You wouldn’t go to a cardiologist for advice about whether to take out a home equity loan — you’d go to a highly experienced financial advisor. The same logic applies to what you eat. Why are you taking restaurant recommendations from your brother-in-law or Karen in accounting when you could get tips from Anthony Bourdain?
Bourdain is a Culinary Institute of American Graduate who rose from dishwasher to executive chef and, eventually, superstar world traveler sampling the culinary wares from Saigon to The French Quarter, San Sebastian, and every other corner of the globe. If there is one man qualified to shine a light on some of America’s most underrated food metropolises, it’s Tony B.
The charismatic chef’s travel shows (including Parts Unknown and No Reservations) revealed some of his most treasured travel spots, with food always being a factor in his rankings. However, Bourdain hosted a Reddit Ask Me Anything several years ago, explicitly naming cities that don’t receive proper due when it comes to food. We also curated other well-regarded chefs’ opinions about hidden culinary gems in the United States.
1. Miami, FL
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Portland-based chef Jenn Louis once cited Miami as her favorite food city, and the scene has become livelier than Ocean Drive on Saturday night since she issued the shoutout. South Florida’s ongoing population boom has been a boon for chefs who want to showcase their talent in an increasingly competitive scene with no shortage of diners.
One critic claims that “Miami might just be the most exciting culinary destination in the country,” and the palette-watering food at El Rey de las Fritas, Joe’s Stone Crab, Stubborn Seed, Boia De, and StripSteak make it tough to argue.
2. Chicago, IL
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As a preeminent American city, Chicago’s identity has always been closely tied to food. However, chef Ming Tsai says deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches sometimes obscure the Windy City’s rich fine-dining tapestry.
While a trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without at least one slice of deep dish, travelers are short-changing themselves if they don’t at least try to get a reservation at Alinea, Mako, or one of the city’s other Michelin Star-adorned spots. Critics also rave about Mi Tocaya Antojeria, Rose Mary, and Lula Cafe, each worth a spot on your itinerary.
3. Portland, OR
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Franklin Barbecue in Austin, TX, is a local institution, but pitmaster Aaron Franklin points to the Pacific Northwest when asked about his favorite food city in the United States. Specifically, Franklin cites Portland’s Ox as his go-to dinner spot. The James Beard Award-winning restaurant draws inspiration from Spanish, Italian, French, and Argentinian cuisine, with wood-fired grilling a foundational aspect of its identity.
Portland embraces unconventionality in everything it does, which is a recipe for stellar restaurants. If you don’t mind servers with pink hair and ear tunnels, you’ll find top-flight meals in P-Town.
4. Milwaukee, WI
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Milwaukee has long been associated with brewing, but this major Midwestern metropolis has become synonymous with cooking in recent years.
One reviewer declared in 2022 that “there’s never been a better time to eat and drink in Milwaukee,” and we’ll emphasize “eat.” The scene is not pretentious, with the jumbo burgers at Kopp’s Frozen Custard reminding us that Wisconsin loves its cheese. However, plenty of fine-dining options exist, including Lake Park Bistro, Bacchus, Ardent (a standout), and The Diplomat. Zaffiro’s Pizza & Bar offers equally delicious food in a more casual, heavenly-smelling setting.
5. Portsmouth, NH
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When you have a city an hour from Boston and Portland, you have a recipe for an underrated culinary gem. With a population of only about 22,000, Portsmouth is an ideal setting for a quaint, food-focused getaway.
Something about the cobblestone streets of Portsmouth enhances the flavor profiles of the chile basil butter mussels at Moxy, the fresh-caught fare at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe, and the confit pig head platter at heavily-awarded Vida Cantina. These are three of several restaurants worth making the drive (or flight) to Portsmouth for.
6. San Francisco, CA
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Chef Richard Blais (winner of Top Chef All-Stars) is among those who count San Francisco among their favorite cities to dine in. There was a time when tourists and locals alike couldn’t talk about San Francisco without mentioning House of Prime Rib, Thanh Long, and other stalwart eateries. The city’s collapse into anarchy has dulled some of its shine, but make no mistake: the food is still good in the Bay Area.
The current must-visit dining slate includes 7 Adams (owned by a Michelin-star-winning couple), Pizzetta 211, and sushi spot Akikos. Come to San Francisco for the food and leave because things are getting weird.
7. Indianapolis, IN
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As the internet has shrunk the world, chefs have realized they don’t have to be in Chicago, L.A., or New York to attract critics, earn Michelin Stars, and forge their legacy in olive oil. This revelation has led to the rise of mid-major American cities like Indianapolis, which food critics have described as “short on pretension and very affordable.”
Asian-inspired Modita, farm-to-table spot Bluebeard, and Sangiovese Ristorante are among the decorated, oft-recommended restaurants every visitor should have on their to-dine list.
8. Jersey City, NJ
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It makes all the sense that Jersey City would have a woefully underrated slate of restaurants. New York City gets all the headlines, but being just across the Hudson River, it’s inevitable that Jersey City would benefit culturally and culinarily from being in NYC’s immediate orbit.
Like its neighbor, Jersey City eats are defined by variety. Los Amigos taqueria, Sri Ganesh’s Dosa House, Philippine Bread House, and Samakmak Seafood complement a rich lineup of fantastic pizzerias, burger joints, and other more traditionally American spots in Jersey City.
9. Charlotte, NC
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With sustained population growth comes a diversity (and competition) of eateries. Therefore, Charlotte’s sustained population growth is an undeniable factor in its emergence as an under-appreciated gem of Southern cuisine and plenty of other cuisine.
Like its population, the city’s food scene has exploded recently. Chefs in Charlotte have cleverly fused various cuisines, taken advantage of local ingredients, and announced their arrival through standout spots like Leah & Louise, Salud Cerveceria, and Restaurant Constance. A city that has proven capable of attracting high-value talent has done the same in its culinary sector.
10. Providence, RI
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Pizza aficionados must take their hajj to the Northeast at some point. Providence may not be the pizza Mecca (that title likely goes to New Haven or Rochester, though you’ll get plenty of opinions on the topic). However, you have to stop at Providence’s most prized eateries, as it is one of the most underrated food towns in the country.
James Beard Award-nominated chef Robert Andreozzi leads pizza Marvin. Dune Brothers Seafood, elevated diner Nicks on Broadway, and Al Forno Restaurant are other can’t-miss spots in this storied culinary hotspot.
11. Bozeman, MT
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The secret is out when it comes to Bozeman’s stunning beauty and underrated food scene, two reasons why its population has risen at a breakneck pace in the past decade. Whether great food has followed Bozeman’s recent transplants or vice versa is a chicken-or-the-egg question, but it doesn’t matter — the food in Bozeman is good, period.
Foodies recommend the homemade pasta at Blackbird, blueberry ricotta pancakes at Jam!, and the turkey, Havarti, red onion, and basil aioli sandwich at Fink’s Delicatessen. Let the fresh mountain air open your sinuses to enjoy every scent and flavor in Bozeman’s rich, varied food scene.
12. Omaha, NE
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Whereas Omaha was once known most as the home of Cornhusker football and Warren Buffett, the city has become a Midwestern foodie metropolis. The city’s gastronomic ecosystem has been called “sizzling” in recent years, and fans aren’t just talking about the steak (of which there is plenty).
One look at Dante’s lightly charred pizza crust is all you need to work up an appetite. Looking for elite Indian food in Omaha, Nebraska? You’ll find it at Kinaara, and save a naan for us. Looking for the kind of food Omaha is famous for? Check out the marinated beef at The Drover. We’re not sure even the Oracle of Omaha could have seen the city’s emergence as a thriving smorgasbord for food fans.
13. Savannah, GA
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When Anthony Bourdain said he was looking at the South as the highest concentration of underrated food cities, he surely had Savannah in mind. The oldest Georgian city (founded in 1733) has plenty of history regarding food, but its present is just as impressive as its past.
Chef Mashama Bailey’s The Grey is a former bus terminal turned restaurant, while Husk Savannah is a “celebration of Southern ingredients” fashioned in chef Sean Brock’s image. Flock to the Wok (upscale Chinese), The Collins Quarter (brunch for that hangover), and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (soul food for the broken and intact soul alike) are among other highly recommended Savannah eateries.
The majestic allure of the Old South, reliable throngs of tourists, and a sufficiently competitive food scene make Savannah a destination for innovative chefs.
14. Greenville, SC
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The middle and post-pandemic exodus from overpopulated cities placed Greenville on the maps of many seeking a quainter, more affordable way of life. Greenville’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains draws many nature lovers, but the city’s food scene can be the final straw that converts visitors into residents.
One food writer notes that Greenville “hums with culinary energy,” highlighting Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club, The Anchorage, Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, and several other spots as must-visits. Maverick Biscuit is Southern food taken to Blue Ridge-worthy heights, while Comal 864 puts a Southeastern twist on Southwestern Tex-Mex.
15. Cincinnati, OH
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It’s easy to make jokes about Ohio, especially since Cincinnati’s most famous dish is chili piled on top of spaghetti. However, it might be more challenging for food snobs to admit that Cincinnati’s culinary scene is darn good and only getting better.
Standout restaurants in The Queen City include Lebanese-themed Looqma, Salazar, and Fausto. If only the heroic ape Harambe (of Cincinnati Zoo fame) were alive to see Cincinnati’s unlikely emergence as a must-visit destination for American food tourists, all would be right in the world.
16. Boise, ID
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Boise is one of the most scenic college towns in America, but it’s time we discuss it as a food town, too. Chefs and food critics now speak of Boise in the same breath as long-respected Northwestern food towns like Seattle and Portland.
Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Food frequently appears in Boise-centric food guides. While the research-resistant crowd might assume Idaho is all minimally spiced meat dishes, they’d be shocked to find Russian, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Argentine cuisine among the city’s most renowned dining spots.
17. Austin, TX
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Portland, ME-based chef Andrew Taylor explains that Austin isn’t just weird. It’s also weirdly delicious. The booming capital of Texas is more than Tex-Mex and barbecue (though it has elite options in both categories).
Locals love the Middle Eastern flare at Usta Kababgy, line up at 6 a.m. for Franklin Barbecue, and swear by the Japanese Mexican ramen (what?) at Ramen Del Barrio. The culinary scene in Austin is as diverse as you can get, deep with options, competitive, and just weird enough to be on-brand.
18. Tuscon, AZ
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Chef Maria Mazon is biased (she was born in Tuscon) but did not return to her hometown to open a restaurant by default. The Top Chef alumnus cited the local food scene when asked why she opened BOCA Tacos y Tequila in the Sonoran desert.
Mazon’s recommendations include Loews Ventana Canyon (whose scenery is as astounding as the food), Kingfisher Bar & Grill, and Anello (a pizza spot). Of course, you can do worse than BOCA Tacos y Tequila if you find yourself looking for a memorable meal in Tuscon.
19. Seattle, WA
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While Anthony Bourdain noted that Seattle is a well-known bastion of edible delights, the average American might not realize that Seattle is a top-tier food city. In this sense, it is underrated.
Seattle’s eateries offer a wide swathe of delicacies at various price points. Fusion bar food at Mollusk, Pacific-inspired, Sichuan-style dishes at Lionhead, and eye-popping pastries at Amandine Bakeshop illustrate the city’s culinary versatility. Nothing beats rain-induced depression like a freshly prepared meal, and in that respect, Seattle has its residents covered like an umbrella.
20. Charleston, SC
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In response to the Redditor’s question about underrated food cities, Bourdain said he was “kinda looking at the South,” specifically noting Charleston, SC, as an emerging hub of deliciousness. Critics describe Charleston’s collective food scene as a “Lowcountry flavor” with roots in Europe, West Africa, and the West Indies.
Seafood, soul food, and comfort food rule the day in Charleston, with restaurants like Palmira Barbecue (“the hottest of the hot” in terms of popularity), FIG (farm-to-table fare), Husk (try the shrimp and grits), and Bowen’s Island (for the oysters) among the standouts. Neighborhoods, including the French Quarter and Cannonborough/Elliotborough, are among the most restaurant-dense corners of this Southern city.
21. Los Angeles, CA
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Los Angeles is among America’s top two most culturally relevant cities, so “underrated” isn’t a term you often hear applied to L.A. However, aside from the occasional reference to street tacos or Nobu, Los Angeles’ food rarely commands focus (as opposed to its beaches, movie studios, and not-so-natural beauties).
Bourdain included the City of Angels among his short list of underrated culinary cities, noting that it is “wildly” underappreciated. The moody, Italian Michelin-star-winning Osteria Mozza, exclusive Maude (also Michelin-starred), Paris-inspired Petit Trois, and cream-of-the-crop modern deli Gjusta prove that Bourdain’s shoutout was well-earned.
22. Nashville, TN
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Remember that when Tony Bourdain cited Nashville as an “underrated” food destination, the city was a miniature representation of the ever-growing metropolis it has become today. Still, the South’s country music capital is undeniably a hotbed for tastebud stimulants.
In Season 8 of Parts Uknown, Bourdain hit up Dino’s burger joint, swung by Bolton’s for hot (really hot) chicken, sampled the tasting menus at The Catbird Seat, and visited several other restaurants before skipping town.
Times change and tastes evolve, which is not to say that Bourdain’s haunts aren’t worth a visit (they surely are). Today, Asian eatery Tansuo, the casual Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, and ultra-chic, seafood-focused Henrietta Red are among the critics’ top choices in Nashville.
23. Asheville, NC
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Bourdain placed Asheville among the underrated cities with great chefs and food for “a very long time.” Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers traditional Southern fare with a healthy dose of fresh ingredients and health-consciousness — exactly what you’d expect from a city with a healthy hippie population.
Variety is no problem in the A, with foodies suggesting Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, Cucina 24 (“Italian fare meets southern Appalachian ingredients”), Rhubarb (led by renowned chef John Fleer), and Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse.
24. Minneapolis, MN
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Bourdain stated that, about eight years ago, “there’s never been a better time to eat in America.” A diaspora of innovative, accomplished chefs from major cities like New York and Chicago meant that great food could now be found in unlikely locales, including Minneapolis.
While the wordsmith chef did not name any spots in the Twin Cities, local critics point to Mara (specifically the bucatini with lobster), The Kenwood, Zelo, and outside-the-box Owamni (on the Mississippi River) as gems to try next time you’re in the frozen North.
