San Francisco attracts individuals who are adventurous, free-spirited and have an eye for cutting-edge art. The fact that songwriter Tony Bennett left his heart here is actually not surprising: There are numerous things to do in the city, including jaw-dropping sights, top-notch cuisine, comfortable cafes, and a thriving nightlife. Spend an hour or two lounging by the bay with sea lions, gazing at the city from Twin Peaks, or taking a stroll around the Marina. Take a cable car ride or board a boat excursion for a cruise beneath the Golden Gate Bridge for the ultimate taste of San Francisco.

Often described as Los Angeles' more refined northern cousin, cool and compact San Francisco takes the big-city buzz exuded by its southern counterpart and melds it with a sense of small-town charm. You'll find a patchwork of cultural flowering in San Francisco's many dynamic neighborhoods here. To catch a peek at the renowned Golden Gate Bridge, follow the crowds to the trendy Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood before traveling around the water to the Presidio. But be sure to set aside some time to visit the Castro, the Haight, and the Mission District so you can experience all the many San Francisco lifestyles. And when you're ready for a break from the city, take a day excursion with one of San Francisco's top wine tours.

San Francisco's dining scene offers a variety of cuisines from across the world, as well as elegant and casual restaurants, which has earned it the title of one of the best foodie cities in the U.S. Here, you'll discover a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants, coffee shops, and areas well-known for their many cuisines, including Chinatown (Chinese), The Mission (Mexican), and North Beach (Italian). San Francisco, however, stands out in particular for its dedication to making use of what is available rather than what it can obtain.

Rankings:

• #1 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
• #2 Best Places to Visit in California
• #4 Best Summer Vacations in the USA

Some restaurants in San Francisco: Merse

a Restaurant & Bar, Cafe De Casa, Molinari Delicatessen, Pacific Cafe, L'ardoise Bistro, etc

Best Times to Visit San Francisco: September to November

The city of New Orleans is renowned for its architecture in the European style, delectable Creole food, and upbeat atmosphere. Jazz, blues, rock 'n' roll, and Zydeco tunes pour from every city crevice, serving as the city's musical backbone. But Mardi Gras, an extravagant celebration featuring Carnival-style elements including masks, music, floats, and fun, is the main attraction for many people. Even if you can't make it to Mardi Gras, you may still have fun all year long because there are festivals virtually every weekend and crowds of people leave Bourbon Street clubs until the wee hours of the morning.

If you want to enjoy in the luxurious trinity of butter, cream, and oil, New Orleans is the place to go. The city is known for its distinctive Creole and Cajun cuisines, which combine French, Spanish, Italian, and African culinary techniques with a variety of other classic southern flavors. The city is replete with eateries serving classic New Orleans fare like red beans and rice and po'boys, a sub typically stuffed with pork or fried shrimp. Gumbo, a filling stew made of meat or fish and vegetables, and Cajun and Creole jambalaya, a rice dish prepared with meat, vegetables, and Creole spices, are also common entrees on many New Orleans menus.

The Big Easy has you covered when you're in the mood for something sweet, too. Beignets, which are square pieces of fried dough covered in powdered sugar, may be purchased at Cafe du Monde, one of the city's most well-known coffee shops and a stand-alone tourist destination. Keep reading to discover more best foodie cities in the U.S.

Rankings:

• #1 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
• #1 Best Places to Visit in February
• #2 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.

Some Restaurants in New Orleans: GW Fins, Oceana Grill, Criollo Restaurant, Mais Arepas, Shaya, Red Dog Diner, etc
Best Times to Visit New Orleans: February to May

Three foods are typically associated with Chicagoan cuisine: pizza, hot dogs, and steak. Chicago and New York City are perpetual rivals for the best slice of pizza; although New Yorkers favor a wide, flat crust, Chicagoans prefer a thick crust that can support a lot of toppings. While Chicagoans prefer their beef franks on poppy seed buns with yellow mustard, chopped white onion, tomatoes, dill pickles, pickled peppers, and a touch of celery salt, New Yorkers prefer their hot dogs simply on potato buns and ketchup, mustard, or relish.

Chicago is renowned for its steakhouses, which are abundant on the Loop and the North Side. These upscale restaurants specialize in serving prime cuts of beef. Some of the most well-known steakhouses are Bavette's Bar & Boeuf in the River North neighborhood and Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab located off The Magnificent Mile. Just know that a decent steak in this town won't be cheap.

The Italian beef sandwich is a different Chicago delicacy that is well-liked by residents but less well-known to tourists. This seasoned roast beef sandwich with meat drippings and spicy giardiniera or sweet Italian peppers is seen on many hot dog stand and restaurant menus. It was developed by Chicago's Italian immigrant community in the early 1900s. However, locals advise going to Portillo's if you want to have an actual Italian beef sandwich. There are two locations in the downtown area, one on West Ontario Street in River North and the other next to the South Loop.

Ranking:

• #1 Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• #3 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
• #7 Best Weekend Getaways
  

Some Best Restaurants in Chicago: The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A., The Chicago Diner, The Capital Grille, Smoque BBQ, Doughnut Vault, etc

Best Times to Visit Chicago: April through May, between September and October

It makes sense that the most well-known name for New York includes a food reference. The city, according to experts, is teeming with great restaurants, from upscale hotspots frequented by star chefs to quaint diners. You must try some of the local cuisine when visiting this global city. Most people link New York City with pizza: A hand-tossed thin crust, a thin layer of tomato sauce, a ton of mozzarella cheese, and a variety of toppings make up New York style pizza. Although the city is home to dozens of pizzerias serving up traditional pies, residents recommend Joe's Pizza and Grimaldi's Pizzeria as two of the best places to get a piece.

In addition to its casual restaurants, New York City features a thriving farmers market and food market culture (check out Chelsea Market and Gotham West Market). Of course, the Big Apple is also home to a large number of upmarket eateries featuring international cuisine. Although the top restaurants are continuously changing, Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernadin, or Daniel should be reserved (far in advance) if you want to enjoy a sumptuous multicourse meal. A few celebrity chef-run restaurants that won't entirely blow your budget are Butter, Scarpetta, and Marc Forgione if you'd like to try out fine dining establishments with more affordable price tags.

One of the reasons New York City routinely ranks among the Best Foodie Cities in the USA is the abundance of food alternatives available there. Take advantage of one of the best culinary tours in the Big Apple to gain a thorough understanding of the city's dining scene.

Ranking:

• #1 Best Places to Visit in New York State
• #2 Best Weekend Getaways
• #4 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S
  

Some Best Restaurants in New York City: Club A Steakhouse, The Consulate, Diana of Little Chef (Little Kitchen), Olio e Piu, Levain Bakery, etc

Best Times to Visit New York City: anytime

The secret to LA's food is diversity. It also comes as no surprise that LA is where the celebrity chef craze began, with household names like Wolfgang Puck and Gino Angelini leading the way in the best kitchens in the city. At Hollywood's Osteria Mozza, customers particularly adore the superb (albeit pricey) Italian cuisine. Depending on who might be seated at the adjacent table, travelers might choose particular restaurants. Try Palm Restaurant or The Ivy in or around Beverly Hills, Fig & Olive in West Hollywood, or The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard for a star-studded supper.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, has a Little Tokyo that is more than 130 years old and has been a sushi hotspot since since the California roll first appeared in LA eateries in the 1960s. In fact, Studio City even has a section of Ventura Boulevard known as "Sushi Row." A lot of people recommend Katsu-ya, Sushi Gen, and SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa to quench a taste for raw fish and rice.

However, unless you've eaten your weight in Mexican food, you can't say you've experienced the authentic Los Angeles dining experience. For flaming margaritas, enchiladas, and nightly live mariachi music, visit El Compadre Restaurant. Order some tacos de lengua (beef tongue tacos) from a taco truck if you're feeling daring. Santa Monica and Venice Beach are known for their food trucks, which are great for grabbing a quick snack before returning to the sand. These trucks serve anything from loaded hot dogs and barbeque to sushi burritos and gourmet quinoa bowls. Join a culinary tour for a general overview of the city's diverse dining scene.

Ranking:

• #2 Best Places to Visit in November
• #5 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S
• #5 Best Nightlife Cities in the U.S
  

Some Best Restaurants in Los Angeles: n/naka, Salt & Straw, Raffaello Ristorante, Langer's, Tocaya - Venice, etc

Best Times to Visit Los Angeles: March to May and between September and November

You'll adore Napa if you enjoy eating. Additionally, you won't have any trouble finding wonderful foreign cuisine to go with your exceptional wine, thanks to the area's many award-winning restaurants. After all, a proper meal and wine combination is crucial, especially in California's wine region. However, as the majority of restaurants in Napa serve fine cuisine, be prepared to spend a lot of money when dining there. You can choose from a variety of menus, but La Toque, Morimoto Napa, and Angèle are all well-respected restaurants (and Michelin star recipients). Genova Delicatessen and Ravioli Factory is a fantastic Italian choice if you're searching for something more relaxed that won't break the bank. Visiting the Oxbow Public Market is another cost-effective option to sample a range of regional foods in a relaxed atmosphere. Another inexpensive way to experience some of the region's top-notch cuisine is to sign up for a culinary tour.

You can find similarly delicious meals in some of the nearby towns and restaurants, sometimes even for less money, if you're willing to travel outside of Napa. Yountville is home to the Michelin-starred French restaurants The French Laundry and Bistro Jeanty, which are widely favored by both residents and tourists. While in nearby St. Helena, Farmstead at Long Meadows Ranch and Tra Vigne Pizzeria serves food made using regional ingredients. Remember that you should make reservations far in advance if you want to go to a good eating establishment.

Ranking:

• #3 Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
• #4 Best Day Trips from San Francisco
• #4 Best Wine Vacations

Some Best Restaurants in Napa Valley: Cordeiro's Steakhouse, Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, Mustards Grill, Hog Island Oyster Co., etc
Best Times to Visit Napa Valley: August through October or March through May

Charleston is a well-known culinary attraction in and of itself. You can still eat some low country cuisine at any of the city's best restaurants, even if you aren't in town for one of the city's culinary events (like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival or Charleston Restaurant Week).

Husk and Magnolias are praised for their modern Southern dishes and careful service by both tourists and residents. The down south egg roll, the buttermilk fried chicken breast, and the shrimp over grits are some of the restaurant's most popular dishes. Locals and visitors alike can be found on King Street making their way to Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ to try the ribs and pork sandwiches. Bertha's Kitchen, recommended by travelers, serves authentic low country soul food. Poogan's Porch is a fantastic brunch destination and is housed in a lovely, restored Victorian home, but if you're looking for a more laid-back breakfast or coffee spot, think about The Daily or Second State Coffee.

Of course, Charleston's proximity to the water makes it a terrific place for fresh seafood, and eateries like 167 Raw, Nana's Seafood & Soul Uptown, and Gillie's Seafood will satisfy your cravings. 167 Raw is an oyster bar known for its oyster assortment and lobster rolls. Waiting for a seat at one of these restaurants can last all night during the busiest travel season. Make reservations before you arrive in Charleston if you have a specific restaurant in mind.

Ranking:

• #1 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• #3 Best Weekend Getaways
• #5 Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Some Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC: Bitty & Beau's Coffee, Queology, Halls Chophouse, Circa 1886 Restaurant, Slightly North of Broad, Revival, etc

Best Times to Visit Charleston, SC: March to May or from September to November

Seattle restaurants dish out delicious regional fare that frequently incorporates flavors from around the globe as one of the Best Foodie Cities in the U.S. Due to its position in the Pacific Northwest, which is bordered by multiple bodies of water, fresh seafood like salmon, clams, and shellfish are readily available. Other regional specialties from the Pacific Northwest include fresh berry jams, wild mushrooms, and game meats including moose, caribou, and elk. A significant Asian influence may be found throughout the city, from salad to sushi. You can eat anything you want in this city, though, so don't worry. The gourmets of Seattle appear to be impressed by everything, from the delicious vegetarian plates at Cafe Flora to the elegant classic Italian meals and wine at Altura (in Capitol Hill). The city's cafes and bakeries are known for their expertly produced coffee and delicacies; for pastries, visitors advise visiting Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle.

Seattle, meantime, has a vibrant beer scene. Just west of Woodland Park Zoo is a collection of some of the best neighborhood breweries, including Maritime Pacific Brewing Co., Stoup Brewing, Reuben's Brews, Populuxe Brewing Co., and Reuben's Brews. Visitors can explore Pike Brewing Company and Cloudburst Brewing Company, which are located closer to the city center. In addition, bars are recognized for their ambiance and premium draft beers, which are frequently served with stew or gumbo. Everyone also believes that any trip to Seattle must include a stop at the renowned Pike Place Market for some food. Consider enrolling in a gastronomic tour if you'd like some assistance exploring the market.

Ranking:

• #8 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S
• #16 Best Summer Vacations in the USA
• #29 Best Places to Visit in the USA
  

Some Best Restaurants in Seattle: Ellenos, Bakery Nouveau, Chan, Dahlia Bakery, etc

Best Times to Visit Seattle: September to October

Portland, one of the top gastronomic cities in the nation, offers a wide range of alternatives, from the luxurious to the reasonably priced. You won't have to travel far to find inexpensive food, as the city is home to hundreds of food trucks and carts, many of which are grouped together in "pods" in the downtown area. See where many of them are located by looking at these maps. Consider joining a food tour for a crash lesson in the city's culinary scene; previous visitors praised Forktown Food Tours for its amiable tour guides and their ability to accommodate a range of dietary restrictions.

There are also many more upmarket options, such as the highly regarded Le Pigeon, which serves French-inspired cuisine, and the contemporary Spanish gastropub Ataula. Other well-liked choices include traditional fish at Roe, Argentinian-inspired food at Ox, and Peruvian cuisine at Andina. Check out Imperial if you want to sample some Pacific Northwest cuisine. You should also eat a couple of times at some of the best Asian restaurants in the city. Among the countless others are Nong's Khao Man Gai, Departure, Saucebox, and Bamboo Sushi. No matter what your budget or preferred kind of food is, you won't go hungry because chefs (and locals) take delight in using only the freshest, local ingredients.

Don't forget to drink the coffee and beer that Portland is famous for. Although any locally roasted beans are a good alternative, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a well-liked option. You can choose from hundreds of craft brewers in the city when it comes to beer.

Ranking:

• #4 Best Places to Visit in Oregon
• #9 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S
• #20 Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S
  

Some Best Restaurants in Portland, OR: Pip's OriginalPip's Original, Mediterranean Exploration Company, Q Restaurant & Bar, etc

The best time to visit Portland: June to August

Any Houston resident will have strong feelings on where to eat the best Tex-Mex food, which is a staple of the city's cuisine. However, most people concur that a good place to start is The Original Ninfa's on Navigation. Try the posh Hugo's or the M & M Grill for fajitas and burritos made with halal meats if you're exploring the Museum District and the Houston Zoo. Pappasito's Cantina, where Beyoncé has been spotted, is another option.

This city is full of BBQ joints serving everything from baby back ribs slathered in sauce to tender brisket that has been slowly roasted. Locals and experts agree that Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack, Ronnie Killen's Killen's Texas Barbecue, Gatlin's BBQ, and The Pit Room are some of the best places to eat. Ronnie Killen also owns Killen's STQ, a restaurant that combines a steakhouse and a barbeque joint.

The diverse population of Houston gives the city's restaurant scene a wide range of flavors. Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine offers lamb kabobs and grape leaves; Brennan's of Houston serves Creole food; one of the two Izakaya Wa locations has sushi and sake, and Aria Suya Kitchen serves Nigerian food.

Ranking:

• #4 Best Places to Visit in Texas
• #10 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S
  

Some Best Restaurants in Houston: La Griglia, Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Nashville, etc

Best Times to Visit Houston: February to April or from September to November