Sightseeing is cool but have you ever had amazing food while traveling?
Whether trying a dish for the first time or enjoying a new spin on an old fave, the dining experience is an integral part of any trip for foodies. And while there are innumerable restaurants around the world to satisfy any gastronomical desires, the United States is a hotbed for culinary gems.
To help pinpoint the top foodie cities in the country, apartment finder service Rent.com combed through a database of over eight million business listings and identified 104 unique dining cuisines. They then narrowed down the establishments that serve at least one of these cuisines in each American city with a population of over 50,000 people, using information from the U.S. Census 2019 population estimates.
Here are the top ten foodie cities in the US, according to Rent.com. See if your city made the list.
1. New York City, New York
With a population of over eight million people, it’s no surprise that the Big Apple tops the list. The city that never sleeps is a Mecca for foodies. The diversity is reflected in the cuisine options. Even the Avengers were able to find a late-night shawarma joint after the Battle for New York.
Most popular cuisines: American, Deli, Italian
2. Chicago, Illinois
If we’re being honest, Chicago could get on this list by the strength of their famed deep-dish pizzas, brimming with a generous portion of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. But according to Rent.com, their steak and Italian beef sandwiches are nothing to sniff at either.
Most popular cuisines: American, Mexican, Pizza
3. Los Angeles, California
California native Meghan Markle is a huge fan of her home-state’s renowned fish tacos, made Baja style with flaky white fish on warm corn tortillas and topped with grilled peppers, onions, and a dash of fresh lime. But this iconic meal is just one of the myriad you will find in this diverse city which has everything from food trucks to upscale restaurants.
Most popular cuisines: Mexican, American, Burgers
4. San Francisco, California
Los Angeles isn’t the only foodie paradise in California. In the north, San Francisco can also lay claim to culinary supremacy. The two cities are tied for third on the list. Choose from a variety to satisfy every palate, including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Burmese, Fusion, and Peruvian.
Most popular cuisines: American, Asian, New American
5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you haven’t had a Philly cheesesteak, did you really go to Philadelphia? The City of Brotherly Love is known for good hoagies but its dining scene extends beyond that thanks to Italian- American roots and a robust immigrant culture.
Most popular cuisines: Pizza, American, Deli
6. San Diego, California
California is making its presence felt on the foodie landscape as San Diego comes in tied for fifth place. With Mexico just 17 miles away, San Diego cuisine is infused with those distinct flavors. There’s also an abundance of fresh seafood thanks to the city’s coastal proximity.
Most popular cuisines: American, Mexican, Deli
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
There’s more to the city than the strip and celebrity restaurants. There’s almost every food imaginable to suit any budget including tacos, sushi, and brunch.
Most popular cuisines: American, Mexican, Burgers
8. Washington, DC
Food in this political battleground is a bipartisan issue. After all, it’s pretty hard to disagree with a great meal. This is another diverse city that boasts a plethora of dining options.
Most popular cuisines: American, Deli, New American
9. Houston, Texas
Texas is all about barbecue and H-town is a haven for meat lovers. But besides the smoky brisket, there’s also West African, Salvadoran, Venezuelan, and Vegetarian fare.
Most popular cuisines: Mexican, American, Burgers
10. Seattle, Washington
Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is legendary. It was home to the Original Starbucks in 1971. But what it’s more commonly known for is the insane fresh seafood selection, farmers market, and specialty foods. It is basically the centerpiece of Seattle’s dining experience.
Most popular cuisines: American, Pizza, Deli
11. Portland, Oregon
Street food lovers unite. Tied for ninth on the list is arguably the food cart capital of the world, Portland, Oregon. These convenient to-go spots offer everything from soul food to Vietnamese.
Most popular cuisines: American, Pizza, Deli
See the entire list at Rent.com.