The 5 Best Foodie Destinations Across The United States You’ll Want To Visit ASAP
If you’re reading this, then it’s safe to say you’re the friend that always looks up all the best restaurants and foodie destinations prior to business trips, vacations, or road trips like Guy Fieri before an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Although you can browse through TikTok and Instagram to look for places that catch your eye, that can definitely be time consuming and difficult.
That said, we have you covered with the five best foodie destinations across the United States that you’ll want to visit at some point. Seriously, you don’t want to miss out on these mouth-watering, sweet and savory options — plus, they are highly Instagrammable so you’ll want to share them with your friends. Trust us, they'll be jealous.
New York City, NY
Photo via Carbone
New York City has every type of food you could ever crave and then even some you didn’t know existed. For starters, you’ll want to head over to Carbone for a plate of their famous spicy rigatoni that’s beloved by celebrities like Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, and the Kardashians. After dinner, you’ll be craving dessert — there’s no shortage of sweet places to visit in NYC. In the mood for a cookie? Levain Bakery is the viral cookie that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The bakery almost always has a line to get in, however, you will not find a cookie like this elsewhere. For a more Instagrammable dessert, head downtown to Taiyaki which is home to the iconic fish-shaped ice cream cones.
Other fantastic NYC foodie spots:
Chicago, IL
Photo via Pequod's/Instagram
Aside from visiting Millenium Park and The Navy Pier, Chicago is home to some of the top foodie destinations in the country. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — deep dish pizza. If you’re craving a thick and hearty slice, head over toPequod’s Pizza.The establishment is known for their caramelized crust which gives each slice a hint of crunch and sweetness. For some delicious ice cream, you’ll want to take a trip to Shawn Michelles. Not only will you find the world’s best cookies and cream, but also old school favorites like vanilla and banana pudding.
For a more Instagram-worthy experience, you need to take a trip to XO Marshmallow. This cafe has marshmallow everything — s’mores, hot chocolate, and more. Plus, you can even sign up for a marshmallow making class if that seems like something you’d enjoy.Other fantastic Chicago foodie spots:Las Vegas, NV
Photo via Kaiseki Yuzu
After a night out on the town, you’ll want to get your hands on a delicious meal and sweet treat. Luckily, Las Vegas has no shortage of restaurants making it one of the top foodie destinations in the US. Start off by heading over to Kaiseki Yuzu, a James-Beard award winning restaurant known for its fine Japanese cuisine. Afterwards, visit Saint Honore for pasty pastries and beignets that’ll melt in your mouth. If you like Hello Kitty, then you won’t want to miss out on the Hello Kitty Cafe. You’ll find cute sweet treats inspired by the beloved Sanrio character in vibrant colors and unique flavors.
Other fantastic Las Vegas foodie destinations:
Pigeon Forge, TN
Photo via The Pines
Pigeon Forge is located in the heart of Tennessee near the smoky mountains. The area is the home of Dollywood which is actually a major fun foodie destination you’ll want to visit. For starters, you’ll want to try the famed cinnamon bread. Located at the Grist Mill, the cinnamon bread is topped with apple butter or buttercream icing — you can choose one or both. Other Dollywood staples include the 25-pound apple pie from Spotlight Bakery and pork barbecue at Hickory House BBQ.
Outside of Dollywood, there are other local establishments that have delicious and IG-worthy options. Stop by The Pines to get your hands on the Walker Cheesesteak, or Mama’s Farmhouse for some award-winning fried chicken and mac and cheese.
Other fantastic Pigeon Forge foodie destinations:
Orlando, FL
Photo via Four Flamingos
Outside of Disney World and Universal, Orlando is a hot spot for foodies with its themed restaurants and bakeries. Skip the Sunday brunch and head on over to The Gallery 32789 for a tea experience surrounded by artwork from local artists. From scones and tiny sandwiches to mimosas and tea, you’ll feel like royalty in this quaint tea setting in the heart of Winter Park. For a more sweet treat, head on over to The Glass Knife where you’ll find an assortment of delicacy donuts, pastries, and cakes. Not only are they made in house daily, but also are delicious and ready to be shared both in person and on social media in seconds. Not a fan of cakes and cookies? JoJo’s Shake Bar has out of this world milkshakes with flavor profiles inspired by Girl Scout cookies, rocky road, and other signature sweet treats.
Other fantastic Orlando foodie destinations:
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Header image via Lafayette/Instagram