50 Best Cities Around the World for Foodies

There is no better way to travel than with your stomach. And there's no better time to do it than now. It seems like every major city is making giant leaps forward in offering fresh, local, mouth-watering fare that has locals and tourists alike bursting with excitement. Here are just a few to get you started on your buffet tour of the world.

Barbecue, beer and a bevy of beautiful locations. Austin is bursting with dining options beyond the obvious barbecue, which is world renowned. Stay for long enough and you'll discover the flavors are as eclectic as the local music scene.

From Mexican fare to clam chowder on a frigid August evening, San Francisco has it all. The Chinese food is reason enough to toss your current belt and go up a size. And if you're short on time, this is the perfect city to sightsee.

Whether it's Old Town or New Town, Edinburgh is resplendent with fantastic dining options and places to sit back and wash down your adventure with a cold one or two. Might I recommend Dusit, which is some of the best Thai in the region.

New York is insurmountable. It's a bastion of attractions and dining options. But that just means it's also the perfect town for you to conquer with some comfy sneakers and the will to amble in any direction. You are destined to hit numerous unforgettable restaurants that way.

An already gorgeous locale embraces farm-to-table sensibilities thanks to the bounty of the region. You can taste the freshness the minute you step off the plane and will inevitably try to sneak some of the doughnuts on your way out of town. Portland is an odd place that specializes in the classically delicious.

It's easy to join in with the locals and become infectiously kind when there is so much good food around town. You have plenty to choose from, but my favorite continues to be a couple hours ambling about Borough Market.

Anyone who has ever enjoyed sublime sushi at home or warmed their hearts with a bowl of perfectly prepared ramen have a bucket-list destination. It's Tokyo, and it will dazzle the eyes, fill the belly and satisfy the soul.

China is a remarkable country that beckons with myriad locales. There is no better place to start your culinary journey than Beijing, which is a duck-filled gateway to a world of possibilities. The only advice I have is to jump wholeheartedly into what will be the trip of a lifetime.

Vietnam is beautiful, beguiling and inviting. The locals are happy to open their arms and welcome you into a culture and food scene that continues to astonish the senses. You are guaranteed to have the best pho and cha gio you've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.

Thailand, like many of these destinations, offers abundant restaurant options. In Bangkok, you would do well to leave your reservations at the hotel and jump into the best street food scene in the world.

It's almost unfair that San Diego would have perfect weather and a vivacious food scene as well. But, hey, life's not fair. So unless you are local, you will only get a taste of fresh fish tacos, amazing craft beer, delectable Mexican fare and a Little Italy that demands your tourist attention.

Chicago is that grandmother who invites you in, demands you stay at the dinner table and not leave until you're a few sizes too big for the clothes you walked in wearing. It's impossible to not fall in love with this city of deep-dish, sausages and more.

When you boast Enrique Olvera's Pujol, you have our attention. But this bustling city is more than just one location. It's the epicenter of a vibrant nation that is eager to have you sample its chiles, moles and enchiladas. I encourage you to step beyond the traffic to other parts of this amazing country, but Mexico City is surely a fantastic start.

This town is colorful, eclectic and full of energy. You could say the same for its food scene, which is imbued with Cuban sensibilities but makes room for plenty of other options. It's a city that makes certain you will find a great steak as quickly and as decidedly as you can find a well prepared and grilled octopus.

At some point, Las Vegas pivoted from its interest in families to simply making sure the adults in the room had fun, and that means a deluge of dining options from the usual suspects in celebrity chefs. It's impossible to go hungry in a town wherein every casino boasts at least a couple of restaurants that will have you thinking you actually came away from Vegas winning.

While a beer crawl sounds more adventurous, there is something soothing about the sound of sampling some of the nation's most refined coffee. Add to that a lunch with the freshest oysters around and you have your next trip already set. Obviously, any trip here has to include a visit to Pike Place, which is a farmers market that also doubles as a fish-catching attraction.

Chances are great that you hadn't previously considered a trip to Cartagena. Well, chances are even better that you would love that vacation if you went. From the addicting arepa street food to the mouth-watering ceviche, this city is just beginning to open up and show the world a good time. The moment is now to get in on the fun.

Join with the other ubiquitous newlyweds and occasional celebrities in discovering this world treasure. While it's certainly a romantic destination for its ambiance, there is something to be said for its complement of curries, rolls and unbelievably fresh seafood. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do to work off the added calories.

Rome is a city that sits comfortably on a foundation of centuries of history. It's a place where you might enjoy coffee at a spot that's a century old or lunch at one of the many markets that are even older. It's also a place that will have you dizzy from the opportunities and laughing from the way it shatters your ideals on what Italian food could and should taste like.

Atlanta is undoubtedly a great destination to get acquainted with wondrous southern cooking. But it's also a place to get a smattering of all the delicacies commensurate with a modern-day melting pot of cultures. Trust me, you will not leave this place hungry.

There is an easy way to acclimate yourself to the altitude. That would be making like a local and touring a city that continues to improve its food scene with fresh new restaurant openings and craft beer selections that guarantee a great time. And you'll never be short on things to do after brunch.

It's a good thing there is the National Mall and myriad buildings of civic import to see because you are going to need to walk off those calories. Washington D.C. remains a place where you can always find a great steak and seafood, but it has really blossomed as a diverse foodie destination in recent years.

Toronto is worth your time and energy simply from a sightseeing perspective. But its evolution in recent years has made it a must-visit for foodies. It now boasts remarkable cuisine from all over the world. As The Star's Amy Pataki put it, "In one month this year, I got to try Uzbek lamb plov at Taj, Burmese curries at Royal Myanmar, Filipino noodles at Dolly's Panciteria and Moroccan tagines at Atlas."

San Antonio beckons with a food revolution ten years in the making, which means it dining options abound well away from the famed River Walk. Much like the area's attractions, San Antonio's food scene is finding its way in amazing and delicious ways.

Philadelphia is like many successful cosmopolitan locations. It guarantees diverse cuisine and has embraced gastropub sensibilities wholeheartedly. But really, let's be honest. Cheesesteaks.

They are certainly doing things well across the bay, but Oakland has its own embarrassment of riches in dining from the fine to the diner. Plus, it's often more affordable. And if you traipse north into Berkeley, you will find even more to demand those yummy sounds we love to make.

Berlin is bubbling with its energetic music and art scene. It's a precursor of things to come for a city that remains a great entry into German cuisine. But don't sleep on the Japanese food, which is some of the best around.

You will be constantly on the go in Cincinnati, especially if you are in the mood for great food. As USA Today discovered, this city has recently moved up into the echelon of more renowned American foodie cities. The cuisine is inviting and affordable. But don't you dare forget about trying the chili.

There aren't many things more pleasant than lounging around a gorgeous locale while savoring local produce amid antebellum ambiance. Some of these restaurants, by the way, are James Beard-recognized perfection. Thankfully, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy your vacation.

You can really get to know a city by sampling its produce and local cuisine. Any Florentine excursion has to include wandering an open market and tasting the possibilities. But you will really discover that this place has made the art of preparing steak its own native masterpiece.

You're probably tapping your feet just thinking about heading down to this festive hotspot, filed with luxuriously prepared food and hypnotic live music. New Orleans packs a wallop of fresh gulf options and classic Creole fare.

Montreal is its own microcosm of delight, content to soak up and share the best the world has to offer. From Australian cafes to Portuguese establishments, there is plenty to keep you satisfied. And that's well before you dig into the poutine.

Milwaukee is a fine destination to take the family. Meander past the obvious gut bombs of brats and cheese and you'll find a burgeoning craft-beer scene nestled pleasantly amid al fresco dining locations.

Some places are fortunate enough to have one or two items you have to try before departing for home. St. Louis has abundant options such as ribs, pork steak, its own style of pizza and gooey butter cake. They had us at gooey.

Like a good host, Barcelona has made things infinitely easier to try all the best this place has to offer. Guided with the courage afforded local wine, you can skip along merrily to try the transcendent charcuterie, Mediterranean selections and seemingly unending tapas options.

It's as easy to find a great bite to eat as it is to find romantic inspiration. Wine bars will have you fulfilled as will the many restaurants doling out delights such as squid-ink pasta. Rialto Market is another gem that sets this city as a destination worthy any appetite.

Madrid takes a lot of what makes Spain great and incorporates it into her cuisine offerings. Much like Barcelona, you will do well to sample snack-sized offerings throughout the city or share things like the bocadillos de calamares. There is simply too much good stuff.

Pizza and bakeries abound throughout Pittsburgh. But you have more options in the area to fill your stomach such as the nationally recognized Morcilla or the beloved Primanti Brothers. Regardless, you have your work cut out for you in trying everything.

Paradise has a packed cupboard of local favorites and imported classics. Honolulu is bursting with the kind of cuisine that will put you in the perfect mood to continue your luxurious vacation by the sea, including top-tier sushi, poke, mochi and shaved ice. Refreshing never tasted so good.

Whether you plan a trip in the spring or in the frigid wonder of winter, Vienna has prepared the perfect meal. It's a place that understands the value in slowly cooking its meat until you can gently pull it apart. Succulent is a word we might use to describe this wonderland.

Speaking of comfort food, Brussels has a relaxing date with soul-satisfying food on the menu. After sampling the amazing beer, renowned frites and soothing stews you'll need a well-deserved afternoon nap back at the hotel.

Sydney offers a quick glimpse into the eclectic and versatile ingredients this nation has to offer. But it also promises unforgettable culinary journeys to Asia with unbelievable Korean and Chinese options throughout town.

History, the Red Sox and just a good ol' fashioned good time are enough to book a flight to one of America's more beloved cities. But that's just the tip of the cap because Boston is that central location that provides high-quality versions of ubiquitous fare, such as pizza, and the locally refined, such as northeast classics like lobster rolls.

Whether you love them because of the heat or the complexity they bring to food, there is perhaps no better culinary innovation than the pepper. Chengdu is the epicenter of Sichuan and her peppery hold on this great foodie world in which we live.

There is music, dancing, fried chicken, barbecue and a healthy complement of southern cooking. But Nashville is slowly incorporating more to her repertoire. Take, for example, Chaatable, a brief food tour to India through Nashville doors.

Every great food town has its own take on street food. Amsterdam's spin is just sweeter and more delectable than most. Start with the stroopwafel. Enjoy the local cod or frites. Wash it all down with some beer and then, yes, order some more stroopwafel.

Puerto Rico is again a popular destination, and it's beckoning those with food-forward sensibilities. After Hurricane Maria, its people are determined to show their collective power and resilience and continue to do so with a culinary flourish unique to the region.

If you're in the mood for food that is fresh, vibrant and constantly evolving then make your way north. It's a place that was recently titled the best in the nation for foodies. And, ahem, lobster rolls. Don't forget about those.

Considered by many as the food capital of India, Mumbai will have you floored upon arrival and entranced upon departure. The seasonings and spices and curries will have you feeling intoxicated in the best way imaginable.

There is perhaps no better place in the world to satisfy several cravings with one fell swoop into LAX. This sprawling city takes a lifetime to conquer and boasts renowned Mexican, Korean and Japanese cuisine. And that's before you consider the street food, food trucks, diners and gastropubs that make up this dining Mecca.