Summary

• Foodies flock to US cities for exquisite cuisine ranging from dumplings to deep-dish pizza and fresh seafood.
• Beyond major hubs like Chicago and New York City, there are many other cities across the US that offer unique dining experiences and some of the best food in the US.
• Cities like Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, and Charleston each boast must-visit restaurants and culinary delights.

The United States is filled with both low-key and cosmopolitan cities. Orlando, New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles are some of the most visited US cities. Regarding the popular latter two, many travelers enjoy exploring the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles, while others seek out a river cruise in the city of Chicago. However, beyond these major tourist hubs and their iconic attractions and activities, there are other cities scattered across the US with just as much appeal and character.

Of course, most American cities are known for more than their unique neighborhoods and fun attractions, but foodies have a particular taste; many travelers with hungry tummies and a flair for flavor visit the US cities with the best food solely to enjoy the exquisite cuisine on offer. From delicious dumplings to deep-dish pizza to fresh seafood, each of these incredible US cities for foodies offers mouthwatering meals and delectable cuisines from all over the world.

UPDATE: 2024/02/18 17:13 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Discover Even More Of The Best Food Cities In The US

George Bernard Shaw once said: "There's no sincerer love than the love of food". Human beings cannot survive without eating, and some become foodies traveling around their country or the world to try new cuisines and restaurants. For any traveler doing precisely that, this list was updated to include additional contenders among the best food destinations in the US.

18 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A diverse immigrant population means this city is more than just Philly cheesesteaks

Though Philly is often associated with cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, the city's culinary industry is far more dynamic due to its rich immigrant background. Philadelphia offers a wide variety of food that keeps foodies and epicureans coming back for more, from Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park to Lebanese kebabs in the city's emerging Fishtown area.

Naturally, Philadelphia is home to several chefs who have won awards as well as well-known restaurant chains like CookNSolo. Another benefit is the well-recognized BYOB regulation, which was created in the City of Brotherly Love to avoid the expensive requirement of a liquor license. All of these factors make Philly easily one of the best foodie cities in the United States.

• Must-visit restaurants in Philadelphia: Parc, South Philly Barbacoa, Zahav

17 Las Vegas, Nevada

Discover more than 50 celebrity restaurants with reputable chefs, including Gordon Ramsay

The world over, Las Vegas is renowned for being the epicenter of excess. However, guests now have the option to forego the enormous all-you-can-eat buffets in favor of a taste of more sophisticated cuisine. More than 50 renowned restaurants for celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Emeril Lagasse, have made the gastronomic metropolis their second home, resulting in an explosion of gourmet alternatives.

To ensure tourists can take advantage of everything Sin City has to offer without getting up from their lounge chairs, even the poolside menu has been improved. A number of resorts now offer smartphone ordering and have partnered with meal delivery systems.

• Must-visit restaurants in Las Vegas: The Palace Station Oyster Bar, Top of the World Restaurants, Esther's Kitchen

16 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Enjoy highly-ranked breweries, an epic public market, and top-notch restaurants

Now is the perfect time for foodies to visit Milwaukee, as the restaurant scene is thriving. From small cafés and bars to luxurious restaurants, there is a strong mix of spots to choose from. Don't miss the Milwaukee Public Market, which is one of the nation's best.

Out of the list of things first-timers should do in Milwaukee, visiting a brewery ranks highly. The local craft brews are delicious, and there are several brewery tours available. In terms of restaurants, travelers love the upscale Ardent and laid-back Dairyland Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard & Hamburgers.

• Must-visit restaurants in Milwaukee: Odd Duck, Harbor House, Swingin' Door Exchange

15 Charleston, South Carolina

The ultimate place for Southern comfort food

No one does comfort food like the South. The historic South Carolina city of Charleston is known for its Southern comfort food, including warm cornbread, fried chicken, and boiled peanuts washed down with a chilled glass of sweet tea. Don’t forget dessert, as a slice of peach pie rounds out any Charleston meal.

Delicious dishes can also be found in just about any neighborhood in the city, such as Charleston’s French Quarter, the perfect spot for first-time visitors. Travelers can enjoy trying regional specialties like Lowcountry boil, shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and country-fried steak.

The city is surrounded by water, so naturally, there is also excellent seafood on offer; Charleston even offers some of the best oysters in the US. With a dizzying amount of incredible eats, Charleston is unquestionably one of the top food cities in the US.

• Must-visit restaurants in Charleston: Magnolias, Millers All Day, Slightly North of Broad Restaurant

14 Portland, Maine

Famous for food trucks and lobster

Another East Coast city with spectacular seafood is Portland, Maine. Located on Casco Bay, this city boasts beautiful coastal views, historic buildings, and delicious restaurants. The Portland travel website calls Portland the city to visit to enjoy lighthouses, lobster, and beaches.

When visiting this area, be sure to try the lobster rolls and Maine lobster cakes. Portland also contains a prevalent food truck scene. The Eastern Promenade and Thompson’s Point are two spots typically bustling with food trucks and picnics.

• Must-visit restaurants in Portland: Hot Suppa, Becky's Diner, Eventide Oyster Co.

13 Portland, Oregon

Experience this city's renowned coffee culture and farmer's markets

Another city known for its stellar food is Portland, Oregon. When looking for things to do in Portland during a weekend trip, travelers should consider shopping at a farmer's market or dining at a local restaurant. Portland is also known for its coffee culture, with top-notch options for a caffeine fix.

The farmers market at Portland State University takes place every Saturday of the year, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as booths containing local cuisine. The restaurants in Portland also do not disappoint. From clam chowder to bacon donuts to juicy burgers, a wide variety of dishes are available all over the city.

• Must-visit restaurants in Portland: Portland City Grill, OX Restaurant, Screen Door Eastside

12 Los Angeles, California

Grand Central Market, steakhouses, and innovative, flavorful, healthy plant-based dining options

Los Angeles is a mecca for fashion, celebrities, and food. One aspect of LA that makes it a foodie’s paradise is Grand Central Market, which offers lots of incredible food. This ginormous food court has been a downtown LA staple since 1917. With dozens of vendors and a wide range of dishes, Grand Central Market is the perfect spot to explore and try new dishes.

• Address: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Hours: 8 am - 9 pm daily

There are plenty of wonderful restaurants in the city as well, and visitors should be sure to scope out the best tacos in LA as well as Los Angeles' most-loved steakhouses. Long renowned for its health and wellness scene, it is no surprise that LA is home to some of the most innovative and flavorful healthy and plant-based dining options, too.

• Must-visit restaurants in Los Angeles: Bestia, 71Above, Perch, Maccheroni Republic

11 Nashville, Tennessee

The ultimate city for BBQ and whiskey lovers!

There is so much more to do in Nashville besides enjoying country music. Visitors need to explore the food scene and try the delicious downtown dishes. For foodies who are obsessed with barbeque, Nashville is a must-visit US city. When local experts listed their favorite BBQ spots in Nashville, they mentioned Butchertown Hall, Shotgun Willie’s BBQ, Peg Leg Porker, and Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que.

With Tennessee whiskey among the best bourbons in the world, Nashville is also known for its libations and watering holes. Head to Broadway and grab a delicious drink at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge or Whiskey Bent Saloon.

• Must-visit restaurants in Nashville: The Loveless Cafe, Monell's, Biscuit Love Gulch, Butchertown Hall, Shotgun Willie’s BBQ, Peg Leg Porker, Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que

10 New York City, New York

Delicious bagels and unique dining experiences suitable for all budgets

New York City, the city that never sleeps, is often recognized for its delicious bagels and its signature New York-style slice, which is often compared to Chicago's deep-dish pizza. These alone make it one of the best food cities in the US, but there are thousands of dining experiences in New York City encompassing just about every type of cuisine, thanks to its diverse population of people from all over the world.

Some argue that Tompkins Square Bagels makes the best bagels in town, while others swear by Russ & Daughters’ bagels. Travelers looking to explore the bagel scene should book a tour with NYC Bagel Tours, which is around $59 per person and lasts about 2 hours.

When in the city, travelers should also explore the best foodie neighborhoods in New York City, including Chinatown, Brighton Beach, and Belmont. There is no shortage of dining options for all tastes and budgets, from street food and delicatessens to the fanciest fine dining.

• Must-visit restaurants in New York City: Balthazar, Gramercy Tavern, COTE Korean Steakhouse

9 San Francisco, California

A slew of foodie neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, North Beach, and The Mission

San Francisco is another US city with a stellar food scene. Like New York City, San Francisco is home to a slew of foodie neighborhoods, including Chinatown, North Beach, and The Mission, making it one of the best foodie cities US states have to offer across the country. Each neighborhood offers something different, from Chinatown’s pork buns to The Mission’s tacos.

One particular spot in San Francisco that every foodie should visit is the Ferry Building, which is located at 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105, and is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily. This marketplace hosts a local farmers market that takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Guests who visit on other days do not need to fret, as there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops open 7 days a week in the Ferry Building.

• Must-visit restaurants in San Francisco: Sotto Mare, Kokkari Estiatorio, House of Prime Rib

8 Chicago, Illinois

Tuck into some famous Chicago deep-dish pizza, as well as other global cuisines

People planning a vacation in the Midwest should consider exploring Chicago’s best neighborhoods for food lovers. The West Loop is known for its upscale restaurants and bars, while Pilsen features the best Mexican dishes in the city.

Chicago is also known for its famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Some of the best Chicago restaurants to try deep-dish pizza include Pequod’s Pizza, Giordano’s, and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. Foodies with a sweet tooth should embark on Chicago’s Underground Donut Tour, stopping at Chicago staples like Firecakes Donuts and Stan’s Donuts & Coffee.

• Must-visit restaurants in Chicago: Girl & The Goat, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe, Pequod’s Pizza, Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

7 New Orleans, Louisiana

A fusion of Cajun, Creole, and French, along with signature NOLA dishes, including beignets

Nothing beats Southern cooking. What makes New Orleans food so special is that it is a fusion of different flavors and cuisines. Cajun, Creole, and French cuisine are all New Orleans staples. Some popular dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, and po-boys.

When seeking out New Orleans’ best food at the city's favorite restaurants, consider dining at Coop’s Place, Napoleon House, or Brennan’s Restaurant. Travelers seeking a more adventurous meal should explore New Orleans’ most unusual dishes, including fried alligator and crawfish sausages. Round out a meal with New Orleans’ signature beignets"

• Must-visit restaurants in New Orleans: Cochon Restaurant, Commander's Palace, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, Coop’s Place, Napoleon House, Brennan’s Restaurant

6 Washington DC

Enjoy food festivals and Michelin-starred restaurants

Not only is it the nation's capital, but Washington DC's amazing food stops and restaurants mean it's also one of the best foodie cities in the United States. Visitors will find an emphasis on farm-to-table dining, artisanal coffee, and baked goods, as well as an array of world-class restaurants offering both regional staples and diverse international cuisine. One spot not to miss is Ben's Chili Bowl, the home of Washington DC's original Half Smoke.

Explore some of the many small towns near Washington DC that also offer an excellent food scene. The Inn at Little Washington, for example, is one of the nation's top restaurants and the only DC area restaurant with the honor of three Michelin stars. Washington DC also hosts multiple food festivals annually. Here are just a few to add to the calendar:

• Savor: An American Craft Beer Experience
• DC Black Food and Wine Festival
• Around the World Cultural Food Festival
• Arte Agave and Mezcal Festival
• Must-visit restaurants in Washington DC: Old Ebbitt Grill, Zaytinya by José Andrés, Ted's Bulletin, Ben's Chili Bowl

5 Austin, Texas

Some of the most delicious BBQ, coffee shops, and wines in the country

Like many other southern locales, Austin has established a stellar reputation among barbecue enthusiasts and has thus become one of the best food cities in America. Generations of pitmasters have passed down their techniques, and Austin is home to some of the most authentic BBQ food in Texas.

It's not all dry rubs and wood smokers, though. Austin is among the US cities with the best cuisine, and that means more than just BBQ. Austin's caffeine culture and coffee shops rival that of places like Portland and San Francisco, with skilled baristas serving up a variety of brews. For beverages of the alcoholic variety, Austin is home to dozens of cocktail bars, breweries, distilleries, and even wineries, thanks to its positioning in Texas wine country.

Seafood enthusiasts should head to the Quality Seafood Market, which has been bringing the freshest Gulf Coast seafood to Austin since 1938.

• Must-visit restaurants in Austin: Stella San Jac, Corner Restaurant, Caroline

4 Asheville, North Carolina

James Beard Award-winning restaurants and some of the best craft beer breweries in the South

A charming city nestled in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has long been a haven for outdoorsy types, artists, and musicians. In recent years, it has also been gaining notoriety as one of the top food cities in the US. Its culinary scene is innovative and quickly evolving, with an incredibly diverse array of offerings.

There are upwards of 120 fantastic restaurants in Asheville, including James Beard Award-winning establishments like Chai Pani, Cúrate, and Buxton Hall Barbecue. Asheville's excellent breweries have also etched out a name in the craft beer scene, some of which are considered among the best breweries in the South. Food and beverage enthusiasts take note: Asheville is quickly becoming one of the best US cities for foodies.

• Must-visit restaurants in Asheville: Biscuit Head, Sunny Point Café, Curaté

3 Denver, Colorado

Explore foodie neighborhoods, craft beer breweries, historic pubs, and the epic food hub of Union Station

Denver has been making appearances on many 'top foodie cities' lists, including this one! The Mile-High City is home to a progressive culinary scene, with area chefs constantly serving up interesting and innovative dishes on their menus. Denver is also known for its craft beer scene and is home to dozens of breweries and historic pubs.

Union Station (Denver's main train terminal) underwent extensive renovations and is now one of the city's hottest culinary hubs. Think chic Art-deco lounges, sustainable seafood, world-famous waffles, and a European-style market run by a James Beard award-winning chef. Union Station is an absolute must for foodies visiting Denver. More Denver neighborhoods with dining that won't disappoint foodies include Highland, Berkeley, Uptown/North Capitol Hill, and Cherry Creek.

Once an area to avoid, the RINO district is now home to a thriving food scene set against a backdrop of eye-catching street murals. As such, it's become one of the best food cities in US states found the center of the country.

• Must-visit restaurants in Denver: Root Down, El Five, Corinne Denver

2 Miami, Florida

Diverse cultural influences and some of the world's most talented chefs

Miami is among the best foodie spots in Florida; the city is having a culinary moment, blazing onto the cuisine scene, and the hype is for good reason. Some of the world's most talented chefs and progressive up-and-coming stars have been flocking to Miami with overwhelming success.

Many of the best foodie cities in the US have earned their reputation thanks in part to their diverse cultural influences. The cultural melting pot of Miami is no exception, with the bold flavors of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean fusing together in South Florida to create its signature 'Floribbean' cuisine.

Be sure to try these iconic regional dishes:

• Conch fritters: conch (a shellfish with sweet meat), spices, and fresh ingredients made into patties and deep-fried
• Mofongo: fried green plantain and pork crackling
• Moros: coconut rice and beans
• Key lime pie: this popular dessert originated in South Florida, but key limes are native to Southeast Asia

The lively atmosphere and vibrant personality of Miami make it not only one of the top food cities in the US but also one of the most fun to visit.

• Must-visit restaurants in Miami: Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine, Crazy About You, CVI.CHE 105

1 San Diego, California

Locally-grown produce and fresh seafood make this city one of the top foodie spots in the US

San Diego has recently emerged as one of the top foodie destinations in California, as well as in the entire country. The culinary scene has evolved significantly, with experimental pop-ups turning into some of the hottest restaurants in the area. Thanks to the influence of its diverse population, there is excellent ethnic and fusion cuisine throughout San Diego's diverse food culture and foodie spots.

A combination of geographic location, perennial sunshine, and almost-perfect weather makes high-quality ingredients easy to come by. Locally-grown produce is plentiful year-round, not to mention the availability of fresh seafood straight from the Pacific. From fine dining to no-frills, San Diego is among the best cities for food in the US.

• Must-visit restaurants in San Diego: Ironside Fish & Oyster, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, Richard Walker's Pancake House