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
Los Angeles, CA
Average daytime temperature in March: 58° FLos Angeles is not merely a national treasure but is cherished by international tourists too, considering it’s home to the world-famous Hollywood. Apart from its showbiz glamor, the city has a number of marvelous museums, amazing shopping malls, and a culinary scene that’s worth licking your… Read More
1
Rank
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Average daytime temperature in March: 71° F
Fort Lauderdale is hands-down Narnia for people who love surfing, sand, and the sun. With beaches extending up to seven miles and an average temperature, the city is arguably one of the best in Florida if you’re into beaches.
Previously, it used to be a hot spot for spring breakers but… Read More
2
Rank
Austin, TX
Average daytime temperature in March: 59° F
Austin is the capital of Texas and a separation point for the Edwards Plateau and the Colorado River. Named after its founding father, Austin is a vast city that’s a cultural, administrative, entertainment, and educational center in the region.
Apart from being home to the University… Read More
3
Rank
Las Vegas, NV
Average daytime temperature in March: 54° F
Known as the Gambling Capital of the World, Las Vegas has graced many Hollywood movies with its presence and is internationally considered to be one of the best ‘party’ cities in the world. From elopements to lucky wins, the city offers a lot, but gambling isn’t for everyone, is it?
4
Rank
Honolulu, HI
Average daytime temperature in March: 69° FMost people only know of Hawaii as a state and aren’t familiar with every city, but chances are you know Honolulu. Since it's easily accessible through direct flights, Honolulu gets a lot of visitors every year who come to the city to enjoy the tropical climate and learn the history of Pearl… Read More
5
Rank
St. Louis, MO
Average daytime temperature in March: 72° F
The major chunk of St. Louis’s popularity comes from the fact that it’s the largest Missouri city, lying underneath the junction of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Historically, the city is known as the West’s Gateway because Europeans went through here to rule over the Wild West.
6
Rank
Atlanta, GA
Average daytime temperature in March: 50° F
Ever heard of a phoenix rising from the ashes? That’s exactly what Atlanta is, in terms of cities, since the city was rebuilt after most of it was burnt to the ground by General William Tecumseh in 1864.
Today, it’s a metropolitan with a population of over five million and is also… Read More
7
Rank
New Orleans, LA
Average daytime temperature in March: 63° F
Famous for its appearance and continuous mention in the popular TV series, The Originals, New Orleans has a ton of other attractions, such as the National WWII Museum, Mardi Gras, and Bourbon Street.
The overall vibe of New Orleans is definitely quaint, but you can always enjoy a party… Read More
8
Rank
Oklahoma City, OK
Average daytime temperature in March: 51° F
Being the capital of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City is often called the Big Friendly, which is a little ironic since the city got major fame after the bomb attack of 1995, which took 168 lives. Today, the city has a memorial as a remembrance for the victims.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Zoo and… Read More
9
Rank
Birmingham, AL
Average daytime temperature in March: 51° F
Not to be confused by the similarly-named city in the UK, Birmingham is a cultural hub in Alabama, which was previously known for its steel industry. Among all other things, Birmingham is important for being the pivotal city in the Civil Rights Movement.
Today, the remains of that time… Read More
10
Rank
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.
FAQ
What U.S. cities have the best food?
There are many great cities in the United States for food. Amazing food can be found in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and more. These cities are destination spots for foodies from all over the world.
What region of the US has the best food?
The best foodie destination in the United States is definitely the Northeast region. From Maine to Pennsylvania, there are countless amazing restaurants serving delicious seafood, Italian cuisine, and more. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find some of the best food in the country in this region.
What is the food capital of America?
There is no one food capital of America, as there are many incredible foodie destinations across the country. From New York City to San Francisco, there are countless places to visit and enjoy incredible food. While each city has its own unique culinary scene, there is no clear consensus on which is the food capital of America. However, whichever city you choose to visit, you’re sure to find some incredible food.