Foodie's Guide to the USA:10 Delicious Destinations
Which US Cities Have the Best Food?
For foodies dreaming of exploring the best culinary destinations in the USA and delighting in the finest cuisine the country has to offer are up for a challenge. Spanning a whopping 3.8 million square miles, it becomes quite a daunting task to cover all the culinary treasures spread across such vast land.
The most-recommended foodie destinations span the country from coast to coast, touching on every sweet and savory sensibility. Each region of the United States has its own culinary flavor that you might be more drawn to, like seafood along the coasts, the hearty meals of the Midwest, or spicy southwestern dishes near the Mexican border. Read on to find out about some of the best foodie destinations.
1. San Francisco, California
This bayside town takes ocean fare to a new level
Good for: Food, Photo
San Francisco is renowned for its chocolate, with the chocolatier Domingo Ghirardelli establishing his presence in the city in 1893. The city is also known for its sourdough bread and seafood. Even so, San Francisco’s dining scene offers much more than these popular highlights. It boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, catering to various price points.
During your visit to the Bay Area, there are several noteworthy culinary destinations to explore. Chinatown provides a wide variety of Asian cuisine, along with a bustling marketplace where you can grab ingredients on the go. The northeast coast of the peninsula is home to romantic eateries that serve seasonal, locally sourced dishes. Alternatively, savor the Latin-inspired flavors in the historic Mission District.
San Francisco, California
2. Austin, Texas
A friendly and fascinating town that puts a lot of care into its cuisine
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
Austin, Texas is more than just tacos, hot sauce, and barbecue. The food scene in the state’s capital can best be described as down-to-earth with a creative twist. Austin boasts a thriving food truck culture and walkable markets, making eating on the go a culinary treat.
When dining your way through Austin’s restaurants, expect a global experience. Each day brings a medley of flavors, from mole-dipped breakfast tacos to black garlic ramen for lunch and tangy Bolognese for a romantic date night. Whatever may be on your foodie bucket list, do book your table in advance, as Austin’s restaurants are as hot as its climate.
Austin, Texas
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Meat eaters and vegans find harmony in this southern city
Good for: Couples, Food
Nashville, Tennessee may be Music City, but it’s the food that will make you sing. It’s home to some of the finest Southern cooking on the map and the birthplace of hot chicken, which is fried and coated in a cayenne pepper sauce. Many Nashville haunts offer a “meat and three” menu: an entrée meat, plus three side dishes like potatoes, corn, or vegetables, sometimes served cafeteria-style.
While Nashville is known for its fried chicken and barbecue meats, vegetarians, and vegans will be delighted and welcomed by highly rated meat-free eateries. If you’re a plat-based eater, check out places like Graze Nashville, Succulent Tacos, or Sunflower Bakehouse.
Nashville, Tennessee
4. Portland, Oregon
A riverside locale with a vibrant food scene
Good for: Budget, Food
Portland, Oregon’s food scene is characterized by diversity. Like the unique, artsy spirit of Portland’s residents, its restaurants bring their own character to the city’s tapestry. Some of the best joints are scattered along the downtown stretch. Food trucks, locally known as food carts, are popular dining options in the Pacific Northwest. They can be found in permanent “pods” like the Prost Marketplace or the Portland Farmer’s Market (March to December).
Expect to find hyper-focused eateries you didn’t know existed, such as a salumeria (cured-meat shop), cinnamon roll bakery, chickpea ice cream shop, or s’mores store. Among all the colorful cuisine, don’t forget to explore Portland’s upscale, award-winning restaurants for fine food aficionados.
Portland, Oregon
5. New York, New York
Five distinct boroughs to eat your way through
Good for: Food, Luxury, Photo
New York City’s restaurant scene is world-famous, with more than 70 Michelin-starred restaurants throughout. Beyond fine dining, the Big Apple is known for its pizza, bagels, cheesecake, Coney Island hot dogs, and pastrami on rye.
Though it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the variety that New York has to offer, there are select neighborhoods that foodies should add to their culinary road map. Head to Harlem for the best African and Caribbean cuisine, the West Village for a coffee shop or bakery reminiscent of sitcom legends, Midtown for upscale dining, or Chinatown for steamed dumplings and fried wontons from restaurants that have held space in Manhattan for as long as 80 years.
New York, New York
6. Denver, Colorado
Mountain views and frothy beers go hand-in-hand here
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
Denver, Colorado has experienced an influx of trendy eateries over the past decade, making it a must-visit destination for hungry travelers. What do locals recommend when visiting the Mile High City? Enjoying a cold draft beer from one of the more than 70 breweries in the city, savoring a burrito smothered in green chili, and indulging in a bison burger. For those seeking the trendiest restaurants, head over to the Highlands, RiNo, or Cherry Creek neighborhoods.
If you’re in search of an Instagram-worthy dive, look no further than the renowned Casa Bonita Mexican restaurant that is the talk of the town boasting intriguing entertainment and unique décor. Don’t forget to order the sopapillas for a delicious treat.
Denver, Colorado
7. Washington, D.C.
Good, greasy food by day; fine dining by night
Good for: Budget, Couples, Food
The food scene in Washington D.C. is as culturally diverse as its people. In a city where life is busy, fast food dominates the mid-day dining scene. Locals approve of classic on-the-go options such as half-smokes (regional hot dogs made from a mix of pork and beef, topped with herbs, onions, and chili sauce), chicken subs, chicken wings with mumbo sauce, and Neapolitan pizza.
For a more relaxed dining experience, the evenings are the perfect time to unwind at one of the many restaurants in the area. Experiential dining with coursed meals is particularly popular, and advanced reservations are usually required in most establishments. To discover top-choice eateries, visit the Penn Quarter, West End, Georgetown, and the Navy Yard neighborhoods.
Washington, D.C.
8. Seattle, Washington
Home to a famous fish market
Good for: Food, Photo
Seattle, Washington, also known as the Emerald City, is full of eclectic dining options. Known for its Asian cuisine (sushi, teriyaki, dumplings, ramen), foodies would be remiss not to visit the International District. From there, head north to the always bustling Pike Place Market, where fresh produce, fish, and curiosities abound. Don’t miss the first-ever Starbucks location and the Athenian, the restaurant that hosted Tom Hanks in the 1993 film Sleepless in Seattle.
Beyond the downtown area, Seattle’s peripheral neighborhoods offer their own culinary personality. Ballard offers the best options for cozy cafes while West Seattle has desirable waterfront restaurants at multiple price points. Georgetown is home to the Trailer Park Mall, where artisan goodies live among flea market finds.
Seattle, Washington
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
Cuisine that borrows from its multicultural beginnings
Good for: Food, Nightlife
New Orleans, Louisiana offers a plethora of iconic foods such as gumbo, red beans and rice, crawfish, bananas Foster, and oysters Rockefeller that travelers should check off their wish lists.
Visitors won’t want to miss a stop at the classic French-style Café Du Monde for the only items on the menu: beignets with a mountain of powdered sugar and the uniquely bitter chicory coffee. For a more filling meal, brunch options are prevalent in NOLA. Make it a jazz brunch for even more local flair. For some of the city’s most influential, taste-defining cooking, head to the Tremé neighborhood. As for nightlife, Bourbon Street has more than its fair share of bars and taverns, but don’t count out other areas (like the Marigny or Uptown) for great cocktails.
New Orleans, Louisiana
10. Los Angeles, California
For the best eats on the west coast
Good for: Couples, Food, Photo
Los Angeles, California offers diners looking for the latest and greatest a smorgasbord of options. Don’t discount street grub for some of the tastiest meals on your trip to LA. Spread throughout the large metropolitan area, foodies will find delight from Santa Monica and Beverly Hills all the way to Monterey Park and East LA.
While in the City of Angels, make sure to dine at an Oaxacan restaurant. Oaxaca is a specific culinary region of Mexico known for its diverse varieties of mole (a thick sauce served with meat). Tacos, breakfast burritos, sushi, and sandwiches are also favorite foods among locals. Enjoy the lovely weather and a delicious meal at one of the dreamy, romantic patio settings.
Los Angeles, California
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.