Somewhere between tasting steaming bowls of New Orleans gumbo and exploring San Francisco’s sourdough culture, I realised I was falling in love with America’s diverse food scenes.
After years of eating my way across the States (and occasionally remembering to photograph the food before devouring it), I’ve compiled my guide to the top American cities that will make any foodie’s heart beat faster.
Here’s my list of the 10 best USA cities for food lovers:
1. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson made history as the first American city to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and for good reason. After all, the city’s culinary offerings tell a fascinating 4,000-year-old story, weaving Mexican and Native American traditions into a unique tapestry of flavours.
The vibrant downtown district boasts 100+ restaurants, with menus rich in local ingredients. Think chiltepíns, prickly pear, and nopales.
If you’re really lucky, you’ll visit in mid-October and attend the Tucson Meet Yourself festival. There, you’ll find everything from traditional Tohono O’odham bread to Thai food.
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2. New York City, New York
The Big Apple has 72 Michelin-starred restaurants and countless James Beard Award winners. Sure, fine dining establishments like the plant-based Eleven Madison Park and Le Bernardin offer exquisite cuisine.
However, I think the city’s soul lies in its iconic dishes. I’m talking New York-style pizza (try Joe’s Pizza), corn dogs, and bagels (don’t miss Ess-a-Bagel). For the full spectrum of flavours, I’d recommend a Greenwich Village food tour.
Of course, each neighbourhood offers its own cultural influences. For authentic dim sum, Sunset Park is your best bet. Jackson Heights? I’d go there for Southeast Asian food.
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3. San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay ranks second among America’s fine dining capitals, with 38 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Yet, my favourite foodie spot is the Ferry Building Marketplace. I was so captivated during my food tour there that I came back the next day to explore more!
Just don’t forget to make time to check out the Mission District. You can’t visit San Francisco without trying Mission-style burritos!
For innovative takes on local ingredients, visit The Progress on Fillmore Street. It’s only one of many great restaurants in the city.
4. Los Angeles, California
Did you know LA is the no.1 hotspot for Mexican food? Don’t just take my word for it; a study found that the foodie city has about 30% of all Mexican restaurants in Cali!
I’d start with a tiny truck called El Ruso. It offers what just might be the best carne asada tacos I’ve ever tasted! There’s also Holbox’s fresh fish tacos to try during your visit to this coastal city.
Little Tokyo, however, is home to some of the best Asian cuisine in America, particularly along “Sushi Row” on Ventura Boulevard.
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5. New Orleans, Louisiana
I love how New Orleans blends Cajun, Creole, French, and other cultural influences into its cuisine.
For a taste of history, I recommend Antoine’s Restaurant. The last time I dined there, I was drawn to the wall-mounted photos of past diners, from presidents to Hollywood stars.
You might also want to check out Commander’s Palace, famous for its refined Creole fare. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the sugar-covered beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
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6. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City’s food culture goes far beyond its famous deep-dish pizza (though that’s certainly a delicious part of it).
I particularly love exploring the traditional Italian food in Little Italy, the vibrant ethnic restaurants along Devon Avenue, and the steakhouses in River North.
Food festivals happen year-round, but summer is particularly exciting. That’s when the Taste of Chicago takes over Grant Park.
Fun Fact: The city is home to Kasama, the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant! And it’s only one of 20+ Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago.
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7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cheesesteak is easily Philly’s signature dish (try the oxtail version at Taste Cheesesteak Bar).
Overall, Philly’s dining scene has a unique blend of high-end spots and affordable restaurants, many of which are BYOB.
A food tour will help you get the most out of this foodie city’s cuisine.
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8. Austin, Texas
With about 2,000 trucks, Austin’s food truck culture is absolutely bonkers!
Head to The Picnic trailer park and grab some Thai, Tex-Mex, Italian, or Mediterranean—the choice is all yours!
I also highly recommend the legendary Franklin Barbecue. Yes, the line is ridiculous, but trust this food-obsessed Londoner—their brisket is a life-changing culinary delight.
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9. Greenville, South Carolina
Who knew this former cotton mill town would become one of the hottest foodie destinations in the South? I certainly didn’t expect to find 200+ delicious restaurants packed into this charming city’s downtown area!
Start at Topsoil Kitchen & Market, where James Beard semifinalist Adam Cooke works his magic with farm-fresh ingredients. Or hit up Scoundrel for some seriously exquisite French cuisine. Either way, save room for an iconic banana cream pie at Soby’s.
Only-in-Greenville Experience: Grab the Duke’s Mayonnaise guide and follow a condiment-themed food trail through 20 stops.
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10. Las Vegas, Nevada
Forget what you’ve heard about monstrous buffets. Sin City has evolved into a proper foodie paradise.
A whole lot of celebrity chefs have restaurants there. Think Gordon Ramsay and Guy Fieri. Plus, this foodie city has more master sommeliers than NYC and LA combined. How’s that for raising the stakes?
Pro Tip: Visit in August for a particularly vibrant culinary scene, with menus featuring watermelon gazpacho and fresh peach cobbler.
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Ready to Visit an American Foodie City?
From Tucson’s heritage to San Francisco’s Mission-style burritos, each city on this list offers something uniquely delicious.
So, pack your appetite, an open mind, and maybe some stretchy pants. America’s most exciting foodie cities are waiting to be explored!
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.