Exploring the local cuisine is an integral part of any travel experience, and the United States is home to some of the world’s best foodie cities.
Photo: Alexandrea Sumuel
From the deep-dish pizza in Chicago to the lobster rolls in Portland, there is no shortage of delicious and unique dishes to try across the country.
Let's explore the best foodie cities, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and the dishes that make them famous.
Photo: Vinicius Benedit
Ranked as the best foodie city in the U.S., New Orleans, Louisiana's most iconic dishes include gumbo, jamalaya, and the po' boy.
The second-best foodie city, New York City, is known for its iconic slice of pizza, with numerous pizzerias offering large, thin-crust pies. New York City is also famous for its bagels.
Chicago, Illinois, is known for its deep-dish pizza, a thick, savory pie with a crispy crust and layers of toppings. Many local pizzerias specialize in this iconic dish, typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various meats, vegetables, and spices.
Los Angeles is known for its street tacos, widely available from local vendors and food trucks. Another must-try dish is the Korean BBQ, with many local restaurants offering tabletop grills.
San Francisco is known for its sourdough bread, made using wild yeast, and has a distinctive tangy flavor. Another must-try dish is cioppino, a seafood stew made with a variety of fresh fish and shellfish in a tomato-based broth.
Photo: Lyle Wilkinson
Photo: Daniel Arriola