For foodies, the idea of traveling always conjures up images of good food. If you’re thinking of traveling to different places in the United States that are known for diverse cuisine, impeccable dining and delicious food, these cities should be at the top of your list:
Madison, WI
Wisconsin is America’s dairyland but it also has a very impressive culinary scene thanks in part to German and Scandinavian influences. The state has mastered comfort food like no other. There are also food events especially in Madison where there’s a huge farmers market every Saturday during summer. There’s also Fish Fry Fridays and Supper Clubs.
Austin, TX
It seems like lots of people from all over the globe are moving to Austin and this in turn has helped make it an vibrant food scene. You’ll find BBQ joints and food trucks everywhere, as well as farm to table setups and taco tours, to name a few. Let’s not forget the world-famous Franklin’s Barbecue is here, as well as the Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ food truck.
Miami, FL
Miami is a coastal town with a diverse food scene. You’ll find everything here – from alfresco seafood restaurants, fine dining, Cuban cuisine, and so much more. Want seafood? There’s Joe’s Stone Crab. Prefer fine dining? No problem. Check out Carbone in South Beach – just make sure you book in advance.
San Francisco, CA
There are approximately 4,000 restaurants in San Francisco with about 40 of them having been awarded the much coveted Michelin Star. Need I say more?
Sonoma County, CA
A few hours drive north of San Francisco is Sonoma County which has built a reputation for its vino. The small town of Healdsburg in particular offers a trend-setting culinary experience for those looking for fine dining. There’s SingleThread, a Michelin-star awardee that has earned a spot in the world’s best 50 restaurants this year. There are only 3 restaurants on the list.
Charleston, SC
Charleston is easily among the top foodie cities in the country. The Southern hospitality is always exceptional and not only that, but you’ll find world-famous chefs who have created their own spin on cuisine that the South is known for. Among the recommend spots here are Xiao Bao Biscuit, Sullivan’s Fish Camp, Le Farfalle and Boxcar Betty’s.
Las Vegas, NV
The Sin City is a major destination not just for gamblers and people who want to experience a one-of-a-kind nightlife, but also for foodies. There are celebrity chefs along The Strip. You’ll find places like Restaurant Guy Savoy, Gordon Ramsay’s iconic Hell’s Kitchen and of course Giada, which is owned by Giada’s de Laurentiis.
New York City, NY
New York City has the highest number of restaurants with Michelin Stars in the US (65 as of this writing) but it has more cafes and restaurants per person than any other city in the country. You can go for a classic sidewalk hot dog, a bagel, or pizza. There’s Artichoke Basille’s Pizza and L’Industrie Pizzeria, as top contenders for the best pizza. If you want a chic brunch there’s Golden Diner, if you’re looking for pastries there’s Lysee.
Nashville, TN
The Music City always finds itself on “best of” food lists and it’s known for southern cooking, hot chicken, donuts, and biscuits. Biscuit Love is second to none when it comes to biscuit making. The Nashville Jam Co. is a go to for breakfast, brunch and lunc. If you are craving for traditional fried chicken check out Hattie B’s. For Asian fusion there’s Punk Wok and for Spanish tapas there’s Boqueria Fifth + Broadway.
Bend, OR
Bend might seem like Portland’s shadow but the restaurant culture here is amazing. Lots of outdoor spaces, food trucks and coffee shops dotting the city. Bevel Brewing is a craft brewery that serves the best beers and the outdoor patio is lined up with food trucks. Others worth mentioning here are Spoken Moto (a modern coffee shop), Sen Thai Noodles & Hot Pot (Asian noodles) and The Sparrow Bakery Northwest (bakery).
