There are plenty of food scenes worth traveling for in the USA. America's gourmet landscape is varied and delicious, comprising everything from sprawling metropolises filled with Michelin-starred establishments to surprising small cities whose restaurants champion regional ingredients. Feeling hungry? Join us as we take a gourmet tour of the United States.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the must-visit foodie city in every US state.
Our selections are based on awards, accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
Outside of its barbecue (which is not to be missed), Alabama's food scene is often overlooked. However, the city of Birmingham is such a mecca for foodies that it's earned itself the nickname 'Dinner Table of the South.' Here, soul food, barbecue, and contemporary European dining come together to make for a truly mouth-watering travel destination. Top restaurants include Johnny's (pictured), which serves both American classics and Greek specialties (think meat and vegetable lunch plates, and keftedes meatballs); Chez FonFon, a classic French bistro; and SAW’s BBQ, which serves up the city's finest meats.
Wherever you dine in Alaska, seafood is the big draw – which is unsurprising, given that the state has 6,640 miles of coastline. Anchorage dishes up some of the finest, alongside a world menu of Japanese, Indian, and Mexican cuisines. For that stellar seafood, you can't go wrong with Orso, which serves favorites like calamari, chowder, and Alaskan salmon, while the popular Snow City Cafe (pictured) is famous for its snow crab omelets (an Alaskan delicacy). Beyond that, mainstays include Whiskey and Ramen (whose name says it all) and Ginger, which serves well-executed Pan-Asian food.
As one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the United States (the other being San Antonio), Tucson has a food scene that packs a punch. The city's rich food heritage comes from Native American and Sonoran Mexican influences, and there are endless restaurants where you can experience it for yourself. Try Italian-Sonoran fusion food at Zio Peppe (think elote arancini, and mushroom risotto with smoked poblano peppers), or tuck into contemporary Southwestern plates at Tito & Pep (pictured) – a favorite here is the posole verde (a traditional Mexican stew). Said to be the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant, El Charro Cafe is also not to be missed.
Arkansas' capital is another city that's full of gourmet surprises. Barbecue, classic Southern staples, and steak are among the things that Little Rock does best. We think the best place to start a foodie tour of the city is Arthur's Prime Steakhouse (pictured), which is revered for its dry-aged prime cuts of beef. For barbecue, you can't go wrong with Lindsey’s (whose standout dish is the rib sandwich), while you can try the state's famous cheese dip at Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro.
Many California cities (not least San Francisco and LA) could vie for the title of best foodie city in the Golden State – but given San Diego's proximity to the country's southern border, it wins out for its incredible Mexican food. Head to Barrio Logan, where you'll find laid-back restaurants serving some of the country's finest tacos. ¡Salud! also comes highly recommended, with options including seared carne asada tacos, birria (shredded pork with Mexican spices) tacos, and fish tacos. Valle (pictured) is another highlight.
The Michelin guide visited the Mile High City for the first time in 2023, throwing extra weight behind Denver's already celebrated food scene. A number of the city's restaurants, including Beckon – whose nightly prix fixe menu features delights such as quail breast, served with a confit leg – have been awarded a Michelin star. Meanwhile, French mainstays such as Noisette (pictured) turn out elevated dishes like scallion crêpes with caviar, and Maine lobsters with confit potato. Don't miss the city's talked-about beer scene, either; some of the best breweries (such as Ratio Beerworks) can be found in the city's River North Art District (RiNo).
No round-up of America's greatest foodie cities would be complete without the one that invented the hamburger. As recognized by the Library of Congress, the all-American comfort food was born at Louis' Lunch (pictured), when a passing customer needed a quick meal on the go. Fast-forward more than a century, and the down-to-earth spot is still going strong – but these days, New Haven's food scene has grown way beyond burgers. Visit for Mexican street food at Camacho Garage; top-notch New Haven–style pizza at Frank Pepe's; and an imaginative New American menu at Tavern on State.
From the Bobbie sandwich (a sub filled with pulled turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo available at Capriotti's) to blue claw crab and scrapple (made from pork trimmings), Delaware has its own eclectic roster of signature dishes. You can try them all in Wilmington – and also dig into a thriving modern food scene. There's Bardea Food and Drink for imaginative Italian sharing plates, and Snuff Mill for raved-about steak. You also can't go wrong with a trip to The Chancery Market (pictured), a new food hall where you'll find poke, burgers, and Indian street food.
You can get your hands on any kind of food imaginable in Miami – but it's the city's Cuban offering that really shines. Head to the Little Havana district, where you'll find treasures such as Versailles Restaurant (pictured), whose Cuban sandwich (bread layered up with ham, roasted pork, and Swiss cheese) is nothing short of legendary. Beyond that, you can enjoy staples such as ropa vieja (a slow-cooked shredded beef dish) at South Beach's Puerto Sagua, or sample some of the city's best croquetas at Islas Canarias Restaurant.
Savannah may be relatively small, but the 'Hostess City of the South' goes big when it comes to food. Here, you'll find endless contemporary Southern restaurants serving modern takes on traditional dishes – often in a charming setting, too. The Grey (pictured) regularly tops 'best of' lists for good reason; its smashed new potatoes, and dishes like sweet potato with coconut collard greens, are out of this world. For something more old-school, don't miss Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, where giant bowls of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, greens, and mac 'n' cheese are served family style.
When traveling in the Aloha State, it's worth seeking out traditional Hawaiian foods – think plate lunches (with meat and rice), poke, and sand pit–smoked kalua pork, which you can try at Helena’s Hawaiian Food (pictured), a long-running joint that opened back in 1946. Other favored menu items include boiled or fried butterfish, Hawaiian-style ribs, and haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding). Meanwhile, Da Ono Hawaiian Food is known for its plate lunches, loaded with meat or squid, mac salad, lomi lomi salmon (salted with tomatoes and onions), and rice.
The resort city of Coeur d'Alene isn't the biggest in Idaho – but its food scene punches well above its weight. You'll mostly find creative takes on classic all-American dishes here. Crafted Tap House and Kitchen is a firm favorite, with modern feasts including chicken Parmesan with tomato jam, fontina cheese, and basil mayo, and kiwi-soy marinated tri-tip steak with miso aioli. Be sure to try the Pow Waw Food Truck (pictured), too. The cart is inspired by the traditional foods of the region's Indigenous peoples, and you can try dishes such as fry bread loaded with the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash).
Of course, Chicago is the finest food city in the state of Illinois – and one of the best in the country. You could spend weeks in the Windy City and still not sample all its gourmet delights, from deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs to brownies (which are said to have been invented at the Palmer House hotel). The restaurant scene is buzzing, too. Try Avec (with a few locations, pictured) for Mediterranean-style plates; head to the two-Michelin-starred Oriole for fine dining; or swing by Pequod's Pizza for some of the city's tastiest slices.
Foodies won't be disappointed on a trip to Indianapolis – a new generation of chefs is breathing real life into the city's restaurant scene. The veteran St. Elmo Steak House is an enduring favorite, serving fine cuts since 1902, but more modern spots include Nyla's, for 'chef-inspired Americana' (think pork chops with tomato bacon jam); Convivio, for contemporary Italian cuisine; Root & Bone (pictured), for inventive Southern dishes; and Rize, for stellar breakfasts whipped up using thoughtfully sourced produce.
You'll be spoiled for choice on a food tour of the Iowan capital, whether you're after a solid steak dinner, creative small plates, Asian-inspired dishes like ramen and curries, or classic American comfort food. Start at the 801 Chop House (pictured), whose reputation precedes it. The elegant spot, found at the Crescent Hotel, is known for its roast prime rib. Also leave time for imaginative Pan-Asian dishes at Harbinger (think charcoal-grilled sturgeon with red curry broth) and French-style pastries at La Mie Bakery.
You won't go hungry in Kansas' biggest city. It's easy to find a solid burger here – try the Oasis Lounge, which keeps things simple with mustard, ketchup, onions, and lettuce, or wrap your hands around The Kitchen's Smokehouse BBQ Burger, which features a brisket-blend patty, barbecue sauce, and onion rings. For something a little more elevated, book a table at Georges French Bistro (pictured); locals love its French-inspired dishes, including beef tartare, seafood bouillabaisse, and steak frites.
From the Kentucky hot brown (a belly-busting turkey and bacon sandwich oozing with mornay sauce) to golden fried chicken, the Bluegrass State has plenty of signature dishes – and you can try them all in Louisville. Head to the much-loved Doc Crow's (pictured) for Southern staples such as hush puppies and fried green tomatoes (not to mention a giant bourbon list), or try 610 Magnolia for a tasting menu featuring dishes like seared scallops with miso hollandaise, and squash and goats' cheese agnolotti pasta.
Many would argue that New Orleans is the finest food city in America, with restaurants running the gamut from swish fine dining spots to down-to-earth joints doling out rib-sticking po' boys. Don't leave the city without trying its warming gumbo, spicy jambalaya, and chargrilled oysters (and be sure to tuck into a heap of beignets at Café du Monde). Other amazing experiences include tasting bananas Foster at Brennan's (where the delectable dessert was invented), and dining on fine Southern food at La Petite Grocery (pictured) – think Gulf shrimp and grits with shiitake mushrooms, and alligator bolognese with tagliatelle.
It's no surprise that coastal Portland is a top spot for seafood. Restaurant menus here are filled with everything from buttery lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell to grilled catch of the day. Customers flock to the raw bar at the dinky Eventide Oyster Co. (pictured), and to Fore Street Restaurant, which is acclaimed for its Maine mussels and hanger steak. Beyond that, try Miyake for imaginative sushi and Japanese small plates, or head to the Italian-inspired Leeward for ‘nduja sausage ravioli, and seared Maine scallops with hazelnut butter.
You'll find a whole bunch of signature seafood dishes in Baltimore, from classic Maryland crab cakes to coddies, a fried mix of potatoes, eggs, onions, saltine crackers, and cod. Book a table at the Ivy Hotel's chic Magdalena bistro (pictured), and choose from entrées such as smoked duck breast, and blue catfish. Be sure to try Ethel's Creole Kitchen for a taste of New Orleans, too – and don't miss a trip to Berger’s Bakery, a true Baltimore favorite that's known for its freshly baked cookies.
Another city that ranks highly among the USA's top foodie destinations is Boston – dishes such as Boston baked beans (beans spiked with molasses and bacon) and the Boston cream pie (an indulgent, cream-filled cake) were invented here. Head to the city's North End and you'll find a generous smattering of Italian-American restaurants; highlights include the long-running Ristorante Lucia, and Mike's Pastry, which serves some of the city's best cannoli. For something more modern, head for Fox & the Knife (pictured) in South Boston. Here, you'll be treated to dishes like spaghetti con vongole, made with saffron, clams, and tomato butter.
Detroit has been on the upswing for some years now – and it's building a food scene that's well worth traveling for. For a true taste of the city, try a Coney dog (a beef hot dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard). Rival Coney dog joints American Coney Island and Lafayette sit side by side downtown, and every local has their favorite. But there's a lot more than American comfort food on offer here; head to industrial-chic Wright & Company (pictured) for thoughtful New American plates like cheesy hash browns with garlic cocoa butter, and sea scallops with candied bacon.
Though it's often underrated, the Midwest has an impressive line-up of foodie cities, and Minneapolis is among them. It's known for its cheese-stuffed burgers (known as Juicy Lucys or Jucy Lucys, depending on where you're eating) and tater tot hotdishes – but there are plenty more sophisticated offerings besides that. Downtown's Spoon and Stable (pictured) has a stylish setting to match its modern menu, which features dishes like scallops with Jerusalem artichokes and salsa verde, and pot roast with pommes aligot (cheesy mashed potatoes). Meanwhile, Mexican restaurant Oro By Nixta dishes up beautifully executed tacos and small plates.
Mississippi's Oxford is small but mighty, especially when it comes to food. Some great foodie destinations are concentrated around The Square, including City Grocery (pictured), whose signature dishes include shrimp and grits, fried catfish court-bouillon (a kind of stew), and roast chicken with collard greens and mac 'n' cheese. Just off The Square, you'll find crowd favorite Saint Leo, a modern Italian spot serving tempting dishes such as pizza topped with burrata and soppressata (a type of dry salami), and linguine with clams.
Kansas City barbecue is legendary – if you're planning on visiting, you have to try it. This city's irresistible barbecue style sees low and slow-cooked meat doused in an oozing molasses-based sauce. One of the best places to try it is Joe's Kansas City Barbecue (pictured), a joint that's known for its ribs and burnt end dinners (as availability allows). If you're not in the mood for barbecue, make a pit stop at Novel, a chic small plates restaurant in the East Crossroads Arts District that specializes in sophisticated pasta dishes.
Montanans are very proud of their beef, so it's no wonder that the state is peppered with excellent steak restaurants – not least, foodie hub Bozeman. Try Open Range (pictured), an upscale spot with a menu that features such delights as bison filet mignon, baked brie, and lobster bisque. Beyond the steakhouses, there's laid-back eatery Blackbird, which offers attractively plated Italian dishes, and Urban Kitchen, whose modern American menu changes with the seasons (expect dishes like wild mushroom and spiced sausage campanelle pasta, and yellow curry vegetables with jasmine rice).
Some people say you can get your hands on the finest steak in America in the Cornhusker State – specifically in Nebraska's biggest city, Omaha. You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to steakhouses here. Local favorites include J Gilbert's (pictured), which has a handful of other Midwestern locations and a solid prix fixe menu, and The Drover, which is known for its tempting whiskey-marinated steaks. Beyond the beef feasts, the city also has some great Asian restaurants; try Kinaara for upscale Indian dishes, or Koji for Japanese yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
Las Vegas is about a lot more than trying your luck on the slot machines – the city has an exciting dining scene that's anchored by some of the finest chefs and celebrity food personalities in the States. Among them is Guy Savoy, a French chef and restaurateur who owns the eponymous Guy Savoy restaurant (pictured), a French fine-dining spot in Caesars Palace. Other upscale spots include CUT by Wolfgang Puck (a swish steakhouse at The Venetian Resort), and the Joël Robuchon Restaurant, the vision of its revered namesake, the late French chef Joël Robuchon.
Portsmouth is one of the USA's unsung foodie heroes. It's a port city so, unsurprisingly, fish and seafood is the focus here. Start at Black Trumpet (pictured), a buzzy bistro right on the waterfront at the Old Harbor – here you'll find seasonal menus featuring dishes such as sautéed octopus with tomato chile sauce, and red daikon (winter radish) and potato soup. Spearheaded by chef Julie Cutting-Kelly, Cure is another talked-about spot; book a table for more upscale dishes inspired by the seasons, from grilled vegetable ravioli to lobster mac 'n' cheese.
New Jersey's food scene is often overlooked; after all, the small state is within kissing distance of New York City and its titanic gourmet offering. However, foodies should make the time to take a bite out of Princeton. The eclecticism of the dining scene here is part of the appeal – but you can't go wrong with pizza. Top spots include Nomad Pizza (pictured), which focuses on thoughtfully created Neapolitan-style pies, and the long-standing, down-to-earth mainstay Conte’s Pizza.
You can get fantastic Mexican food in many spots across New Mexico, but Santa Fe really kicks things up a gear. Going strong since 1953, The Shed (pictured) is a staple, with its menu of blue corn enchiladas, tacos, and bulging green chile burritos. Laid-back Tomasita's is another fan favorite, known for its sopaipillas (traditional fried pastries); meanwhile, The Pink Adobe draws customers in with its photogenic architecture and 'New Mexican Cajun' eats.
The world is served up on a plate in New York City. You can feast on hot pastrami on rye at a Jewish deli; sample world street food at mega-markets such as Brooklyn's Smorgasburg; take a tour of amazing foodie neighborhoods like Astoria, Queens; or eat some of the world's finest dishes at Michelin-starred establishments. Among the latter is Per Se (pictured), a fine French restaurant by Thomas Keller (of California's famous French Laundry) that's earned itself three stars. Book a table to try the sought-after nine-course tasting menu.
North Carolina's Asheville is rightly celebrated for its stellar craft beer scene. Top spots include Highland Brewing Company and Hi-Wire Brewing – and all those brews pair exceedingly well with the creative dishes served up at the city's many fantastic restaurants. Don't miss Rhubarb (pictured), a special-occasion spot that focuses on modern Appalachian cuisine (think cornbread with bourbon-bacon jam, and North Carolina oysters with country ham). Other highlights include the Indian street food at Chai Pani, and the locally sourced Italian plates at Cucina 24.
North Dakota is one of the USA's most important farming states, harvesting enormous stores of everything from wheat to honey – so it should be no surprise that its biggest city, Fargo, has a solid food scene powered by all that agricultural might. For dinner, make a beeline for Rosewild (pictured) at the sleek Jasper Hotel, whose menu features delights such as French onion agnolotti pasta, and hotdish pot pie (an upscale take on the classic Midwestern comfort dish). For breakfast, don't miss BernBaum's; the shakshuka focaccia is the best thing on the menu.
Every foodie trip to Cincinnati should begin with the city's famous chili. Head to Skyline Chili, order a '5-Way,' and you'll get a steaming plate of meat chili piled onto spaghetti with heaps of cheese, diced onions, and beans. There's a lot more to the city's food scene than this beloved dish, though. Take a tour of the historic Findlay Market, which hawks everything from arepas (cornmeal cakes stuffed with fillings) and pho (a Vietnamese noodle soup), to more of that famous chili. For a sit-down dinner, you can't go wrong with Nolia Kitchen (pictured) – the menu is inspired by New Orleans, and includes dishes like jambalaya and Gulf oysters.
Oklahoma's Tulsa is full of surprises – not least its stellar food scene, which is particularly strong when it comes to Mexican cuisine. Excellent places for Mexican eats include Cafe Olé, favored for its homemade tortillas and punchy tamales, and Tacos Don Francisco, known for (you guessed it!) killer tacos and a friendly vibe. Amelia's Wood Fired Cuisine (pictured), in Tulsa's Arts District, shouldn't be missed, either; head over for empanadas, and other sharing plates like roasted beets with ricotta.
The quirkiest city in the Pacific Northwest has a food scene that's well worth traveling for. There are a few cult favorites (you must brave the line for a kaleidoscopic donut from Voodoo Doughnut and eat a heap of pancakes from The Original Pancake House, for example). However, in keeping with the city's creative and eclectic spirit, there's much more besides. Try Arden (pictured) for imaginative seasonal plates such as spaghetti with sesame-chili butter, and leek and potato pierogi dumplings – or head to one of the city's famous food cart pods for endless options. Sprawling Cartopia has everything from Thai dishes to Latin-inspired eats.
From buzzy markets and down-to-earth fast food spots to fine-dining establishments, Philadelphia offers up plenty of treats for the traveling foodie. You shouldn't miss the ubiquitous Philly cheesesteak – layers of tender beef and oozing cheese in a hoagie roll (the best can be found at Pat's King of Steaks, where the dish was invented). There are endless options at Reading Terminal Market, too; no trip here is complete without a scoop or two of Bassetts Ice Cream (the oldest ice-cream company in the US). For something a little more upscale, head to Ambra (pictured) for finely executed Italian food.
The capital of the USA's smallest state punches above its weight when it comes to food. Italian cuisine is executed particularly well here, with highlights including Oberlin (pictured) – diners love the restaurant's classic cacio e pepe. Meanwhile, convivial old-school spot Andinos is known for its veal dishes. Unsurprisingly for the Ocean State capital, seafood is a big deal here; must-visit spots include Hemenway's Restaurant and the Providence Oyster Bar.
If you're craving classic Southern cuisine with an upscale twist, the charming city of Charleston is the place to go. Here you'll find plenty of restaurants laying on heaving plates of fried chicken and classic Lowcountry sides, often with contemporary upgrades. Husk (pictured) is the perfect example, and its reputation precedes it; try the crab with Carolina gold rice and crawfish étouffée, or the deviled eggs with smoked trout roe. You could also book a table at the elegant Palmetto Cafe for crab cakes, fried oysters, and grilled shrimp.
Carnivores will have a field day eating their way around South Dakota's busiest city. Steakhouses and classic American grills abound (the state is well-known for its high-quality beef), and sought-after spots include Crawford's (pictured), where the New York strip and filet mignon reign supreme. Morrie’s Steakhouse is another fail-safe option; alongside its fine cuts of beef, the special-occasion restaurant is known for its pork chops and fish dishes.
Music City has a food scene that really sings. No trip here would be complete without a taste of Nashville's famous hot chicken; this zingy dish is ubiquitous in the city, but many swear by Prince's, the veteran joint that invented the concept. There's a lot more to Nashville food than fiery poultry dishes, though. Try imaginative spots such as Moto (pictured), an Italian restaurant whose menu features the likes of lobster strozzapreti pasta, and bucatini (hollow spaghetti) carbonara. Later, head to the down-to-earth Mas Tacos Por Favor in East Nashville for the best Mexican food in the city.
The second of the USA's UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy, San Antonio is a foodie's dream. It's really all about the Tex Mex here. Stalwarts include long-running café-bakery Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, which serves mouth-watering tacos and breakfast chilaquiles, and the charming La Fonda on Main, where favorites include chile relleno and paella. Don't miss a trip out to the Pearl district – it's positively teeming with hip restaurants, serving everything from Italian to Asian-American cuisine – and there's a brewery and farmers' market, too.
Exploring Salt Lake City's diverse food scene is an excellent way to round off a day of outdoor adventures in Northern Utah. You'll find plenty of spots dishing up thoughtful New American food here, including HSL (pictured), where the fried chicken comes in a moreish honey glaze, and the burger comes with pickled red cabbage and tomato jam. Table X is another celebrated stop; spend the evening here and graze on plates such as homemade torchietto pasta with slow-roasted cauliflower, or indulge in a multi-course tasting menu.
Burlington is known as the home of two very special men: Ben and Jerry. The ice cream mega-brand was founded in Burlington, and the downtown ice cream shop is a favored stop for foodie travelers. Beyond the sweet treats, Burlington tempts diners with upscale restaurants such as Hen of the Wood (pictured), an imaginative dining spot that champions local produce. Pay it a visit to try dishes such as kale cannelloni, and black bass with acorn squash.
Just a quick hop across the Potomac River from Washington DC, Virginia's Alexandria has a dining scene that warrants a trip from the capital. Here you'll come across hip joints such as Virtue Feed & Grain (pictured), where the likes of fish and chips and surf and turf are served up in an old 19th-century warehouse. On the other hand, Vermilion is a high-end affair; its seasonal menu features delectable dishes such as Chesapeake oysters, and scallops doused in butter.
Whether you're in the mood for quick but solid fare from a street stall or a sit-down meal in one of the USA's finest restaurants, the Emerald City delivers. No foodie trip here is complete without a visit to Pike Place Market – it's a one-stop destination for the traveling gourmand, hawking everything from Thai food to fish and chips. If you're after something more refined, set your sights on Canlis (pictured). This celebrated spot offers a highly creative tasting menu, featuring dishes like venison with pickled daikon radish, and vanilla bean parfait with cherry sorbet.
The food scene in West Virginia's capital is sorely underrated. Make your way to Charleston and you'll come across everything from brilliant quick-service Asian joints to spots dishing up New American menus in hip surroundings. Bricks & Barrels (pictured) would fall into the latter category; here, well-executed steak dishes, seafood, and burgers are plated up in a chic setting, alongside a solid menu of West Virginia craft beers. Pies & Pints (specializing in mammoth pizza pies and more craft beer) is a great casual dinner spot, too.
One of the top foodie cities in the Midwest, the Wisconsin capital offers roving foodies a lot more than cheese curds (though you shouldn't miss a taste of this state delicacy). Focus your attention on elegant restaurants such as L'Etoile, whose menu offers a lesson in New American dishes; think sea scallops with pickled serrano chiles, and beets with maitake mushrooms. Be sure to pencil in a trip to Greenbush Bakery, too – this laid-back bakery sells the city's finest donuts.
Wyoming is better known for its natural wonders than its culinary prowess – but modern Jackson cooks up a storm. The city's steakhouses are particularly well regarded, and spots like The Gun Barrel (pictured) have been going strong for decades; diners love its elk chops and mouth-watering deep-dish apple pies. For a quick bite, coffee, or breakfast, Cowboy Coffee comes highly recommended. Customers rave about the rib-sticking burritos, and the cowboy croissant with bacon, eggs, and cheese.