15 Other Ways to Say “That Looks Delicious”

Food is more than just nourishment; it’s an experience that excites all of your senses. Whether it’s a scrumptious burger or a mouth-watering chocolate cake, the way we express how appealing food looks adds to the joy of sharing it. Instead of always saying “That looks delicious,” why not spice things up with new phrases that capture your excitement and appreciation?

From casual meals to high-end restaurant dishes, there are endless ways to compliment food and the chef’s culinary skills. With these fresh alternatives, you’ll be able to convey just how irresistible, amazing, and divine a dish really looks.

1. That Looks Mouth-Watering

Nothing gets the point across more vividly than saying the food looks mouth-watering. This phrase triggers an immediate physical response—salivating—and conveys just how irresistible the dish appears.

Scenario:

You’re at a dinner party, and the main course of ribs is placed in front of you. The rich aroma and golden-brown color make it hard to resist.

Example: “Wow, those ribs look absolutely mouth-watering! I can already imagine the flavor bursting with every bite.”

2. My Taste Buds Are Tingling Just Looking at It

This phrase takes it one step further by referencing how the dish is making your senses come alive, as though you’re already tasting the food. It’s perfect for casual settings with friends or when commenting on food photos.

Scenario:

You’re texting your friend, who just sent you a picture of her spicy curry she made at home.

Example: “My taste buds are tingling just looking at it! That spicy curry looks absolutely perfect!”

3. What a Feast for the Eyes

Sometimes, a dish is so beautifully presented that it feels like it belongs in a gallery. Use this phrase when you want to comment on the visual presentation of a dish, particularly if it’s elaborately plated.

Scenario:

You’re at a high-end restaurant, and the charcuterie board is brought to your table.

Example: “That charcuterie board is truly a feast for the eyes! The colorful arrangement of meats and cheeses looks exquisite.”

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4. I Can Almost Taste It from Here

This phrase is perfect when you’re commenting on food from a distance. You’re not just admiring the food visually; you’re so excited about it that you can almost taste it already.

Scenario:

Your colleague describes a smoothie they just made, and you can almost feel the coolness and freshness of it.

Example: “I can almost taste it from here—that smoothie looks so refreshing and delicious!”

5. That’s Making Me Salivate

For a more casual and direct compliment, this phrase acknowledges the physical reaction of salivating when you see something that looks irresistible.

Scenario:

You’re with family, and the roast turkey with all the sides is brought to the table.

Example: “Wow, that roast turkey with all the sides is making me salivate. I can’t wait to dig in!”

6. It Looks Absolutely Scrumptious

A slightly old-fashioned but charming way to express your delight, “scrumptious” adds a playful flair to any compliment.

Scenario:

Your grandmother has just baked her famous apple pie, and you can’t help but marvel at its golden-brown crust and sweet scent.

Example: “Grandma, that apple pie looks absolutely scrumptious. It’s the best thing I’ve seen all day!”

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7. That’s a Work of Culinary Art

For a dish that’s not only delicious but also beautifully crafted, calling it a “work of culinary art” elevates the appreciation of both the dish and the chef’s skills.

Scenario:

You’re at a fine dining restaurant, and the dessert served is a stunningly plated soufflé.

Example: “Now that’s a work of culinary art. The soufflé looks like it took hours to perfect!”

8. I’m Getting Hungry Just Looking at It

Sometimes, seeing a dish is all it takes to make your stomach rumble. This phrase is great when you want to convey how much a dish is tempting you.

Scenario:

A friend shows you a picture of their homemade chili, and the vibrant colors and rich texture make you crave it.

Example: “I’m getting hungry just looking at it—that chili looks hearty and full of flavor!”

9. That Plate is Pure Temptation

This phrase conveys that the dish looks so irresistible you could easily give in to it right away.

Scenario:

You’re at a buffet, and you see a plate piled high with donuts.

Example: “Those donuts are pure temptation. How am I supposed to resist them?”

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10. It Looks Too Good to Eat (But I Will Anyway)!

For those times when the food is so beautifully presented that you almost feel guilty digging in, this playful phrase adds a touch of humor.

Scenario:

Your friend brings out a chocolate cake that looks almost too perfect to cut into.

Example: “That chocolate cake looks too good to eat (but I’ll definitely do it anyway)!”

11. That Looks Delectable

If you want to sound a bit more sophisticated, “delectable” is a refined word that still conveys enthusiasm.

Scenario:

At a family potluck, someone places a bowl of garden salad in front of you.

Example: “Wow, that garden salad looks absolutely delectable. The fresh ingredients really shine!”

12. That Looks Divine

Reserved for particularly exceptional dishes, “divine” is a word often used to describe food that looks heavenly and almost too good to be true.

Scenario:

You’re at an elegant dinner party, and the steak served is cooked perfectly.

Example: “Wow, this steak looks divine. It must be cooked to perfection!”

13. That Looks Irresistible

Sometimes, when food is so enticing, you simply can’t avoid calling it irresistible. This phrase works well in any setting where you just can’t wait to dig in.

Scenario:

You’ve just spotted a plate of macaroons on your social media feed, and they look flawless.

Example: “These macaroons look irresistible. I’m going to have to try making them myself!”

14. That Looks Sensational

If you want to express excitement about the food’s appearance, “sensational” adds a punch of enthusiasm.

Scenario:

At a family buffet, a platter of seafood with bright, vibrant colors catches your eye.

Example: “That seafood looks sensational! It’s like a burst of color on a plate.”

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15. That Looks Like Heaven on a Plate

When food looks absolutely perfect, this phrase suggests that it’s the ultimate experience for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Scenario:

You’re at a high-end restaurant with a dessert that looks like it belongs in a bakery window.

Example: “This tiramisu looks like heaven on a plate. The layers are so perfectly defined!”

Table: 15 Alternative Ways to Say “That Looks Delicious”

Phrase	Scenario
That looks Mouth-watering	At a dinner party, admiring ribs.
My taste buds are tingling just looking at it	Commenting on a spicy curry.
What a feast for the eyes	Observing a beautifully arranged charcuterie board.
I can almost taste it from here	Watching a friend’s smoothie making skills.
That’s making me salivate	Admiring a roast turkey at a family dinner.
It looks absolutely scrumptious	Looking at a homemade apple pie.
That’s a work of culinary art	Seeing a stunning soufflé at a restaurant.
I’m getting hungry just looking at it	A picture of a hearty chili.
That plate is pure temptation	Eyeing a plate of donuts at a buffet.
It looks too good to eat (but I will anyway)	Marveling at a perfect chocolate cake.
That looks delectable	Admiring a garden salad at a potluck.
That looks divine	Staring at a perfectly cooked steak.
That looks irresistible	Seeing an image of macaroons on social media.
That looks sensational	Noticing vibrant seafood at a family buffet.
That looks like heaven on a plate	At a restaurant, seeing a perfect tiramisu.

Conclusion

Using new ways to express your love for food can elevate any conversation. Whether you’re complimenting a dessert or a main course, these phrases add excitement. They show your true appreciation for a dish’s visual appeal and the culinary art behind it.

Next time you see a delicious plate, let your words reflect how tempting and wonderful it really is. A simple compliment can turn a meal into a memorable experience.