2026’s Best Foodie Cities in America – WalletHub Study

With Oct. 16 being World Food Day, and both dining out and cooking having become much more expensive in recent years, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on 2026’s Best Foodie Cities in America, as well as expert commentary, to identify where people can experience the best flavors without breaking the bank.

WalletHub compared more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities across 28 key metrics. The data set ranges from the cost of groceries to the affordability and accessibility of high-quality restaurants to the number of food festivals per capita.

Top 20 Foodie Cities in America
1. Miami, FL	11. Atlanta, GA
2. Portland, OR	12. San Diego, CA
3. San Francisco, CA	13. Houston, TX
4. Seattle, WA	14. Cincinnati, OH
5. Austin, TX	15. St. Louis, MO
6. Orlando, FL	16. Pittsburgh, PA
7. Tampa, FL	17. Los Angeles, CA
8. Las Vegas, NV	18. San Antonio, TX
9. Sacramento, CA	19. Grand Rapids, MI
10. Denver, CO	20. Richmond, VA

Best vs. Worst

• St. Louis has the most gourmet specialty-food stores (per square root of population), which is 11.8 times more than in Pearl City, Hawaii, the city with the fewest.
• Miami has the most restaurants (per square root of population), which is 20.9 times more than in Pearl City, Hawaii, the city with the fewest.
• Portland, Maine, has the highest ratio of full-service restaurants to fast-food establishments, which is three times higher than in Jackson, Mississippi, the city with the lowest.
• Orlando, Florida, has the most ice cream and frozen yogurt shops (per square root of population), which is 61.1 times more than in South Burlington, Vermont, the city with the fewest.

To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-foodie-cities/7522

Key takeaways and WalletHub commentary are included below in text and video format. Feel free to use the provided content as is or edit the raw files as you see fit.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to arrange a phone, video or in-studio interview with one of WalletHub’s experts.

“In the best foodie cities, including Miami, FL, Portland, OR, and San Francisco, CA, there are tons of unique culinary experiences to try, from food trucks to specialty-food stores to, in some cities, Michelin-starred restaurants. 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.”
–
“Miami is the best city for foodies, leading the country when it comes to the availability of affordable restaurants rated at least 4.5 stars out of 5. It also has an extremely high number of restaurants per capita. On top of that, foodies who want to partake in Miami’s fine dining can choose from 12 Michelin-starred restaurants. One of them, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, even has two Michelin stars. Finally, Miami is a great place for foodies who enjoy cooking at home, with the third-most farmers’ markets, 10th-most gourmet specialty food stores, third-most butcher shops, and the second-most kitchen supply stores per capita.”

– Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

Expert Commentary

What tips can you provide to foodies on a tight budget?

“Buy from a supermarket that has a reputation for selling excellent food products (organic, not processed, and Non-GMO) and be aware of your budget. You can make some excellent meals that have smaller portions. There’s no need to overeat.”
Daniel E. Goldberg, Ed.D. – Associate Professor, Temple University

“I would look for lunch specials, happy hours, special prix fixe menus (or restaurant weeks), food trucks, neighborhood restaurants, and explore cuisines from across the world (many offer large, shareable portions).”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

What are the dining out trends for 2026?

“Less alcohol, healthier food choices, smaller portions, less carbs, less sweets.”
Daniel E. Goldberg, Ed.D. – Associate Professor, Temple University

“Because prices are higher across the U.S. right now, I’d say eating earlier and midweek have become more popular, even among younger diners. You can have a quiet meal rather than being rushed in and out. People are also veering toward restaurants that reflect local culture and foods. Many people are moving away from alcohol and having ‘mocktails,’ although I’d personally avoid the sugar in them. My favorite is flavored sparkling water with lime or light prosecco.”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

What tips can you offer to health-conscious foodies who like to eat out?

“Check websites and their menus and prices. Customer reviews are a must. Also, customer service is an important part of the dining experience. Make sure you incorporate those when reading reviews. The best meal can be ruined by bad service.”
Daniel E. Goldberg, Ed.D. – Associate Professor, Temple University

“I would review the menu before heading to a restaurant to make sure the food aligns with your idea of health-conscious and that the macros are in your favor. I’d recommend grilled, roasted, or steamed foods over fried foods. I’d also suggest vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. I always ask for sauces and dressings on the side, and I pay attention to portion size. I’ve learned that the key is balance and moderation. If you want to have a cocktail, don’t have dessert, and vice versa. I also suggest sharing so you can try different foods.”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

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