Every State's Top City With the Best Restaurants

From fine dining to BBQ to iconic dishes and tasty sweet treats, the United States is full of delicious eateries. No matter which state you live in, you can find amazing dishes. Of course, some places stand out better than others, so we've put together a list of which cities you'll want to put at the top of your travel wish list if you're all about the food.

Birmingham delivers unmistakable flavor for lovers of all styles and traditions of cuisine, including sensational seafood and surf and turf options at the James Beard Award finalist Automatic Seafood and Oysters, mouthwatering tacos at Little Donkey and of course, comforting Southern staples at Niki's West. For some spectacular BBQ, head to SAW's for incredible pulled pork and sweet tea fried chicken.

Way up in the U.S. Northwest, Anchorage is treating travelers' taste buds to a wide range of delicious eats, whether it's the renowned Snow City Cafe serving up crazy-good brunch and lunch or sizzling pizza paired perfectly with house-brewed beer at the Moose's Tooth. A spot putting a creative twist on modern American comfort food, The Rustic Goat should also be on any foodie's list upon touching down in Anchorage.

Foodies venturing into the Grand Canyon State will want to make Phoenix their first stop. Arizona's capital city is easily among the tastiest in the nation, serving up ridiculous wood-fired pizza at spots like The Parlor, terrific tacos and hand-crafted margaritas at Taco Chelo, delectable garlic noodles, pho and other Asian favorites at Rice Paper on 7th Street and so much more. Plus, visitors can venture to nearby Scottsdale to explore the walkable Old Town and dine at stellar establishments like Diego Pops and Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse. Also, just a few minutes away, Gilbert's Heritage District is foodie bliss thanks to a collection of more than 30 restaurants dishing out everything you could dream up.

The Natural State has definitely grown into an awesome foodie destination over the years, but the Ozark city and college town of Fayetteville stands out in particular. Hammontree's Grilled Cheese is putting out the coveted comfort food travelers to this part of the country are seeking while Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria is changing the game when it comes to one of the most beloved international cuisines. But don't visit Fayetteville without sampling the BBQ. The list of great smoky and saucy restaurants is long, but Penguin Ed's Lucky Luke's, Sassy's Red House and the Whole Hog Cafe should be sufficient to satisfy any appetite.

As the second-largest city in the U.S. behind only New York City, it's nearly impossible to single out the best restaurants and foodie stops in Los Angeles but that's a good problem to have. Whether's its seafood, Mexican, Korean BBQ, classic diner grub or pizza rivaling that on the East Coast or Midwest, L.A. has it in bunches. The city's phenomenal weather also means more outdoor dining options for hungry travelers hoping to pair their meal with a view and some atmosphere.

They say that elevation can affect taste bud sensitivity but the Mile High City begs to differ. Like L.A., Denver has a flavor and texture for every type of palette, whether you're in the mood for chicken and waffles or a lobster roll. El Taco de Mexico, Beckon, Sushi Den and The Wolf's Tailor are just a few of the restaurants wowing visitors to Denver at the moment.

If it's your first time in New Haven or you're simply short on time, you'll want to make room for some of the best pizza in the country. Locals will tell you that spots like Modern Apizza and Da Legna can't be questioned. For chic farm-to-table dishes, reserve a table at the beloved ZINC New Haven. Or, maybe you're in the mood for elevated French fare. In that case, Union League Cafe just across the street from Yale University will certainly do the trick.

Baltimore and Philadelphia are definitely some of the best cities in America when it comes to great food but, in between, Wilmington stands out as places like Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront, La Fia Bistro, Tonic Seafood & Steak and Mikimotos are blowing the minds of locals and visitors alike with a wide range of culinary offerings, from smoked pork belly to sushi.

The kitchens throughout the Magic City are churning out just that. It helps that Miami is a melting pot blending Cuban, Haitian and other Latin American and Caribbean influences. The city's wide variety of perspectives shows in its vibrant art as well as the food and drink scene. Not sure where to start? Reserve a table at the one-of-a-kind House of Food Porn or head into Miami Beach to chow down at the Stubborn Seed.

Put simply, Atlanta is the number one place to eat in Georgia. The city is massive and has a tremendous history, boasting stellar steakhouses like Hal's and Bones, world-class BBQ joints in Fox Bros. and Fat Matt's, dream-worthy pies at Fellini's Pizza and Glide Pizza, seafood, Italian, Asian, Mexican and so much more. On top of all that, Atlanta's food truck scene is among the best in the country, meaning travelers are likely to stumble upon some new favorites as they explore the city.

On each island, there are amazing opportunities to delve into the culinary traditions of Hawaii, but for those looking for the most depth and breadth, head to Honolulu.

There are so many amazing places to eat, including Waikiki staple, House Without A Key, at the Halekulani, for sunset drinks and award-winning Hawaii gastropub Merriman's. There's also Michelin-starred Helena's Hawaiian Food for a more traditional menu.

Idaho is the potato state but there is a lot more than French fries and hash browns to try in the state.

Head to the mountain town of Ketchum for an alpine culinary adventure that includes Michel's Christiania for French cuisine and the Konditerai for an Austrian-inspired menu ideal for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Visitors can try organic beer and spirits in a lovely rooftop setting at the Warsaw Distillery and Brewery in the heart of downtown.

Chicago is a culinary hub of the country with its famous deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, popcorn and Italian beef sandwiches--and if you are visiting, you have to try them all.

Some of the best pizza is at Lou Malnati's, while hot dogs can be eaten at Portillo's and Al's Italian Beef is known for its Italian beef.

Wash it all down with a sweet treat at Do-Rite Donut.

Head to Indianapolis for some of the best food Indiana has to offer. Enjoy one of the country's top steakhouses with a visit to St. Elmo Steak House. When it comes to delis, no one in Indiana does it better than Shapiro's Delicatessen.

Looking for fine dining? In the vibrant Fletcher Place neighborhood, visitors will find a rotating menu of world cuisine at Milktooth.

While large cities offer a diverse menu of options to visitors, for those who want a slice of Americana, head to Canteen Lunch in the Alley in Ottumwa, Iowa, and experience the world-famous "canteen lunch." Visitors can choose from the Canteen loose meat sandwich, the cheese canteen, the egg sandwich or a hot dog. Add to that a soca, coffee, shake or malt as well as root beer floats or homemade pie.

It's also home to the World Famous Championship Canteen Eating Contest.

Kansas City may be known for its barbecue but to truly experience dining in Kansas, head to the capital of Wichita.

Notable dining standouts include American eatery Public, which features a broad menu that includes vegan dishes as well as live music--all located in historic Old Town.

In the city's historic Delano District, check out The Monarch gastropub, and on the outskirts of town, there's the elegant Chester's Chophouse and Wine Bar that is as much about cuisine as atmosphere.

Louisville is the obvious choice for culinary travelers heading to Kentucky and 610 Magnolia might be their first stop. Here they will find the delicacies of celebrity chef Edward Lee, who dishes up a modern menu with a southern flare.

In Old Louisville, there is Buck's Restaurant, which is part of the Urban Bourbon Trail, and Proof on Main, an eclectic eatery located in the 21C Museum Hotel.

There are so many must-dos when it comes to dining in New Orleans, and there are long lists of restaurants that serve up tremendous delicacies, such as beignets, gumbo, po'boys and the famous - and often potent - hurricane drink.

There are many iconic dining establishments. Stop in at Cafe Degas mussels and frites, escargot, French onion soup and more. Cafe du Monde is a must for beignets, and some of the best po' boys are at Parkway Bakery & Tavern.

When you think of Maine and food, one of the first things that comes to mind is lobster--particularly the lobster roll. For one of the best, travelers should head to McLoons Lobstah Shack, chosen by New England Today as the top lobster roll in the region.

The traditional lobster shack is located on South Thomaston island. Visitors can enjoy their rolls with a view of the sea. McLoons also features steamed Maine lobster, savory crab cakes, clams, lobster stew and more.

Head to Baltimore for Maryland's many culinary delights. There are a few neighborhoods foodies will find the most appealing, including Hampden, an artsy neighborhood with intriguing eateries featuring asian fusion, farm-to-table and American cuisine.

Canton is another ideal spot for culinary enthusiasts. In a village-like atmosphere, visitors can enjoy new American cuisine, Latin-inspired dishes and Vietnamese delicacies.

Foodies can also head to Fell's Point and Ellicott City, with breweries, Italian food and French cuisine.

For the most part, large cities tend to have the most 'best restaurants' and Boston is no exception. Fresh seafood is a staple here, of course. Neptune Oyster in the North End and Saltie Girl in the Back Bay are outstanding. And with a thriving Italian community, dishes from the old country are second only to seafood. Try Geppetto in the Cambridge neighborhood. Tell them we sent you.

Detroit will always have a special place in our hearts - the soul food is to die for and we still believe it has better deep-dish pizza than Chicago. But for our money, Grand Rapids is a foodie paradise. The Sovengard is heavily skewed with great Scandinavian dishes. The Chop House leads a group of terrific steakhouses in the city.

The twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul are not only a great destination in the U.S. but in the world. That's according to chefs who were interviewed in a Bloomberg News story in 2019. In particular, chef Gavin Kaysen's restaurants - Spoon & Stable, Demi and Bellcour - were all lauded and worth being on your agenda.

If you ever find yourself in the small town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, we got you covered. You might not have heard of it - it's not even close to being the biggest city in the state - but the food is to die for. Be sure to visit The Shed, where the barbecue sauce alone has won more than two dozen culinary awards. Then make a beeline for Aunt Jenny's, which has some of the tastiest catfish on the bayou.

Kansas City. And it's not even close. Kansas City barbecue is legendary led by, of course, by the famous Arthur Bryant's. But we would double up, having BBQ for lunch and dinner, just to make sure we also hit Slap's, Chef J, Big T's, Joe's …. Need we go on? Because we could, it's that good.

Billings and Bozeman have fine establishments, but Missoula is our favorite. For one, in the midst of red meat country, Missoula hosts a great Asian place downtown called SakeTome Sushi. Caffe Dolce has a great outdoor patio. There's also Montana Ale Works, the upscale Plonk, and the great Brazilian restaurant Five On Black.

Who are we to argue with Food & Wine magazine? The publication last year named Omaha as one of America's next great food cities, especially the town's touristy Blackstone District. The Committee Chophouse at the Cottonwood Hotel was a favorite, as was the El Arepon for Venezuelan food, The Switch, and Crescent Moon.

Hands-down it's Las Vegas. Sin City long ago transformed itself from a gambling mecca to a destination, and catering to foodies has been a part of it. Primal Steakhouse and Edge Steakhouse are neck-and-neck for the meat lovers; you can't go wrong with either. New York City Italian staple Fresco has an outpost in Vegas. Grab a great burger at Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews without breaking the bank.

Eat your way through Portsmouth and spoil yourself. For elegance, try Ristorante Massimo. Four has a wood-fired oven that gives a unique flavoring to just about anything. And the Black Trumpet Bistro is this funky melding of New Hampshire seafood with a Southern France/Northern Africa twist.

We're going off the beaten path here and onto the Boardwalk. Because while Jersey has many great foodie towns being in the shadow of New York City - Montclair and Bloomfield come to mind - sometimes you just have to step away from the filet mignon. So, go ahead. Indulge in any Jersey Shore seaside town and gobble up the elephant ears, the walk-away sundae, the Curley's brand French Fries, the Kohl Brothers Frozen Custard and, of course, a Boardwalk favorite - salt water taffy.

Santa Fe is best known for its art scene, but the city's creative flair also extends to the culinary arts. Food and drink offerings run the gamut, from the state's homegrown Southwestern cuisine-many prominently featuring the region's renowned Hatch green chile-to various global gastronomies. Here, some spots stick to serving amazing traditional fare, while area transplants and innovative chefs put modern twists on traditional dishes. You might want to hit Tia Sophia's or La Choza for old-school Mexican heritage comfort foods, award-winning progressive American cuisine at Restaurant Martín or Joseph's, or find refreshing Afro-Caribbean fusion fare at Jambo Café.

It almost goes without saying that the Big Apple is the state's foodie capital (if not the country's). It's a food mecca for all types, from discerning diners seeking Michelin-starred meals to folks who are just simply looking to experience the city's wide array of beloved local fare. Residents all have their go-to's, from street vendors and food trucks to corner delis, diners and pizza joints. Among NYC's many ethnic enclaves-Little Italy, Chinatown, Koreatown, Little India, Little Poland, Little Odessa and more-you're sure to find authentic dishes from any type of cuisine your heart desires. Besides the diversity of dishes on offer in the City That Never Sleeps, you can also count on being able to get what you're craving pretty much round-the-clock.

Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts the most breweries per capita of any city in the U.S., earning it the title of "Beer City USA" nearly every year since 2009. What's less well-known is its abundant and varied foodie scene, which locals refer to as "Foodtopia". The city is home to multiple James Beard Award nominee chefs, who are among the many culinary artists pushing the envelope here in the so-called the "Paris of the South". New on the scene is chef John Fleer's third restaurant, Benne on Eagle, at The Foundry Hotel, which celebrates a new era of Appalachian soul food that pays homage to the hotel's historic "The Block" neighborhood, as well as the region's broader African-American culinary traditions.

Fargo may be more famous for the Coen Brothers' cinematic depictions (and the spinoff FX series) than anything else, but it's also North Dakota's premier food-focused destination. The city's downtown is filled with unique restaurants and nightlife offerings. One of the area's first restaurants to adopt a farm-to-table concept, the historic Hotel Donaldson (HoDo) serves a game-changing bison burger. Other fine dining establishments include Mezzaluna for Mediterranean-inspired fare, Spitfire for high-end steaks and barbeque, and award-winning, French- and American-inspired dishes at Maxwell's. Discover authentic German brews and bites-including jäger schnitzel, currywurst and kuchen-at Würst Bier Hall's two locations, or enjoy classic deli items from BernBaum's sausage shop.

Cleveland is experiencing a chef-driven infusion of energy and innovation into its culinary scene, with farm-to-table bistros, craft breweries, bakeries and small-batch ice cream shops cropping up citywide. Native son and celebrity chef Michael Symon has contributed his own collection of restaurants-including Lola Bistro, Lolita, B Spot Burgers, Mabel's BBQ and Symon's Burger Joint-to making this Midwestern town a foodie-friendly destination. But, besides good all-American favorites, you'll also find unexpected cuisines available at eateries like award-winning Vietnamese joint Superior Pho or Ninja City, which serves modern Asian pub grub. For fine dining, try Pier W located on Lake Erie's Gold Coast, with an impressive seafood menu featuring expertly prepared lobster, scallops, cedar-plank salmon and more.

Whether you're partial to authentic local hole-in-the-wall fare, an exciting array of food truck flavors or prime steaks accompanied by white-linen service, Oklahoma City has a diverse array of eateries ready to satisfy. For a taste of some distinctly Southern favorites, head for the contemporary, high-caliber comfort food at Cheever's Cafe, a local institution.

On the casual side, you'll find the Sooner State's signature onion burgers are at their best at spots like Tucker's, Johnnie's and Bunny's. In addition to down-home dishes Southern favorites, American classics and epic barbeque, you'll also find all kinds of unlikely cuisines here, from savory pho and ramen to sizzling Szechuan and succulent sushi. And, despite Oklahoma being landlocked, fresh oysters and high-end seafood creations abound at The Drake.

A laid-back destination offering endless outdoor experiences, the trendy town of Bend also boasts a foodie culture that's on the rise. Many of its awesome eateries maintain a low-key vibe, pairing their tempting and varied culinary creations in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy the fresh mountain air along with mouthwatering meals served at open-air Old Mill District venues, snag something from one of the food carts, or settle in for a while at one of the beer gardens or downtown pubs. There's an array of food types to suit everyone's taste and preferred ambiance. You'll find plenty of steak, seafood, barbeque, pizza and other American favorites, as well as Asian, Indian, European, Greek, South American and Mexican cuisines, and more. Bend also boasts one of the nation's highest concentrations of craft breweries, and there's even an Ale Trail to guide you through some of the city's popular pubs and breweries.

While the Philly cheesesteak is perhaps Philadelphia's most famous contribution to food culture, there's much more to the culinary scene of America's sixth-largest city. The diversity of the city's epicurean delights stems from the contributions of more than three centuries' worth of immigrants who migrated from all over the globe. You can stick with local favorite food items or maybe some new American cuisine, or seek out some Southern comfort foods-think mac and cheese, gumbo and fried chicken-at South Jazz Kitchen. Or, go global and try out an empanada or alfajor from Jezabel's Argentine Café; savor spicy Thai dishes at Kalaya; authentic Vietnamese street eats, like dumplings, noodles and seafood, at Gabriella's Vietnam; spicy Sichuan dishes at Han Dynasty; Israeli mezze and lamb at Zahav; Ethiopian platters at Abyssinia; or Kilimandjaro Senegalese-style fish and grilled chicken.

Famous for its Gilded Age mansions and America's Cup, Newport's gastronomic scene is now garnering more national attention than ever. New food establishments are cropping up all over town, joining classic eateries like the historic White Horse Tavern, a national landmark and one of the country's oldest restaurants. Check out Stoneacre Brasserie for a refined, contemporary revamp of a classic local eatery serving French-inspired fare. Or, enjoy New England cuisine with a Mediterranean twist at the new Bar and Board bistro, where you can build your own charcuterie board, savor raw bar selections, and find a fantastic selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Those in search of an ultra-fine dining experience might consider Cara, The Chanler boutique hotel's new restaurant with an ever-changing five- or eight-course prix fixe tasting menu.

Charleston's foodie landscape consists of both old-school Southern haunts, and innovative new establishments with creative chefs who bring more modern sensibilities to the gastronomic scene. The city owes its culinary traditions to the various cultural influences that historically came from Europe, the West Indies and Africa, as well as the geography that gifted the Lowcountry with bountiful fresh seafood ingredients. If you're hankering for some prime barbeque, hit Rodney Scott's BBQ for some of the James Beard Award-winning pitmaster's slow-smoked whole hog, or maybe enjoy some pulled pork, spare ribs or beef brisket from Lewis Barbecue, along with all the fixings. You'll find no shortage of seafood offerings, whether it's Gullah Geechee-style staples at Nana's Seafood & Soul, cornmeal-dusted catfish at Husk Restaurant, and high-brow oysters and seafood dishes at The Ordinary.

Sioux Falls offers a collection of 700 restaurants to satisfy any craving, from charming bakeries to steakhouses and more! To start the day off right, visit one of the city's awesome local cafes and bakeries, like Josiah's Coffeehouse - Cafe - Bakery or the Coffea Roasterie & Espresso Bar. Lunch at the historic Falls Overlook Cafe is a must for anyone visiting the Falls Park, finished off with a delicious ice cream cone! For dinner or a late-night bite, try PAve, an industrial restaurant featuring an indoor area and a scenic rooftop bar.

It's not just for barbecue, though there are some awesome restaurants serving delicious barbecue in Nashville. It's also a great place for travelers who've already visited the city, because there are over 200 new restaurants that have opened over the past two years. Acme Feed & Seed is an iconic choice that's perfect for plenty of travelers, with a 100-year historic building that houses street-food dishes and tasty brews accompanied by live music, a second-floor lounge with a bar and sushi bar, and even a rooftop bar! The Nashville Public Market, Honky Tonk Central and Merchants Restaurant only scratch the surface of this city's incredible foodie scene.

Austin is just as much a foodie city as it is a music-lover city, with globally inspired cuisine and plenty of fun food experiences to be had. From the city's fun food truck culture to its ample nightlife opportunities with bars, clubs and live music venues, foodies won't be bored in Austin. For breakfast, check out some breakfast tacos from Juan in a Million, have a delicious and healthy vegan lunch from a food truck called Conscious Cravings and end the day right with dim sum at Old Thousand or gourmet ramen at Ramen Tatsu-ya.

The small town of Park City, Utah is most noted for its incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities, but it focuses just as hard on its culinary delights as its ski offerings. Known for its sustainability and creativity, Park City offers a wonderful blend of craft breweries, cafes, restaurants and more. A lot of establishments also offer open-air dining year-round; a unique aspect that ties Park City's ski culture to its foodie culture. Break your fast at Atticus Coffee, Tea & Bookhouse, a cafe and used book store. Visit Murdock's Cafe & Pizzeria for a relaxed atmosphere and comfort food after a day spent hitting the slopes, or dress up and visit Apex for delicious upscale, farm-to-table cuisine.

Burlington is rated one of the best foodie cities in the nation, and it's not surprising to see why. Local breweries and apple orchards produce deliciously crisp ciders, while the city itself prides itself on incredible bakeries, unique cafes and plenty of restaurants that source their ingredients from the surrounding areas. The first breakfast you enjoy in Burlington should be a Montreal-style bagel from Myer's Bagels, which has been rated the best bagels in the city after two decades of deliciousness! After half a day spent exploring the city, check out Sherpa Kitchen, a Nepali restaurant, or Cafe Mamajuana, which specializes in street foods from Africa, Italy, Spain and the Dominican Republic. For dinner, drive out to the Champlain Mill along the Winooski River, where you'll find Waterworks Food + Drink, a scenic restaurant and bar offering delicious food overlooking the river in a historic building.

Rated one of National Geographic's top ten places to travel for food, eclectic, artsy and fun Richmond, Virginia offers plenty of foodie experiences for every taste bud. Breakfast is made complete at The Butterbean, Cafe Beignet or the artsy 821 Bakery Cafe. Delicious soul food can be found at the James Beard-awarded Mama J's Kitchen, while Can Can offers scrumptious French cuisine. A newer initiative, called BLK RVA, also highlights local Black-owned businesses and restaurants, like 521 Biscuits & Waffles.

Seattle is a multicultural city offering a similarly diverse blend of incredible restaurants, and it goes way beyond the Seattle Public Market. As one of the top coffee cities in the world, it offers everything from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room (an experience all coffee lovers will enjoy) to locally owned cafes like Storyville Coffee, Little Oddfellows, Ampersand Cafe and more. Plus, its tea scene is pretty rockin', too! We recommend Steepologie, which offers over 250 teas to try. Restaurants in Seattle offer a great variety of dishes, with farm-to-table formats or creative designs. For a chic meal as stylish as your outfit, check out 2120 Restaurant, located next to The Amazon Spheres. Travelers wanting a taste of exotic flavors will enjoy Annapurna, which specializes in Tibetan, Indian and Nepali cuisines.

The charming historic small town of Lewisburg, West Virginia might not offer as many restaurants due to its size, but it makes up for it in quality. For breakfast, try The Wild Bean or The Hub, a cafe with two youth social enterprises. After a day spent exploring the town's history and attractions, take a break at the eclectic Thunderbird Taco or Stardust Cafe. At dinner, end your day with a brick-oven pizza from Hill and Holler or jazz it up with The French Goat.

From the locally crafted brews and beer gardens to the deep-fried cheese curds and James Beard-awarded restaurants, Milwaukee offers an eclectic mix of restaurants that makes exploring the city's foodie scene an adventure. The city itself offers 15 incredible restaurants with James Beard awards, including Serbian restaurant Three Brothers; Amilinda, which sources all its ingredients for its Portuguese and Spanish cuisine locally; and American-food restaurant The Diplomat, home to this year's Best Chef in the Midwest, Dane Baldwin. Year-round Friday fish fries, Oktoberfest beer gardens and summertime ethnic festivals offer great opportunities for travelers to Milwaukee to enjoy some of the best of the city's foodie culture.

As arguably the most popular city for travelers in the state of Wyoming, Jackson Hole has become a haven for local foodies and restaurateurs. Persephone Bakery Boulangerie & Cafe is a great option for breakfast, with a pleasing Parisian atmosphere and delicious baked goods and warm drinks. Whistling Grizzly offers regional cuisine, while Coelette specializes in regional high alpine cuisine. For travelers who'd like an elevated meal that doesn't include steak, try Suda Izakaya, a Japanese restaurant.