When you see a mouthwatering dish, the first reaction is usually to express how appealing it looks. While saying “That looks delicious” is a common way to show excitement, there are countless other ways to express your appreciation for food.
Whether you’re admiring a home-cooked meal, a restaurant dish, or a treat, using a variety of expressions can make your compliment feel more heartfelt and specific. In this article, we’ll explore 20 creative ways to say “That looks delicious,” along with examples and explanations to inspire you.
List of All Synonyms
- That Looks Mouthwatering
- That Looks Incredible
- That Looks Delectable
- That Looks So Tasty
- That Looks Like Heaven
- That Looks So Flavorful
- That Looks Amazing
- That Looks Irresistible
- That Looks Like a Feast
- That Looks Scrumptious
- That Looks Divine
- That Looks Like a Work of Art
- That Looks Refreshing
- That Looks Unbelievable
- That Looks Like Pure Bliss
- That Looks Perfect
- That Looks Like It Came From a Restaurant
- That Looks Like Heaven on a Plate
- That Looks Like It Was Made With Love
- That Looks So Appetizing
1. That Looks Mouthwatering
Introduction: This phrase conveys how tempting the food appears, almost as if it’s irresistible. It’s perfect for dishes that look so appetizing, you can almost smell them.
Definition: A compliment that suggests the food looks so appealing it makes your mouth water.
Meaning: It indicates that the dish is extremely appealing and makes you eager to try it.
Tone: Enthusiastic, eager.
Example: “Wow, that looks mouthwatering! I can’t wait to dig in.”
Explanation: This expression is perfect for when a dish is so tempting that it immediately grabs your attention and excites your taste buds.
2. That Looks Incredible
Introduction: A strong compliment that indicates the food is visually impressive and deserves attention.
Definition: A phrase to convey that the dish appears outstanding or amazing.
Meaning: The food looks extraordinary or visually stunning.
Tone: Admiring, enthusiastic.
Example: “That looks incredible! You’ve really outdone yourself this time.”
Explanation: This is great for when the food looks not only delicious but also beautifully presented.
3. That Looks Delectable
Introduction: A more sophisticated way of saying that the food looks delicious. It’s a great option for formal settings or when you want to impress someone with your vocabulary.
Definition: An elegant expression to describe food that looks highly appetizing.
Meaning: The food looks delightful and irresistible.
Tone: Polite, sophisticated.
Example: “This looks absolutely delectable. I’m sure it tastes as good as it looks!”
Explanation: Ideal for elegant settings or when you want to elevate the way you compliment someone’s cooking.
4. That Looks So Tasty
Introduction: A casual and straightforward way to show your excitement about the food in front of you.
Definition: A simple expression to convey that the food looks flavorful and enjoyable.
Meaning: The food looks like it will taste great.
Tone: Casual, friendly.
Example: “That looks so tasty! What’s in it?”
Explanation: This is a perfect option when you’re in a casual setting and want to express genuine excitement.
5. That Looks Like Heaven
Introduction: This phrase is used to describe food that looks so good, it’s almost otherworldly. It’s a great option when something is particularly indulgent or decadent.
Definition: A way to describe food that looks so appealing, it seems heavenly or perfect.
Meaning: The food looks absolutely perfect and is tempting in a divine way.
Tone: Excited, exaggerated.
Example: “That looks like heaven! I can’t wait to try a bite.”
Explanation: Use this when you’re really impressed with the appearance of a dish and want to emphasize how perfect it looks.
6. That Looks So Flavorful
Introduction: This phrase emphasizes the expectation of taste, suggesting that the dish not only looks good but is likely bursting with flavor.
Definition: A compliment that indicates the food looks like it has a rich and appealing taste.
Meaning: The food appears to be packed with flavor and spices.
Tone: Appreciative, anticipatory.
Example: “Wow, that looks so flavorful! I bet it tastes amazing.”
Explanation: This is a great option when you want to focus on the potential taste experience of the dish.
7. That Looks Amazing
Introduction: A versatile and simple compliment that shows enthusiasm for the food. It works well in any context, whether you’re admiring a dish at a dinner party or in a restaurant.
Definition: A broad expression of admiration for the food’s appearance.
Meaning: The food looks strikingly good and worth your attention.
Tone: General, excited.
Example: “That looks amazing! How did you make it?”
Explanation: This is an all-purpose compliment that’s perfect when you want to express overall admiration.
8. That Looks Irresistible
Introduction: A great phrase to express how tempting the food is, almost as if it’s impossible to resist.
Definition: A compliment that suggests the food looks so good that it’s difficult to turn down.
Meaning: The food looks so appealing that you want to devour it immediately.
Tone: Enthusiastic, eager.
Example: “That looks irresistible! I can’t wait to have a bite.”
Explanation: Use this when the food looks so good that it feels like there’s no way you can resist trying it.
9. That Looks Like a Feast
Introduction: This expression is ideal when the meal looks abundant, hearty, and satisfying.
Definition: A compliment that implies the food looks like a large, generous meal.
Meaning: The dish appears to be filling and plentiful.
Tone: Impressed, jovial.
Example: “Wow, that looks like a feast! How many people are we serving?”
Explanation: Use this when the food looks plentiful and the meal appears to be quite substantial.
10. That Looks Scrumptious
Introduction: A fun and lighthearted way to describe food that looks particularly delicious and inviting.
Definition: An informal way to describe food that is so appealing it seems almost irresistible.
Meaning: The food looks so appetizing and appetizing that you can’t wait to eat it.
Tone: Casual, fun.
Example: “That looks scrumptious! What’s the secret ingredient?”
Explanation: A playful and affectionate way to compliment food, perfect for casual settings or close friends.
11. That Looks Divine
Introduction: A more refined way to compliment food that looks extremely delightful, often used when describing high-end dishes or luxurious meals.
Definition: An elegant way to describe food that looks like it has been prepared to perfection.
Meaning: The food looks heavenly or extraordinarily good.
Tone: Refined, appreciative.
Example: “That looks divine! I’m sure it tastes as good as it looks.”
Explanation: This phrase elevates your compliment, making it more sophisticated and ideal for gourmet meals.
12. That Looks Like a Work of Art
Introduction: This phrase is ideal for food that is not only delicious but also beautifully presented. It’s often used for dishes with intricate decoration or artistic plating.
Definition: A compliment that highlights the food’s visual appeal, suggesting it’s as much a visual masterpiece as it is a meal.
Meaning: The food looks so well-crafted that it could be considered an artistic creation.
Tone: Appreciative, artistic.
Example: “Wow, that looks like a work of art! You’ve really put effort into the presentation.”
Explanation: Use this when the food looks so beautifully presented that it’s visually stunning, almost too good to eat.
13. That Looks Refreshing
Introduction: Ideal for lighter or more vibrant dishes, this phrase emphasizes the food’s freshness and appeal.
Definition: A phrase to describe food that looks fresh, clean, and satisfying.
Meaning: The food appears to be light and refreshing, often evoking a sense of vitality.
Tone: Casual, fresh.
Example: “That looks refreshing! A perfect dish for a hot day.”
Explanation: Great for salads, smoothies, or anything that looks fresh and revitalizing.
14. That Looks Unbelievable
Introduction: A phrase you can use when the food appears so good that it seems almost too perfect to be true.
Definition: An expression of amazement and disbelief at how delicious the food looks.
Meaning: The food looks so exceptional that it’s hard to believe it could be real.
Tone: Amazed, surprised.
Example: “That looks unbelievable! I didn’t know food could look this good!”
Explanation: This phrase is used when something is so exceptional that it almost doesn’t seem real.
15. That Looks Like Pure Bliss
Introduction: This phrase conveys the idea that the food looks so good it will bring pure joy and satisfaction.
Definition: A compliment indicating that the food looks not only delicious but a source of total enjoyment.
Meaning: The food looks like it’s going to be an absolutely blissful experience.
Tone: Joyful, excited.
Example: “That looks like pure bliss! I bet every bite is heavenly.”
Explanation: Perfect for indulgent or decadent dishes that are sure to be an experience.
16. That Looks Perfect
Introduction: A simple yet powerful compliment to describe food that looks flawless and carefully prepared.
Definition: A straightforward expression to indicate that the food is beautifully prepared and looks flawless.
Meaning: The food looks completely perfect and well-executed.
Tone: Appreciative, straightforward.
Example: “That looks perfect! I can tell you spent a lot of time on this.”
Explanation: Ideal for dishes that look precisely made and perfectly executed.
17. That Looks Like It Came From a Restaurant
Introduction: This phrase is ideal when the food looks professionally prepared, resembling something you’d find in a high-quality restaurant.
Definition: A compliment that suggests the food looks like it has been prepared with restaurant-level expertise.
Meaning: The food looks like it’s been prepared by a professional chef.
Tone: Impressed, admiring.
Example: “That looks like it came from a restaurant! How did you make it look so fancy?”
Explanation: Use this when the food looks impeccably plated or skillfully prepared.
18. That Looks Like Heaven on a Plate
Introduction: A fun and exaggerated way to express how perfect the food looks, especially when it seems indulgent and comforting.
Definition: An expression suggesting that the food looks so perfect, it could be compared to the ultimate food experience.
Meaning: The food looks so good it seems to represent the best culinary experience.
Tone: Excited, dramatic.
Example: “That looks like heaven on a plate! I can’t wait to taste it.”
Explanation: A dramatic and fun way to express how amazing the food looks.
19. That Looks Like It Was Made With Love
Introduction: A sweet and heartwarming way to express that the food looks carefully and lovingly prepared.
Definition: A compliment to suggest that the food was prepared with great care and attention to detail.
Meaning: The food looks like it was made with thoughtfulness and affection.
Tone: Warm, heartfelt.
Example: “That looks like it was made with love! You can tell there’s a lot of care in this dish.”
Explanation: Ideal for homemade meals or dishes that show clear effort and care in their preparation.
20. That Looks So Appetizing
Introduction: A classic, all-purpose way to describe food that looks inviting and tempting.
Definition: A compliment indicating that the food looks inviting and ready to be eaten.
Meaning: The food looks like it will be a pleasurable eating experience.
Tone: General, appreciative.
Example: “That looks so appetizing! I can’t wait to try it.”
Explanation: Perfect for any setting when you want to express your excitement about food.
Conclusion
Expressing admiration for a dish is a great way to acknowledge the effort put into its creation, and finding different ways to say “That looks delicious” can make your compliment more engaging. Whether you use sophisticated language, casual expressions, or fun phrases, there are plenty of ways to convey how much you appreciate the food in front of you. These 20 alternatives give you plenty of options for making your compliments unique and sincere.
FAQs
1. Can I use these phrases for any type of food?
Yes, these phrases can work for all kinds of food, from gourmet meals to home-cooked dishes.
2. Should I always use creative compliments?
It depends on the situation! Creative compliments work well in informal or relaxed settings, while simple phrases may be more fitting for formal meals or professional situations.
3. How do I know which phrase to use?
Consider the food’s presentation and context. For example, “That looks like heaven” might be perfect for an indulgent dessert, while “That looks so appetizing” can work for any meal.
4. Can I use these phrases at a restaurant?
Absolutely! These expressions are great for showing your appreciation in both casual and fine dining environments.
5. Are these compliments only for food?
While these phrases are mainly used for food, some of them can be adapted for other situations where you want to express admiration or excitement.
Numan Hassan is a passionate educator at EnglishVisions, dedicated to helping students master English with confidence. His dynamic teaching approach turns language learning into an engaging and rewarding experience. With a deep understanding of communication skills, he empowers learners to excel in both spoken and written English.
