15 Best Food Cities in the US (2024)

The finest aspect of visiting a new place is often its cuisine. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to argue that travel and cuisine go in conjunction, and the finest food cities are aware of this. A big part of spending time getting acquainted with a city is reveling in its cuisine, from unique ethnic delicacies to regional specialties that you won’t find elsewhere in the world. When you travel, listening to locals on where to locate the best eats in the area will make your trip more enjoyable. In the following blog post, we have listed the 15 best food cities in the US for 2024.

Best Food Cities in the US

1. Washington, D.C.

Washington is one of the best food cities in the US, so it has a lot more to offer than simply museums and monuments. With artisanal baked products, slow-cured charcuterie, and some of the best restaurants in the country, D.C.’s food sector has experienced a farm-to-table revival. You can treat your palate to a delightful stroll along Georgetown’s sparkling waterfront while grabbing a snack at one of the many chef-inspired restaurants located in this historic district.

2. Burlington, VT

Burlington is one of the best gastronomic cities, with a slew of mouthwatering bistros and yearn-inducing cafés, and it is framed by sweeping lush mountains and the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain. Here, you can enjoy the afternoon exploring the quaint stores and farm-to-table restaurants that along pedestrian-friendly Church Street. Make sure to snack and nosh on foods that celebrate Vermont’s farm flavors, such as mulled apple cider, sharp cheddar soup, or pancakes with maple icing.

3. Savannah, GA

In addition to being the location of numerous Victorian houses, Savannah is a culinary and historic architectural lover’s dream. Seafood lovers will find everything in Savannah to be a paradise because to the proximity of the water, including the islands Tybee and Jekyll, which are framed by beaches. She-crab stew, shrimp and grits, and fried oysters with cornmeal crust are some of the must-try foods in Savannah.

4. Seattle, WA

The city tempts hungry travelers with wild-caught seafood, making them yearn to return for further meals. A delectable and spectacular place to begin your Seattle tasting tour is the Pike Place Marketplace, which has a stunning view of Elliot Bay. Here, you could watch fishmongers cut up ruby-red wild salmon or visit the adjoining Top Pot Doughnuts for a yeasty delicacy. In order to experience the city’s best cuisine, foodies can also take a Seattle food tour.

5. Chicago, IL

Chicago boasts a diverse food culture and is one of the top destinations for foodies to visit because it is home to many long-established immigrant populations. You may chow down on succulent steamed tamales or street tacos from Mexico in the Pilsen neighborhood of South Chicago. You could slurp pho or chew on a crusty bahn mi in the Vietnamese neighborhood of Uptown. Indulge your cheesy appetites at Gino’s East if you’re in the mood for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

6. San Diego, CA

The cultures that settled in this coastal city and the city’s heritage of fishing business had an impact on the cuisine of San Diego. Skip Old Town’s touristic Mexican restaurants and head to Ortiz’s Taco Shop or Taco’s Mimi for a life-altering fish taco. Before devouring a meal of pasta at the excellent Monello restaurant in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, you may sip a specialty draft ale at Ballast Point Brewery.

7. Asheville, NC

The quaint mountain town of Asheville stands on its own as one of the most gastronomic places to visit if you’re searching for craft brews and hearty eats. The city lures tourists via more pubs per citizen than any other city in the entire country, nestled among the gentle Blue Ridge Mountains. Rhubarb offers hearty cuisine to go with your brews, as well as a wide selection of North Carolina cheeses and a beer menu that is continuously changing.

8. Berkeley, CA

Berkeley, which is in the East Bay’s sunny region, has a “Gourmet Ghetto” that will satisfy even the pickiest foodies. The original farm-to-table restaurant, Chez Panisse, is located in this North Berkeley neighborhood. For a more casual lunch, join the Berkeley locals at Cheeseboard Pizza, where the daily pie selection features seasonal produce and premium international and Californian cheeses.

9. Miami, FL

Miami is one of the top gastronomic towns thanks to its rich culinary heritage as well as its sun-drenched beaches and jet-set elegance. Miami will make your mouth water, whether you’re having tostones in Little Havana or drinking cocktails at South Beach’s posh Sweet Liberty Drinks. The La Mar, for example, is renowned for its exquisite Peruvian-Japanese cuisine, which includes delectable ceviches, amazing anticuchos, and the daily fish that has been expertly grilled.

10. Austin, TX

Eating is always at the top of the list of things to do in Austin. You can have breakfast tacos, Japanese-style ramen, and slow-smoked barbecue in the state capital of Texas. Austin has established itself among the best food cities in the US over the last decade, attracting talented chefs from both the East and West Coasts. Make sure to get the wild boar roast at Dai Due if you’re looking for a farm-to-table dinner. Visit Lambert’s Downtown for smoked brisket and other Texas-style barbecue.

11. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, one of the largest and greatest gourmet towns in the South, is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from quaint BBQ establishments to expansive modern food halls. Visit the storied Mary Mac’s Tea Room for family-friendly Southern cuisine. Authentic Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indian restaurants and groceries can be found in abundance along the Buford Highway, which runs just north of the city.

12. Boston, MA

Boston is a savory powerhouse that is worth a visit if you’re on a quest to see the world’s top gourmet cities. Clam soup and freshly shucked oysters are available at the Warren Tavern in Charlestown, both of which are delectable. Visit Regina’s in Boston’s North End to try some of the city’s best pizza, baked in an 80-year-old oven. Last but not least, a vacation to Boston wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some of the Flour Bakery’s sticky buns.

13. Portland, OR

Portland is overflowing with artisanal food producers and chefs that are committed to serving meals made with responsibly sourced ingredients. At Pine State Biscuits, you may chow down on delicious buttery-crumbly food. Or you could visit Podnah’s Pit BBQ and tuck into some ribs and cornbread.  Enjoy a weekend brunch at Canard featuring French cuisine. Stop into Teardrop Lounge for a drink that will leave you speechless; this bar is responsible for Portland’s current craft cocktail frenzy.

14. Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia has a bustling restaurant industry that ranks among the best food cities in the US. Therefore, when visiting Philadelphia, eat anything other than the ubiquitous Philly cheesesteak. The old Italian Market’s stalls and eateries are a good place for food-inspired travelers to look, or try Zahav’s pomegranate-glazed lamb shank. Try a “water ice”—a Philadelphia-only delicacy that combines water, sugar, and fruit juice—for a cool local treat.

15. New Orleans, La

The cuisine of New Orleans is no exception, combining elements from the European, Caribbean, and African cultures. The food scene is dominated by Cajun and Creole mainstays, however, beignets and pralines come in a close second. In addition, the city is renowned for the development of cocktail culture and Sunday brunch, both of which began here in 1854. However, the spirit of tradition and sense of community that permeates every meal are what really make the bayou so unique.

Conclusion

So, those were our selection of the 15 best food cities in the US. If you are travelling to the US and a die-hard foodie, don’t miss to check out these cities. But with so many options, it might be hard to decide where you should start. So, why not go through the post thoroughly and find out specifically what you are looking for. Lastly, safe travels!

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