We’ve all had those moments—someone shares a photo of their home-cooked meal, a friend brings over a dessert, or you’re out to dinner and the plate hits the table looking like a work of art. Saying “That looks delicious” is a lovely response, but sometimes, we want to say something more heartfelt, unique, or thoughtful. Whether you’re texting a friend, complimenting a chef, or showing appreciation at a dinner table, finding the right words can elevate the moment and make others feel genuinely appreciated.
This guide gives you 30 warm, caring, and personal ways to express that sentiment—with examples, best-use cases, and tips on when to skip certain phrases.
What Does “That Looks Delicious” Mean?
“That looks delicious” is a phrase we use to compliment food that appears appetizing or appealing. It’s a way of showing interest or admiration, often meant to affirm the cook’s effort or excite others about the dish.
It conveys:
- Appreciation for presentation
- Anticipation of flavor
- Warm acknowledgment of effort
It’s short, but it can carry a lot of feeling—especially if said with genuine enthusiasm.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “That Looks Delicious”?
Yes, absolutely. “That looks delicious” is both professional and polite when used in the right setting. It’s perfect for:
- Team lunches
- Client dinners
- Complimenting a coworker’s homemade meal
- Friendly exchanges in casual or semi-formal contexts
However, in ultra-formal situations, especially ones unrelated to food, it’s better to keep your compliments a bit more neutral or tailored to context.
1. That Looks Amazing
Meaning: A stronger way to say something looks really good.
Explanation: This is a simple but powerful compliment. It expresses admiration and excitement.
Example: “Wow, that lasagna looks amazing!”
Best Use: Casual or professional situations where you want to show genuine appreciation.
Not Use: Avoid overusing it in the same conversation—it can start to feel generic.
2. Mouthwatering!
Meaning: Suggests that the food looks so good it’s causing a physical reaction.
Explanation: It’s vivid and playful, making your compliment feel more emotional.
Example: “Mouthwatering! That burger is making me hungry all over again.”
Best Use: Social media, texts with friends, or enthusiastic reactions.
Not Use: In very formal or business settings—it’s a bit too informal.
3. I Can Practically Taste It
Meaning: Expresses vivid imagination and deep craving.
Explanation: This adds a sense of closeness and desire to the compliment.
Example: “Those brownies look incredible—I can practically taste them!”
Best Use: When you want to make someone feel really proud of what they’ve made.
Not Use: When you haven’t seen the food clearly—keep it genuine.
4. That Looks Heavenly
Meaning: Suggests the food is almost divine.
Explanation: It’s romantic and poetic, great for desserts or elegant meals.
Example: “That chocolate mousse looks absolutely heavenly.”
Best Use: When describing luxurious, indulgent, or fancy dishes.
Not Use: For casual food like fast food—it can sound sarcastic.
5. Yum!
Meaning: A quick, fun expression of approval.
Explanation: It’s short, sweet, and universally understood.
Example: “Yum! That grilled cheese looks perfectly toasted.”
Best Use: Light conversations, kids, friends, or playful texts.
Not Use: In professional contexts—it’s too casual.
6. That’s a Feast for the Eyes
Meaning: Compliments the visual beauty of the dish.
Explanation: It emphasizes how well the food is presented.
Example: “Wow, that’s a feast for the eyes. The colors are incredible!”
Best Use: Social media captions or to compliment presentation.
Not Use: If the food doesn’t have strong visual appeal.
7. You’ve Outdone Yourself
Meaning: Shows the person exceeded expectations.
Explanation: Adds a personal touch—it compliments effort and talent.
Example: “You’ve really outdone yourself with that lemon tart.”
Best Use: Home dinners, family gatherings, or thanking a friend.
Not Use: When you haven’t tried the food—can seem exaggerated.
8. Absolutely Tempting
Meaning: Suggests you’re struggling not to reach for a bite.
Explanation: It’s inviting and warm, signaling strong interest.
Example: “That pasta is absolutely tempting—I might need the recipe.”
Best Use: Flirty, fun, or foodie convos.
Not Use: In extremely professional emails or settings.
9. That Looks Like It Belongs in a Magazine
Meaning: Compliments the high-quality, styled appearance.
Explanation: Suggests the food is photogenic and skillfully presented.
Example: “That brunch spread looks like it belongs in a magazine.”
Best Use: Instagram comments or stylish foodie shots.
Not Use: With very basic or rustic meals—it might sound ironic.
10. I Need That Recipe!
Meaning: You’re so impressed, you want to recreate the dish.
Explanation: Shows admiration and trust in the cook’s skill.
Example: “I need that recipe—those cookies look perfect!”
Best Use: Personal conversations, friendly gatherings, or social posts.
Not Use: If you’re not actually interested in making it—can feel disingenuous.
11. What a Beautiful Plate
Meaning: Compliments the presentation and artistic arrangement of the food.
Explanation: This phrase shifts focus from taste to aesthetics, showing appreciation for the effort and detail in plating.
Example: “What a beautiful plate! The colors and textures are so inviting.”
Best Use: Great for formal dinners, fine dining experiences, or giving thoughtful praise.
Not Use: If the food is messy or not carefully presented—it might feel sarcastic.
12. Looks So Flavorful
Meaning: Suggests the dish looks rich in taste and spices.
Explanation: It tells the person that the food not only looks good but seems like it would burst with flavor.
Example: “That stew looks so flavorful—perfect for a chilly night.”
Best Use: Homemade meals, comfort foods, or spice-rich dishes.
Not Use: For very simple dishes like toast or plain pasta—it may feel like a stretch.
13. My Stomach Just Growled
Meaning: A playful and honest expression of hunger triggered by how good something looks.
Explanation: It’s fun and relatable—it adds a personal, physical response to your compliment.
Example: “My stomach just growled looking at that pizza!”
Best Use: Friendly conversations, food chats, or social media.
Not Use: In formal or professional messages—it’s a bit too casual.
14. Now That’s Art
Meaning: Elevates the food to a form of art.
Explanation: This compliment acknowledges the creative, thoughtful design of a dish.
Example: “Now that’s art. I wouldn’t even want to touch it—it’s too pretty!”
Best Use: High-end restaurants, cooking competitions, or beautifully styled meals.
Not Use: With everyday meals—unless you’re being clearly humorous.
15. You Should Open a Restaurant
Meaning: A huge compliment to someone’s cooking skills.
Explanation: Suggests their food is so impressive, they could go pro.
Example: “You should open a restaurant! That looks better than anything I’ve ordered out.”
Best Use: Friends, family, or anyone who enjoys cooking and takes pride in it.
Not Use: If the food is store-bought or not homemade—it can come off as awkward.
16. I’d Dive Right Into That
Meaning: Shows strong, immediate desire to eat the food.
Explanation: It’s playful and vivid, showing just how tempting the dish is.
Example: “I’d dive right into that lasagna—it looks amazing!”
Best Use: Casual and fun conversations, especially among friends.
Not Use: In formal settings or professional emails.
17. Looks Too Good to Eat
Meaning: Suggests the food looks so beautiful, it feels wrong to ruin it by eating.
Explanation: It’s a sweet, artistic way of admiring how elegant or detailed a dish is.
Example: “That dessert looks too good to eat—like something from a painting.”
Best Use: Fancy desserts, styled meals, or Instagram-worthy plates.
Not Use: For rustic or hearty dishes—it might sound odd.
18. Just Wow
Meaning: A short, punchy expression of awe and surprise.
Explanation: Sometimes, less is more. This is for when you’re genuinely blown away and words fail you.
Example: “Just wow. That sushi platter looks incredible.”
Best Use: When a dish has serious “wow factor” in presentation.
Not Use: When more specific compliments would be appreciated.
19. My Taste Buds Are Dancing Already
Meaning: Suggests excitement and anticipation even before tasting the food.
Explanation: It’s expressive and imaginative—ideal for sharing a joyful reaction.
Example: “My taste buds are dancing already—what’s in that curry?”
Best Use: Flavor-packed dishes, spicy foods, or aromatic meals.
Not Use: In very professional settings—it’s quite playful.
20. That Looks Like Pure Comfort
Meaning: Emphasizes the emotional warmth the dish evokes.
Explanation: This phrase is ideal for home-cooked meals or nostalgic comfort food.
Example: “That mac and cheese looks like pure comfort on a plate.”
Best Use: Cozy meals, family dinners, or dishes that remind you of home.
Not Use: For overly fancy or gourmet foods—save it for the soul-soothing stuff.
21. That’s Restaurant-Quality
Meaning: Suggests the food looks like it was professionally made.
Explanation: This is a great way to boost someone’s confidence, especially when they’ve cooked at home and put in a lot of effort.
Example: “That’s restaurant-quality plating—seriously impressive!”
Best Use: Homemade meals that look refined or skillfully made.
Not Use: For basic or rushed meals—it may feel overly flattering or insincere.
22. I’m Drooling Over Here
Meaning: A playful and exaggerated way to show how appetizing something looks.
Explanation: It’s dramatic (in a fun way) and makes your reaction feel more animated and expressive.
Example: “I’m drooling over here—how did you make that glaze?”
Best Use: Texts, comments, or casual chats with friends.
Not Use: In professional settings or formal dinners—it’s very informal.
23. Looks Like a Masterpiece
Meaning: Compares the dish to a work of art or something expertly crafted.
Explanation: It’s a thoughtful, polished way to praise someone’s skill and attention to detail.
Example: “That cake looks like a masterpiece—did you really make that from scratch?”
Best Use: Stunning presentations, celebration dishes, or anything that took time and talent.
Not Use: For very simple or quick meals—it might sound sarcastic.
24. That’s Food Goals Right There
Meaning: Says the food sets a high standard for how food should look.
Explanation: This is trendy, modern, and great for social media comments where you’re showing admiration.
Example: “That’s food goals right there. I need your secret!”
Best Use: Instagram, foodie pages, or among friends who love cooking or photography.
Not Use: In formal or traditional settings—keep it casual and fun.
25. Looks Like Something Off a Cooking Show
Meaning: Suggests the food is TV-worthy and perfectly presented.
Explanation: It’s a creative and flattering way to acknowledge someone’s skill and effort.
Example: “That looks like something off a cooking show—seriously impressive!”
Best Use: Friends or family who enjoy cooking shows or competitions.
Not Use: For humble or simple meals—it might feel like too much.
26. I’d Pay for That
Meaning: Strong praise that implies the dish is worth restaurant money.
Explanation: It’s casual and enthusiastic—telling someone their food is worthy of a menu price.
Example: “I’d pay for that meal—it looks better than what I ordered last weekend!”
Best Use: Home-cooked meals or when someone’s trying something new in the kitchen.
Not Use: In ultra-formal environments or with someone who might take it too literally.
27. Such a Tempting Dish
Meaning: Emphasizes how irresistible the food looks.
Explanation: It’s charming and slightly elegant—a nice mix of appreciation and desire.
Example: “Such a tempting dish—those flavors look like they’d be amazing together.”
Best Use: Dinner parties, food blogs, or thoughtfully prepared meals.
Not Use: If you’re unsure how the dish actually turned out—be honest.
28. That Looks Next Level
Meaning: Suggests the dish is beyond average—it’s exceptional.
Explanation: A modern, casual phrase that shows you’re impressed beyond the norm.
Example: “That looks next level. Your skills keep getting better!”
Best Use: When someone’s improving, experimenting, or leveling up their cooking.
Not Use: For super basic meals—it might seem like you’re overhyping.
29. That’s Perfection on a Plate
Meaning: A classy and poetic compliment for beautifully made food.
Explanation: It combines style and substance—acknowledging presentation and precision.
Example: “That’s perfection on a plate—like something from a high-end restaurant.”
Best Use: Fancy meals, artistic plating, or when you want your compliment to feel sincere and elegant.
Not Use: Everyday meals where perfection isn’t the goal—save it for special moments.
30. I Wish I Could Reach Through the Screen
Meaning: A digital-era way of saying the food looks too good to just look at.
Explanation: It’s playful, tech-savvy, and works well in virtual settings or social media.
Example: “I wish I could reach through the screen—that looks unreal!”
Best Use: Virtual hangouts, foodie posts, or shared photos of meals.
Not Use: In-person situations—this is more of an online expression.
Conclusion
So next time someone shares a photo of their homemade creation, brings over a beautifully plated dish, or simply cooks something with care—go beyond “That looks delicious.” Words carry energy, and a thoughtful compliment can brighten someone’s day, build connection, and show genuine appreciation for the love and labor behind the meal.
From playful to poetic, casual to classy, these 30 alternatives give you the tools to express admiration with authenticity. As someone who deeply believes in the power of everyday kindness, I can tell you that how you say something matters just as much as what you say.
Let your words reflect your heart.
FAQs
1. What’s the best compliment for a home cook?
“You’ve outdone yourself” or “That’s restaurant-quality” are warm, sincere, and encouraging.
2. Can I use these compliments in a work setting?
Yes, just choose more neutral ones like “That looks amazing” or “What a beautiful plate.”
3. What phrases work best on Instagram?
Try “That’s food goals right there,” “I wish I could reach through the screen,” or “Just wow”—they pop visually.
4. Are there compliments specifically for desserts?
Yes! Try “That looks heavenly,” “Too good to eat,” or “Perfection on a plate.”
5. What if I haven’t tasted the food yet?
Stick to visual compliments like “A feast for the eyes” or “Looks so flavorful” to keep it genuine.
