When you are thinking about a travel destination the food may not be a reason most of you choose to go somewhere. However, there are many places right here in the US that have become a popular destination because of its food. Some places are popular because of regional foods that they offer. Some are popular because of the diverse options available at any budget. Some are popular because of popular festivals where food really shines. Today's post is all about foodie destinations found across the USA. If you are looking for inspiration for your next vacation look no further! I will provide 10 popular places as well as some honorable mentions.
1. New York City
New York City is a melting pot of cultures and that really shines through in the cuisine. You can enjoy any type of cuisine within the 300 square mile radius of NYC. You can find great cuisine from Chinatown to the Jewish delis. The city also boasts over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants. New York is known for its pizza and bagels especially. Not only is New York known for its great food, but it's also known for iconic restaurants. There is so much more to a great iconic restaurant than just great food. One of the places I've been that I loved was Tavern on the Green in Central Park. They serve rustic fare, and the setting was just beautiful. The setting and the environment play an important role in an iconic restaurant and NYC is rumored to have over 24,000 iconic restaurants. That is what makes NYC such a great foodie destination.
2. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA is a city full of cuisine influenced by French, Spanish, African, German, and Cajun cultures. New Orleans not only has great restaurants and food to experience, but food is also part of the travel experience. You can go on culinary history tours, sidewalk food tours, destination kitchens, and tastebud food tours. New Orleans is also home to renown Chef Emeril Lagasse. I have not had the pleasure of going here yet, but it is on my list. I especially want to try the Beignets at Cafe Du Monde. It is the most famous restaurant to find these doughnut-like specialties.
3. San Francisco, CA
San Fransisco is a top travel destination because of its culinary ingenuity. It was the birthplace of the Impossible Burger, and the first city to embrace farm to table cuisine. It is also the place where sourdough bread was perfected. The Bay area has more than 50 Michelin- star rated restaurants. The city also has a large diverse offering of restaurants of all types. The city has excellent food tours and learning experiences available. San Francisco is also a leader in using local and sustainable food sources. Some even extending their sustainability commitment to their building and furnishings. The Bay area is also home to the Culinary Institute of America one of the premiere cooking schools.
4. Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles has been a pioneer in California cuisine and fast-casual fare. LA has incredible produce and talented chefs. LA is known for its tacos, Korean barbeque, and its Armenian grilled meats. It's the sandwich though that shines. Every neighborhood has at least one sandwich of note, and many that are famous. LA is both culturally and ethnically diverse and its dining scene rivals NYC. LA is home to the famous In-n-Out Burger. It also has great street food scattered across the city.
5. Portland, OR
Portland mixes fresh local ingredients with a great community of adventurous chefs. Portland has been known as the "foodie capital of America" and "Best food city in America". Portland's food scene is not just found in the restaurants. Portland has incredible food carts and farmers markets. Portland is known for its pods. These are a group of food carts or trucks that form a group and stay in one place. Many pods now have real dining areas, some including fire pits, tables, and even stages for live music.
6. Chicago, IL
Being from Illinois, I've always heard about the Chicago style pizza, and I have tried it as a kid. I never realized how big the hot dog was in Chicago cuisine. Not just a regular beef hot dog either, premium hot dogs like the Wagyu hot dog. Anthony Bourdain was noted to admit that Chicago's hot dogs beat out the New York City hot dog. Makes me want to try one! Tip: never ask for ketchup on a Chicago style hot dog! I also never realized there were two types of Chicago pizza, the popular deep-dish pizza and the more regularly consumed tavern style which is a square cut thin crust pizza. Chicago offers more than the two types of pizza. Pizza is really something that Chicago excels at. Street food is a vital part of the Chicago food scene. Chicago is also home to the only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the world- Kasama.
7. Charleston, SC
I have always heard Charleston as synonymous with great food and it is on the top of my travel wish list. Also known as the 'lowcountry', it celebrates the bounty of its surroundings. It is influenced by Europe, West Africa, and the West Indies. Standard ingredients are oysters, rice, okra, crabs, and grits. Seafood is a must in Charleston. A well-known dish is the popular Shrimp and Grits. The lowcountry boil is another popular dish- a combo of shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and old bay seasoning. Charleston has the largest number of fine dining options per capita.
8. Miami, FL
Miami has a melting pot of cultures with a diverse food scene reflective of the cultures it contains. Latin American and Carribean cuisine are found throughout the city, with Cuban food shining. Little Havana is the epicenter of the Cuban cuisine in Miami. One of the most popular sandwiches, the Cubano, is a local spin on a ham and cheese sandwich. The food in Miami has a heavy emphasis on seafood and tropical fruits. Miami was named Bon Appetit's 2023 Food City of the Year.
9. San Diego, CA
San Diego is a blend of Spanish and American cuisine. It is well known for its seafood and tacos. There is a diversity of cuisine available and seasonal produce and seafood are bountiful. Known as 'the land of laid-back dining' due to its year-round availability of outdoor dining. Restaurants are dedicated to the farm to table philosophy. Tacos are big in San Diego with everyone having their favorite style and shop. San Diego is also home to the 2nd largest Filipino-American population and offers plenty of traditional and progressive Filipino cuisine.
10. Austin, TX
Known as the epicenter of oak-smoked barbecue and Tex-Mex. Austin is also a popular food truck locale. Food trucks are used to test new dishes before introducing them to physical restaurants. They source their ingredients locally. Austin is known as the foodie capital of Texas. Inspired by food from Mexico, American, Indian, Thai, Asian, and the Caribbean it has become one of the most interesting places to eat in Texas.
Honorable mentions:
Savannah, GA-down south cooking
Houston, TX- barbecue
Philadelphia, PA- Philly Cheesesteak
Nashville, TN- Hot Chicken
Seattle, WA- innovative dishes
Portland, ME known for its lobster
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