use: Baking, food styling, creative cooking.
Tone: Impressed, admiring.
17. That looks divine enough to eat twice!
Meaning: Humorous exaggeration showing strong appreciation.
Example: That lasagna looks divine enough to eat twice!
Best Use: Friendly banter, informal compliments.
Tone: Playful, fun.
18. That looks picture-perfect!
Meaning: Suggests the food is beautiful and Instagram-worthy.
Example: That brunch plate looks picture-perfect!
Best Use: Social media posts, stylish meals.
Tone: Trendy, casual.
19. That looks so good, I’m drooling!
Meaning: A fun, expressive way to show craving.
Example: That burger looks so good, I’m drooling already.
Best Use: Online comments, casual talk.
Tone: Humorous, expressive.
20. That looks to die for!
Meaning: Emphasizes irresistible or extreme deliciousness.
Example: That chocolate lava cake looks to die for!
Best Use: Desserts, special dishes.
Tone: Dramatic, enthusiastic.
21. That looks delightful!
Meaning: A gentle, refined way to express approval.
Example: Your homemade soup looks delightful — so comforting.
Best Use: Polite settings, family meals.
Tone: Warm, kind.
22. That looks like a feast!
Meaning: Suggests an abundant, impressive meal.
Example: Wow, that spread looks like a feast — you’ve cooked so much!
Best Use: Gatherings, holidays, buffets.
Tone: Joyful, amazed.
23. That looks next level!
Meaning: Praises something as exceptionally good or creative.
Example: That ramen looks next level — total chef vibes!
Best Use: Trendy, social media, modern slang.
Tone: Cool, casual.
24. That looks absolutely divine!
Meaning: Adds emphasis to a classic compliment.
Example: That tiramisu looks absolutely divine — perfection!
Best Use: Elegant or heartfelt compliments.
Tone: Sophisticated, sincere.
25. That looks finger-licking good!
Meaning: A fun and vivid way to describe irresistibly tasty food.
Example: Those chicken wings look finger-licking good!
Best Use: Comfort food, casual conversation.
Tone: Fun, relaxed.
Conclusion
Instead of sticking to the usual “That looks delicious,” you can make your compliments sound more vivid, personal, and expressive. Whether you say “That looks heavenly” for a fancy dish or “That looks next level” for something trendy, the right phrase adds flavor to your words — just like good seasoning enhances a meal.
Use these alternatives to sound authentic and make every food moment feel special.
