The United States is such a vast nation that the food scene in one part of the country is very different from what you might find in another part.
That’s the beauty of visiting every state over the years, as you can get a sense of the various cultures and culinary inspirations in each region.
Whether you’re curious about the most exciting bars in Las Vegas, or the most delicious street food in Los Angeles, there’s something out there for everyone.
Even though there are far too many cities to fit into a top five list, we’ve been through the exhaustive process of ranking American cities based on their culinary scene.
Below are the top five cities in the United States with the best culinary scene in 2022.
1. Austin, Texas
A proud city that combines the best of Texas heritage and a modern American metropolis, Austin is a foodie’s dream. Countless young people and families are moving to Austin from around the country, bringing with them generations’ worth of culinary heritage.
Austin is best known for its incredible barbeque cuisine. Whether you visit a highly-rated street food truck or a sit-down restaurant, you’re likely to have an amazing time. The barbeque joints in Austin are among the best in the nation.
Aside from barbeque, there’s a great Tex-Mex scene in Austin as well. You can find delicious Mexican food as well as many fusion restaurants combining trends within American cuisine with traditional Mexican fare.
2. Miami, Florida
While Miami is best known for its warm beaches and party atmosphere, the food scene is also incredible. You can find everything from al fresco seafood places to delicious brunches and authentic Cuban restaurants.
Another perk of eating out in Miami is that you can find delicious food in nearly every price range. Whether you’re hoping to sample street food for less than $5 a meal, or you want to splurge and try a restaurant that’s vying for a Michelin star, you can find it all in Miami.
One of the top-rated places in Miami is Versailles, an authentic Cuban restaurant that will leave you wondering why you’ve never tried this type of cuisine before.
3. San Francisco, California
The beautiful water, calm weather throughout the year, and relaxed atmosphere are three reasons that people love to live in San Francisco. One aspect of the city that rarely gets much attention is the food, even though it’s up there with the best in the nation.
There are over 4,000 restaurants in San Francisco, and nearly 40 of them have Michelin stars. If you’re seeking fine dining, then San Francisco is a must-visit city for you.
Where else in the United States could you try a delicious sushi taco, bottomless Chinese dumplings, authentic Mexican burritos, and incredible French patisseries on the same day? Pick any cuisine in the world and you’ll find a world-class restaurant in San Francisco.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
It’s not often that you see South Carolina mentioned in a list of the top places to visit in the United States, which is a shame. Not only does South Carolina have an incredible culture and beautiful scenery, but the food is also delicious.
Many foodies are skeptical of visiting South Carolina restaurants, but they come back from the state with a new understanding of American cuisine. The rich history in the area, along with immigrants moving to its various cities over time, has led to many delicious restaurants, including outstanding barbecue, chicken, Chinese, Italian, and seafood restaurants.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Last but not least, Las Vegas in Nevada is a dream destination for any foodie. While the flashy casinos and hugely anticipated sporting events may be what attracts most people to Vegas, they end up falling in love with the city because of the food.
When visiting Vegas, you have to check out the world-famous buffets. There are buffets in nearly every major casino and hotel on the Las Vegas strip. You can enjoy a huge breakfast if you’re hungry in the morning, but you may want to save some room for later in the day, as the lunch and dinner buffets in Vegas are truly outstanding.
Even if the buffets are not to your liking, there are still plenty of sit-down restaurants where you can order from the à la carte menu, such as Restaurant Guy Savoy in Caesars Palace, which is run by the legendary French chef of the same name.