The United States is a wonderland of flavors, an eclectic mix of cuisines influenced by cultures worldwide. From homespun classics to innovative new dishes, street food sensations to Michelin-starred wonders, this country has it all, with something to suit every palate.
From the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between, we take a look at 20 of the best cities in the US that every foodie should have on their gourmet bucket list.
1. New York
The City That Never Sleeps offers round the clock cuisine to satisfy even the most discerning foodie. With a melting pot of cultures influencing its cuisine, there’s no surprise New York is one of the best foodie cities in the world.
2. New Orleans
A unique city with a unique food culture, New Orleans is like no place on Earth when it comes to food. From gumbo to jambalaya, world class crawfish to red beans and rice, this is soul food at its finest.
Try these pecan pralines, a classic New Orleans recipe.
3. Chicago
Home of deep-dish pizza, Chicago is a city that isn’t afraid of big, bold flavors. Street food, classic barbecues, fine dining, tasting menus, you name it… this city’s got it.
Cook these smoked beef short ribs at your next Chicago-style barbecue!
4. Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love is the perfect place to share incredible food moments. From cheesesteaks to pork sandwiches, indulge in a true foodie dreamland!
5. Austin
From out there barbecues to Tex-Mex classics, world-class vegan dishes to gourmet food trucks, Austin is a food-forward, trendsetting sensation of a foodie destination.
6. Los Angeles
When it comes to eclectic food, LA is the place to be. It is home to pretty much every kind of cuisine you can think of, served everywhere from street food vendors to Michelin-starred hotspots.
7. Charleston
From world-class food festivals to time-honored recipes, Charleston’s reputation as one of the best foodie cities in the US is well-earned. The deviled crab is devilishly good.
8. Sacramento
California’s farm-to-fork capital, Sacramento, is the place to be if you want an authentic, locally sourced, organic feast in blissful surroundings.
9. San Francisco
It may live in the shadow of LA, but this iconic city is a class foodie city in its own right. Come for the seafood, stay for the incredible sourdough bread and Irish coffee.
If you’re a fan of San Fran shrimp, don’t miss these epic shrimp recipes!
10. Portland, Maine
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Looking for fresh, finger-licking lobster and seafood? Portland, Maine, is up there with the best of them.
11. Houston
Houston, we have a problem… I’ve overindulged in your city’s buttery,et, delicious garlicky prawns, soft beef brisk and sublime seafood, and now I never want to leave.
12. Honolulu
Hawaii’s food culture is totally unique, and Honolulu is at the center of it all. From perfect poke bowls to stunning chicken katsu, this city delivers serious flavor.
Check out this incredible Hawaiian oxtail soup.
13. Louisville
From the mouth-watering Hot Brown sandwich to vintage cocktails – think mint juleps and Old Fashioneds – Louisville’s food and drink scene is simply sumptuous!
14. Atlanta
A soul food city with irresistible cuisine, Atlanta is famous for chicken and biscuits, crab cakes, and bread pudding.
Make your own savory bread pudding recipe!
15. Washington DC
The capital is home to some amazing restaurants – 24 Michelin-starred eateries and counting – with various international cuisines from Peruvian to Ethiopian that influence its culinary offering.
16. Miami
From the famous Cubano sandwich to sublime seafood and smoky Spanish-influenced dishes, The Magic City lives up to its name, delivering an enchanting array of delicacies.
17. Nashville
With staple southern dishes like hot and spicy fried chicken, hearty stews with biscuits and meat and three, and a thriving farm-to-table scene, Nashville is a fabulous foodie city.
18. Denver
One of America’s most vibrant and diverse foodie cultures, Denver has innovative restaurants, hot street food spots, and excellent breweries.
19. Seattle
Another one of America’s seafood cities, Seattle is most famous as the best place for Japanese food in the US, particularly sushi. You’ll find some incredible restaurants run by sushi masters!
Make your own Japanese dish with this elegant yasai itame stir fry recipe.
20. Baltimore
It’s all about crabs in Baltimore! From crabcakes to steamed crabs, they know how to make them. Plus, the city has a proud tradition as spice masters!
Make your own Baltimore favorite spice mix, Old Bay Seasoning, at home.
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