The Best Food Cities in the U.S.

These are the best places to visit for foodies from coast to coast.

Calling all American gourmands: You don’t have to leave the country to enjoy innovative and simply delicious cuisine. In fact, the United States is home to dozens of incredible food cities, each with its own set of hidden gems, highly acclaimed hotspots, and everything in between. From large cities like New York and San Francisco to unexpected (but equally delicious) destinations like Greenville, South Carolina and Tucson, Arizona, here are some of the best foodie destinations in America. Prepare to dig in and explore.

1-New York City, New York

New York City is a cultural melting pot, so you can eat anything within a 300-square-mile radius, whether it’s authentic dim sum at Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown or mouthwatering bagels and smear plus meat-piled sandwiches at one of the city’s dozens of Jewish delis like Katz’s. Also, don’t limit yourself to Manhattan: Feast your way through the five boroughs, including authentic Greek and Himalayan fare in Astoria and Jackson Heights (both in Queens). Greenpoint in Brooklyn has a slew of Polish bakeries like Syrena, while Arthur Avenue in The Bronx and Staten Island have some of the best Italian food in the city. Furthermore, the Big Apple has over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, ranging from fine-dining establishments like Le Cirque to casual eateries like Le Poisson Rouge.

2-New Orleans, Louisiana

The food in New Orleans is as diverse as its cultural influences from Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa. With this in mind, it’s only natural that The Big Easy is, well, flavorful. Po’boys (Sammy’s is a local favorite), jambalaya (the one at Mother’s is *chef’s kiss*), gumbo (dig in at the aptly named Gumbo Shop), crawfish etouffee (try Creole House), and muffulettas (get yours at the Verti Marte, which is open 24/7) are all local favorites, best paired with live jazz. Make room for powdered sugar-covered beignets at Cafe Du Monde (yes, there will be a line, but it will be worth it) and wash it all down with NOLA’s most iconic cocktail, the Sazerac, at The Sazerac Bar.

3-Chicago, Illinois

Chicagoans are known for their deep-dish pizzas and, ahem, ketchup-free hot dogs. The former and latter are best enjoyed at Pequod’s and Jimmy’s Red Hots in Chicago, respectively. Chicago also has over 50 James Beard Award winners and over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, including the world-famous Alinea, which is known for its innovative multicourse tasting menus. The 24,000-square-foot Chicago Winery (part winery, part restaurant, and part bar and events space) and the 17,000-square-foot Kindling, a live fire show kitchen helmed by James Beard Award winner Jonathon Sawyer, are new additions to the food scene here.

4-San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s cutting-edge tech scene undoubtedly garners the majority of attention, but the city’s culinary offerings are equally impressive. The city by the bay has been ranked as having the highest concentration of restaurants in the nation. At renowned restaurants like Atelier Crenn, where elegant French cuisine is served, Mister Jiu’s, where modern Chinese-American cuisine is served, and Lazy Bear, which bills itself as a “modern American dinner party,” diners can indulge in a variety of Michelin-starred meals. Alternately, if you’re looking for something more relaxed, head to the Ferry Building Marketplace, which is brimming with well-liked food establishments like Acme Bread Company, Dandelion Chocolate, El Porteo Empanadas, Donut Farm, and Hog Island Oyster Company. Last but not least, no visit to San Francisco would be complete.

5-Houston, Texas

Houston’s inclusion on our list of the top American cities for foodies is not surprising given that it is the nation’s most diverse city. Every palate can find something to enjoy in the Bayou City. As a result, there are many options, including Southeast Asian-Latin American cuisine at Hawker Street Food Bar in Post Market and Viet-Cajun fusion at Crawfish & Noodles. Speaking of Post, this thriving international food collection offers delectable dishes from renowned chefs. Some of our favorites are East Side King, which serves Japanese street food like pork buns and beet home fries, and ChópnBlok for its West African cuisine. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention Houston’s thriving food truck scene, which includes the acclaimed Coreanos, where customers can chow down on Korean-Mexican fusion dishes like Korean barbeque tacos.

6-Tucson, Arizona

In 2015, Tucson became the first American city to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With its distinctive Native American and Mexican offerings that date back thousands of years, the destination still astounds food connoisseurs today. The best restaurants in Tucson use ingredients from the area in their drinks and food. In light of this, nopales (edible cacti) and prickly pear margaritas are commonplace in this region. The thriving downtown area of Tucson is home to more than 85 bars and eateries, including Boca and Bata (which features a menu that is primarily vegetarian and is sourced 90% locally). Boca, a finalist for the James Beard Award, is renowned for its flavorful tacos and salsa flights. Tucson will be home to 13 more new restaurants in 2023.

7-Cleveland, Ohio

This Midwestern city has a severely underappreciated, albeit eclectic, food scene that is fueled by nearby farms, local producers, and trailblazing chefs. Furthermore, it’s safe to say that Cleveland’s culinary scene pays homage to the city’s 100-plus diverse ethnicities. Head straight to West Side Market for a taste of Cleveland’s best eats, an indoor-outdoor market with something for everyone. Local vendors include Orale! Contemporary Mexican Cuisine, Pierogi Palace, Frank’s Bratwurst, Theresa’s Bakery, and Crepes de Luxe. Then, set aside an afternoon to go on your own food tour of the city, including dim sum in AsiaTown and pierogies in Slavic Village. The Land also has an incredible selection of Black-owned and Black-led restaurants, such as Pearl’s Kitchen for top-notch comfort food and Yonder for fine dining.

8-Louisville, Kentucky

While Louisville is best known for its bourbon, don’t overlook its thriving food scene. Louisville, with over 2,500 restaurants and several award-winning chefs, is sure to please food and drink enthusiasts. You can’t leave town without checking out the Urban Bourbon Trail, which features over 40 of Louisville’s best bourbon bars and restaurants. While completing the entire trail may be difficult, must-sees include Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar, Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, and Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar. Finally, you can’t leave Louisville without trying the Hot Brown, the city’s signature dish. This delectable open-face sandwich, made with turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and Mornay sauce and served on Texas toast, dates back to the 1920s.