What distinguishes a superb restaurant? What is it about a restaurant that makes us so enthusiastic that we tell everyone we know that they must visit? Maybe it's the service, or perhaps it's the best food place to visit. Maybe it's known for its high price tag, or perhaps it offers an evening unlike any other, or maybe you just spent your formative college years eating a specific sandwich after hours, and you're anxious for someone else to confirm a habit you previously held dear.
Regardless of your priorities, there are some eateries that you must visit. A bucket list is defined as a collection of to-do activities that you either wish to do once or twice; it does not differentiate between aspirational, unaffected, and apparent items.
We asked to travel and food experts for their recommendations for the best food places to eat in the United States to help you decide where to go and what to order!
So, let's have a look at some of the top best food places to visit for foodies.
17 Best Food Places to Visit
1. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza and hotdogs, but many other culinary delights are to be found here. Because of the melting pot effect of a significant metropolis, Chicago has a lot of gastronomic influences.
Of course, no trip to Chicago is complete without a slice of deep-dish pizza, and Lou Malnati's is a local favorite. Their butter crust 'Malnati Chicago Classic' pizza with lean Italian sausage is a work of art. If you must try a Chicago hotdog, head to George's Hotdogs in Bucktown and get a Vienna beef dog.
One of the reasons Chicago is one of the best food places in the United States is that it manages to elevate even the most humble meals – its hotdogs are done up like they're going to the theater!
2. New Orleans
A journey to the United States for foodies isn't complete without a stop in New Orleans. It's one of the few cities in the United States with a distinct culinary identity. New Orleans is home to numerous notable delicacies, including po'boy and muffuletta sandwiches, gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, pralines, and more. Beignets (a type of square doughnut dusted with powdered sugar) and coffee au lait at Cafe du Monde can be the start to a beautiful eating day in New Orleans.
Commander's Palace offers one of New Orleans' best gourmet dining experiences for supper. You can purchase their delicacies a la carte or order from their tasting menu. You'll have sampled the best New Orleans has to offer by the conclusion of the day!
3. New York
Eating is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in New York. The Big Apple, as it is often known, is increasingly becoming a gastronomic destination, with many visitors traveling only to indulge in delectable cuisine. Also Read 20 Places to Visit Before You Die. All About Orbitz.Com.
The cuisine scene in New York has improved dramatically over the years. From street food to upscale dining; from Italian-American staples found in Little Italy to more authentic Italian cuisine; from Chinese to Thai and Japanese – you'll find something to suit your taste buds and budget.
Last but not least, New York is the best food place globally. Whether you desire something sweet or savory, you're sure to discover something that appeals to your palate.
4. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is unquestionably one of the best food places in the United States to visit and dine. With excellent public markets, foodie truck eating places, world-class fine dining, and even ethnic enclaves that feature unique markets, restaurants, and other specialty food venues to the ethnic and cultural history, the city is bursting at the seams.
Every neighborhood in the city is food-focused, focusing on offering fresh and locally sourced ingredients, artisanal flavors, and the finest of what's available locally and throughout the world.
Old California/Mexican traditions and foods, particularly in the Olvera Street neighborhood with great cafes and restaurants serving Mexican and Hispanic flavors, are must-try things to experience in the city. Mr. Churro's churros, Juanitas' taquitos and tamales, and La Noche Buena's beautiful brunch are all must-trys.
5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
After a few drinks, if you find yourself in Philly, there are no best food places to visit than Philly's original 24-hour cheesesteak establishment. The cheesesteak (whiz wit, or just stay home) is greasy satisfaction, but the alfresco line is the main reason for your pilgrimage.
Depending on the time of year, your wait will be either hot and steamy or cold and sweaty, and it will be a lot more fun than you think. Attendance also permits you to partake in the age-old rivalry between Pat's and Geno's, located across the street.
6. Little Havana, Miami
Visitors to the United States who want to experience something new can head to Miami's Little Havana district, one of the country's top food destinations.
As a result, there are many delectable cuisines to sample in Little Havana, particularly Cuban cuisine.
Old Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, noted for its traditional Cuban sandwiches, is well worth visiting. These juicy nibbles are created with pork ham, mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese and will keep you full for several hours. Also Check Things to Do in Cancun. Best Time To Go To Iceland. Gifts For A Traveller Woman.
You may uncover the best culinary locations to visit in Miami by roaming the streets and stopping at bakeries and gelato shops, in addition to visiting these well-loved eateries managed by Cuban families. Moreish pastelillos packed with cream cheese and fruit fillings should be on your radar.
7. Napa Valley
Napa Valley in northern California is considered one of the top foodie destinations in the United States. Apart from wine tastings, one of the other things to do in Napa Valley is to sample the delicious cuisine available in nearby restaurants.
The Napa Valley offers a diverse selection of cuisines, from French to Italian. Many restaurants have kitchen gardens just outside the rear door or across the street.
Farmstead in St. Helena is the best food place to go for lunch or a more relaxed evening, with ingredients fresh from the farm and full of local flavor. And, for a truly delicious burger, go to Gott's Roadside, where you'll find a considerable wait during lunchtime. Finally, Bouchon in Yountville, a Chef Keller venture, is a terrific place to go for delicious desserts.
8. San Francisco
San Francisco is America's best food place! We could visit every weekend and not run out of great places to dine for years because there are many fantastic options.
San Francisco is unique in that it is highly multicultural. Even as a vegan, you can discover delicious delicacies in any cuisine. Shizen Japanese, Gracias Madres Mexican, Loving Hut Chinese, and Nourish café health food are some of our favorite vegan restaurants in San Francisco. The list goes on and on.
San Francisco is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants and several low-cost lunch spots. Californios Mexican, Rooh, Rasa, Taj Compton, and Curry up Now Indian eateries are our favorites. We offer restaurants with beautiful views and food courts with delicious meals. The Soup Company in food courts and Slanted Door by the Bay are two more of our favorites.
San Francisco boasts well-known Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and other ethnic districts with some of the tastiest and best food places to visit.
9. Savannah Georgia
If you're searching for a classic Southern best-food place with a stylish twist, Savannah, Georgia is the place to go. Sure, there are many grits, buttermilk biscuits, and fried green tomatoes (and other fried delicacies), but Savannah cuisine appears to dazzle uniquely.
Breakfast at The Collins Quarter Café should be included in your Savannah weekend agenda. It's the best food place to eat, but they don't take breakfast reservations, so if you're going on a Saturday, get there before 9 or 9:30 a.m.
The Collins Quarter features several wonderful gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives on the menu. Also, bring a huge appetite because their portions are rather large. Savannah is one of the best food places in the United States. You could come to Savannah just to eat alone and leave happy.
10. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, is the best food place in the United States that is sometimes ignored. It is home to star chefs and a variety of neighborhoods with both old and modern standbys. Locals can't keep up with the new breweries and restaurants that keep popping up, and visitors will never run out of fantastic spots to try.
For starters, Cleveland is home to notable chefs such as Iron Chef Michael Symon, who has a restaurant there. Lola Bistro and Mabel's BBQ are Symon's eateries on Cleveland's famous East 4th Street. Chef Jonathon Sawyer is another star chef who has appeared on The Food Network and owns the Greenhouse Tavern on East 4th Street.
This is only the tip of the iceberg; there are a plethora of other best food places to visit in Cleveland, making it an ideal vacation for foodies.
11. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is more than just a mountain town in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville, often known as "Foodtopia," is quickly becoming one of the best food places in the country.
Asheville, known for its laid-back hippy attitude, is an excellent destination for vegetarians, vegans, and plant-based enthusiasts. In addition, Asheville's restaurant industry is diverse, with many restaurants using Appalachian culture and constantly sourcing from local farms.
There are sometimes more Asheville restaurants to select from than the number of meals in the day, from Spanish tapas at Chef Katie Button's Curate to mouthwatering barbecue at Buxton Hall.
12. Nashville
For a long time, Nashville has been the best food place, luring visitors with its hot chicken, barbecue, and beef, as well as three other options. Is Nashville, however, an excellent vegan foodie destination? Yes, believe it or not!
Vegan eateries in Nashville are worth mentioning and visiting. Nashville has been rapidly expanding for some time, and as a result, new eateries are opening daily.
Make sure to try The Southern V's spicy "chicken," Sunflower Bakehouse's cupcakes, Avo's lentil walnut cheeseburger, and pretty much everything at The Beehive.
In between eat your way around the city, remain caffeinated at one of the many fantastic local coffee shops, listen to live music every night, check out the Lower Broad nightlife scene, and go for a hike in one of the many beautiful city parks.
12. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, should be on any Mexican cuisine lover's bucket list. Given Tucson's proximity to Mexico, it should come as no surprise that some of the best food places can be found north of the border!
Tucson has it all, from super-open taco stalls to upscale Mexican cuisine, and they do it well. Eating is one of the most awesome things to do in Tucson. Make sure to try as many tacos as possible, as well as the Sonora Dog, a regional specialty.
13. Philadelphia
Philadelphia is famous for being the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It is, nevertheless, the United States' cheesesteak capital.
It's no surprise that the famous meaty sandwich was created here, and there's a cheesesteak store on every corner. Two brothers, the original creators, now manage Pat and Geno, but Jim's Steaks is my favorite.
But, with so much to offer foodies in Philadelphia, you can't just eat cheesesteaks all day. The city center is lined with hip cafés, the best food places, and international cuisine. But, first, you should visit Reading Terminal Market.
It's the ideal place to grab a quick lunch or settle down for a meal because it's just adjacent to the coach station and in the fashion district. There's a lot of variety here and some of the best food places.
14. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is one of the best cuisine places in the United States. Milwaukee, the state's financial and commercial metropolis, is remarkable, but it's not on many vacationers' radars. It's therefore ideal for folks who don't enjoy large crowds of tourists.
Milwaukee is especially well-suited to individuals interested in gastronomy and museums. Indeed, Milwaukee boasts some of the greatest, heartiest meals in the United States, thanks to its extensive German immigration history in prior decades.
Friday Fish Fry, cheese curds, and fruit dumplings are some of the most popular dishes. For an authentic Wisconsin ambiance and food, I highly recommend the Lakefront Brewery. I recommend the Clock Shadow for legendary cheese curds. If you're looking for a place to stay in Milwaukee, I recommend booking a lakefront hotel close to the city's greatest eateries. Also Read Best Food Places That You Should Visit.
15. Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri, is undoubtedly one of the best food places in the United States. And, while Kansas City is famed for its barbecue, there are many best food places to eat in the city that provide a range of cuisines.
However, as previously stated, Kansas City is known for its BBQ and is one of the best dining places. They're not only one of Kansas City's best BBQ restaurants but also one of the city's best eateries. We tried their Brisket with Burnt Ends, which was excellent.
Beer Kitchen is another fantastic restaurant in Kansas City. They have a vast beer selection from both local and international breweries. In a city famed for its cattle, they also have a vegan menu and several vegetarian alternatives, which aren't always easy to come by.
16. Brooklyn
A heavily marbled porterhouse that's been dry-aged in a dedicated chamber for practically ever is the best darn steak in New York. Aged steaks in this way are unusual because it decreases them, but it also adds a level of complexity and concentration of taste that you won't find anywhere else. It is also one of the best places to visit.
Make a reservation well in advance, then behave as if you're a regular by not looking at the menu. The steak for two (or three, or four, depending on the size of your group) with sliced tomato and onions, as well as creamed spinach, is all you need. Instead, enjoy being tormented by the renowned unpleasant waitstaff while soaking in the curiously dark German beer-hall interior. Those lovely little morsels of crunchy, crisp fat taste even better since it's all part of the experience.
17. CaLafayette, Louisiana Cajun Country
There are so many fantastic restaurants in Lafayette, Louisiana's Cajun Country, that I don't have enough hours in the day to try them all. It is also a great spot to eat.
Cajun boudin (French for sausage) is a loosely packed mixture of rice, pork, and seasoning made in the region. It's used in various cuisines, but if you have the opportunity, eat it on its own to enjoy it.
When crayfish is in season, seek out a restaurant that serves them by the pound, boiled with Creole flavor, and served with local beer. The tails are the most common food, but you can also eat the heads like the locals if you're feeling brave.