It’s an exciting time for food in America. The culinary landscape in cities big and small around the country has matured exponentially in the past two decades, a shift that has been thrilling to experience and to taste. The immense challenges of the last two years in particular have seen many chefs, restaurateurs, and makers leave bigger urban centers and return to their smaller home cities. This returning talent, plus a new generation of entrepreneurs, are spurring a burst of creativity, innovation and deliciousness in under-the-radar destinations all over the country.
As Food & Wine’s Melanie Hansche reports, now it is these destinations that make up the magazine’s inaugural list of the next great food cities: the seven most exciting big cities, plus four smaller towns with populations less than 60,000 that have big food scenes. Each city profile highlights local chefs, restaurants, producers, pop-ups, retailers, food halls, markets, distillers, brewers, incubators, and more that make up the dynamic and diverse food culture of each place.
Here are the 11 food cities worth traveling for in 2022:
Cincinnati, Ohio. The next generation of chefs and makers is driving a culinary renaissance in the queen city.
Boisie, Idaho. This new culinary capital can hold its own against northwest food hubs like Seattle and Portland.
Omaha, Nebraska. Storied steakhouses have been joined by a new wave of restaurants—and the best ice cream for miles around.
Indianapolis, Indiana. A new guard of food entrepreneurs is striving to make indy a city where everyone can eat well.
Jersey City, New Jersey. New York City’s secret “sixth borough” is packed with vibrant food businesses and tastes.
Tucson, Arizona. There are many delicious reasons Tucson was designated a UNESCO city of gastronomy in 2015.
Charlotte, North Carolina. The city and surrounding region are filled with ingenuity and forward-looking food projects.
And here are some Small Cities with BIG Food Scenes….
- Bozeman, Montana
- Biddeford, Maine
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Greenville, South Carolina
For the entire rundown with details and restaurants worthy of making these cities your next travel destination, visit the Food and Wine website.
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