One of our favorite things about being on vacation is getting to try something new in the culinary world. It’s easy when we’re at home to stick to the same tried-and-true restaurants, but vacation needs to be special. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 15 best foodie friendly cities in the United States. We didn’t rank them, because everybody’s tastes are a little different, but we feel comfortable that any diners can find something to love in each of these places.
Boston, MA
Located near the cold waters of the North Atlanta, Boston is a great area to seek out the best East Coast oysters you can find. Not only that, but Boston is a great city for Irish pub food, and there are several great Italian options located around the city.
Chicago, IL
Once upon a time Chicago was the preeminent meat packing city in the world, and it has a reputation as having some of the best steakhouses in the country. But that’s not all Chicago should be known for, because the Italian influence in strong in the Windy City, diners can expect to find the best Italian food just around the corner. Oh, and let’s not forget Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
San Diego, CA
San Diego is a foodie haven, with amazing fusion cuisine, blending Mexican flavors with American classics, but also celebrating great Vietnamese and Japanese dining.
Austin, TX
Meat, meat and more meat. Austin is a paradise for the hearty eater. Texas is known for its barbecue, and all visitors need to check out Franklin BBQ if you’re in town.
Naples, FL
If you’re in the mood for fresh and tropical inspired food, make sure to swing by Naples, FL. Hungry visitors can get some of the freshest seafood around, including the famous stone crab claws that make Florida dining famous.
New Orleans, LA
The New Orleans food scene extends much further than just creole and cajun cooking, and some top chefs now call the city home. Little known is the fact that French cooking still thrives in New Orleans.
Portland, ME
Nestled at the very top of New England, Portland is all about the freshest cold-water seafood you can find. Maine oysters are a favorite of ours, and who doesn’t love a good lobster roll? The best part, since all of this great food is local the prices are amazingly affordable.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a very diverse city, and diners get to try culinary creations inspired from around the world. Like many other places on our list, seafood is a specialty of the city, but the City by the Bay also has the best ramen in the United States.
Savannah, GA
Even though Paula Deen has pulled out of the food scene, numerous other talents chefs have flooded to the city, and diners can experience traditional southern cooking refined to the point of being fine dining.
Telluride, CO
Though Telluride isn’t a very well-known city, the food offers here will definitely leave a lasting memory. Located near some of the best cattle ranches and access to tender lamb, Telluride is a great place to visit. There is also a healthy microbrew scene throughout the Rockies.
Napa, CA
Napa is synonymous with wine country, and the best wines should always be paired with great food. Napa does this. If one can justify the cost, the best restaurant in the world may reside in Napa — Thomas Keller’s French Laundry — and this should definitely make it on your culinary bucket list.
New York, NY
Home to more celebrity chefs than one knows what to do with, New York is a surprisingly accessible food city. There is literally everything in the city, with Little Italy and China Town offering distinct food scenes. However, for people wanting the best pizza in the world, the greater New York area is the place for you. Find one of the local pizza tours and you can sample several of the city’s best pizza joints in a single day.
Seattle, WA
Honolulu, HA
Because it is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaiian chefs source as many ingredients locally as possible, so diners get only the freshest food.
Nashville, TN
East Nashville is the heart of the food scene in the country music capital of the world. There you’re going to find a lot of smaller restaurants that specialize in locally sourced foods, most with a funky twist.
