Each year, Food & Wine highlights the best food cities in America, celebrating those that shine for their restaurants, bars, markets, and overall culinary culture. From street food to fine dining, here are the top 10 cities to eat and drink your way through—counting down to the ultimate foodie capital.
10. Philadelphia
Philly has grown from a cheesesteak stronghold into a vibrant, award-winning dining scene. Modern Israeli favorite Zahav, from chef Michael Solomonov, set a new standard with its lauded lamb and hummus. Vernick Food & Drink brings an elegant take on New American cuisine, while spots like South Philly Barbacoa and Kalaya reflect the city’s rich immigrant culinary traditions. Add in a booming craft beer scene, and Philadelphia delivers at every level.
9. Houston
One of the most diverse cities in the country, Houston’s food scene reflects its global population. Whether it’s Viet-Cajun crawfish at Crawfish & Noodles, authentic West African fare at ChòpnBlọk, elevated Gulf Coast cuisine at Brennan’s of Houston or straight up BBQ, the city serves up serious variety. Houston is also one of the best cities for tacos and has a growing reputation for natural wine and innovative cocktails.
8. San Francisco
Long known for its pioneering role in the farm-to-table movement, San Francisco remains a culinary powerhouse. Institutions like Zuni Café continue to impress with simple, ingredient-driven dishes, while tasting menu destinations like Benu and Atelier Crenn push culinary boundaries. Don’t miss the city’s Chinatown, the oldest in North America, or newer stars like Lazy Bear, where fine dining meets communal storytelling.
7. Miami
Miami creates its own Floridean cuisine with a blend of Latin American and Caribbean influences into a hot, flavorful mix. Restaurants like Boia De offer modern American cooking with a global twist, while Itamae fuses Japanese and Peruvian traditions into bold Nikkei cuisine. The city’s dynamic cocktail bars, such as Sweet Liberty, and its buzzing waterfront dining scene make it as exciting after dark as during the day. And let’s not forget the Cuban sandwich!
6. Charleston
Charleston has redefined Southern food with refined elegance and deep historical roots. At Husk, local ingredients and heritage recipes meet contemporary technique. FIG offers a constantly changing menu focused on seasonal lowcountry bounty, while newcomers like The Grocery and 167 Raw keep the energy fresh, plus Rodney Scott’s BBQThe city’s charm, warm hospitality, and emphasis on storytelling through food make it a must-visit.
5. New Orleans
Few cities have a food culture as distinctive and beloved as New Orleans. From the jazz-filled dining rooms of Commander’s Palace to the soul-food traditions of Dooky Chase’s, the city is steeped in flavor and history. Beignets, po’ boys, and gumbo are just the beginning—New Orleans is also home to cutting-edge chefs at places like Coquette and Turkey and the Wolf, proving its culinary scene is as forward-thinking as it is rooted in tradition.
Read More: Best Bits of What to Eat in New Orleans & Breaux Bridge
4. Austin
Austin is the capital of cool—and food. Known for iconic BBQ joints like Franklin Barbecue, the city also thrives on creativity. Restaurants like Suerte blend Mexican flavors with Texan ingredients, while Uchi redefines sushi in the South. Food trucks, craft breweries, and natural wine bars give Austin a DIY energy that draws chefs and diners alike. It’s a place where culinary experimentation meets laid-back vibes.
3. Los Angeles
With its vast sprawl and cultural diversity, LA’s food scene is endlessly exciting. You can start your day with Armenian pastries in Glendale, grab Korean fried chicken in K-Town, continue to Pizzeria Mozza for pizza that is other-worldly, then head to Kato or Providence for an unforgettable fine dining experience. The city’s taco culture is unparalleled, and Oaxacan powerhouse Guelaguetza continues to wow diners. Add in a booming natural wine scene and some of the country’s most photogenic restaurants, and LA is always ahead of the curve.
2. Chicago
Chicago is a city of contrasts—classic and cutting-edge. Alinea remains one of the most ambitious restaurants in the world, while Girl & the Goat and Avec offer bold, shareable plates in lively settings. Deep-dish pizza may be its most iconic dish, but you’ll also find top-tier Mexican cuisine at Mi Tocaya Antojería and unforgettable Italian at Monteverde. With outstanding cocktail bars and bakeries to match, Chicago is a culinary heavyweight.
1. New York City
The ultimate food city. New York’s dining scene is unrivaled in its breadth and depth. Whether it’s a $2 slice of pizza or a multi-course feast at Le Bernardin, Atomix, or Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi, there’s something here for every palate and price point. The city’s neighborhoods are a global pantry: dim sum in Flushing, Yemeni stews in the Bronx, Italian classics in the West Village, and beyond. From old-school institutions to avant-garde pop-ups, NYC is the heart of American dining.