Have you ever planned your vacation around food? I certainly have! As a self-proclaimed foodie, my love affair with food has taken me to various small towns, big cities, as well as countries around the world. Not to mention that I have lived in several places with some of the best cuisines including the infamous New York City – yes, The Big Apple. If you’re anything like me, then you’ll love these 12 cities for foodie travel. From the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast of the United States, these are the travel destinations with the most mouthwatering cuisines that will literally cure your foodie soul.
Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are a few of the states in the Northwest region of the country. Known for its stunning shorelines, lush forestry, and rugged snow-capped mountains, this region of the US is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. While the area is quite beautiful and worthy of exploring, the food is also out of this world, too. Check out these two destinations with the best food in the Northwest and Pacific regions of the U.S.
1. Seattle, Washington
Known for its iconic Space Needle, Seattle Washington is a destination that foodies and outdoor explorers alike will love. For the adventurer, whether you want to spend time on land or on water, this vacation hot spot has something to offer. Spend your days exploring the trails inside Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park. Or perhaps book a whale-watching tour or chase the towering waterfalls in the area. Foodies, get ready for a treat! Seattle’s Asian fusion cuisine, fresh seafood, and of course coffee, make it the ultimate foodie destination. Famous spots include the Pike Place Market, where you can eat everything from fresh seafood to authentic Italian cuisine. One of our favorite spots is the historic Corson Building, where every plate is literally a work of art. Locals love Annapurna Café, where the Asian fusion flavors will create a party in your mouth. Between the outdoor opportunities and the eclectic food options, Seattle is one of our top travel destinations for foodies as well as adventurers.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
When you think of Honolulu, the first thing that comes to mind might be the historic Pearl Harbor or perhaps its stunning beaches. And yes, the bustling tourist town attracts millions of travelers every year who want to soak up the sunshine while basking in the beauty of the pristine Pacific Ocean waters. But Honolulu has so much more to offer. It’s also a paradise for foodies looking for the ultimate dining experience. With its blend of traditional Hawaiian as well as Asian influences, foodies will love the eclectic cuisine here. From the delicious poke bowls to colorful sushi creations to savory spam dishes to mouthwatering pulled pork (Kalua pig) offerings, your taste buds will be savoring the journey of food made with bold flavors as well as the freshest ingredients. Eat like a local at Helena’s Hawaiian Food or the iconic Rainbow Drive-In, which is one of former President Obama’s favorite spots in town. For an upscale dining experience, stop by the Original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai and savor Asian fusion cuisine inspired by celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi. Of course, don’t skip over the local spots for a smooth and refreshing shaved ice. Regardless of what your heart desires, Honolulu belongs on your list of foodie destinations.
Southwest Region
Home to the Grand Canyon, national parks, scenic landscapes, trendy cities, and diverse culture, the Southwest region of the United States is always an incredible travel destination. With cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas, it’s guaranteed that foodies will not run out of restaurants with delicious eats. Let’s take a look at these 2 cities that are among the best travel destinations for foodies.
3. San Francisco, Northern California
San Francisco is one of our favorite US destinations to travel to due to its beautiful coastlines, wine country, breathtaking architecture, and adorable walkable neighborhoods. With attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the street cars, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more, you can easily see why it’s a prime location for travelers every year. What you may not know is that the food scene in San Francisco is one of the best in the country. Boasting a total of 39 Michelin stars for 28 restaurants, this Bay Area city is one of the ultimate foodie destinations. Whether you enjoy fine dining eateries or eclectic local joints, you’ll find it here. One of our favorite spots for brunch is Mama’s on Washington Square, so be sure to stop by for arguably the best breakfast in town.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
With over 2,500 restaurants — yes, you read that correctly — you can easily see why Las Vegas made our list as one of the best cities for foodies. It’s one of the few places where you can satisfy your hunger no matter the time of day or the type of cuisine you’re in the mood for. If you love Italian, you can’t go wrong with Battista’s Hole in the Wall, which serves both Italian flavors with free glasses of wine with every meal. Yes, please! Foodies won’t run out of options here. In fact, you can easily do an around the world food tour as you’ll find American, European, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Latin American, and Australian cuisine here. Sin City might be known for its gambling, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife, but the plethora of food in Vegas is what makes this destination stand out amongst the rest.
Midwest Region
The Heartland of America is dotted with delightful small towns, farmlands, and mighty waterways. What it lacks in glitz and glam it makes up for with charm and of course, delicious food. If you’re a foodie searching for local mom-and-pop joints, then you need to add the Midwest region to your list. Check out two of the top foodie cities in the area.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Beautiful architecture and landmarks like the Sears Tower and Millennium Park are only part of the reason millions of visitors travel to Chicago every year. The other reason is…no doubt, the food. Deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches are among the iconic foods you’ll find here. Foodies who prefer small local spots will be in food paradise in the Windy City. Be sure to stop by the Fulton Market District to explore the local cafes. If you’ve never had an authentic deep-dish pizza, then stop in at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, a beloved family-owned pizza joint. Interested in other cuisines? You can find Mediterranean, Polish, Chinese, German eats and barbecue, too, making Chicago one of the top culinary capitals of the US and a great destination for foodies to visit.
6. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit might not be on your radar for foodie destinations, but the city is making a comeback in the best way. Birthplace of Motown and best known for its impact on the automobile industry, this city has a rich history and attracts many yearly visitors. Boasting a diverse culinary scene influenced by Caribbean, Italian, German, Polish, Mexican, Middle Eastern, African, and Greek cuisines, you’ll find lots of selection that will feed your foodie soul. As one of the most iconic foods in Detroit, you must try the Coney Island, a Michigan-style hot dog topped with meat sauce, diced onions, and mustard. You can stop by the Lafayette Coney Island to savor one of these Coney dogs served on a steamed bun. Don’t leave without visiting Eastern Market, you’ll love the vibe of this 125-year-old market where music, food, and cultures collide for an eclectic and unique experience. Between its rich history and its multi-cultural culinary scene, we recommend adding Detroit to your foodie bucket list.
Southeast Region
When I think about Southern cuisine, BBQ, downhome cooking, and comfort food come to mind. You know, the food that literally cures your foodiesoul. It’s no wonder that Austin and New Orleans made our list of destinations. However, we love the unique fusion flavors that Miami brings to the table, so we had to include the Sunshine State as one of our picks, too. Without further delay, here are the travel destinations in the South with the best southern and comfort food cuisines.
7. Austin, Texas
A vibrant music scene, festivals, live entertainment, fun nightlife, and endless recreational activities are enough reasons to visit the capital city of Texas. But many travelers flock to Austin for its food scene, and you should too. This college town has no shortage of restaurants and because it’s Texas, BBQ is king but so is Tex-Mex. For the best BBQ in town, stop by Franklin’s. Go early, as the lines are usually long, but it’s so worth the wait. Don’t like BBQ? No worries! Check out the trendy food truck parks that can be found around the city that’s dishing up various cuisines. You can stop by several to get a true glimpse of what this foodie city is all about. A trip to Austin is a mix of fun and mouthwatering food, making it one of the best destinations for foodie travel in the US.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
Though many people associate New Orleans with Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, and Bourbon Street, the city has a lot more to offer. Aside from its yearly festivals and lively nightlife, the Big Easy has a rich history as well as an unbelievable culinary scene. Influenced by Cajun, Creole, and French cuisine, the food is packed with some of the boldest flavors around. The restaurants dish up favorites like Po’ boys, jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, and you’ll also find beignets, too. Skip the fancy restaurants and head to Verti Marte for one of the best Louisiana Po’ boys you’ll have in your life. A true hidden gem, this unassuming joint is a favorite of the locals. If you ask me, brunch is the most important meal in NOLA, so you’ll find endless restaurants offering bottomless drinks as well as delicious eats. Of course, eating crawfish is a must, so don’t leave without feasting on those mouthwatering crustaceans. There’s no doubt that NOLA belongs on your list, it’s one of the best foodie hotspots in the US.
9. Miami, Florida
Ranked as one of the cities with the most restaurants in the country, you can easily see why Miami made our list. This bustling tourist epicenter is a hub for travelers looking for a taste of the fast life. The beaches, the art-deco architecture, the parks and museums are more reasons people visit the city. But the culinary scene here is unmatched. Whatever cuisine you are craving, you can find it in Miami, but the diverse food scene is heavily influenced by bold flavors from the Caribbean as well as Latin America. Recently dubbed as “Food City Of The Year,” you can find everything from Michelin star restaurants to hole-in-the-wall joints, and the food is delicious no matter where you choose to eat. One of our favorite hotspots is Julia & Henry’s, a food hall where you can literally dine around the world. It’s obvious that Miami is a culinary mecca and one of the most incredible destinations for foodie travel.
Northeast Region
When I think of the Northeast region of the country, 3 things come to mind – pizza, lobster rolls, and crabs. Of course, the area is also known for its coastlines, bustling cities as well as historical small towns. This makes the Northeast region of the country one of the best travel destinations for foodies who appreciate both small and large cities and towns.
10. Baltimore, Maryland
In Baltimore and the surrounding cities in Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay blue crab is king. With its main tourist attraction the Inner Harbor, the city welcomes a lot of visitors every year. Plus, there are museums, art galleries, historical districts, ball parks, as well as nearby beaches, making Baltimore a great destination for travelers. However, it’s the food that keeps visitors coming back for more. And by food, I mean the steamed blue crabs that are doused with mouthwatering Old Bay seasoning. As one of the most popular foods in the city, you can find some form of crab on the menu at most restaurants. Whether they’re served whole in a dip or as a crab cake, it’s guaranteed you’re getting the sweetest crabs that money can buy. Head to Faidley’s Seafood located inside the historic Lexington Market to savor their jumbo lump crab cakes. Foodies, after your trip to Baltimore, you’ll want to come to this foodie location again and again.
11. New York, New York
Of course, New York would make our list of foodie travel destinations, after all, there are some truly bucket list worthy restaurants in the city. It’s not only a city that attracts millions of visitors every year who come to get their taste of the Big Apple, but it’s also a haven for the foodie lover in all of us. In my opinion, New York City is the food mecca of the United States and perhaps the entire world. No matter what cuisine your heart desires, you will find it here. Of course, you can’t beat eating a classic slice of cheese pizza, but we encourage you to explore more of the best of NYC food. If you love bold Caribbean flavors, head to Brooklyn. There is no shortage of upscale restaurants either. Le Bernardin is arguably the best restaurant in the entire world and if you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, then this is your spot. You really can’t go wrong when you add NYC to your list of foodie destinations.
12. Boston, Massachusetts
Some people associate Boston with sports culture, the marathon, the prestigious Harvard University, as well as the Boston Tea Party. While the town is quite historical and a prime travel location, it’s the food that keeps people flocking to the city year after year. From its famous clam chowder to its fried clams and its delicious lobster rolls, seafood lovers will have a feast here. Its location along Boston Harbor guarantees that the seafood will be fresh and delicious. Aside from seafood, foodies will also love the Italian restaurants in town that dish up mouthwatering homemade pastas and pizzas. If you have a sweet tooth, then try a Boston cream pie or grab a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry. We also recommend baked beans, after all, Boston invented it, hence the nickname Beantown. Its historical and cultural significance makes Boston a great city to visit, but it’s the delicious eats that made us add this foodie destination to our list.
Which of these cities for foodie travel have you been to? Did your favorite destination make our list? Sound off below! Also, if you plan on cruising the highways to visit any of these hot spots, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to road trips featuring everything you need to hit the road for your foodie adventure.
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