For those who love gourmet food and enjoy exploring new culinary experiences, there is a wide range of cities in the US that offer some of the most exciting and diverse food scenes. Known for their incredible restaurants, local markets, and food festivals, these cities attract foodies from all over the world. So which cities are on the top of the list? This article will take a closer look at some of the most famous foodie cities in the US where visitors can relish in some of the best culinary delights around. Discover where to plan your next food adventure below.
Discovering the Top 5 Foodie-Friendly Cities in the US
While there are so many different amazing foodie cities to choose from, we’re highlighting the top five. Whether it’s the restaurants you can find, fresh and local ingredients, or festivals where the city’s cuisine is the highlight of the show.
Ranking of the Top Foodie Cities in the USA
When choosing the wonderful food cultures to highlight, there are many things that go into the decision of what cities make the cut. The list is based on personal preference but also on what locals believe are the quintessential food experiences within their cities and how they impact a tourist’s experience.
Exploring the Cuisine of the Foodie Cities
There’s a large diversity in food between the cities below. Whether it’s Chicago’s deep dish-style pizza or Los Angeles’ fresh Californian cuisine, you’ll find everything your palate desires.
These cuisines can be explored in a variety of ways, from taking a guided food tour around the city, indulging in a weekend food festival, or taking cooking lessons from the locals to truly immerse yourself in the culture.
Ranking Criteria
In determining the ranking criteria, there are a few important factors that can be looked at: richness and history of a city’s food culture, diversity in offerings, the availability of food festivals, and the quality of the food itself.
The Best Foodie Cities in the US
Below are some of the best cities where you can find amazing restaurants, ingredients, and annual food festivals.
Los Angeles, CA
With a vibrant and fresh food scene, Los Angeles leads the pack in new and innovative restaurants, food and wine festivals, and farmer’s markets with plenty of the local ingredients that make the cuisine in LA truly special. Los Angeles and the surrounding areas are also the hubs of many food festivals like EEEEEATSCON and LA Smorgasburg, you’re sure to find something delectable here.
Café Vida
Brunch Food
Café Vida is a great place to stop for a delicious brunch when you want a taste of Latin and California cuisine. With an inviting atmosphere and delicious dishes like a turkey burger scramble, chilaquiles rojos and their grilled breakfast sandwich.
Seafood
Started by Kathy Sidell and Head Chef Kyle McClelland, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar offers delicious appetizers, seafood towers, and small plates for the whole table to share. With offerings like the torched salmon belly and white anchovy toast, you’ll be in seafood heaven.
Cento Pasta Bar
Italian Cuisine
Started by Executive Chef Avner Lavi, Cento highlights all the amazing things you can do with pasta. With a cozy interior and seating that allows you to watch your food being made right in front of you, this restaurant feels like the height of luxury. One of their most beloved dishes by guests is the spicy pomodoro.
Chosun Galbee
Korean BBQ
At this amazing Korean barbeque, you get to be your own chef. As this restaurant offers an array of delicious meats to choose from, including mouthwatering beef bulgogi, as well as a wide variety of sides, it is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Mother Wolf
Italian cuisine
Chef Evan Funke’s use of the high quality seasonal ingredients mixed with the development of flavors puts Mother Wolf at the top of the list for locals and tourists alike. One of the highlights for many diners is the Scottadito.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans has a long and rich history of Cajun and Creole cuisine, which gives the city such a distinctive culinary feel. Being the originating city of many beloved dishes such as Oysters Rockefeller and gumbo, and famous for their delicious beignets, this city is a must for any foodie.
Antoine’s Restaurant
French-Creole Cuisine
Opening and operating since 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. The main attraction is that Antoine’s is the birthplace of the famous Oysters Rockefeller, so to get a taste of the original, it’s worth a stop here.
Café du Monde
Coffee Shop
While their menu is not as full as some other places, Café du Monde has some of the best beignets not only in New Orleans but in the United States. You can order them in packs of three and chow down as you enjoy one of their delicious coffees.
Cafe Degas
French Cuisine
Whether you come for lunch or dinner, Cafe Degas offers delicious and award-winning French cuisine like Niçoise salad, ravioli stuffed with succulent crawfish, and a French onion soup that rivals most.
Mandina’s
Italian and Cajun-Creole Cuisine
With a delicious blend of cuisines, Mandina’s is the perfect place to indulge. With delectable crawfish cakes, catfish meunière, and a decadent milkyway pie to round out the meal, you’ll want to visit again and again.
Dooky Chase Restaurant
Creole Cuisine
Upon entering Dooky’s, you will be blown away by all the amazing art lining the walls, but that’s not all that makes this restaurant special. Initially opened as a sandwich shop and lottery ticket seller, this restaurant has grown into a staple of New Orleans cuisine. Be sure to make this restaurant one of your stops and order one of their amazing dishes like a stuffed crab po’boy to enjoy a bite of history.
Chicago, IL
The city of Chicago is considered to be the capital of molecular gastronomy in America and is home to many celebrity chefs, making it yet another food lover’s paradise. Chicago food festivals include Taste of Chicago and Chicago Food Truck Festival.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Steakhouse
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is renowned in Chicago. It offers a variety of freshly prepared steaks and seafood on its menu, as well as a fine dining ambiance. Notable dishes include their signature steaks, such as their Filet Mignon and Prime Rib, as well as their handcrafted cocktails.
The Walnut Room
Comfort Food
The Walnut Room offers a warm and inviting atmosphere while serving up their take on many comfort classics like meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and even asiago-crusted chicken. In addition to their main menu, they also offer a few different types of brunch themes such as a fairy princess theme and the ‘Totally 80’s’ drag brunch.
The Berghoff
German Cuisine
Opened in 1898, The Berghoff has a long and deep history within Chicago. When the prohibition began is when their cuisine really began to shine and keep the company afloat. Serving up delicious potato pancakes, traditional style Wiener Schnitzel and a game sausage plate, this is absolutely worth a stop.
Valois Restaurant
Comfort Food
Valois Restaurant is a cozy comfort food restaurant located in Chicago. It is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families and friends looking to enjoy a home-cooked meal. The restaurant boasts an extensive menu of classic comfort food dishes, such as open-face sandwiches, and fresh salads, and breakfast offerings like N.Y. steak and eggs.
Uno Pizzeria
Pizzeria
Often considered home to the original deep-dish pizza, Uno’s is a staple for many Chicagoans. While the restaurant now acts as a chain, nothing beats the original location’s ambiance and the delicious food.
New York City, NY
New York is a melting pot of cultures from all around the world, and this really shines in the cuisine. New York is also home to the ever-popular restaurant week, where twice a year many of the incredible restaurants will offer prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner so you can get a taste of what the city has to offer.
188 Bakery Cuchifritos
Puerto Rican Cuisine
188 Bakery Cuchifritos was voted on the top 100 restaurants in NYC by the New York Times for 2023 and it’s no wonder why! With delicious and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine like Mofongo and Chicharrón Dominicano, you’ll want to stop here every day of your trip.
Sylvia’s Restaurant
Soul Food
Sylvia’s Restaurant is a renowned soul food restaurant located in New York City. Known for its mouth-watering Southern-style comfort food, such as fried chicken and collard greens, this NYC restaurant has been a staple for over 50 years. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and unique flavors, it is a popular restaurant among both locals and visitors.
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Seafood
With over 25 different varieties of fish, oysters, and shellfish to indulge in, the Grand Central Oyster Bar is a must-do for any seafood lover. Offering only the best and freshest ingredients hand-picked by chef Kamran Naseem, you can look forward to dishes like the wonderful clams casino or a selection of their delicious oysters.
Keens Steakhouse
Steakhouse
Keens Steakhouse is a renowned steakhouse located in New York City. With its cozy atmosphere, amazing service, and top-quality steaks, Keens has become a popular destination. There are many signature dishes at the steakhouse, such as mutton chops and filet mignons.
Rezdôra
Italian
Rezôra is a Michelin star restaurant serving classic italian dishes and specilaizes in fresh, homemade pasta. The restaurant’s northern Italian cuisine also serves traditional preparations of meat, fish, and vegetables as well as an extensive wine list.
Las Vegas, NV
There is no doubt that Las Vegas is not only the gambling capital of the world but also a food paradise in the heart of the desert. It’s hard to find a restaurant here you won’t like, with many luxurious offerings by world-renowned celebrity chefs.
Italian Cuisine
This Italian restaurant is located on restaurant row at The Venetian and offers delicious pasta made to order, as well as some delicious appetizers like cuttlefish, prime beef tartare and melt in your mouth creamy mozzarella.
Restaurant Guy Savoy
French Cuisine
Restaurant Guy Savoy is the only American restaurant where you can taste the famous chef’s dishes and flavors. It is located in Caesars Palace. In my opinion, the prix fixe menu is the best option here so you can sample everything this amazing restaurant has to offer.
Morimoto Las Vegas
Japanese Cuisine
Headed by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, this restaurant offers an upscale Japanese cuisine that cannot be beaten. Whether you choose to indulge in the incredible sushi offerings or enjoy their upscale teppanyaki experience, this is a must-stop restaurant.
Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House
Seafood
With this restaurant, Emeril Lagasse presents a delicious take on fresh seafood dishes that are sure to please. One of the best dishes served is the jumbo lump crab cake with a pickled sweet pepper salad, the blend of sweet crab with the right amount of spice makes it a great bite. Other dishes include a creole seafood boil and Carolina gold jambalaya.
Gordon Ramsay Steak
Steakhouse
Perhaps my favorite on the entire list of restaurants, Gordon Ramsay Steak is an experience you must have once in your life. With offerings like the signature Beef Wellington or the 38oz Tomahawk steak, you’ll never want to leave.
Explore the Tastes of America!
There are so many wonderful cities in America that are true culinary experiences. Whether you want to indulge yourself in deep-dish pizza in Chicago or enjoy a historical restaurant in the heart of New Orleans, this country has some amazing food for everyone’s palate. This list provides a good place to start your foodie adventures, but don’t stop with these 5 cities, explore the country and see what hidden food gems you may find!