New York City is cooked.
The top cities for foodies in the US have been revealed — and the Big Apple got burned big time.
The study, which analyzed 182 US cities using 28 key indicators of foodie appeal, went far beyond Michelin stars and prix-fixe menus. Researchers examined everything from grocery costs and restaurant accessibility to farmers’ markets, food festivals, and the diversity of cuisines available.
Yet NYC, arguably one of the most diverse food cities on the planet, cracked the list at a disappointing No. 26.
While NYC remains a global culinary icon — home to legendary fine dining, food trucks, and virtually every cuisine imaginable — its sky-high costs and lower affordability scores significantly impacted its ranking. WalletHub’s methodology placed a strong emphasis on the balance between quality and price, and in that respect, the Big Apple may have priced itself out of the competition.
“The top cities cater not just to people who enjoy dining out, but also to foodies who enjoy putting their own skills to the test by exploring new flavors in their own kitchens. In addition, these cities make delicious dining affordable for residents and visitors alike,” WalletHub analysis Chip Lupo said in a statement.
Miami tops the list this year, offering a food scene as diverse and vibrant as its people. Not only does it have one of the highest numbers of restaurants per capita, but it also excels in quality, with an impressive number of eateries rated at least 4.5 stars out of 5, and 13 Michelin-starred restaurants.
What makes Miami truly stand out, according to experts, is how well it caters to foodies on a budget and those who like to cook at home because it ranks high in access to farmers’ markets, butcher shops, kitchen supply stores, and gourmet specialty shops.
Known for its quirky charm and DIY ethos, Portland takes the silver medal this year. While it lacks Michelin-starred restaurants, it makes up for it with no sales tax on food.
Portland also boasts an impressive density of craft breweries, wineries, food festivals, and spice shops.
Coming in third is San Francisco. With 26 Michelin-starred restaurants — including three that boast the coveted three stars — the Bay Area remains a beacon for fine dining.
But it’s not just about upscale cuisine. San Francisco also scores high in restaurant diversity, healthy food access, and the number of international grocery stores.
In a time when eating well can feel like a luxury, this year’s rankings show that it’s still possible to be a passionate food lover without blowing your budget — unless you live in NYC.
So whether you’re booking your next trip or just looking for a new place to satisfy your culinary curiosity, you might want to look beyond the traditionally popular cities.
Top 25 Best Cities in America
- Miami, FL
- Portland, OR
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Orlando, FL
- Austin, TX
- Tampa, FL
- Las Vegas, NV
- Sacramento, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Atlanta, GA
- Denver, CO
- Pittsburgh, PA
- St. Louis, MO
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Milwaukee, WI
- Richmond, VA
- Cincinnati, OH
- Washington, DC
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- San Antonio, TX
- Chicago, IL
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Dallas, TX
