There’s an irretrievably magical something that occurs when you travel, and for all of us, the rhythm of that magic animates the food experiences that are discovered along the way. Food isn’t just fuel it’s a flavor portal to a city’s culture, its citizens, and its history. This culinary journey truly can’t be beat!
As that one individual so rooted in the United States, my continued discovery of this country is part of trying every delicious morsel that I can find. Any American bucket list would not be complete without travels to its plainest best food cities. While my own culinary journey is pleasantly incomplete, I’ve determined what I could from other world bloggers to provide you with a guide worth bookmarking.
Get ready to snatch your foodie travel wish list because you’re in for some of the greatest ways to dine your way through America. They are sure-winners, and others will catch you off guard and blow your mind on what is possible in the country.
West Coast Wonders: A Feast for the Senses
1. San Francisco, California
Foodie lists are dominated by this city for a multitude of reasons. That’s where sourdough has its roots, its drizzly climate allegedly being the perfect environment for its mythical tang. San Francisco’s also home to North America’s oldest Chinatown, where traditional dim sum and tea houses thrive. Throw in Japantown’s ramen and sushi, North Beach’s Italian restaurants such as Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, and Napa and Sonoma’s celebrated wines within a short drive and with more than 50 Michelin-starred restaurants in the combination and it’s no wonder the city is paradise for food lovers.
2. Los Angeles, California
LA is a global food tour. Spicy Korean BBQ in Koreatown to Boyle Heights street tacos, the city offers real food. Food trucks, Little Tokyo, and San Gabriel Valley’s unparalleled Asian food open the eyes. Disneyland is unexpected with good food choices as well. From cheap food to haute cuisine, Los Angeles offers something for every pang.
3. San Diego, California
Situated on the Pacific and near Mexico, San Diego serves up some of the country’s best seafood and Mexican food. California burritos with fries, known fish tacos, and Ahi Nachos top the list of must-haves. From $2.60 tacos at Tacos el Gordo to trendy beach restaurants such as Brigantine, there is something for everyone.
4. Irvine, California
Although suburban, Irvine has a treasure in its center for authentic Asian food. Diamond Jamboree Plaza is full of hotpot, shabu shabu, dim sum, and boba. The variety of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Filipino eateries in the city makes it the best place in the US to taste the true flavor of Asia without going abroad.
5. Santa Barbara, California
The American Riviera nickname is a perfect fit for Santa Barbara, where coastal views are paired with haute cuisine. From a fresh fish and small-plate gems at The Black Sheep to tacos for pennies at Mony’s, the city does everything. A breakfast staple at Jeannine’s is worth skipping breakfast for, with pastry and cappuccinos that every penny pays for.
6. Portland, Oregon
Food trucks, neighborhood farmers’ stands, and vintage breweries contribute to Portland as foodies’ paradise. Try Nong’s Khao Man Gai, Coquine’s Saturday brunch menu, or Rogue Ales’ off-fountain beers. Brewery tours, happy-hour meals, and Willamette Valley wines add to the city’s reputation as a city of adventurous eaters.
7. Seattle, Washington
Seattle blends international chic with local specialties. Sample Beecher’s mac and cheese, cream-cheese-encrusted Seattle Dog, and signature chowder at Pike Place Market. Coffee lovers need look no further than original Starbucks or Reserve Roastery for a behind-the-scenes glimpse. Seafood is unmatched.
8. Walla Walla, Washington
This small town in wine country delivers big flavors. Alongside 120+ wineries, you’ll find standout restaurants like Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen and Andrae’s Kitchen, the latter serving gourmet dishes from a gas station. From brisket tacos to prime rib, Walla Walla’s mix of charm and culinary talent is unforgettable.
Southern Sensations: Flavors Born of Heritage
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
The Creole and Cajun cuisine origin, New Orleans is sense overload. Gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, crawfish étouffée, and beignets are must-haves. French Quarter food tours make history bite, and Senegalese to Trinidadian cuisine are just a few of the influences demonstrating NOLA’s scene has no borders.
10. Austin, Texas
BBQ and Tex-Mex reign in Austin. Salt Lick’s all-you-can-eat ‘cue and Joe’s Bakery’s Tex-Mex breakfast are the stuff of local legend. Bargain treasures are dispensed by food trucks, with trendier restaurants and brewpubs such as Jester King showcasing Austin’s taste and imagination.
11. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston shines with Southern comfort food and seafood. You need fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and pralines. From soul food at Bertha’s Kitchen to fine dining at FIG, tradition and innovation come together here. A Lowcountry boil is a necessity before leaving.
12. Houston, Texas
Multicultural Houston is the very definition of a food paradise. In addition to traditional Tex-Mex at Ninfa’s, there’s Indian fusion at Amrina, Malaysian food at Phat Eatery, and traditional chicken and waffles at The Breakfast Klub. Barbecue, brisket, and fried chicken round out and expand the city’s cuisine.
13. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville boasts bourbon, barbecue, and its renowned Hot Brown sandwich. Distilleries visit the city’s spirit past, and Nulu boasts trendy restaurants. From Mayan cuisine to French-Southern, or just good old bourbon balls, Louisville serves up Southern flavor in style.
Midwest Wonders: Surprising Food Hubs
14. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City balances Michelin-approved eateries with old favorites like deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. Food tours offer the best of both worlds, and brewpubs complete the city’s charm. Chicago diversity promises something new with every bite.
15. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cheese curds, butter burgers, fish fries, frozen custard Milwaukee celebrates comfort food with Midwest flair. Pair it with local brews, and you’ll understand why this city is such a satisfying stop. Affordable eats and charming nearby towns make it even more appealing.
16. Bay City, Michigan
This river town is handing out seafood and smoky BBQ. Enjoy riverfront fish tacos at Real Seafood, or indulge in award-winning ribs at Meaty’s Roadhouse BBQ. The good looks combined with the satisfying flavors make Bay City a secret Midwest gem.
17. Omaha, Nebraska
One of Food & Wine’s “Next Great Food Cities,” Omaha leads the way in farm-to-table eating and international diversity. From Burmese momos to falafel to good ol’ Nebraskan steak, Omaha’s historic Old Market district is a gourmand destination for global and domestic tastes.
East Coast Delights: From City Melting Pots to Sea Delights
18. New York City, New York
NYC’s culinary scene is unmatched. Pizza, bagels, dim sum, cheesecake, and Michelin restaurants share the same block. Chelsea Market, Jackson Heights, and Brooklyn’s Lucali reveal the city’s unlimited culinary treasures. Food tours are perfect to taste it.
19. Boston, Massachusetts
Seafood reigns in Boston, where lobster rolls and clam chowder are the headliners. Italian food is the main event in the North End, but Chinatown, O Ya sushi, and Peruvian food at Celeste round out the city. Go on a seafood crawl or North End pizza tour.
20. Portland, Maine
The beach town couples farm-to-table dining with seafood. Lobster rolls, oysters, Belgian fries at Duckfat, and innovative cuisine at Fore Street are its culinary highlights. Walkable strolls and breweries complete the picture for hungry visitors.
21. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly’s renowned for cheesesteaks, but that’s merely the beginning. Reading Terminal Market, Italian Market, and Beiler’s Bakery show off the diversity of the city. From French food at Parc to Lebanese cuisine at Suraya, Philadelphia’s equal parts tradition and innovation.
The Unexpected Culinary Oasis: Las Vegas
22. Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City doubles as a culinary playground. From chef-driven fine dining to iconic buffets, Vegas has it all. Roy Choi’s Best Friend, Raku’s Japanese cuisine, and SoulBelly BBQ are standouts. Rooftop bars, brunch hot spots, and food tours prove that Vegas is as much about eating as it is about entertainment.
Your Next Culinary Adventure Awaits!
It is a cookbook that refers to America’s greatest food cities each having a story to unfold through taste, heritage, and culinary innovation. From the streets of New York to Omaha’s farm-to-table delights, and New Orleans’ soul foods right down to Seattle’s new seafood, you now have your guide to eat your way around America.
Then pack your bags, your hunger, and let the world of food begin. A gastronomic world awaits bite by bite.
