Throughout the USA, there are dozens of cities with incredible food scenes and their own unique culinary identities. We’ve searched for the very best, from famous big hitters to lesser-known hidden gems, to bring you the ultimate list of American travel destinations for foodies. Come with us on a taste bud–tingling journey as we count down to the most flavour-packed location of all.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the bucket-list foodie cities in all 50 US states. How many have you visited?

We've based our ranking on the number of exceptional culinary experiences available in each city, and on the opinions of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

Carnivores will have a field day eating their way around South Dakota's busiest city. Steakhouses and classic American grills abound (the state is well-known for its high-quality beef) – and sought-after spots include Crawford's (pictured), where the New York strip and filet mignon reign supreme. Morrie’s Steakhouse is another fail-safe option; alongside its fine cuts of beef, the special-occasion restaurant is known for its pork chops and fish dishes. 

North Dakota is one of the USA's most important farming states, harvesting enormous stores of everything from wheat to honey – so it should be no surprise that its biggest city, Fargo, has a solid food scene powered by all that agricultural might. For dinner, make a beeline for Rosewild (pictured) at the sleek Jasper Hotel, whose menu features delights such as French onion agnolotti pasta and hotdish pot pie (an upscale take on the classic Midwestern comfort dish). For breakfast, don't miss BernBaum's; the shakshuka focaccia is the best thing on the menu.

You'll be spoilt for choice on a food tour of the Iowan capital, whether you're after a solid steak dinner, creative small plates, Asian-inspired dishes like ramen and curries or classic American comfort food. Start at the 801 Chop House (pictured), whose reputation precedes it. The elegant spot, found at the Crescent Hotel, is known for its roast prime rib. Also leave time for imaginative Pan-Asian dishes at Harbinger (think charcoal-grilled sturgeon with red curry broth) and French-style pastries at La Mie Bakery.

Montanans are very proud of their beef, so it's no wonder that the state is peppered with excellent steak restaurants – especially foodie hub Bozeman. Try Open Range (pictured), an upscale spot with a menu that features such delights as bison filet mignon, baked Brie and lobster bisque. Beyond the steakhouses, there's laid-back eatery Blackbird, which offers attractively plated Italian dishes, and Urban Kitchen, whose modern American menu changes with the seasons (expect dishes like wild mushroom and spiced sausage campanelle pasta, and yellow curry vegetables with jasmine rice).

Arkansas' capital is another city that's full of gourmet surprises. Barbecue, classic Southern staples and steak are among the things that Little Rock does best. We think the best place to start a foodie tour of the city is Arthur's Prime Steakhouse (pictured), which is revered for its dry-aged prime cuts of beef. For barbecue, you can't go wrong with Lindsey’s (whose standout dish is the rib sandwich), while you can try the state's famous cheese dip at Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro. 

You won't go hungry in Kansas' biggest city. It's easy to find a solid burger here – try the Oasis Lounge, which keeps things simple with mustard, ketchup, onions and lettuce, or wrap your hands around The Kitchen's Smokehouse BBQ Burger, which features a brisket-blend patty, barbecue sauce and onion rings. For something a little more elevated, book a table at Georges French Bistro (pictured); locals love its French-inspired dishes, including beef tartare, seafood bouillabaisse and steak frites.

From the Bobbie sandwich (a sub filled with pulled turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo available at Capriotti's) to blue claw crab and scrapple (made from pork trimmings), Delaware has its own eclectic roster of signature dishes. You can try them all in Wilmington – and also dig into a thriving modern food scene. There's Bardea Food and Drink for imaginative Italian sharing plates and Snuff Mill for raved-about steak. You also can't go wrong with a trip to The Chancery Market (pictured), a new food hall where you'll find poke, burgers and Indian street food.

Casual, interesting and diverse are just some of the words people use to describe what’s happening across Juneau’s culinary landscape. Though Alaska’s capital may be on the smaller side, it’s seeing a boom in creative food concepts that make the most of the state’s natural resources. Naturally, this includes plenty of fish and seafood. At Seong’s, wild Alaskan salmon is transformed into the freshest of fish rolls and inventive fusion sushi, while Red Spruce (pictured) whips up crispy Alaskan rockfish burgers and other globally influenced street food.

Kansas City barbecue is legendary – if you're planning on visiting, you have to try it. This city's irresistible barbecue style sees low and slow-cooked meat doused in an oozing molasses-based sauce. One of the best places to try it is Joe's Kansas City Barbecue (pictured), a joint that's known for its ribs and burnt end dinners (as availability allows). If you're not in the mood for barbecue, make a pit stop at Novel, a chic small plates restaurant in the East Crossroads Arts District that specialises in sophisticated pasta dishes. 

Wyoming is better known for its natural wonders than its culinary prowess – but modern Jackson cooks up a storm. The city's steakhouses are particularly well regarded, and spots like The Gun Barrel (pictured) have been going strong for decades; diners love its elk chops and mouth-watering deep-dish apple pies. For a quick bite, coffee or breakfast, Cowboy Coffee comes highly recommended. Customers rave about the rib-sticking burritos and the cowboy croissant, which comes loaded with bacon, eggs and cheese.

No round-up of America's greatest foodie cities would be complete without the one that invented the hamburger. As recognised by the Library of Congress, the all-American comfort food was born at Louis' Lunch (pictured), when a passing customer needed a quick meal on the go. Fast-forward more than a century, and the down-to-earth spot is still going strong – but these days, New Haven's food scene has grown way beyond burgers. Visit for Mexican street food at Camacho Garage, top-notch New Haven–style pizza at Frank Pepe's, and an imaginative New American menu at Tavern on State.

The resort city of Coeur d'Alene isn't the biggest in Idaho – but its food scene punches well above its weight. You'll mostly find creative takes on classic all-American dishes here. Crafted Tap House and Kitchen is a firm favourite, offering modern feasts like chicken Parmesan with tomato jam, fontina cheese and basil mayo, and kiwi-soy marinated tri-tip steak with miso aioli. Be sure to try the Pow'Waw Food Truck (pictured), too. The cart is inspired by the traditional foods of the region's Indigenous peoples, and you can try dishes such as fry bread loaded with the Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash).

Mississippi's Oxford is small but mighty, especially when it comes to food. Some great foodie destinations are concentrated around The Square, including City Grocery (pictured), whose signature dishes include shrimp and grits, fried catfish court-bouillon (a kind of stew), and roast chicken with collard greens and mac 'n' cheese. Just off The Square, you'll find crowd favourite Saint Leo, a modern Italian spot serving tempting dishes such as pizza topped with burrata and soppressata (a type of dry salami), and linguine with clams. 

Exploring Salt Lake City's diverse food scene is an excellent way to round off a day of outdoor adventures in Northern Utah. You'll find plenty of spots dishing up thoughtful New American food here, including HSL (pictured), where the fried chicken comes in a moreish honey glaze, and the burger comes with pickled red cabbage and tomato jam. Table X is another celebrated stop; spend the evening here and graze on plates such as homemade torchietto pasta with slow-roasted cauliflower, or indulge in a multi-course tasting menu.

Think of Buffalo, New York, and you'll immediately think of Buffalo wings. They're said to have been invented at local eatery Anchor Bar in the 1960s, and many still believe that the original spot is the place that does them best. Wingnutz (pictured) is another popular joint for those who like their wings extra crispy; plus, if you try the wing flight, you'll get to sample all 12 house-made sauces. Beef on weck – roast beef on a crusty salt and carraway seed roll (a weck) – is an equally delicious, yet slightly lesser-known Buffalo dish. Grab one from Charlie the Butcher for a real taste of tradition.

Detroit has been on the upswing for some years now – and it's building a food scene that's well worth travelling for. For a true taste of the city, try a Coney dog (a beef hot dog topped with chili, onions and mustard). Rival Coney dog joints American Coney Island and Lafayette sit side by side downtown, and every local has their favourite. But there's a lot more than American comfort food on offer here; head to industrial-chic Wright & Company (pictured) for thoughtful New American plates like cheesy hash browns with garlic cocoa butter, and sea scallops with candied bacon. 

Portsmouth is one of the USA's unsung foodie heroes. It's a port city so, unsurprisingly, fish and seafood dominate menus here. Start at Black Trumpet (pictured), a buzzy bistro right on the waterfront at the Old Harbor – here, you'll find seasonal dishes such as sautéed octopus with tomato chilli sauce, and red daikon (winter radish) and potato soup. Spearheaded by chef Julie Cutting-Kelly, Cure is another talked-about spot; book a table for more upscale dishes inspired by the seasons, from grilled vegetable ravioli to lobster mac 'n' cheese.

Oklahoma's Tulsa is full of surprises – not least its stellar food scene, which is particularly strong when it comes to Mexican cuisine. Excellent places for Mexican eats include Cafe Olé, favoured for its house-made tortillas and punchy tamales, and Tacos Don Francisco, known for (you guessed it!) killer tacos and a friendly vibe. Amelia's Wood Fired Cuisine (pictured), in Tulsa's Arts District, shouldn't be missed, either; head over for empanadas and other sharing plates like roasted beetroot with ricotta. 

Like many places in the US, Phoenix puts its own spin on dishes from elsewhere. Hungry travellers can discover the likes of the Southwest Caesar Salad – lime Caesar dressing with Cotija cheese, watermelon radish, tangy breadcrumbs and pepitas, a type of pumpkin seed – at Chula Seafood (pictured), and mesquite-smoked salmon dip with barbecue chips at Valentine. For a taste of something truly local, though, get yourself to the James Beard Award–winning Fry Bread House, where diners gather for Indigenous stews and tacos.

The food scene in West Virginia's capital is sorely underrated. Make your way to Charleston and you'll come across everything from brilliant quick-service Asian joints to spots dishing up New American menus in hip surroundings. Bricks & Barrels (pictured) would fall into the latter category; here, well-executed steak dishes, seafood and burgers are plated up in a chic setting, alongside a solid menu of West Virginia craft beers. Pies & Pints (specialising in mammoth pizza pies and more craft beer) is a great casual dinner spot, too. 

New Jersey's food scene is often overlooked; after all, the small state is within kissing distance of New York City and its titanic gourmet offering. However, foodies should make the time to take a bite out of Princeton. The eclecticism of the dining scene here is part of the appeal – but you can't go wrong with pizza. Top spots include Nomad Pizza (pictured), which focuses on thoughtfully created Neapolitan-style pies, and the long-standing, down-to-earth mainstay Conte’s Pizza. 

It may be most famous (outside of the US, at least) for its association with Elvis and Graceland, but Memphis also has a fantastic food scene. Sometimes called the ‘Wing Capital of the World’, it’s home to honey-gold sauce (a sweet and spicy wing sauce) – if you want to try it, head for Ching’s Hot Wings (pictured), which helped make the sauce popular. Outside of chicken wings, barbecue and soul food also characterise the city’s cuisine. For barbecue, head straight to Central BBQ, which serves slow-smoked meat that's richly flavoured with dry rub spices and a 24-hour marinade.

You'll find a whole bunch of signature seafood dishes in Baltimore, from classic Maryland crab cakes to coddies, a fried mix of potatoes, eggs, onions, saltine crackers and cod. Book a table at the Ivy Hotel's chic Magdalena bistro (pictured), and choose from mains such as smoked duck breast and blue catfish. Be sure to try Ethel's Creole Kitchen for a taste of New Orleans, too – and don't miss a trip to Berger’s Bakery, a true Baltimore favourite that's known for its freshly baked biscuits.

Though it's often underrated, the Midwest has an impressive line-up of foodie cities, and Minneapolis is among them. It's known for its cheese-stuffed burgers (known as Juicy Lucys or Jucy Lucys, depending on where you're eating) and tater tot hotdishes – but there are plenty more sophisticated offerings besides that. Downtown's Spoon and Stable (pictured) has a stylish setting to match its modern menu, which features dishes like scallops with Jerusalem artichokes and salsa verde, and pot roast with pommes aligot (cheesy mashed potatoes). Meanwhile, Mexican restaurant Oro By Nixta dishes up beautifully executed tacos and small plates. 

Foodie cities don’t have to be huge to have a big personality. Biddeford might seem quiet, but it draws in a good deal of visitors looking to sample its excellent food. Get a feel for what the city’s about with breakfast at Elements: a café, bookshop and bar rolled into one, offering bagels and house-made pastries. Locals also love Fish & Whistle (pictured), where fresh-caught fish is transformed into the likes of classic fish and chips and smoked fish dip with fried saltines. In the mood for some spice? Try The Jewel of India, a restaurant highly rated for its authentic Indian fare.

You can get fantastic Mexican food in many spots across New Mexico, but Santa Fe really kicks things up a gear. Going strong since 1953, The Shed (pictured) is a staple, with its menu of blue corn enchiladas, tacos and bulging green chilli burritos. Laid-back Tomasita's is another fan favourite, known for its sopaipillas (traditional fried pastries); meanwhile, The Pink Adobe draws customers in with its photogenic architecture and 'New ​Mexican Cajun' eats.

Tampa's burgeoning restaurant scene is not to be sniffed at. In 2023, the city snagged three of four Michelin stars awarded to restaurants in Florida – and all three decorated eateries are well worth a visit. There's Koya, with its intimate Japanese tasting menu (pictured), Rocca, a high-class Italian restaurant, and Lilac, a modern Mediterranean restaurant based at the 5-star Tampa EDITION hotel. Beyond Michelin dining, Taco Dirty is a top spot for quick-service Mexican food, and Tampa institution Mel’s Hot Dogs has been serving affordable, reliably tasty dogs since 1973.

One of the top foodie cities in the Midwest, the Wisconsin capital offers roving foodies a lot more than cheese curds (though you shouldn't miss a taste of this state delicacy). Focus your attention on elegant restaurants such as L'Etoile, whose menu offers a lesson in New American dishes; think sea scallops with pickled serrano chillies, and beets with maitake mushrooms. Be sure to pencil in a trip to Greenbush Bakery, too – this laid-back bakery sells the city's finest doughnuts.

Music City has a food scene that really sings. No trip here would be complete without a taste of Nashville's famous hot chicken; this zingy dish is ubiquitous in the city, but many swear by Prince's, the veteran joint that invented the concept. There's a lot more to Nashville food than fiery poultry dishes, though. Try imaginative spots such as Moto (pictured), an Italian restaurant whose menu features the likes of lobster strozzapreti pasta and bucatini (hollow spaghetti) carbonara. Later, head to the down-to-earth Mas Tacos Por Favor in East Nashville for the best Mexican food in the city. 

Cleveland’s restaurant scene has seen some intense growth in recent years, and the city has blossomed into a top foodie destination. Pizza is popular here, and Vero Pizza Napoletana does a mean wood-fired version – but be prepared to wait for up to an hour for a delicious leopard-spotted four cheese or marinara pie. Meanwhile, big flavours come on small plates at Amba, from chickpea fritters with green papaya slaw to ghee-basted shrimp. Whatever you do, don’t leave Cleveland without dropping by Never Say Dive for a Dive Dog (pictured): a Kobe beef hot dog topped with caviar.

Outside of its barbecue (which is not to be missed), Alabama's food scene is often overlooked. However, the city of Birmingham is such a mecca for foodies that it's earned itself the nickname 'Dinner Table of the South.' Here, soul food, barbecue and contemporary European dining come together to make for a truly mouth-watering travel destination. Top restaurants include Johnny's, which serves both American classics and Greek specialities (think meat and vegetable lunch plates, and keftedes meatballs), Chez FonFon (pictured), a classic French bistro, and SAW’s BBQ, which serves up the city's finest meats.

The capital of the USA's smallest state punches above its weight when it comes to food. Italian cuisine is executed particularly well here, with highlights including Oberlin (pictured) – diners love the restaurant's classic cacio e pepe. Meanwhile, convivial old-school spot Andinos is known for its veal dishes. Unsurprisingly for the Ocean State capital, seafood is a big deal here; must-visit spots include Hemenway's Restaurant and the Providence Oyster Bar.

Atlanta is renowned for its creative culinary scene, which has produced such delectable dishes as Lyla Lila's duck lasagne and BoccaLupo's 20-yolk tagliatelle (both city icons). Of course, traditional eats and Southern classics are always easy to find here, too. The Busy Bee Cafe (pictured) does the best fried chicken in town, with recipes dating back to 1947 – and the smothered chicken, served on a bed of rice with generous helpings of gravy, is a must-try. For barbecue, head to Heirloom Market BBQ for Southern tradition with a Korean spin.

Just a quick hop across the Potomac River from Washington DC, Virginia's Alexandria has a dining scene that warrants a trip from the capital. Here you'll come across hip joints such as Virtue Feed & Grain (pictured), where the likes of fish and chips and surf and turf are served up in an old 19th-century warehouse. On the other hand, Vermilion is a high-end affair; its seasonal menu features delectable dishes such as Chesapeake oysters, and scallops doused in butter. 

Wherever you dine in Alaska, seafood is the big draw – which is unsurprising, given that the state has 6,640 miles of coastline. Anchorage dishes up some of the finest, alongside a world menu of Japanese, Indian and Mexican cuisines. For that stellar seafood, you can't go wrong with Orso, which serves favourites like calamari, chowder and Alaskan salmon, while the popular Snow City Cafe (pictured) is famous for its snow crab omelettes (an Alaskan delicacy). Beyond that, mainstays include Whiskey and Ramen (whose name says it all) and Ginger, which serves well-executed Pan-Asian food.

Burlington is known as the home of two very special men: Ben and Jerry. The ice cream mega-brand was founded in Burlington, and the downtown ice cream shop is a favoured stop for foodie travellers. Beyond the sweet treats, Burlington tempts diners with upscale restaurants such as Hen of the Wood (pictured), an imaginative dining spot that champions local produce. Pay it a visit to try dishes such as kale cannelloni and black bass with acorn squash. 

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is in the perfect position for harvesting amazing fresh produce. Pearl Street is the place to start your exploration; here, you’ll find restaurants, cafés and plenty of other eateries. Make the most of Pearl Street’s farm-to-table offerings by sitting down to dinner at OAK at Fourteenth (pictured), where you can sample seasonal wood-fired American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Alternatively, discover Michelin dining at Frasca Food & Wine, where the food is inspired by the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Charlottesville may be known for its wineries – but what’s a good wine without good food to go with it? The city's food scene is brimming with both beloved institutions and newer eateries offering adventurous eats that are far from the norm. Highlights include the fine French breads and pastries sold at Cou Cou Rachou (pictured), the juicy rotisserie chicken from tiny Birdhouse, and the city mainstay Riverside Lunch, where hungry customers have been chowing down on smashburgers since 1935.

Charlotte is really coming into its own as far as food is concerned. Local produce takes centre stage at spots like Restaurant Constance (pictured), which transforms meats and vegetables sourced from nearby farms into the likes of pork belly dumplings and barbecue aubergine. For something really different, book a table at innovative Counter-, which delivers more than just a meal, telling stories through food and sensory experiences. Or, for a simpler affair, take a seat at ‘modern juke joint’ Leah & Louise for a helping of oxtail and grits.

Foodies won't be disappointed on a trip to Indianapolis – a new generation of chefs is breathing real life into the city's restaurant scene. The veteran St. Elmo Steak House is an enduring favourite, serving fine cuts since 1902, but more modern spots include Nyla's, for 'chef-inspired Americana' (think pork chops with tomato bacon jam), Convivio, for contemporary Italian cuisine, Root & Bone (pictured), for inventive Southern dishes, and Rize, for stellar breakfasts whipped up using thoughtfully sourced produce. 

Offering more than just traditional Southern fare, the former mill town of Greenville has many culturally diverse eateries. At The Anchorage (pictured) there’s always something new to try; the menu is refreshed every 10 days, but recent dishes have included squid ink gnocchetti Sardi (chewy pasta in a buttery tomato sauce) and North Carolina trout. The Commons Food Hall is perfect for groups with differing tastes – options include everything from Indian street food (at Indigo Kitchen) to craft barbecue (at MooHog). Meanwhile, modern American restaurant CAMP takes inspiration from around the world with a lineup featuring goats’ cheese gnudi dumplings, octopus carpaccio and pork arepas (filled cornmeal cakes).

North Carolina's Asheville is rightly celebrated for its stellar craft beer scene. Top spots include Highland Brewing Company and Hi-Wire Brewing – and all those brews pair exceedingly well with the creative dishes served up at the city's many fantastic restaurants. Don't miss Rhubarb (pictured), a special-occasion spot that focuses on modern Appalachian cuisine (think cornbread with bourbon-bacon jam, and North Carolina oysters with country ham). Other highlights include the Indian street food at Chai Pani and the locally sourced Italian plates at Cucina 24.

Every foodie trip to Cincinnati should begin with the city's famous chilli. Head to Skyline Chili, order a '5-Way' and you'll get a steaming plate of meat chilli piled onto spaghetti with heaps of cheese, diced onions and beans. There's a lot more to the city's food scene than this beloved dish, though. Take a tour of the historic Findlay Market, which hawks everything from arepas and pho (a Vietnamese noodle soup), to more of that famous chilli. For a sit-down dinner, you can't go wrong with Nolia Kitchen (pictured) – the menu is inspired by New Orleans and includes dishes like jambalaya and Gulf oysters. 

As one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the United States (the other being San Antonio), Tucson has a food scene that packs a punch. The city's rich food heritage comes from Native American and Sonoran Mexican influences, and there are endless restaurants where you can experience it for yourself. Try Italian-Sonoran fusion food at Zio Peppe (think elote arancini and mushroom risotto with smoked poblano peppers), or tuck into contemporary Southwestern plates at Tito & Pep (pictured) – a favourite here is the posole verde (a traditional Mexican stew). Said to be the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant, El Charro Cafe is also not to be missed.

Savannah may be relatively small, but the 'Hostess City of the South' goes big when it comes to food. Here, you'll find endless contemporary Southern restaurants serving modern takes on traditional dishes – often in a charming setting, too. The Grey (pictured) regularly tops 'best of' lists for good reason; its smashed new potatoes, not to mention dishes like sweet potato with coconut collard greens, are out of this world. For something more old-school, don't miss Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, where giant bowls of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, greens and mac 'n' cheese are served sharing style.

When travelling in the Aloha State, it's worth seeking out traditional Hawaiian foods – think plate lunches (with meat and rice), poke and sand pit–smoked kalua pork, which you can try at Helena’s Hawaiian Food (pictured), a long-running joint that opened back in 1946. Other favoured menu items include boiled or fried butterfish, Hawaiian-style ribs and haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding). Meanwhile, Da Ono Hawaiian Food is known for its plate lunches, loaded with meat or squid, mac salad, lomi lomi salmon (salted with tomatoes and onions) and rice. 

The Michelin Guide visited the Mile High City for the first time in 2023, throwing extra weight behind Denver's already celebrated food scene. A number of the city's restaurants, including Beckon – whose nightly prix fixe menu features such delights as quail breast, served with a confit leg – have been awarded a Michelin star. Meanwhile, French mainstay Noisette (pictured) turns out elevated dishes like spring onion crêpes with caviar and Maine lobsters with confit potato. Don't miss the city's talked-about beer scene, either; some of the best breweries (such as Ratio Beerworks) can be found in the city's River North Art District (RiNo).

Whether you're in the mood for quick but solid fare from a street stall or a sit-down meal in one of the USA's finest restaurants, the Emerald City delivers. No foodie trip here is complete without a visit to Pike Place Market – it's a one-stop destination for the travelling gourmand, hawking everything from Thai food to fish and chips. If you're after something more refined, set your sights on Canlis (pictured). This celebrated spot offers a highly creative tasting menu, featuring dishes like venison with pickled daikon radish, and vanilla bean parfait with cherry sorbet. 

You can get your hands on any kind of food imaginable in Miami – but it's the city's Cuban offering that really shines. Head to the Little Havana district, where you'll find treasures such as Versailles Restaurant (pictured), whose Cuban sandwich (bread layered up with ham, roasted pork and Swiss cheese) is nothing short of legendary. Beyond that, you can enjoy staples such as ropa vieja (a slow-cooked shredded beef dish) at South Beach's Puerto Sagua, or sample some of the city's best croquetas at Islas Canarias Restaurant.

Las Vegas is about a lot more than trying your luck on the slot machines – the city has an exciting dining scene that's anchored by some of the finest chefs and celebrity food personalities in the States. Among them is Guy Savoy, a French chef and restaurateur who owns the eponymous Guy Savoy restaurant (pictured), a French fine-dining spot in Caesars Palace. Other upscale spots include CUT by Wolfgang Puck (a swish steakhouse at The Venetian Resort) and the Joël Robuchon Restaurant, the vision of its revered namesake, the late French chef Joël Robuchon.

Some people say you can get your hands on the finest steak in America in the Cornhusker State – specifically in Nebraska's biggest city, Omaha. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to steakhouses here. Local favourites include J Gilbert's (pictured), which has a handful of other Midwestern locations and a solid prix fixe menu, and The Drover, which is known for its tempting whiskey-marinated steaks. Beyond the beef feasts, the city also has some great Asian restaurants; try Kinaara for upscale Indian dishes, or Koji for Japanese yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).

Houston's eclectic dining scene has something for everyone. If you like to walk around and see what’s cooking, head to the Heights, where the streets are designed for a good stroll. Start your day with a Johnny Cash (drip coffee with espresso) and a breakfast taco stuffed with seasonal veggies at artisan joint Boomtown Coffee – and for lunch, visit Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina for nachos, quesadillas and made-to-order guacamole with a choice of toppers. Finish the day at Squable (pictured) for a casual atmosphere and refined dishes, from wagyu bavette steak to seared striped seabass.

From the Kentucky hot brown (a belly-busting turkey and bacon sandwich oozing with Mornay sauce) to golden fried chicken, the Bluegrass State has plenty of signature dishes – and you can try them all in Louisville. Head to the much-loved Doc Crow's (pictured) for Southern staples such as hush puppies and fried green tomatoes (not to mention a giant bourbon list), or try 610 Magnolia for a tasting menu featuring dishes like seared scallops with miso Hollandaise, and squash and goats' cheese agnolotti pasta.

From buzzy markets and down-to-earth fast food spots to fine-dining establishments, Philadelphia offers up plenty of treats for the travelling foodie. You shouldn't miss the ubiquitous Philly cheesesteak – layers of tender beef and oozing cheese in a hoagie roll (the best can be found at Pat's King of Steaks, where the dish was invented). There are endless options at Reading Terminal Market, too; no trip here is complete without a scoop or two of Bassetts Ice Cream (the oldest ice-cream company in the US). For something a little more upscale, head to Ambra (pictured) for finely executed Italian food. 

The slogan 'Keep Austin Weird' might make you wonder what to expect the from this trendy city's food scene, but there’s no need to fear what the Texan capital has to offer. Tex Mex and barbecue are at the heart of Austin's gourmet landscape – and if barbecue's what you’re after, Franklin Barbecue (pictured) isn’t to be missed, as one of the most highly recommended joints in the country. Be sure to get your tacos from a truck for an authentic experience; at Sabor Tapatio, both the birria and breakfast tacos have customers coming back for more.

The quirkiest city in the Pacific Northwest has a food scene that's well worth travelling for. There are a few cult favourites (you must brave the line for a kaleidoscopic doughnut from Voodoo Doughnut and eat a heap of pancakes from The Original Pancake House, for example). However, in keeping with the city's creative and eclectic spirit, there's much more besides. Try Arden (pictured) for imaginative seasonal plates such as spaghetti with sesame-chilli butter, and leek and potato pierogi dumplings – or head to one of the city's famous food cart pods for endless options. Sprawling Cartopia has everything from Thai dishes to Latin-inspired eats.

It's no surprise that coastal Portland is a top spot for seafood. Restaurant menus here are filled with everything from buttery lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell to grilled catch of the day. Customers flock to the raw bar at the dinky Eventide Oyster Co. (pictured) and to Fore Street Restaurant, which is acclaimed for its Maine mussels and hanger steak. Beyond that, try Miyake for imaginative sushi and Japanese small plates, or head to the Italian-inspired Leeward for ‘nduja sausage ravioli, and seared Maine scallops with hazelnut butter.

Another city that ranks highly among the USA's top foodie destinations is Boston – dishes such as Boston baked beans (beans spiked with molasses and bacon) and the Boston cream pie (an indulgent cream-filled cake) were invented here. Head to the city's North End and you'll find a generous smattering of Italian American restaurants; highlights include the long-running Ristorante Lucia and Mike's Pastry, which serves some of the city's best cannoli. For something more modern, head for Fox & the Knife (pictured) in South Boston. Here, you'll be treated to dishes like spaghetti con vongole, made with saffron, clams and tomato butter. 

A favourite city for tourists and a cultural hotspot, it’s no wonder San Francisco is regarded as one of the top places for food in California. Unsurprisingly, there's plenty going on here – you can tuck into Korean barbecue at the Mission District’s San Ho Won (pictured), where smoky charcoal-grilled meats are paired with house-made sauces and condiments, or feast on mezze and perfectly crafted small plates at Kitchen Istanbul. Pastries are big here, too; follow the viral buzz to the Bay Area and pick up a spiral croissant from Marvel Cake.

If you're craving classic Southern cuisine with an upscale twist, the charming city of Charleston is the place to go. Here you'll find plenty of restaurants laying on heaving plates of fried chicken and classic Lowcountry sides, often with contemporary upgrades. Husk (pictured) is the perfect example, and its reputation precedes it; try the crab with Carolina gold rice and crawfish étouffée, or the devilled eggs with smoked trout roe. You could also book a table at the elegant Palmetto Cafe for crab cakes, fried oysters and grilled shrimp.

If foodie diversity is what you're after, you must visit Los Angeles. Just about everything you could ever want is here for the choosing, including a range of fantastic vegan and vegetarian options – you can get a hefty plant-based breakfast burrito at Joi Café, or slurp up a bowl of Mayu garlic-jalapeño noodles at Gokoku Vegetarian Ramen Shop (pictured). Carnivores and seafood enthusiasts aren’t left out, though; Michelin-starred n/naka plates up refined Japanese cuisine, while Bavel takes you on a culinary trip through the Levant via dishes like slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma, and merguez (a type of grilled Moroccan sausage).

The second of the USA's UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy, San Antonio is a foodie's dream. It's really all about the Tex Mex here. Stalwarts include long-running café-bakery Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, which serves mouth-watering tacos and breakfast chilaquiles, and the charming La Fonda on Main, where favourites include chile relleno and paella. Don't miss a trip out to the Pearl district – it's positively teeming with hip restaurants, serving everything from Italian to Asian American cuisine – and there's a brewery and farmers' market, too.

Many California cities (not least San Francisco and LA) could vie for the title of best foodie city in the Golden State – but given San Diego's proximity to the country's southern border, it wins out for its incredible Mexican food. Head to Barrio Logan, where you'll find laid-back restaurants serving some of the country's finest tacos. La Fachada is an understated spot (where the decor may seem rather plain), but the flavours are big, with taco options including carne asada, birria (shredded pork with Mexican spices) and lengua (beef tongue). Valle (pictured) is another highlight.

Of course, Chicago is the finest food city in the state of Illinois – and one of the best in the country. You could spend weeks in the Windy City and still not sample all its gourmet delights, from deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs to brownies (which are said to have been invented at the Palmer House hotel). The restaurant scene is buzzing, too. Try Avec (with a few locations, pictured) for Mediterranean-style plates, head to the two-Michelin-starred Oriole for fine dining, or swing by Pequod's Pizza for some of the city's tastiest slices.

The world is served up on a plate in New York City. You can feast on hot pastrami on rye at a Jewish deli, sample world street food at mega-markets such as Brooklyn's Smorgasburg, take a tour of amazing foodie neighbourhoods like Astoria, Queens, or eat some of the world's finest dishes at Michelin-starred establishments. Among the latter is Per Se (pictured), a fine French restaurant by Thomas Keller (of California's famous French Laundry) that's earned itself three stars. Book a table to try the sought-after nine-course tasting menu.

Many would argue that New Orleans is the finest food city in America, with restaurants running the gamut from swish fine-dining spots to down-to-earth joints doling out rib-sticking po' boys. Don't leave the city without trying its warming gumbo, spicy jambalaya and chargrilled oysters (and be sure to tuck into a heap of beignets at Café du Monde). Other amazing experiences include tasting bananas Foster at Brennan's (where the delectable dessert was invented) and dining on fine Southern food at La Petite Grocery (pictured) – think Gulf shrimp and grits with shiitake mushrooms, and alligator Bolognese with tagliatelle.

Now feast your eyes on America's most beautiful restaurants