Exploring the World's Best Foodie Cities: From the America to Australia
From the rich, historical flavors of New Orleans to the pleasantly caffeinated streets of Melbourne, embark on a journey with us to discover the flavors and dishes of the best foodie cities in the US and beyond.
Best Foodie Cities in the USA
The fourth biggest country in the world, America has had plenty of room to develop its fair share of culinary hubs, each with their own unique cooking styles, flavors, and local specialties. Let’s travel from sea to shining sea as we explore some of the top ranked foodie cities in the United States.
New Orleans, LA
A rich history of interwoven cultures has made New Orleans the artistic and culinary mecca it is today. From gumbo to po’ boys to beignets, there’s no shortage of flavorful dishes all throughout the city to thrill your taste buds. The Gulf waters provide a surplus of fresh seafood while Creole cuisines, Cajun cuisine, and soul food define the city’s dynamic flavor profile.
Local favorites: Fresh and filling, gumbo is a must-have of New Orleans. This thick stew, often served over rice, combines the bittersweet flavor of okra with various meats and vegetables.
Budget-friendly dining: Stop by Café du Monde for an inexpensive and deliciously authentic beignet, being fried up fresh daily since 1862.
Best restaurant in town: Guests describe their experience at Commander’s Palace like “a well-run party given by old friends.” The famous restaurant, once home to Chef Emeril Lagasse, brings together the best of Creole and American cuisine in both its traditional and original dishes.
Chicago, IL
Voted the “Restaurant City of the Year” in 2017 by Bon Appétit magazine, Chicago is a staple of American cuisine. Known for putting its own spin on traditional American dishes, the Windy City is fiercely proud of its special creations, such as Chicago dogs and deep dish pizzas. Not to mention, it’s home to champions of molecular gastronomy, or the combination of cooking and science, like Chef Grant Achatz.
Local favorites: If you’re in Chicago, you have to give their deep dish pizza pie a try. Check out Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s for an authentically cheesy, buttery, and most of all messy experience.
Budget-friendly dining: Looking for an authentic but cheap Chicago-style hotdog? Check out Superdawg, an old school drive-in restaurant that serves up franks with all the classic toppings (mustard, relish, onions, and their spicy twist on a green tomato) along with a side of crinkle-cut fries and a whopping plate of nostalgia.
Best restaurants in town: Alinea, opened by Chef Grant Achatz, is a three-star Michelin restaurant that provides an innovative and creative way to experience both cutting edge molecular gastronomy and classic fine dining all at once.
Charleston, SC
Dubbed a “small town with big flavor” by Yelp, Charleston is well-known for its Lowcountry cuisine. The lively mix of African, French, English, and Caribbean influences results in a distinct and delicious form of southern comfort food.
Local favorites: As the largest port city in South Carolina, Charleston has its fair share of yummy seafood dishes. From she crab soup (a crab soup with orange roe on top) to shrimp and grits, there’s no shortage of local classics to satisfy your rumbling stomach.
Budget-friendly dining: Dedicated to preserving diversity, Hannibal’s Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant that serves up delicious seafood specialties of the south like crab rice and shark steak, all for just around $10 each.
Best restaurants in town: If you’re looking for a nice mix of history and modernity, head over to Poogan’s Porch. Located in a Victorian townhouse, Poogan’s Porch is the oldest independent culinary establishment in the city and offers a “fresh approach” to Lowcountry cuisine.
More of the best foodie cities to check out in America:
Portland, ME.
New York City, NY.
San Francisco, CA.
Nashville, TN.
Houston, TX.
Columbus, OH.
Los Angeles, CA.
Seattle, WA.
Miami, FL.
Denver, CO.
Best Foodie Cities in the World
If you love to travel, you won’t want to miss out on the amazing culinary experiences to be had in the best foodie cities across the globe.
Paris, France
Paris is probably one of the first names that comes to mind when you think of the best foodie cities, and for good reason. French cuisine is world-renowned thanks to its unique flavors and the countless cooking techniques that French chefs have created, including flambeing, braising, poaching, and sautéing. It only makes sense, then, that the capital of France is a dream destination for any and all food lovers.
Local favorites: Though it might sound cliché, tasting freshly baked goods like croissants, baguettes, macarons, and other pastries is a must while in the city of love. If you’re looking for a hardier snack though, consider trying out a Croque Monsieur or a Croque Madame, two twists on the classic ham and cheese sandwich filled with deliciously gooey French cheeses.
Budget-friendly dining: In the more residential parts of the city, you can now get scrumptious three course meals made up of authentic French cuisine for under 20 euros. Aux Bons Crus is a great example, with a monthly changing menu that features traditional dishes like quenelles de brochet and Crêpes Suzette.
Best restaurants in town: There are countless famous restaurants littering the streets of Paris, but one that stands out as both historic and strikingly modern is Le Fouquet’s. This renowned eatery has been open since 1899 and features a menu designed by Chef Pierre Gagnaire that offers up modern twists on traditional French dishes.
Lima, Peru
Peru has made its mark on the culinary scene in the past decade, with many of its most famous dishes being perfected in the capital city, Lima. Lima’s cuisine has been shaped by a variety of rich cultures, including African, indigenous, and Chinese influences. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the city often features seafood as a main ingredient of its signature dishes.
Local favorites: You can’t visit Peru without trying ceviche. This dish is light and healthy, featuring fresh fish marinated in lime juice, seasoned with chilis, and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Budget-friendly dining: For big portions of great food at an affordable price, check out Al Toke Pez. Though the menu is somewhat small, they offer tasty, authentic dishes like ceviche alongside traditional Peruvian drinks like chicha.
Best restaurants in town: Central, named the best restaurant in Latin America by the World's 50 Best Restaurants, utilizes its menu to showcase the regions, geography, and ecology of Peru, incorporating iconic ingredients like edible clay, cactus milk, and anticucho (beef heart).
Melbourne, Australia
Commonly thought of as the food capital of Australia, Melbourne is home to a diverse range of cuisines. It features flavors from around the world, brought together by the thousands of immigrants who have made the city their home throughout history. From steak to coffee, you can find unique twists on the traditional in every corner of this multicultural city.
Local favorites: One of the first places to fully embrace specialty coffees, Melbourne is a must-visit destination for all coffee lovers. It’s rumored that the city has more cafes per person than anywhere else, so be sure to stop in and grab yourself a “flat white” for a freshly roasted coffee experience.
Budget-friendly dining: Finding delicious and cheap vegan food has never been easier than in Melbourne. Restaurants like Om Vegetarian, Vegie Tribe, and Crossways offer affordable vegan buffets that are sure to please the taste buds.
Best restaurants in town: During your stay, you have to experience the unique steak culture in Melbourne. These steak restaurants have been an important piece of the local cuisine for years. Over time, the chefs have developed their own cooking techniques to serve up their locally-sourced beef with unique twists.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Nestled in southern Mexico, Oaxaca is widely considered the country's culinary capital, with indigenous traditions and techniques that have been preserved for centuries. Known for its seven classic moles, Oaxacan cuisine stands out for its complex flavors, artisanal ingredients, and dedication to ancient cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
Local favorites: Mole negro is Oaxaca's crown jewel—a rich, dark sauce with over 30 ingredients including chocolate, multiple chilis, and spices that takes days to prepare properly. Don't miss tlayudas, often called "Mexican pizza," featuring a large, crispy tortilla topped with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Budget-friendly dining: The 20 de Noviembre Market offers incredible food stalls where you can sample local specialties at pocket-friendly prices. Visit the "smoke alley" section where you can select raw meat and have it grilled on the spot, then garnish it with fresh salsas and sides for a complete meal under $10.
Best restaurant in town: Casa Oaxaca, helmed by Chef Alejandro Ruiz, showcases the region's finest ingredients with a contemporary twist. Their rooftop dining area provides stunning views of Santo Domingo Church while you enjoy innovative dishes that honor Oaxacan culinary traditions.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong's food scene is a dazzling fusion of Eastern and Western influences, blending Cantonese traditions with global flavors. From humble dim sum parlors to Michelin-starred establishments, this vibrant metropolis offers culinary experiences at every price point across its densely packed streets and gleaming skyscrapers.
Local favorites: Dim sum is essential to Hong Kong's food identity—bite-sized portions of dumplings, buns, and other delicacies served in bamboo steamers, traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. For a true local experience, try wonton noodle soup, featuring thin egg noodles topped with plump shrimp dumplings in a fragrant broth.
Budget-friendly dining: Dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls) offer authentic local cuisine at affordable prices. Visit Gage Street or Graham Street in Central for stir-fried dishes, congee, and pineapple buns without breaking the bank. Many serve set meals for under $10 that include a drink.
Best restaurant in town: Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons was the world's first Chinese restaurant to receive three Michelin stars. Chef Chan Yan Tak's refined Cantonese cuisine features perfectly executed classics like roasted Peking duck and innovative seafood preparations using the freshest ingredients from local markets.
Read: Hunan vs Szechuan Flavor
San Sebastian, Spain
With more Michelin stars per square meter than any other city in the world, San Sebastian has firmly established itself as Europe's ultimate foodie destination. Located in Spain's Basque Country, this coastal gem combines abundant seafood with innovative cooking techniques and a deep respect for local ingredients.
Local favorites: Pintxos (pronounced "peen-chos") are the Basque version of tapas—small, often elaborate bites served on bread and typically held together with a toothpick. Bar hop through the Old Town, sampling specialties like gilda (olive, anchovy, and pepper skewer) or txangurro (stuffed crab) at each stop.
Budget-friendly dining: The pintxos bars throughout the Old Town offer extraordinary food at reasonable prices. La Cuchara de San Telmo serves creative, modern pintxos for €3-6 each, while traditional options at Bar Nestor—including their famous tortilla española—won't cost much more.
Best restaurant in town: Arzak, run by father-daughter team Juan Mari and Elena Arzak, represents the pinnacle of Basque cuisine. This three-Michelin-starred institution combines traditional flavors with cutting-edge culinary techniques, offering a tasting menu that showcases seasonal ingredients in unexpected ways.
Rome, Italy
Rome's cuisine is the epitome of "la dolce vita"—simple ingredients transformed into extraordinary dishes through centuries of tradition and culinary wisdom. The Eternal City pairs its historical splendor with unpretentious yet unforgettable food experiences, from perfect pasta to artisanal gelato.
Local favorites: Carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and gricia make up Rome's four iconic pasta dishes—each showcasing how a handful of quality ingredients can create magnificent flavors. For heartier appetites, try saltimbocca alla Romana (veal with prosciutto and sage) or supplì (fried rice balls with melted mozzarella centers).
Budget-friendly dining: Testaccio Market houses food stalls serving authentic Roman cuisine at locals' prices. Try Mordi e Vai for legendary sandwiches stuffed with slow-cooked meats, or enjoy pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) at Antico Forno Roscioli for just a few euros.
Best restaurant in town: La Pergola, helmed by Chef Heinz Beck, is Rome's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Perched atop the Rome Cavalieri hotel with panoramic city views, it offers sophisticated interpretations of Italian classics alongside one of the most impressive wine cellars in Italy.
Tokyo, Japan
With more Michelin stars than any city globally, Tokyo delivers an unmatched culinary landscape spanning centuries-old traditions to cutting-edge innovation. Japan's capital is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from precise sushi craftsmanship to hearty street food, all united by an unwavering commitment to quality and presentation.
Local favorites: Beyond sushi, Tokyo offers countless specialties worth exploring. Try ramen at one of the city's thousands of noodle shops, where regional varieties showcase different broths, toppings, and noodle textures. Don't miss monjayaki, Tokyo's savory pancake cousin to Osaka's okonomiyaki, or tonkatsu, perfectly fried pork cutlets served with shredded cabbage.
Budget-friendly dining: Depachika (department store food halls) offer exceptional prepared foods at reasonable prices, especially after 7 PM when many items are discounted. Chains like Matsuya serve satisfying gyudon (beef bowls) for under $5, while standing sushi restaurants like Uogashi Nihon-Ichi provide fresh sushi at a fraction of high-end prices.
Best restaurant in town: Sukiyabashi Jiro became internationally famous through the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi," and for good reason. Chef Jiro Ono's dedication to perfecting the art of sushi has created an unforgettable 20-piece omakase experience that, despite its simplicity, represents the absolute pinnacle of Japanese cuisine.
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