We all know about the big US cities famed for their fantastic food. But what about the lesser-known places, quietly serving up some of the most delicious creations around? We're talking about the enclaves that punch above their weight in the food stakes, whether that means a tiny (but talked about) neighbourhood in a big city or a hub of restaurants that only locals know about. From up-and-coming destinations to legendary barbecue districts with worldwide acclaim, these neighbourhoods are best visited with a sense of culinary adventure – and a big appetite.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best foodie neighbourhoods and districts in every US state, counting down to the most delicious of them all.

Our ranking is based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. Some subjectivity is unavoidable.

Founded in 1631 by Dutch settlers, Lewes is rich in history and has miles of beautiful beaches, making it one of Delaware’s top holiday spots. For a small city of just over 3,000 people, this coastal charmer has an impressive concentration of top-notch restaurants, all within a half-square mile of the Lewes Historic District. Beachgoers can dust off and feast on sophisticated seasonal comfort food at James Beard Award–nominated Heirloom or try Eggcellent for a lazy pancake breakfast.

Once a gritty industrial area built up around Salt Lake City's railroad corridor, the Granary District is finding a new purpose as an up-and-coming centre for gastronomy, brewing and local business. A large-scale mural project has transformed the faces of many old buildings, making it a vibrant enclave that attracts locals and tourists alike. Lucky 13 serves exceptional burgers, Fisher Brewing is the place for drinks and Laziz Kitchen gets rave reviews for its colourful Lebanese food.

If you’re in Nevada and want Michelin-starred dining and celebrity chefs, head to The Strip. If you want something more relaxed but no less exciting, sunny Summerlin is a great option. This refined residential community is nestled against the breathtaking Red Rock National Conservation Area. Its eclectic dining scene offers everything from outstanding seafood and sushi at Other Mama to mouth-watering French classics at Oh La La French Bistro.

South Dakota is renowned for its natural beauty, with rolling prairies giving way to the dramatic Black Hills National Forest. But it's so much more than just a flyover state. Rapid City, and particularly its Downtown neighbourhood, has plenty to tempt foodies. Stop for dinner and a brew in Rapid City’s first fire station, now Firehouse Brewing Company or head next door to Firehouse Wine Cellars, a welcoming winery with sharing boards, signature pizzas and live entertainment.

Originally built as a company town for Avondale Mills, this historic neighbourhood is now an emerging food and entertainment hotbed with trendy coffee shops, cool stores and lively restaurants. Live music hangout Avondale Brewing Company is at the centre of it all, with the area’s top food spots just a short stroll away. Feast on sensational slow-roasted pork at local institution Saw’s BBQ or grab a pizza to go at Post Office Pies and eat it under the trees at Avondale Park.

With a population of fewer than 4,000 people, this lively and cosmopolitan town punches well above its weight in the food stakes. Head to the compact Downtown area and you’ll be met with tempting independent restaurants, cosy craft bakeries and buzzy tap rooms. Making the most of West Virginia’s top-quality fresh produce, popular places like Stardust Cafe and The French Goat have a real farm-to-table focus. The town hosts the much-loved Lewisburg Chocolate Festival every spring, too.

The largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester is a sophisticated college town boasting an array of global food options, from Nepalese momos to Hungarian goulash. Downtown has the biggest concentration of great spots, starting with local favourite The Crown Tavern, a cosy hangout where you can feast on wood-fired pizzas and huge burgers. Dancing Lion Chocolate is a fabulous café serving all kinds of tempting treats like house-made gourmet candy bars and the store’s signature Mayan drinking chocolate.

Up until recently Fargo wasn’t considered much of an eating destination but, due to an influx of hip breweries and innovative restaurants, it’s easy to eat very well here. The walkable Downtown is home to countless spots; for a taste of Fargo’s craft beer scene head to Brewhalla, which combines a lively beer hall, boutique hotel and food market. A trip to Fargo wouldn’t be complete without trying the local speciality, hotdish (a casserole of noodles, meat, cheese and sauce), at The Boiler Room.

Charleston is bursting with charming spots and upscale dining destinations, and Cannonborough Elliottborough is just one of its neighbourhoods making a name for itself amongst the foodie set. Alongside the boutiques and vintage stores, you’ll find a crowd of rising culinary stars cooking up a storm. Chubby Fish, headed by Charleston native James London, specialises in fresh seafood dishes, while Estadio offers an authentic taste of Spanish tapas.

Conveniently located on the tree-lined grounds surrounding the Wisconsin State Capitol building, Dane County Farmers' Market is the country’s largest producers-only farmers' market. Every Saturday, from April-November, locals flock to this sensational hub to grab the season’s bounty of fruit, flowers, meats and cheeses. The restaurant scene around the square has a real farm-to-table vibe, too, with upscale joints like L'Etoile rubbing shoulders with more homey comfort food spots such as The Old Fashioned.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Spenard, this friendly neighbourhood is a microcosm of Alaska life, boasting some of the city’s favourite eateries and green spaces. Stroll the pedestrian corridor at the north end of Spenard Road to find the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, Anchorage’s only dinner movie theatre, plus an eclectic collection of indie shops and family restaurants. Held every Thursday from May-September, Spenard Food Truck Carnival is also a must-visit to try food from the area’s top chefs.

Charlotte often feels like a series of different neighbourhoods rather than a major city, and Dilworth is the place to hit for good food and a warm North Carolina welcome. Locals flock to Sunflour Baking Company to get their hands on freshly baked cinnamon rolls, croissants and Cheddar biscuits each morning. For juicy gourmet burgers, you can’t beat local fast food chain Bad Daddy's Burger Bar. 

Often abbreviated as OTR, this one-time working class German neighbourhood suffered from many years of decline but has made a remarkable comeback in recent years and is now home to craft breweries, gastropubs and artisanal food stores aplenty. You’ll definitely want to stop by cherished landmark Findlay Market, a year-round hub selling all things Cincinnati, from locally made macarons to sashimi-grade seafood. During the summer, you can dine in style at the market’s on-site garden too.

This sleepy city east of Philadelphia is renowned for its fine dining scene, charming seasonal festivals and Saturday farmers' market. Collingswood was founded by Quakers and has specific laws around alcohol, but diners can bring their own beer or wine to drink in restaurants. The main action is centred around Haddon Avenue in the Downtown district; for Mexican classics with a fancy twist try Oasis Mexican Grill, where you can feast on lobster enchiladas or find modern Indian cuisine at Indiya.

This charming mountain town is known for its stunning scenery, but has also earned a reputation as being one of the best foodie spots in Wyoming. Lander’s downtown area is small and walkable and Main Street is where most of the action is. This is beef country, so visitors will want a proper cowboy meal; there are countless restaurants serving up exceptional steaks, including surf 'n' turf favourite Cowfish.

Stroll along Minneapolis’ most legendary dining corridor and you’ll find everything from crispy bánh mì from My Houng Kitchen to Mexican bakes and desserts at Marissa's Bakery. Eat Street is a section of Nicollet Avenue near Downtown known for its huge variety of food options that get more exciting by the day. For a taste of everything, head to Eat Street Crossing, a lively food hall with unique vendors slinging incredible burgers, small batch ice cream and Hawaiian Filipino street food.

Loved for its winding streets, beautiful turn-of-the-century homes and shady parks, charming Hillcrest is like its own separate village in the heart of Little Rock, boasting fabulous food and drink options ranging from chic bars to creative brunch places. Heights Taco & Tamale Co. is popular for fish tacos and its signature cheese dip, while those in the know flock to the Boulevard Bread Company early to stock up on freshly baked baguettes and pies before they sell out.

Iowa is usually associated with rustic fare like corn dogs and loose meat sandwiches, but Des Moines has plenty of cosmopolitan dining destinations too. Just east of the Des Moines River lies East Village, a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood which packs a huge number of options into a small space. Try upscale new American fare at Alba or opt for a four-course menu at Lucca, a modern Italian spot championing fresh produce and flavours.

This walkable, family-friendly suburb (nicknamed ‘WeHa’ by its residents) routinely ends up on national lists of best places to live, and it’s easy to see why. All of its neighbourhoods have something different to offer foodies, but West Hartford Center is a particular haven with Spanish, Japanese, German, Afghan and Jamaican cuisines all available within a mile radius. Make sure you head to Max’s Oyster Bar for raw seafood and lobster rolls.

This thriving city near Phoenix has experienced exponential economic growth since the 1990s, with a food scene to match. Chandler’s tree-lined Downtown is where to start your adventure; those looking for a taste of the southwest will find tamales and juicy carnitas at El Sol Mexican Cafe & Bakery, while DC Steakhouse is great for old-school surf and turf. Each year the city also plays host to the quirky Chandler Ostrich Festival, held to celebrate its colourful history of ostrich ranching.

Despite being the state’s biggest city, Burlington is still something of a hidden gem, combining the homey feel of a small town with the variety you'd expect in a much larger place. Start by heading to Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian mall that has four blocks of stores, restaurants and food carts. The surrounding Downtown neighbourhood has lots of global options, but really specialises in relaxed, cosy joints, like Hen of the Wood and The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, that make the most of Vermont’s local produce. 

A trip to the Emerald City wouldn’t be complete without touring the sprawling Pike Place Market, where you’ll find fresh produce (expect to see three-foot long salmon being thrown through the air in the fish market) and exciting eateries, slinging everything from fish and chips to Russian pastries. Founded in 1907, this Seattle icon is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the US; it’s also where the first Starbucks (still going) opened its doors in 1971.

The capital city of Texas has plenty going for it, but true foodies will know it only gets better the more you delve into its neighbourhoods. One of the best for independent stores, innovative restaurants and cool bars is Brentwood. Stiles Switch BBQ is great for classic barbecue bites, meanwhile Brentwood Social House is a local favourite renowned for its coffee, fresh pastries and live music.

Known as ‘the city with soul’, you certainly don’t have to look far to find delicious down-home soul food in Jackson, whether you’re in search of chicken-fried steak, fresh seafood or Delta tamales. The Fondren Historic District has been one of the city’s cultural centres since the 1920s, and this is where you’ll find many of its best food spots, including Brent's Drugs – the neighbourhood's original soda fountain, serving diner classics to the community since 1946.

Bursting with green spaces, striking shorelines and a lovely atmosphere, Coconut Grove is filled with charm. As Miami’s oldest neighbourhood, it pays homage to its history with many restaurants, shops and areas drawing on its original Bahamian settler’s legacy. More and more local joints have opened in recent years, with hotspots including Cuban-style diner Chug’s, French favourite Le Bouchon du Grove and Michelin-starred Ariete.

Indianapolis is fast becoming a foodie city known for its affordable, casual restaurants and innovative chefs, and friendly Fountain Square is one of its most exciting neighbourhoods. After many years of post-war neglect, its recovery began in the 1990s. Today, it's one of Indianapolis' restaurant hotspots and part of its Cultural Trail. Hip diner Milktooth is a must-visit, known for its unique take on brunch with dishes like yogurt and blackberry–topped beignets and sourdough waffles.

San Diego’s historic Little Italy might not be the obvious place to visit for California’s best food, but this low-key neighbourhood really is something special. Once a humble fishing community populated by Italian immigrants, it has grown into one of the city’s most interesting attractions. Covering 48 square blocks, it’s the largest Little Italy in the US and is awash with amazing restaurants and bustling patios, including the original location of popular California chain Filippi's Pizza Grotto.

A hidden gem located just a few miles from the high-rise hotels and resorts of Waikiki, Kaimuki is the perfect neighbourhood for visitors wanting a laid-back taste of Hawaiian life. It’s home to Oʻahu's largest food market, the KCC Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday and sells everything from local honey to island-grown abalone and locally harvested sea salt. Headed up by celebrity chef Lee Anne Wong, Koko Head Cafe is the place to hit for breakfast udon and Pan-Asian brunch bites.

The Bromo Arts District is a hub of cultural activity with countless music venues and galleries. Most importantly for food lovers, it’s also home to Lexington Market, a local icon founded in 1782. The market reopened in 2022 after a $45 million redevelopment to move it to a new building, where it now inhabits a full city block and is more bustling than ever. For a taste of old-school Baltimore, head to Faidley's Seafood, a no-frills staple known for its huge jumbo lump crab cakes and oysters.

Often dubbed one of the country’s next great foodie destinations, Albuquerque is a desert gem with a truly exotic culinary scene. Nob Hill (named after the fashionable San Francisco neighbourhood) is a culinary powerhouse centred on buzzing Central Avenue, a stretch of Route 66 that’s packed with brewpubs, taquerias and late-night food trucks. Joints to add to your hit list include M'tucci's Bar Roma for a taste of Rome in contemporary surroundings and The Farmacy for breakfast tacos.

Often touted as one of New York City’s best neighbourhoods for food, Flushing is home to the city’s largest Chinatown – and what delights it houses. Wander along the bustling alleys and you'll discover street food vendors, tiny sidewalk spots and award-winning restaurants. Expect everything from authentic Sichuan specialities at Szechuan Mountain House to warming Hong Kong–influenced noodle soups at Maxi’s Noodle. 

Montana is known for its outdoor adventures and there are plenty of tasty options to fuel visitors after a day of mountain fun. Bozeman is a beautiful little city with a buzzing and very walkable Downtown that boasts an eclectic mash-up of old western buildings and hip spaces. This is a town that takes beef very seriously; you’ll taste some of the best steaks going at joints like Open Range and J.W. Heist Steakhouse.

Known to locals as RiNo, the River North Art District is one of Denver’s up-and-coming young neighbourhoods, with an impressive concentration of art galleries and hip venues. As is often the case with artsy areas like this, the food scene is buzzing, with food halls including The Source and Denver Central Market, plus exquisite farm-to-table food at Cart-Driver. Known for its colourful murals, Upper Larimer Street is the place to go for drinks and late-night food trucks.

The historic Belmont neighbourhood is a charming community conveniently located near Downtown, with real character and an eclectic dining scene. Charlottesville was named by Food & Wine magazine as one of America’s next great food cities, and Belmont is definitely the place to eat like a local. Globe-trotting delights include delicious Oaxacan Mexican fare at Conmole, modern Spanish cuisine served from a sunny patio at Mas Tapas and incredible house-made pasta at Tavola.

A maze of narrow streets with some of the city’s oldest buildings, North End is one of the country’s most famous Little Italy neighbourhoods, with a huge concentration of restaurants, delis and bakeries within a square mile. For rib-sticking favourites head to Giacomo's, renowned for its down-to-earth vibe and hearty portions, while Table Boston is a unique place for family-style sharing feasts. For pizza, it has to be Regina Pizzeria, which has been dishing out some of the city’s best pies for almost a century.

In a city awash with eclectic food options, there’s one local dish that’s particularly sacred to Oklahomans – the onion burger. This Depression-era speciality (made by smashing perfectly caramelised crispy onions onto a juicy beef patty) is as popular as ever, and Deep Deuce icon MOB Grill is the place to try one of Oklahoma City’s finest versions. Of course, this is just one reason to head to Deep Deuce, a hip downtown area known for its bars and jazz haunts.

Tourists may flock to the Sunshine City for its golden beaches, but they stay for the stunning food offering. The bustling EDGE district is said to be one of Florida's hottest foodie neighbourhoods. It certainly deserves its reputation, with highlights including everything from mouth-watering Cuban sandwiches at rustic hole-in-the-wall joint Bodega to creative vegan scoops at Plant Love Ice Cream. The area boasts year-round sunshine, so hit the terraces at Green Bench Brewing Company or enjoy Italian coffee and drinks al fresco at Intermezzo.

Over the past few years, Boise has slowly but surely grown into a culinary destination that can hold its own against northwest powerhouses like Seattle and Portland. It was named by Food & Wine magazine as one of the country’s next great food cities, and its Downtown neighbourhood is crammed with delicious options. The Warehouse Food Hall is a hub of local food stars, while the Basque Block is where you can try pintxos and charcuterie from the city’s vast Basque community.

Portland certainly isn’t lacking in culinary hotspots. In fact, it can be hard to stay on top of where the latest trendy neighbourhood is. When it comes to pure variety (both in terms of cuisines and price points), Foster-Powell is pretty unbeatable. This dynamic neighbourhood is a real melting pot of global flavours, where you can eat amazing barbecue pork bánh mì at Vietnamese bakery An Xuyen or enjoy sensational Detroit-style pizzas at Assembly Brewing.

With colourful murals, ornate Victorian homes and a fun bar scene, The Highlands is one of the oldest and most beloved neighbourhoods in Louisville. The action is centred around a vibrant stretch of Bardstown Road, known as Restaurant Row. You’ll always find something delicious here, whether you’re on the bourbon trail or want to sink your teeth into an authentic Kentucky hot brown (a turkey, bacon and cheese sandwich smothered in a cheesy sauce) at local favourite Bristol Bar & Grille.

NYC is probably the world’s most famous foodie wonderland, but for something a bit more relaxed, Downtown Hudson is the place to go. Often called the Brooklyn of the Hudson Valley, this bohemian little city has less than 6,000 residents yet the food scene has huge amounts of personality, combining James Beard Award–nominated restaurants with offbeat ice cream stores. Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions is a unique culinary destination known for its heaving cheese counter and freshly baked pastries.

Home to some of the largest immigrant populations in the country, Houston is truly a melting pot of cuisines, with offerings from Vietnam to West Africa and beyond. The sheer scale of options in the various neighbourhoods can be daunting. For pure variety and quality, Montrose is where to be. Here you’ll find quaint cafés, Mexican cantinas and Mediterranean bistros rubbing shoulders with classic Texas barbecue joints like The Pit Room and upscale spots such as Japanese favourite Uchi.

Chicago's cuisine is as diverse as its population, and the city has a neighbourhood (77 in total) for every cuisine going, from Vietnamese in Uptown to Latin flavours in Pilsen. Logan Square, in particular, has really boomed in recent years. Farm-to-table stalwart Lula Cafe has been inspiring seasonally driven chefs since opening in 1999, and still commands lines out the door, while hipster haunt Parson's Chicken & Fish serves Southern comfort food favourites from a bustling patio.

The Old Port is the place to head for Portland’s most picturesque sites and delicious bites, from golden Belgian frites at Duckfat to gourmet Maine potato doughnuts at The Holy Donut and lobster rolls at The Highroller Lobster Co. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic Harbor Fish Market and 19th-century brick buildings housing gourmet food stores and souvenir shops, this district comes alive at night with lots of bars and traditional seafood spots by the waterfront.

Loved for its quirky stores, lively music scene and excellent restaurants, the Arts District in Los Angeles is a must-visit for foodies and creatives. Here you’ll find a hub of intimate eateries, cool bars and breweries selling incredible craft beers. Popular hotspots include Bestia for rustic Italian cuisine, Yangban for Korean American dishes and Pikunico for fantastic Japanese-style fried chicken. 

Whether you're in search of juicy burgers, a slice of pizza or a steaming bowl of pho, East Nashville has you covered. Just across the river from Downtown, this bustling and walkable neighbourhood has an arty vibe that's very different to the famous honky-tonk bars Nashville is known for. Mas Tacos Por Favor, which started as a food truck, is a cosy restaurant serving fantastic tacos, while Pelican & Pig is the place for fluffy Tuscan bread and charred steaks cooked over fire.

The riverfront neighbourhood of River Market is the oldest district in Kansas City and has become the go-to place for good food since being redeveloped in the late 1970s. At its heart is the old City Market, where you can taste flavours from around the world at a wide variety of unique restaurants and gather ingredients from speciality grocers and produce stands. Every Saturday the hub hosts the region’s largest farmers' market too.

Not for the faint hearted, Buford Highway is a thriving global bazaar that stretches 30 miles from Midtown Atlanta to Buford and is made up of a community of strip malls and restaurants representing more than 20 different nations. This four-lane highway is a kaleidoscopic destination where you can taste your way around the world from Korea to Columbia, discovering something new every time you visit. Highlights include the food court at colourful Latin mall Plaza Fiesta and dim sum at Best BBQ.

Detroit’s oldest neighbourhood is named after County Cork, Ireland, as a nod to the influx of Irish immigrants who came to Detroit in the 19th century. As you’d expect, it's here that you’ll find the city’s friendliest dive bars and Irish pubs, alongside joints like Grandma Bob’s Pizza, loved by locals for its cheesy edged, Detroit-style pizza. Corktown has experienced a spike in investment recently, thanks partly to the ongoing restoration of the Michigan Central Station, so you’re never far from a good meal.

Fishtown is truly a neighbourhood of change, a heady mix of old-school dive bars, historic delis and cutting-edge eateries that merge in real harmony. This former working-class neighbourhood, named due to its history as a fishing hub, is now a magnet for creative types and foodies thanks to its thriving restaurant scene. Enjoy classic Philadelphia soft pretzels at The Kettle Black micro-bakery or hearty late-night comfort food at lauded gastropub and music venue, Johnny Brenda’s.

Old and new merge beautifully in Wichita’s Old Town, with its brick-lined streets and converted 19th-century warehouses. For a taste of authentic Kansas City barbecue, hit B&C Barbeque, a local institution known for its slow smoked, melt-off-the-bone pork and brisket. The area is also home to the weekly Old Town Farm & Art Market, plus lots of charming food boutiques, including Nifty Nut House, a candy store like no other.

There are many reasons to visit Omaha's most up-and-coming foodie neighbourhood, from trendy Kamp Blackstone food hall to the tuk tuk riders that will take you up and down the streets. But sandwich connoisseurs will know the Blackstone District best for being the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich, dreamed up at the city’s Blackstone Hotel (now the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel) in 1925 by a local grocer. You can still visit the historic hotel for a Reuben today, though the Crescent Moon Ale House is said to make an even better version.

Every visitor to New Orleans will want to experience the French Quarter at some point, but those in the know head to Bywater for its bohemian vibe and growing foodie scene. This neighbourhood has arguably undergone the most rapid change of any part of the city since the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Now, the city's candy-coloured Creole cottages sit in harmony with hip new joints. Stop at Frady's One Stop Food Store for fresh po’ boys and Louisiana classics or try Bywater Bakery for gooey cakes and excellent pastries.

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Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.