There are numerous premier culinary cities in the US that can be difficult to narrow down the list to just a few. Still, some American cities stand out for having a high concentration of remarkable restaurants, dishes, and cuisines, making them the best food destinations in the US.
If you enjoy exploring different types of cuisine, this list of the best places to dine in the United States is the guide you need to travel around the US and sample all the finest dishes. I’ve ensured to include a wide selection of US food cities all across the country, so you’ll experience a good variety.
Are you ready to discover the best cities for food in the United States? You`re in for a few surprises, although you`ll also see some of the usual picks on this list (which are popular for good reason!). Let`s get into it!
Table of Contents
1. New York City, NY, one of the best food cities in the US
No list of the best cities in the US for food lovers would be complete without New York City. As a melting pot, NYC has much to offer in terms of cuisine, whether it’s Michelin-starred fare at some of the NYC’s best restaurants, dishes from just about anywhere in the world, or affordable (and delicious!) pizza.
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Be sure to explore the city`s food markets as well (Chelsea Market is a great option!), and definitely venture outside Manhattan too. You`ll find everything from delicious pizza at Lucali in Brooklyn to incredible Nepalese cuisine in Jackson Heights.
2. New Orleans, LA, one of the best foodie destinations in the US
Any food lover must visit New Orleans, one of the prime food cities in America. After all, NOLA is where Creole cuisine originated, a result of the city`s blend of French, Spanish, Acadian, West African, Caribbean, and Native American culinary influences coming together. The Big Easy also offers many restaurants serving another uniquely Louisiana style of cooking known as Cajun cuisine.
There are so many incredible dishes worth trying: gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, crawfish etouffee, beignets from Café du Monde...the options seem limitless. One of the simplest approaches to ensure experiencing all the top culinary delicacies of New Orleans is by joining this food and history guided walk, where small samples will be provided of hot sauce, boudin, a Muffuletta sandwich, and additional regional specialties while exploring the historic French Quarter.
In addition to Cajun and Creole eateries in this major culinary capital of the USA, you can sample tasty Trinidadian cuisine at Queen Trini Lisa, flavorful Senegalese dishes at Dakar NOLA, and wholesome vegan soul food at Sweet Soulfood.
3. Chicago, IL, one of the cities with the best food in the US
Readers of The Bear are aware that Chicago has one of the finest culinary scenes in the US. As a premiere food city in America, the Windy City boasts a diversity of Michelin-starred eateries, such as the renowned Alinea. Visitors also can`t go wrong with more casual fare like the city`s famous deep-dish pizza and hot dogs.
As with all the best urban centers for enjoying cuisine in America, a worthwhile way to become familiar with the city and its eating options is on this culinary excursion, which takes you to prominent landmarks like the Wrigley Building, the Bean, and Millennium Park while you sample deep-dish pizza, beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and brownies.
If you enjoy beer, check out one of the city`s numerous breweries like Revolution Brewing or Dovetail Brewery. This location also offers amazing street tacos, steakhouses, fried chicken, pierogies, and ramen establishments.
4. San Francisco, CA, one of the food capitals of the US
If one enjoys food, there are many reasons to visit San Francisco, one of the best cities for food in the USA: It is home to sourdough bread, Mission burritos, over 50 Michelin star restaurants, the oldest Chinatown neighborhood in North America, and the birthplace of farm-to-table cuisine, Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse.
One of the excellent activities to participate in San Francisco is to take this culinary walking tour of Chinatown, where you’ll sample dim sum, fortune cookies, tea, and more. Be sure to check out Japantown, the city’s many great coffee shops, and the farmers’ market at the Ferry Building Marketplace too.
Any devotees of Italian cuisine should venture to North Beach to visit Tony’s Pizza Napoletana and Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe. San Francisco is also very near to Napa Valley and Sonoma if you want to go to wineries and sample some local vintages.
5. Los Angeles, CA, one of the best cities in the US for foodies
Los Angeles is a generally known nourishment capital of the US for valid justification. Head to Koreatown for a ton of incredible eateries (attempt Soban or Park’s BBQ), check out the city’s plenty of food trucks, and visit the Los Angeles Farmers’ Market for basics and incredible eateries.
There are also plenty of high-end spots, temporary dining experiences, and, of course, taquerias. For superb Mexican cuisine, check out Guelaguetza in Koreatown or La Casita Mexicana in Bell. If a little celebrity observation is what you’re after, try The Ivy in Beverly Hills or The Polo Lounge on Sunset Boulevard.
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6. Austin, TX, one of my favorite foodie towns
One of the premier culinary destinations in the USA is Austin, Texas, without a doubt. Since it’s Texas, you can’t depart the city without having sampled delectable barbecue and incredible Tex-Mex cuisine. Top spots include Salt Lick BBQ for their all-you-can-eat barbecue (which you can try on this gastronomic tour) and Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop for all-day Tex-Mex breakfast cuisine.
Other iconic local dishes you must sample include chili, chicken-fried steak, and Frito pie. You don’t need to spend a significant amount of money to eat well in Austin either, since the city is renowned for its fleet of food vendors that serve up amazing churros, bao, ceviche, and more from trucks.
Of course, if dining is a priority, numerous upscale options exist, like the gastro pub Salty Sow and renowned sushi restaurant Komé: Sushi Kitchen. Beer aficionados should explore local craft breweries such as Austin Beerworks and Jester King Brewery through tours.
7. Charleston, SC, one of the US cities with the best food
Indulge in mouthwatering Southern home cooking specialties in Charleston, considered one of America`s top dining destinations. This coastal Southern city is renowned for its seafood, especially oysters, but there are so many additional incredible dishes to sample here: fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, hush puppies, sweet tea, okra soup, and more.
This meal expedition, where you’ll sample pralines, barbeque, and additional items, is the perfect way to become acquainted with the city’s nourishment. If you’re exploring the Charleston culinary scene by yourself, check out Bertha’s Kitchen for Southern soul nourishment, FIG for Southern fine dining, and Pink Bellies for Vietnamese with a enjoyable twist.
This city is renowned for bountiful weekend brunches showcasing diverse cuisines from dim sum to biscuits and catfish to French toast, so budget ample time and appetite for the dining scene. Be sure to sample a Lowcountry boil of shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes in Old Bay seasoning before departing.
8. Boston, MA, the best food city in America
No journey to Boston, one of the top 10 culinary cities in the US, is complete without sampling the legendary local seafood and having a lobster roll with clam chowder, which you can try on this seafood tasting excursion. You can also check out Little Whale Oyster Bar for what some have called the finest lobster roll in Boston or eat at a classic spot like Legal Sea Foods.
Any lover of Italian cuisine should make their way to the North End, Boston`s Little Italy neighborhood, renowned for fresh pasta, pizza, and cannoli. My preferred food tour in the city is this one, which takes visitors to multiple North End pizza parlors while also revealing Charlestown, Bunker Hill, and the Freedom Trail.
Naturally, you can also find many other excellent international cuisine options. Stop by Chinatown for dim sum and dumplings, dine at O Ya for top-tier sushi, and try Celeste for Peruvian favorites such as ceviche.
9. Portland, ME, one of the best cities for food in the US
Portland, Maine (not to be confused with Portland, Oregon, another locale on our list!) is yet another of the premier culinary cities in the US on the East Coast. Comparable to Boston, Portland offers amazing seafood, oysters, and lobster rolls. The city likewise boasts an energizing culinary scene that has drawn in many gifted, creative chefs.
The farm-to-table movement is huge here, so be prepared to savor lots of fresh, local ingredients. Pop over to Fore Street for seasonal fare from an award-winning chef or try Chaval for French- and Spanish-influenced cuisine. Another great option is this culinary walking tour, where you’ll sample chowder, chocolate truffles, local honey wine, and more.
Be sure to stop by Duckfat for their renowned Belgian-style chips and Izakaya Minato for delectable Japanese small plates. Beer aficionados will enjoy exploring the various breweries around town and trying local craft ales from Allagash Brewing Co., Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, and others.
10. Portland, OR, one of the best food cities in the USA
Don’t overlook the other city of Portland, situated in Oregon across the nation on the West Coast which is another distinguished foodie location in the United States. Here, you’ll discover exceptional wineries, a massive variety of food carts, and incredibly fresh local ingredients sourced from the nearby Willamette Valley, which you can also purchase at the city’s diverse farmers’ markets.
Exploring various food options is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Portland. A highly recommended choice is selecting a tour such as this one, where travelers will have the chance to sample dishes from seven food carts and also visit a brewery. This is an ideal way to experience the renowned culinary scene in Portland. Those with an affinity for wine may prefer booking this wine tour, which allows visitors to visit three vineyards located in the esteemed Willamette Valley region.
Of course, you’ll also want to try some of Portland’s best eateries, which feature cuisine from all over the world. Head to Nong’s Khao Man Gai for Hainanese chicken, Langbaan for innovative Thai food, and Coquine for delicious brunch.
11. Houston, TX, one of the best places to eat in America
As a multi-ethnic city and one of the best places to eat in the United States,Houston has a lot to offer in regards to great food. You’ll find everything from barbecue and brisket to Viet-Cajun fusion, soul food, and, of course, food trucks. This food capital of the US is a true foodie’s paradise.
Of course, you can’t leave the city without trying some Tex-Mex. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is storied, but Little Pappasito’s Cantina and Teotihuacan are other fantastic alternatives. You’ll also want to check out Amrina for Indian fusion, Phat Eatery for Malaysian, and The Pit Room for brisket.
Devoted fans of Southern cuisine shouldn’t miss The Breakfast Klub, where you can try their famous catfish and grits, and chicken and waffles. Houston is also well known for having some of the finest fried chicken in the US, which you can taste for yourself at spots like Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken.
12. Philadelphia, PA, one of the most diverse food cities in America
As one of the US cities renowned for cuisine,Philadelphia offers local specialties alongside award-winning restaurants featuring diverse cooking styles from worldwide locations. No visit is complete without sampling the famous Philly cheesesteak, one of the most popular attractions in Philadelphia, although first you’ll need to opt between the iconic rivals Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks.
Another must-try are homemade Pennsylvania Dutch style doughnuts, which can be found at Beiler’s Bakery located in Reading Terminal Market. While visiting to select doughnuts, be sure to explore the market, showcasing eateries with diverse international cuisine options, as well as arts and crafts stalls. This food tour will guide you around the market and let you sample soft pretzels, tomato pie, and more.
Yet another must-visit for any foodie is the historic Italian Market, where you’ll discover bagels, cannoli, gnocchi, and more. If you’re seeking fine dining, try Parc for traditional French cuisine, Suraya for Lebanese fare, and White Yak for Tibetan dishes.
13. Louisville, KY, one of the top food cities in the US
Eating in Louisville will demonstrate precisely why it stands out as one of the best cities in the USA for culinary experiences. Renowned for award-winning restaurants, barbecue cuisine, and mint juleps, this city undoubtedly ensures visitors consume well. A must-sample here is the city’s signature dish, the Hot Brown, an open-faced sandwich consisting of turkey, ham, bacon, and Mornay sauce.
You also can’t leave the city without sampling some of its renowned bourbon.This tour of distilleries allows you to try bourbon from top places like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. Some excellent destinations for fine dining include Jim Fry’s serving French-influenced Southern cuisine, Mayan Café specializing in traditional Mayan food, and J. Graham’s Café famous for the Hot Brown.
A trendy neighbourhood worth exploring with many great restaurants is Nulu. Go solo or take this guided tour, where you’ll get to eat bourbon balls and fried chicken, and even visit a home once lived in by Thomas Edison.
14. Omaha, NE, one of the best places to eat in the USA
Omaha may come as a surprising selection for best food city in America, however it was in fact designated as one of . The farm-to-table movement plays a huge role in the city’s dining culture, and there exists a diversity of cuisine offerings. Fare can be obtained ranging from falafel at El Basha Mediterranean Grill to Burmese at Kathmandu Momo Station.
Top farm-to-table spots include FarmHouse Cafe, Railcar Modern American Kitchen, and Block 16. Red meat is highly regarded in Omaha, so you’ll find a variety of excellent steakhouse selections throughout the city. Try the whiskey-marinated cuts of beef at The Drover or stop by Johnny’s Café to experience this classic steakhouse that has been providing good service for just over a century.
Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood is a historic downtown region where numerous shops and eateries line the charming cobblestone roads. Head to Le Bouillon for fine French dining, Ted and Wally’s for homemade frozen treats, and V. Mertz for a contemporary American menu full of regional, seasonal ingredients.
15. Las Vegas, NV, one of the best foodie cities in the US
Las Vegas, my final pick for best food destinations in the US, is the ideal city to conclude the list. The gambling capital boasts a number of upscale dining joints from world famous chefs, and of course, the all-you-can eat buffets alone are a fantastic reason to visit.
Some of the highest rated eating establishments in Las Vegas include Best Friend, Roy Choi’s spot renowned for Korean-Mexican dishes; Raku, a top choice for omakase and Japanese meals; and SoulBelly BBQ, ideal for southern cuisine and barbecue. Be sure to stop by at least one of Las Vegas’ premier rooftop bars to admire the Strip from above.
This walking food tour of Vegas will help you gain more knowledge about the city’s history and give you the chance to sample some of the city’s best dishes. On the weekends, do not neglect to grab brunch; Honey Salt and AmeriBrunch Cafe are two of my favorite brunch places.
I hope this list of the most notable food cities in the US motivates you to achieve your culinary dreams and start organizing trips or two. As you`ve seen, there are so many cities across America renowned for excellent cuisine, and now you should be fully aware of where and how to eat your way across the country!
Please allow us to know which of the talked about cities you have visited and what delicacies you sampled there by sharing in the comments. I wish you enjoyment in eating!
