You don’t even have to leave the nation to enjoy wonderful food that is both creative and traditional. In truth, there are dozens of amazing food cities in the United States, each with its own mix of undiscovered treasures, acclaimed hotspots, and everything in between. These are 10 of the top gastronomic destinations in America, ranging from major cities like New York City and San Francisco to surprising (but equally delicious) choices like Greenville, South Carolina, and Tucson, Arizona. Prepare to explore and delve deeper.
New York, New York City
You can find any type of cuisine in New York City’s 300-square-mile area because it is a melting pot of cultures. For example, you can get delicious authentic dim sum at Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown or mouthwatering bagels and smear plus meat-piled sandwiches at one of the city’s many Jewish delis, like Katz’s. Also, don’t limit yourself to Manhattan: Explore the five boroughs while eating, making sure to stop in Astoria and Jackson Heights (in Queens) for genuine Greek and Himalayan cuisine, respectively. The Bronx’s Arthur Avenue and Staten Island’s Staten Island offer some of the city’s best Italian cuisine, while Brooklyn’s Greenpoint district is home to a number of Polish bakeries including Syrena.
Los Angeles, California
The variety of foods available in New Orleans matches the diversity of its European, Caribbean, and African cultural influences. Given this, it becomes sense that The Big Easy has a lot of flavour. Po’boys, jambalaya (the one at Mother’s is *chef’s kiss*), gumbo (dig in at the appropriately named Gumbo Shop), crawfish etouffee (check out Creole House), and muffulettas (grab yours at the Verti Marte, which is open 24/7) are some savoury staples here. Of course, these foods are best enjoyed while listening to live jazz. Save room for the beignets sprinkled in powdered sugar at Café Du Monde (there will be a queue, but it’s worth it), then wash it all down with the Sazerac, New Orleans’ most recognisable drink, at The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel.
Chicago, Illinois
the odd deep-dish pizzas and ketchup-free hot dogs that Chicago residents are so fond of. Jimmy’s Red Hots and Pequod’s are the greatest restaurants in the Windy City to consume the former and the latter, respectively. Additionally, Chicago is home to more than 20 Michelin-starred restaurants and more than 20 James Beard Award winners, including the famed Alinea, which is known for its creative multicourse tasting menus. Recent additions to the neighborhood’s culinary sector include the 17,000 square foot Kindling, a live fire show kitchen operated by James Beard Award winner Jonathon Sawyer, and the 24,000 square foot Chicago Winery, a winery, restaurant, bar, and events location.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco offers some excellent dining alternatives, but its cutting-edge tech culture definitely draws the most attention. The City by the Bay is the American city with the highest concentration of eateries. Reputable eateries include Atelier Crenn, which serves classy French cuisine, Mister Jiu’s, which serves contemporary Chinese-American cuisine, and Lazy Bear all offer a number of Michelin-starred meals (which promotes itself as a “modern American dinner party”). Or, for something more relaxed, visit the Ferry Building Marketplace, which is bursting with well-liked neighbourhood cafes including Acme Bread Company, Dandelion Chocolate, El Porteo Empanadas, Donut Farm, and Hog Island Oyster Company.
Harris, Texas
Houston’s inclusion on our list of the top American cities for foodies is not surprising given that it is the nation’s most diversified city. Every palette can find something to enjoy in the Bayou City. As a result, there are many possibilities, including Southeast Asian-Latin American food at Hawker Street Food Bar in Post Market and Viet-Cajun fusion at Crawfish & Noodles. Speaking of Post, this thriving foreign food collection offers delectable dishes from renowned chefs. Some of our faves are East Side King, which provides Japanese street food including pork buns and beet home fries, and ChópnBlok for its West African cuisine.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson was designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015, making it the first American city to receive this honour. The area still astounds food lovers today with its diverse Native American and Mexican offerings that extend back thousands of years. The best restaurants in Tucson use local ingredients for both their food and drinks. Nopales and prickly pear margaritas are therefore common in this region (edible cacti). More than 85 bars and restaurants may be found in Tucson’s bustling downtown, including Boca and Bata (which serves 90% locally produced vegetarian food).
Cleveland, Ohio
This Midwestern city’s underappreciated but diverse food scene is supported by nearby farmers, local vendors, and innovative chefs. Also, it is accurate to state that Cleveland’s culinary community pays tribute to the more than 100 diverse ethnic communities that make up the city. For a taste of Cleveland’s best cuisine, head directly to West Side Market, an indoor-outdoor market with something for everyone. Orale’s Theresa’s Bakery Among the local food sellers are Modern Mexican Cuisine, Pierogi Palace, Frank’s Bratwurst, and Crepes de Luxe. Next, plan aside an afternoon to embark on your very own culinary tour of the city, stopping at restaurants serving dim sum in AsiaTown and pierogies in Slavic Village.
Asheville, North Carolina
Due to its vibrant culinary scene, Asheville, which is situated in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is without a doubt one of the best culinary cities in the country. Each of the city’s more than 120 restaurants offers something distinctive. Make sure to check out Chai Pani, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that offers mouthwatering Indian street food in a lively atmosphere, including chicken tikka rolls, crunchy pakoras, and butter chicken. Crate is a trendy eatery that serves delectable Spanish tapas inside a disused bus station from the year 1927. It is another James Beard Award winner that is well worth visiting. A trip to North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without sampling some authentic barbeque. Entrance to Buxton Hall Barbecue TThis James Beard Award-winning restaurant uses locally sourced pigs that are killed in-house and smoked for hours. It is well known for its pulled pork.
Virginia, Kentucky
Louisville has a thriving food culture, despite the fact that bourbon is its most famous export. Fans of both cuisine and drink will likely enjoy Louisville, which offers more than 2,500 restaurants and several award-winning chefs. There is no need to travel outside of Louisville to experience the Urban Bourbon Trail, which is home to more than 40 of Louisville’s best bourbon bars and restaurants. The Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar, Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, and Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar are must-stops along the route even though traversing the entire route may be difficult. Last but not least, before you go, you must sample the Hot Brown, Louisville’s signature dish.
Greenville, South Carolina Greenville has evolved in recent years from a sleepy cotton mill town to a humming metropolis with a diverse culinary scene that matches that of bigger neighbouring cities like Charlotte and Asheville. Many locally owned restaurants may be found here, including Camp and Coral. Camp features an unconventional menu with strange foods including Thai-inspired calamari and lamb wrapped in curry cream. At the relatively new Great Jones, indulge on scrumptious seafood before heading to Methodical Coffee for a midday pick-me-up. Scoundrel, a superb French brasserie run by renowned chef and Greenville native Joe Cash, is the city’s newest hotspot.
