Finding the right words to express warmth, appreciation, or admiration for food can make conversations feel more personal and heartfelt. Saying “That looks delicious” is classic and friendly, but sometimes, you might want to express your feelings in a more creative, sincere, or thoughtful way.
Whether you’re complimenting a friend’s homemade meal, leaving a comment on a food post, or showing gratitude at a dinner table, the right phrasing can make a real emotional connection.
Below, you’ll find 25 empathetic and genuine alternatives to say “That looks delicious,” each with examples, meanings, and tips on how and when to use them.
What Does “That Looks Delicious” Mean?
The phrase “That looks delicious” is used to express admiration or anticipation toward food that appears appealing and appetizing. It shows appreciation and positivity.
It’s not just about the food — it’s also a gesture of kindness that acknowledges someone’s effort, creativity, or taste.
Meaning:
A polite way to say the food looks appetizing and you’d love to try it.
Tone:
Friendly, casual, and appreciative.
When to Use “That Looks Delicious”
Use “That looks delicious” when you want to compliment food — especially when you haven’t tasted it yet.
✅ Best for:
- Social media food photos
- Dinner parties or gatherings
- Appreciating someone’s cooking effort
❌ Avoid when:
- You’re in a formal review or professional food critique
- You’ve already eaten it (you might say “That was delicious” instead)
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “That Looks Delicious”?
Yes, it’s polite, friendly, and suitable for most casual or semi-formal settings.
In professional writing (like restaurant reviews or marketing), however, you might use synonyms such as “mouthwatering,” “appealing,” or “flavorful” for a more refined tone.
Pros or Cons
Pros:
- Warm, easy to understand, and sincere
- Creates positive emotional connection
- Universally recognized and friendly
Cons:
- Can sound repetitive if used often
- Too casual for highly professional or formal writing
Synonyms For “That Looks Delicious”
- That looks mouthwatering
- That looks absolutely amazing
- That looks heavenly
- That looks so tempting
- That looks appetizing
- That looks incredible
- That looks scrumptious
- That looks divine
- That looks so good
- That looks delectable
- That looks tasty
- That looks out of this world
- That looks irresistible
- That looks flavorful
- That looks incredible (can swap with “fantastic” for variety)
- That looks fresh and inviting
- That looks too good to eat
- That looks perfectly done
- That looks satisfying
- That looks like a masterpiece
- That looks beautifully prepared
- That looks comforting
- That looks delightful
- That looks yummy
- That looks full of flavor
1. That Looks Mouthwatering
Meaning: A vivid way to say the food looks so appealing that it makes your mouth water.
Tone: Excited, enthusiastic.
Example: “That pasta looks mouthwatering — I can almost taste it!”
Best Use: Perfect for describing rich, visually appealing foods or sharing social media compliments.
When Not to Use: Avoid in very formal writing or professional restaurant reviews.
2. That Looks Absolutely Amazing
Meaning: A heartfelt way to praise the overall look and effort put into the dish.
Tone: Warm, admiring.
Example: “Your homemade lasagna looks absolutely amazing — you’ve outdone yourself!”
Best Use: Great for complimenting someone’s cooking at home or celebrating effort.
When Not to Use: Avoid if you’ve already used “amazing” several times — it can lose its effect.
3. That Looks Heavenly
Meaning: Suggests the food appears divine or blissful — almost too good to be true.
Tone: Romantic, expressive, gentle.
Example: “That chocolate mousse looks heavenly — I need that recipe!”
Best Use: Best for desserts, cozy meals, or when you want to add emotional warmth.
When Not to Use: Avoid for simple snacks or when writing in a professional tone.
4. That Looks So Tempting
Meaning: The food is irresistibly appealing and hard to ignore.
Tone: Playful, light, admiring.
Example: “Those cupcakes look so tempting — I can’t resist a bite!”
Best Use: Perfect for bakery or dessert compliments, especially online.
When Not to Use: Avoid if you want a more formal or reserved tone.
5. That Looks Appetizing
Meaning: A neutral, professional way to express that the food looks inviting and tasty.
Tone: Polite, measured, positive.
Example: “The presentation looks very appetizing and fresh.”
Best Use: Ideal for restaurant reviews or professional comments.
When Not to Use: Avoid if you want to sound emotional or intimate — it’s more factual.
6. That Looks Incredible
Meaning: The food looks impressive and awe-inspiring.
Tone: Excited, appreciative.
Example: “Wow, that sushi platter looks incredible — the colors are stunning!”
Best Use: Great for social media posts or showing genuine admiration.
When Not to Use: Avoid if you need a toned-down or modest response.
7. That Looks Scrumptious
Meaning: Expresses delight and playfulness toward food that looks very tasty.
Tone: Fun, friendly, cheerful.
Example: “Those cookies look absolutely scrumptious!”
Best Use: Use when you want to sound upbeat and informal.
When Not to Use: Avoid in serious or business settings — it sounds too casual.
8. That Looks Divine
Meaning: A soft, elegant way to say the food looks perfect or heavenly.
Tone: Sophisticated, warm.
Example: “Your brunch setup looks divine — what a beautiful spread!”
Best Use: Perfect for romantic dinners, elegant meals, or classy compliments.
When Not to Use: Avoid in casual chats about fast food or everyday meals.
9. That Looks So Good
Meaning: A simple, heartfelt phrase that communicates sincere approval.
Tone: Casual, warm, friendly.
Example: “That sandwich looks so good — I’m getting hungry just looking at it!”
Best Use: Everyday conversations or casual online comments.
When Not to Use: Avoid in writing where professionalism or detail is expected.
10. That Looks Delectable
Meaning: A refined word that means “delicious” in a sophisticated tone.
Tone: Elegant, polite.
Example: “The dessert looks absolutely delectable — compliments to the chef.”
Best Use: Perfect for reviews, menus, or formal events.
When Not to Use: Avoid in casual talk — it might sound overly formal.
11. That Looks Tasty
Meaning: A classic, everyday compliment for appealing food.
Tone: Friendly, conversational.
Example: “That pizza looks tasty — I’d love a slice!”
Best Use: Use when chatting casually or commenting online.
When Not to Use: Avoid repetition if you’ve used “tasty” multiple times already.
12. That Looks Out of This World
Meaning: The food appears extraordinary or beyond normal standards.
Tone: Excited, exaggerated (in a fun way).
Example: “That cheesecake looks out of this world — did you make it from scratch?”
Best Use: Ideal for social media posts or lively food discussions.
When Not to Use: Avoid in formal or restrained communication.
13. That Looks Irresistible
Meaning: The food is so appealing that it’s impossible to resist.
Tone: Playful, admiring.
Example: “Those brownies look irresistible — I wouldn’t be able to stop at one!”
Best Use: Great for dessert or comfort food compliments.
When Not to Use: Avoid if you’re aiming for a reserved or professional tone.
14. That Looks Flavorful
Meaning: Suggests the food seems rich in taste and well-seasoned.
Tone: Descriptive, appreciative.
Example: “That curry looks flavorful — I can almost smell the spices!”
Best Use: Use when describing savory dishes.
When Not to Use: Avoid for plain foods with simple flavors.
15. That Looks Incredible
Meaning: Expresses awe for the quality or artistry of the food.
Tone: Enthusiastic, impressed.
Example: “Your food presentation looks incredible — you could be a chef!”
Best Use: Great when praising effort or presentation.
When Not to Use: Avoid in professional reviews that need neutral language.
Read More:25 Other Ways to Say ‘On The Other Hand’ (With Examples)
16. That Looks Fresh and Inviting
Meaning: Suggests the dish looks wholesome and naturally appealing.
Tone: Calm, appreciative.
Example: “That salad looks fresh and inviting — so colorful!”
Best Use: For healthy, light dishes.
When Not to Use: Avoid for rich or greasy foods.
17. That Looks Too Good to Eat
Meaning: The food presentation is so beautiful, you hesitate to disturb it.
Tone: Playful, admiring.
Example: “That cake looks too good to eat — it’s a work of art!”
Best Use: Perfect for artistic or decorated dishes.
When Not to Use: Avoid for casual, everyday foods.
18. That Looks Perfectly Done
Meaning: Acknowledges the skill and precision in preparing the food.
Tone: Respectful, complimentary.
Example: “That steak looks perfectly done — just the right color!”
Best Use: For commenting on cooking skills or technique.
When Not to Use: Avoid if you’re unsure of the cooking method or taste.
19. That Looks Satisfying
Meaning: Suggests the food looks fulfilling and comforting.
Tone: Warm, comforting.
Example: “That soup looks satisfying — perfect for a cozy evening.”
Best Use: Great for comfort meals or hearty dishes.
When Not to Use: Avoid for light snacks or desserts.
20. That Looks Like a Masterpiece
Meaning: Compliments the artistry and presentation of the food.
Tone: Impressed, respectful.
Example: “That dessert looks like a masterpiece — incredible work!”
Best Use: Perfect for creative or professional plating.
When Not to Use: Avoid in casual food chats — it’s quite grand.
21. That Looks Beautifully Prepared
Meaning: Highlights attention to detail and effort in presentation.
Tone: Polite, thoughtful.
Example: “That dish looks beautifully prepared — so elegant.”
Best Use: Great for fine dining or formal occasions.
When Not to Use: Avoid for informal meals or fast food.
22. That Looks Comforting
Meaning: Suggests the food looks cozy, soothing, and emotionally satisfying.
Tone: Gentle, warm.
Example: “That bowl of stew looks comforting — reminds me of home.”
Best Use: Use for homemade, nostalgic dishes.
When Not to Use: Avoid for luxury or fine-dining meals.
23. That Looks Delightful
Meaning: The food brings visual joy and positive emotion.
Tone: Cheerful, polite.
Example: “That pastry spread looks delightful — so inviting!”
Best Use: Perfect for brunches or colorful meals.
When Not to Use: Avoid for very casual meals or snacks.
24. That Looks Yummy
Meaning: A fun and simple way to show enthusiasm about the food.
Tone: Playful, casual.
Example: “That ice cream looks yummy!”
Best Use: Friendly chats, family conversations, social media.
When Not to Use: Avoid in professional or serious contexts.
25. That Looks Full of Flavor
Meaning: Indicates richness and depth of taste.
Tone: Appreciative, descriptive.
Example: “That curry looks full of flavor — those spices stand out!”
Best Use: When describing aromatic or seasoned foods.
When Not to Use: Avoid for bland-looking dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I say “That looks delicious” in a professional setting?
Yes, “That looks delicious” is polite and friendly. However, in formal or business environments, you might use alternatives like “That looks appetizing” or “That looks beautifully prepared” to maintain professionalism.
2. What can I say instead of “That looks delicious” on social media?
Try warm and expressive options such as “That looks mouthwatering,” “That looks so tempting,” or “That looks totally crave-worthy.” These add personality and connection to your comments.
3. What’s the most elegant way to say “That looks delicious”?
Elegant options include “That looks delectable,” “That looks divine,” or “That looks beautifully prepared.” These sound refined and are ideal for fine dining or culinary writing.
4. Is it okay to compliment food photos online?
Absolutely! Complimenting someone’s cooking or presentation builds positive connection and warmth. Just keep your tone kind, respectful, and genuine — people appreciate authentic compliments.
5. How can I sound more natural when praising food?
Use simple, heartfelt language like “That looks so good,” “That looks comforting,” or “That looks amazing.” Natural expressions sound more authentic than overly fancy words.
Conclusion
Using the right words to appreciate someone’s cooking or express admiration for food is more than just manners — it’s about connection and emotion. When you say more than just “That looks delicious,” you show that you notice the details, respect the effort, and care about the experience.
Each of the 25 alternatives above helps you sound more thoughtful, expressive, and genuine. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, talking to a friend, or writing a professional review, your words can carry warmth and appreciation.
So next time you see a meal that makes you smile, try one of these heartfelt expressions — because sometimes, a simple compliment can make someone’s day a little brighter. 🌿
