When you’re presented with a mouth-watering meal, sometimes simply saying “That looks delicious” doesn’t fully capture the excitement you feel. There are so many ways to express your appreciation for a beautifully prepared dish, and using a more unique phrase can make your compliments sound warmer, more thoughtful, and even more enthusiastic.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 other ways to say “That looks delicious,” complete with definitions, meanings, and scenario examples to help you convey just how tasty something looks in a more creative and engaging way.
What Does “That Looks Delicious” Mean?
The phrase “That looks delicious” is a simple way to express appreciation for the appearance of food. It conveys that the dish looks appetizing, appealing, and likely to taste great. However, there are plenty of ways to elevate this expression by adding a bit more personality or warmth to your compliment.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “That Looks Delicious”?
In general, “That looks delicious” is polite and acceptable, especially in casual settings. However, depending on the context (for example, at a formal dinner or in a professional environment), using more formal or refined alternatives might be more appropriate. Additionally, using more creative or enthusiastic phrases can show a deeper level of appreciation for the meal.
Advantages or Disadvantages of Saying “That Looks Delicious”
Advantages:
- Simple and Direct: It’s a quick way to express appreciation without overthinking.
- Universally Understood: Most people will recognize it as a compliment about food.
Disadvantages:
- Predictable: It can feel like the easiest and most overused compliment.
- Lack of Personality: It doesn’t always convey much about why the dish stands out or how much you appreciate it.
Synonyms For “That Looks Delicious”
- “That Looks Absolutely Mouth-Watering.”
- “That Looks Like Heaven on a Plate.”
- “I Can Already Taste It.”
- “That Looks Like a Masterpiece.”
- “That Looks Incredible.”
- “I Can’t Wait to Dig In.”
- “That Looks Fit for Royalty.”
- “That Looks Too Good to Eat.”
- “That Looks Absolutely Delicious.”
- “That Looks Delectable.”
- “That Looks Like a Feast for the Eyes.”
- “That’s a Culinary Masterpiece.”
- “That Looks Finger-Licking Good.”
- “That Looks Beyond Tempting.”
- “I Can Almost Smell How Good That Is.”
- “That Looks Like Pure Comfort.”
- “That Looks Like a Gourmet Delight.”
- “That’s a Work of Culinary Art.”
- “That’s Almost Too Beautiful to Eat.”
- “That Looks Like a Slice of Heaven.”
- “That’s a Treat for the Senses!”
- “That’s a Flavor Explosion Waiting to Happen.”
- “That Looks Too Good to Resist.”
- “That’s a Dish Worth Drooling Over.”
- “I’m Getting Hungry Just Looking at That.”
- “That’s Food Perfection Right There.”
- “That Looks So Good, It Belongs in a Cookbook.”
- “That’s the Kind of Meal Dreams Are Made Of.”
- “That’s a 5-Star Dish Right There!”
30 “I Need That in My Life Right Now!
1. “That Looks Absolutely Mouth-Watering”
Meaning: The dish looks so appetizing that it’s irresistible.
Definition: A way to express that the food looks so appealing, you can almost taste it just by looking at it.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is ideal for dishes that look extra delicious, with vibrant colors or a tempting aroma.
Scenario Example:
“Wow, that steak looks absolutely mouth-watering! I can’t wait to try it.”
Best Use: For meals that appear visually stunning and appetizing.
Tone: Enthusiastic, excited.
2. “That Looks Like Heaven on a Plate”
Meaning: The food looks so perfect and delicious, it could be compared to something heavenly.
Definition: A creative way to express that the meal looks divine or perfect.
Detailed Explanation: It’s a playful and highly complimentary phrase used to describe a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Scenario Example:
“Those pancakes look like heaven on a plate! I’m ready to dive in.”
Best Use: For visually stunning dishes that seem like a treat.
Tone: Lighthearted, appreciative.
3. “I Can Already Taste It”
Meaning: The food looks so good that you can almost taste it by looking at it.
Definition: A phrase to express how appetizing the dish looks, to the point that it evokes a sensory reaction.
Detailed Explanation: Great for showing excitement about a meal before you even taste it.
Scenario Example:
“Wow, that chocolate cake looks amazing! I can already taste it.”
Best Use: When you’re eager to eat or when the dish looks extremely tempting.
Tone: Excited, anticipatory.
4. “That Looks Like a Masterpiece”
Meaning: The dish is presented so beautifully that it looks like a work of art.
Definition: A phrase used to compliment not just the taste of the food but its artistic presentation.
Detailed Explanation: This is an excellent phrase for dishes that are artistically arranged or beautifully garnished.
Scenario Example:
“That sushi looks like a masterpiece—so well put together!”
Best Use: For beautifully plated dishes that showcase culinary artistry.
Tone: Complimentary, appreciative.
5. “That Looks Incredible”
Meaning: The dish looks so good that it seems almost too good to be true.
Definition: An alternative way to express that the food is visually striking and appealing.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for meals that look exceptionally good, evoking admiration.
Scenario Example:
“That pizza looks incredible! The toppings are perfect.”
Best Use: For food that stands out in quality or appearance.
Tone: Impressed, amazed.
6. “I Can’t Wait to Dig In”
Meaning: You’re so excited by how the food looks that you can’t wait to start eating.
Definition: A phrase used to express eagerness to start eating a meal that looks appetizing.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when you are excited to try the food and can’t wait to taste it.
Scenario Example:
“Those tacos look so good! I can’t wait to dig in.”
Best Use: For meals that make you hungry and eager to start eating.
Tone: Eager, enthusiastic.
7. “That Looks Fit for Royalty”
Meaning: The dish looks so impressive and luxurious, it could be served to royalty.
Definition: A compliment that elevates the dish to the highest standard of excellence.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase works well for gourmet meals or dishes that appear extravagant and special.
Scenario Example:
“Wow, this roast chicken looks fit for royalty! The seasoning is perfect.”
Best Use: For gourmet, upscale, or finely prepared dishes.
Tone: Elegant, refined.
8. “That Looks Too Good to Eat”
Meaning: The dish looks so perfect that it seems almost a shame to eat it.
Definition: A phrase used to describe a meal that is so beautiful, it could be considered art rather than food.
Detailed Explanation: Great for meals with intricate or delicate presentations.
Scenario Example:
“That chocolate sculpture looks too good to eat. It’s a work of art!”
Best Use: For dishes with exceptional or intricate presentation.
Tone: Admirative, playful.
9. “That Looks Absolutely Delicious”
Meaning: A simple yet emphatic compliment about the food’s appearance.
Definition: A straightforward way to express how tasty the dish looks.
Detailed Explanation: This is a more enthusiastic version of “That looks delicious,” showing more excitement.
Scenario Example:
“Those cupcakes look absolutely delicious! The frosting looks perfect.”
Best Use: General compliment for all types of food.
Tone: Positive, enthusiastic.
10. “That Looks Delectable”
Meaning: The food looks delightful and very appetizing.
Definition: A slightly more sophisticated way to say that the food looks very tasty.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect for upscale dinners or when you want to show refined appreciation for a dish.
Scenario Example:
“The salmon looks delectable, and I can’t wait to try it.”
Best Use: Formal dinners, gourmet meals.
Tone: Elegant, appreciative.
11. “That Looks Like a Feast for the Eyes”
Meaning: The food is so visually appealing that it’s as enjoyable to look at as it will be to eat.
Definition: A way to compliment the presentation and beauty of the dish.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is often used when food looks especially colorful, well-plated, or artistically arranged.
Scenario Example:
“The fruit platter looks like a feast for the eyes—so vibrant and fresh!”
Best Use: For aesthetically beautiful meals.
Tone: Artistic, appreciative.
12. “That’s a Culinary Masterpiece”
Meaning: The dish is so well-crafted that it’s like a work of art.
Definition: A phrase that elevates the dish to a high standard, often used for gourmet meals.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for dishes that are prepared with precision, creativity, or elegance.
Scenario Example:
“This plated dessert is a culinary masterpiece! It looks like it belongs in a five-star restaurant.”
Best Use: High-end, gourmet meals.
Tone: Sophisticated, admiring.
13. “That Looks Finger-Licking Good”
Meaning: The food looks so good that it makes you want to lick your fingers after eating.
Definition: A fun, casual way to say that the food looks irresistibly delicious.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is perfect for comfort foods, BBQ, or fried foods.
Scenario Example:
“Wow, this fried chicken looks finger-licking good!”
Best Use: Casual dining, home-cooked meals.
Tone: Playful, enthusiastic.
14. “That Looks Beyond Tempting”
Meaning: The food looks so irresistible that you cannot resist trying it.
Definition: A phrase to describe something exceptionally appetizing.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for describing rich, indulgent foods.
Scenario Example:
“That chocolate lava cake looks beyond tempting!”
Best Use: Desserts, indulgent treats.
Tone: Enthusiastic, craving.
15. “I Can Almost Smell How Good That Is”
Meaning: The food looks so good that you can almost smell its delicious aroma.
Definition: A phrase that adds an extra sensory element to your compliment.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when you want to emphasize both the visual and aromatic appeal of the dish.
Scenario Example:
“That fresh-baked bread looks amazing—I can almost smell how good that is!”
Best Use: Freshly cooked, aromatic dishes.
Tone: Expressive, enthusiastic.
16. “That Looks Like Pure Comfort”
Meaning: The dish looks warm, satisfying, and perfect for comfort eating.
Definition: A way to compliment a dish that evokes nostalgia or coziness.
Detailed Explanation: Best used for warm, homemade, or traditional comfort foods.
Scenario Example:
“That bowl of mac and cheese looks like pure comfort on a cold day.”
Best Use: Comfort foods, home-cooked meals.
Tone: Cozy, warm.
17. “That Looks Like a Gourmet Delight”
Meaning: The dish appears to be something from a high-end restaurant.
Definition: A phrase used to describe food that looks refined and sophisticated.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when admiring an expertly plated or uniquely prepared dish.
Scenario Example:
“This truffle risotto looks like a gourmet delight.”
Best Use: Fine dining, chef-prepared dishes.
Tone: Elegant, appreciative.
18. “That’s a Work of Culinary Art”
Meaning: The food is presented so beautifully that it resembles artwork.
Definition: A highly flattering phrase for a dish that’s both visually appealing and expertly crafted.
Detailed Explanation: Often used when a dish’s plating is exceptionally creative.
Scenario Example:
“This sushi platter is a work of culinary art.”
Best Use: Exquisite food presentation.
Tone: Artistic, sophisticated.
19. “That’s Almost Too Beautiful to Eat”
Meaning: The dish looks so artistic that eating it feels like ruining a masterpiece.
Definition: A playful way to acknowledge the artistry of a well-plated meal.
Detailed Explanation: Great for dishes with intricate designs or vibrant colors.
Scenario Example:
“That cake is almost too beautiful to eat—it looks like a sculpture!”
Best Use: Desserts, intricate dishes.
Tone: Playful, admiring.
20. “That Looks Like a Slice of Heaven”
Meaning: The food looks so good that it could be heavenly.
Definition: A phrase that emphasizes extreme deliciousness.
Detailed Explanation: Best for decadent desserts and indulgent dishes.
Scenario Example:
“That cheesecake looks like a slice of heaven!”
Best Use: Desserts, rich foods.
Tone: Enthusiastic, dreamy.
21. “That’s a Treat for the Senses!”
Meaning: The food looks so appealing that it excites multiple senses, not just taste.
Definition: A way to describe a dish that looks visually stunning and also promises an amazing taste.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase suggests that the food is not only appealing to the eyes but will also delight the taste buds, smell amazing, and maybe even have a wonderful texture.
Scenario Example:
“This beautifully plated dessert is a treat for the senses!”
Best Use: When a dish looks visually impressive and seems to offer an incredible taste experience.
Tone: Elegant, admiring.
22. “That’s a Flavor Explosion Waiting to Happen.”
Meaning: The food looks like it’s packed with bold and exciting flavors.
Definition: A phrase used to describe a dish that appears to have rich, intense, or unique flavors.
Detailed Explanation: This is great for dishes with multiple ingredients, strong spices, or layers of flavor.
Scenario Example:
“Wow, this curry looks like a flavor explosion waiting to happen!”
Best Use: When commenting on spicy, well-seasoned, or complex dishes.
Tone: Enthusiastic, energetic.
23. “That Looks Too Good to Resist.”
Meaning: The food is so tempting that you cannot help but want to eat it immediately.
Definition: A way to express that the dish looks incredibly inviting.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase works well when the food is so visually appealing that it makes you want to indulge right away.
Scenario Example:
“Those warm chocolate chip cookies look too good to resist!”
Best Use: For foods that are especially tempting, like desserts or comfort food.
Tone: Playful, craving.
24. “That’s a Dish Worth Drooling Over.”
Meaning: The food looks so good that just looking at it makes your mouth water.
Definition: A fun, casual way to say that a dish is incredibly appetizing.
Detailed Explanation: This is an exaggerated but humorous way to show how mouthwatering a dish looks.
Scenario Example:
“Wow, that steak is a dish worth drooling over!”
Best Use: When you’re admiring a rich or indulgent meal.
Tone: Casual, playful.
25. “I’m Getting Hungry Just Looking at That.”
Meaning: The dish looks so appetizing that it instantly makes you feel hungry.
Definition: A phrase used to describe food that has an immediate effect on your appetite.
Detailed Explanation: This is great for expressing how visually stimulating and delicious a meal looks.
Scenario Example:
“That pasta looks incredible—I’m getting hungry just looking at it!”
Best Use: When reacting to pictures of food or watching someone else’s meal.
Tone: Relatable, casual.
26. “That’s Food Perfection Right There.”
Meaning: The dish looks flawlessly prepared and incredibly appetizing.
Definition: A phrase that elevates the meal to a high standard of excellence.
Detailed Explanation: This is an ideal way to compliment a dish that seems perfectly cooked, plated, and presented.
Scenario Example:
“That crème brûlée is food perfection right there!”
Best Use: For gourmet, well-prepared, or professionally plated dishes.
Tone: Sophisticated, admiring.
27. “That Looks So Good, It Belongs in a Cookbook.”
Meaning: The dish is so beautiful and well-presented that it could be featured in a food magazine or cookbook.
Definition: A way to express that the meal looks exceptionally professional.
Detailed Explanation: This is a great phrase for food that’s plated and styled to perfection.
Scenario Example:
“This salad is stunning—it looks so good, it belongs in a cookbook!”
Best Use: For aesthetically appealing, picture-perfect meals.
Tone: Artistic, complimentary.
28. “That’s the Kind of Meal Dreams Are Made Of.”
Meaning: The dish looks so good that it’s something people fantasize about eating.
Definition: A phrase used to describe a meal that appears particularly indulgent, luxurious, or comforting.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is great for meals that feel like a special treat.
Scenario Example:
“That seafood platter is the kind of meal dreams are made of!”
Best Use: For large, impressive, or rare meals.
Tone: Dreamy, enthusiastic.
29. “That’s a 5-Star Dish Right There!”
Meaning: The dish looks like it was made in a high-end restaurant.
Definition: A way to describe food that appears gourmet and worthy of high praise.
Detailed Explanation: This is perfect for fine dining experiences or restaurant-quality meals.
Scenario Example:
“This plate of pasta is a 5-star dish right there!”
Best Use: When admiring a dish that looks professionally crafted.
Tone: Impressed, sophisticated.
30. “I Need That in My Life Right Now!”
Meaning: The dish looks so good that you feel an instant craving for it.
Definition: A fun, expressive way to say that the food is incredibly tempting.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase conveys a strong desire to eat the dish immediately.
Scenario Example:
“That burger looks amazing—I need that in my life right now!”
Best Use: For casual, indulgent, or comfort foods.
Tone: Playful, excited.
Conclusion
Finding different ways to say “That looks delicious” can help you express your appreciation for food in a more fun, thoughtful, and engaging way. Whether you’re admiring a gourmet meal, a beautifully plated dish, or a comforting home-cooked favorite, using creative compliments makes your words more meaningful and enjoyable for the chef or host.
Next time you’re about to compliment a dish, try one of these 30 unique alternatives to make your reaction stand out!
Emma Brooke is a passionate language enthusiast and expert at Grammar Apex, dedicated to helping writers, students, and professionals refine their grammar and writing skills. With a keen eye for detail and a love for linguistic precision, Emma provides insightful tips, clear explanations, and practical guidance to make complex grammar rules easy to understand.