Wining & dining…it’s the vain of my existence! I love food and quite often find myself traveling just so I can sample new cuisines from all over the world.
For instance, while I was in Asia I really enjoyed the culture but what did I like even more?
The food.
Between the floating markets at Taling Chan and the markets of Sapa, Vietnam there was a surplus of food to eat and fresh ingredients to cook with. But what about North America? If you’re looking to dine out and have a fresh cocktail or fancy glass of wine, what city should you visit?
It was no easy task picking out my top 5 favorite cities to wine & dine but, needless to say, I stick true to the ones I’ve chosen. Take a look below, and see if your hometown made it to my list of places to eat out on some delicious, local cuisine!
Best foodie destinations in the USA
New York New York
The cuisine of New York City, New York comprises of a plethora of ethnic groups that have entered the city from all over the world; it’s no wonder why this bustling place made it to the list.
Wanting to dine on fine Italian cuisine? Take a walk through Little Italy. Looking for something a little more Asian? Visit the markets of Chinatown where you’ll find fresh fish, odd herbs and compelling buckets of live frogs ready for the picking. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can certainly find whatever it is you’re looking for…even if it is eating street meat in downtown Manhattan. But of course, dining at a 5-star restaurant and sipping a martini isn’t too terrible an option either!
San Francisco, California
Known as a premier culinary destination for any foodie lover, this incredible and artsy city is filled with a variety of Western Cuisine. Home of the best clam chowder I’ve ever had, Pier 39 at the fisherman’s wharf serves a variety of seafood ranging from crab legs, lobster, shrimp, and shellfish.
If you’re not a big fan of seafood then visit a nearby vineyard, sip on some fine wine & sample cheese platters from all over the world. Just like New York City, San Francisco is filled to the brim with people of different ethnicities. The only difference here is that you can take a pretty cool trolley ride from one place to the next!
Aspen, Colorado
Sitting high in the Rockies of Colorado, Aspen never ceases to shock it’s annual visitors with an astonishing culinary seen.
You can find anything from world class sushi and freshly made pasta to your typical surf & turf where you’ll gourge yourself on the best damn steak you’ve ever had. It truly is a place of “glitz & granola”, where you’ll find people from all walks of life mingling together any time of year. But what if you’re simply looking for something to wet your palate?
With a virtually boundless number of world-class bartenders, you can easily find that perfect cocktail or glass of wine to get your night (or day) started on the right foot!
Key West, Florida
Oh the Florida Keys. It is by far one of my favorite destinations to really pig out on food. And not just any kind of food…seafood!
I can say with confidence that you simply won’t find a better place for conch fritters let alone any other kind of seafood. With a marina just around every corner, you’ll get prime opportunities to dine on freshly caught fish & shellfish. Craving something a little sweeter? Then you MUST not opt out on the Key Lime Pie.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Where else would the great USA be if I were not to include southern cuisine? After all, that’s where my roots originated from! And what better place to get real southern food than in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Just around every block, you can find collard greens, corn bread, fried chicken and very (very) sweet tea. Sure it’s not all that healthy for you, but then again, the good things in life rarely are! Are you having to unbutton your pants from eating too much? Then, after gorging yourself, walk around the historical district of downtown and take a look at all the historic houses.
Where would you recommend to wine & dine and find the best food destinations in the USA?
I’m visiting Aspen right now. Light bite at L’Hostaria. Good zuppa de pesce on the bar menu.
Oh yes, L’hosteria is REALLY good! Have you had the chance to visit the Creperie? They are a little pricey (as are most places here) but you definitely get your moneys worth out of whatever you order! 🙂
Great food spots indeed!! Key West is one of my favorites too–the seafood and key lime pie–nothing better!! Love San Fran as well, and I’m getting hungry just thinking about all these places now!
We get to New York in 2 weeks – so incredibly excited! Will be hitting up Little Italy as per your recommendation!
Where is Boston on this list? 🙂
Alas, I have only included the cities I’ve been to…Boston is high on my list!
i am going to usa end of this year. glad to read this n have some info before going there. thanks!