If you’re lucky enough to enjoy some fantastic food while traveling, it’s sure to leave you with lasting happiness. Trust me, when you visit a new place with incredible scenery but disappointing cuisine, that letdown can stick with you for a while. Not having good food during your travels is disheartening, no doubt about it.
Travel and food are inseparable. Local dishes reveal a culture’s essence, encompassing history and tradition. Beyond the scenery, it’s the flavors that define a journey, creating cherished memories. Explore ten exciting cities for culinary adventures and travel enchantment.
Here, we present a handpicked list of the top 10 foodie cities for your travel enjoyment.
1. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. offers more than just museums and monuments; it’s also a thriving food destination. The city has embraced the farm-to-table movement, featuring slow-cured charcuterie, artisanal baked goods, and some of the nation’s top-rated restaurants.
Embark on a memorable culinary journey along Georgetown’s sparkling waterfront, where you can explore numerous chef-driven eateries in this historic district. If you prefer to stay closer to the city center, don’t miss the local food vendors at Eastern Market near the Capitol. They make for perfect, relaxed dining options and delightful date ideas in D.C.
2. Portland, ME
In recent years, Portland, Maine has become known as a top foodie destination, drawing in young and inventive chefs. Located on the beautiful Atlantic coast, the city’s restaurants benefit from the freshest seafood, such as oysters, Maine lobster, and mussels.
Easily reachable from Boston by car, a visit to Portland promises a delightful weekend or more, filled with culinary delights like lobster rolls on brioche and fresh oysters.
3. Burlington, VT
Nestled between lush green mountains and the sparkling Lake Champlain, Burlington, VT is a fantastic foodie city with a variety of delightful bistros and enticing cafes.
Spend your afternoon exploring the charming boutique shops and farm-to-table restaurants along the walkable Church Street. Don’t miss the chance to savor dishes that celebrate Vermont’s agricultural flavors, like tangy cheddar soup, maple-drenched pancakes, or warm mulled apple cider during the autumn season.
4. Seattle, WA
Framed by the majestic Mt. Rainier, Seattle stands out as one of the top foodie cities on the West Coast. This city beckons hungry travelers with its fresh-caught seafood and the original Starbucks store, making you crave more.
Begin your culinary adventure at Pike Place Market, which offers stunning views of Elliot Bay and serves as an ideal spot for a romantic date. Here, you can witness skilled fishmongers carving up vibrant wild salmon or indulge in a delectable treat at the nearby Top Pot Doughnuts. If you’re a food enthusiast, consider a Seattle food tour to discover the city’s finest culinary delights.
5. Chicago, IL
Chicago caters to every culinary desire you can imagine, whether it’s savoring pierogi in a Ukrainian Village deli or enjoying a late-night “Chicago dog” near Wrigley Stadium. With a rich tapestry of immigrant communities, the city lacks a single dominant food culture, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts.
In Pilsen’s South Chicago area, you can relish Mexican street tacos and tender steamed tamales. In Uptown’s Vietnamese enclave, there’s pho and crispy Bahn mi waiting for you. And, for those craving Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza, Gino’s East is ready to satisfy your cheesy cravings. If you’re seeking trendy and diverse cuisine, don’t forget to explore the restaurants in Wicker Park.
For a truly adventurous culinary journey, consider joining a local food tour in Chicago led by an expert guide.
6. Berkeley, CA
While many visitors stay in San Francisco, the real foodies head to Berkeley in the sunny East Bay, where California cuisine was born.
Berkeley’s “Gourmet Ghetto” in North Berkeley is a treat for food enthusiasts. Here, you can visit the iconic Chez Panisse, the pioneer of farm-to-table dining, or have a relaxed lunch at Cheeseboard Pizza, known for its daily-changing pies featuring local veggies and quality cheeses.
To uncover more culinary gems and top local spots, consider a food tour in the Bay Area. It’s a unique way to fully experience the food scenes of the best cities with guidance from local experts.
7. Miami, FL
Miami is more than sun-soaked beaches and elegance; its culinary heritage makes it a top foodie city.
From tostones in Little Havana to cocktails at Sweet Liberty Drinks on South Beach, Miami’s cuisine is a treat. For a romantic date, try La Mar at the Mandarin Oriental, known for its Peruvian-Japanese fusion dishes, including ceviche and grilled catches of the day.
8. New York City, NY
Discover NYC’s culinary diversity, from Staten Island’s tagliatelle to Brooklyn’s iconic cheesecake, solidifying its status as a top foodie destination. Manhattan’s Chelsea Market, an enduring favorite, offers a European-style experience, featuring celebrated vendors like Buddakan (for Asian fusion) and Tings (renowned for jerk chicken). In downtown Brooklyn, relish nostalgia at Junior’s, a beloved cheesecake haven since 1950.
Journey to the Bronx for classic Italian fare on Arthur Avenue. Our chefs recommend Casa Della Mozzarella for freshly made cheese and Calabria Pork Store for artisanal salami.
Experience the city’s culinary variety with a guided food tour exploring its vibrant neighborhoods. In one of the premier foodie cities, don’t limit yourself to a single restaurant. Whether you seek a culinary odyssey through NYC’s bustling food halls or crave the finest dim sum in Chinatown, NYC offers it all and more.
9. Nashville, TN
Nashville, known for country music, has also become a top foodie city with its outstanding BBQ, signature hot chicken, and inventive Southern cuisine.
For a unique experience, skip the downtown bourbon scene and explore the lively East Nashville, where you’ll find local coffee roasters and charming chef-driven bistros like Butcher & Bee that have emerged over the past decade, offering endless delicious options in Nashville.
10. Austin, TX
In Austin, dining is a top attraction. Indulge in slow-smoked BBQ, affordable breakfast tacos, and Japanese-style ramen in Texas’ capital. Over the past decade, Austin has established itself as a top foodie city, drawing talented chefs from both coasts.
For a farm-to-table experience, don’t miss Dai Due, renowned for its wild boar roast. Lambert’s Downtown is your go-to for Texas-style BBQ. After a night of fun in Austin’s dive bars, satisfy your hunger at Joe’s Bakery, a local gem since 1962 in East Austin, where you can relish Tex-Mex breakfast tacos filled with eggs, cheese, and chorizo wrapped in warm flour tortillas.