10 Can't-Miss Foodie Destinations Across the U.S.

Craving innovative cuisine and hidden food gems without leaving the country? Luckily, the United States is home to dozens of remarkable food cities brimming with highly-lauded restaurants, local flavors, and everything in between. From large metropolises like New York City and San Francisco to unexpected picks like Greenville, South Carolina, here are 10 of the best destinations for feasting across America.

New York City represents a melting pot of cultures, which means food lovers can enjoy any type of cuisine within its 300-square-mile radius. Authentic dim sum in Chinatown, mouthwatering pastrami sandwiches at iconic Jewish delis like Katz's, Polish bakeries in Greenpoint, and Italian fare in The Bronx and Staten Island offer just a taste. With over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants ranging from fine dining establishments like Le Bernardin to noodle bars like Jeju, culinary adventures await around every corner.

In New Orleans, Creole and Cajun influences infuse local specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish etouffee and muffulettas, while beignets from Cafe Du Monde and Sazeracs from The Roosevelt Hotel's Sazerac Bar capture the city's French-meets-Southern flair. With options spanning high-end tasting menus at innovative restaurants like Peche Seafood Grill to po' boys at iconic local joints like Domilise's, The Big Easy delivers big flavor.

Beyond its famous deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, the Windy City boasts over 50 James Beard Award-winning chefs and 20-plus Michelin-starred restaurants, including pioneering Alinea. New additions like the Chicago Winery and Kindling showcase the city's ever-evolving food scene.

In San Francisco, diners can indulge in dozens of Michelin-starred meals at restaurants like Atelier Crenn and Lazy Bear. More casual options abound too, from sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery to Mission burritos at Taqueria Cancún. A visit to the Ferry Building Marketplace offers a tasty introduction to the city's famed food purveyors.

Houston's diverse culinary landscape spans Viet-Cajun fare at Crawfish & Noodles to Southeast Asian-Latin flavors at Hawker Street Food Bar. Its burgeoning food truck scene, including award-winning Korean-Mexican fusion from Coreanos, adds to the dynamic options.

Tucson became America's first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015 for its ancient Native American and Mexican foodways. Prickly pear margaritas and cactus products remain pillars of the city's distinct Southwest cuisine spotlighting local ingredients. Beyond beloved mainstays, 13 new eateries are coming in 2023.

In Cleveland, West Side Market vendors showcase the city's blend of diverse ethnic fare. Exploring neighborhoods like AsiaTown and Slavic Village offers opportunities to taste their cuisines. Upstarts like Cordelia and The Judith join mainstay restaurants dishing out Cleveland's eclectic offerings.

Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville delights visitors with its constantly changing restaurant scene. James Beard Award-winners like Chai Pani and Cúrate plus smoked meat palace Buxton Hall Barbecue capture the mountain town's food-focused ethos.

While known for bourbon, Louisville boasts 2,500+ restaurants and award-winning chefs. From the Urban Bourbon Trail's array of whiskey-infused dining to the classic Hot Brown sandwich, Louisville marries its iconic liquor with tasty eats.

Former cotton mill town Greenville has reinvented itself as a top food destination. Downtown eateries like Camp, Coral and Scoundrel plus neighborhood spots like Topsoil Kitchen & Market showcase local ingredients through creative cooking.

So whether craving a crawfish boil in The Big Easy or pierogies in Cleveland, food lovers will discover delightful cuisine throughout America's cities both big and small.