Top 10 Food Cities in the US

The foodie movement is a massive trend that’s happening all over the United States. In this list, we’ve compiled a list of the best foodie cities in the US based on algorithmic data from a variety of sources including social media, restaurant options, travel trends, and so much more.

Our algorithm methodology

We set out to test two common and popular methods for determining the different types of destinations around the world. We analyzed data to look at how visitors traveled and used that to determine the most visited destinations based on your preferences whether you are a foodie, an outdoors lover, a snow junkie, or a beach monkey.

We then made our own algorithm using information from a variety of data sources around the web. This algorithm is then used to rank the most visited destinations based on said activity (in this instance it’s foodie destinations). Our algorithm is constantly refreshing the information and you’ll see new results each month.

(The following are the best food cities in the US based on our algorithm)

Best Foodie Destinations in the United States

What makes a great foodie city?

What makes a great foodie city? There are many factors that contribute to a city’s status as a great destination for food lovers. First, the city must have a diverse and vibrant food scene, with a variety of culinary options to choose from. Portland, for example, is known for its incredible street food, barbecue, and fried chicken. Additionally, the city must be home to some of the best chefs in the country, who are constantly innovating and creating new dishes. Finally, the city must have a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants – this is a sure sign that the city takes its food seriously.

Travel Tips for Visiting Foodie Destinations

Visiting a new food city can be overwhelming. There are so many ways to entertain yourself, it can seem impossible to decide where to start. Here, I’ll share my favorite travel tips for visiting foodie destinations.

Read up on the local food scene before you go.

Before you go, do some research on the local food scene. What are people eating? Where do the locals eat? Where do chefs eat? And maybe most importantly, where do foodies eat? The best way to learn about these places is by reading up on travel blogs and reviews from fellow travelers. If you’re traveling with a friend or family member who has no interest in eating at hipster restaurants or getting granola at an artisanal bakery (or whatever it may be), then it’s important to know those places exist so that they can avoid them.

Remember to order small portions

Smaller portions are a good idea for all the reasons you might think. First, they’re typically cheaper than large portions. Second, it’s healthier to eat smaller amounts of food throughout the day. Third, you can sample more dishes at restaurants and try multiple local cuisines without feeling too stuffed!

We recommend ordering individual dishes rather than sampling from shared plates (unless you know for sure that your friends aren’t sharing). This allows you to enjoy more of the local cuisine without filling up on just one particular dish.

Go to farmers’ markets.

Farmers’ markets are a great place to find local produce. You can talk to the farmers about where their produce comes from, and you can support them by buying from them. You can also sample the food before you buy it, which is a good way to make sure it’s fresh and yummy. Local farmers are often happy to share recipes for things like jams or pickles that they sell at their markets, which means you can take home some new cooking ideas as well!

Talk to locals.

Ask locals where they eat, or what their favorite food is. No matter where you are in the world, if you ask a local “where do you eat?” they will know what the best restaurant is. They can tell you their favorite dish and explain their cuisine to you.

This is location-dependent because certain destinations have way better food for a very specific type of food served in a variety of ways such as seafood in the Northeast versus other cities like Austin where you can find culinary classics from around the world.

Most popular restaurants don’t necessarily mean the best.

Most popular restaurants don’t necessarily mean the best. While it’s tempting to head straight to a place that is always buzzing on social media and in the news, they may not be worth your time or money. Beware of tourist traps, which are often overpriced and underwhelming. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, try somewhere off-the-beaten path.

Find a restaurant where chefs eat.

Chefs eat at restaurants. It’s not a secret. They are the ones who pick the best places in town, so you can be sure that if you find a chef-loved restaurant, you will get great food. It’s not just about eating good food but also about having fun and meeting new people!

Chefs know what is popular and what isn’t; they know where to go to make local friends because they hang out there all the time. They have a better understanding of the local food scene than most people do, so instead of wasting time trying to figure things out yourself, ask around and see where your chef friends recommend.

You can experience any city at its best by eating locally.

A good travel tip for anyone who wants to eat well while exploring a new place is to ask the locals where they go for food. If you’re traveling in Italy, for example, asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge will give you some great recommendations—they know their hometowns inside and out, and are often eager to share with visitors who appreciate local cuisine.

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