The 12 Best U.S. Cities for Food Lovers, Ranked by Social Media Buzz
Food has always been one of the biggest reasons people travel, but social media has turned it into a sport. TikTok clips and Instagram reels of “must-try eats” can go viral overnight—and cities across the U.S. are cashing in on that attention.
A new study by Hello Millions analyzed 199 of the most visited American cities and ranked them by the number of food-related hashtags on Instagram and TikTok. Researchers looked at tags like “#[city]foodie,” “#[city]restaurants,” and “#[city]placestoeat,” then combined the totals across both platforms to see which cities food tourists are talking about the most online.
Here’s how the top 12 cities shook out.
12. Boston, Massachusetts – 1.6 million hashtags
Boston rounds out the list with more than 1.6 million foodie-related hashtags. From its legendary clam chowder to modern takes on seafood in the Seaport District, the city has plenty to post about. (There are tons of fun things to do in Boston, too – including going on food tours!)
11. San Diego, California – 1.67 million hashtags
With ocean views and fish tacos that rival anywhere in the country, San Diego earns its spot just above Boston. Nearly 1.7 million posts highlight its beachside dining, craft beer, and casual food scene. (San Diego has a ton of great things to do beyond its food scene, too!)
10. Seattle, Washington – 1.7 million hashtags
Seattle is about more than coffee. Between its Pike Place Market (above) classics and a growing fine-dining scene, the city racked up over 1.7 million posts. Seafood—especially salmon and oysters—is a big draw here.
9. Atlanta, Georgia – 1.9 million hashtags
Atlanta shows off a mix of Southern comfort and modern culinary flair. Fried chicken, barbecue, and trendy new openings alike earned the city nearly 1.9 million foodie hashtags.
8. Washington, D.C. – 1.98 million hashtags
D.C.’s food scene goes well beyond politics. From Michelin-starred restaurants to global eats shaped by its diverse population, the capital clocked almost 2 million posts.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada – 2.15 million hashtags
Vegas isn’t just about buffets anymore. Celebrity chef restaurants and flashy dining experiences have helped Sin City collect over 2.1 million hashtags.
6. Dallas, Texas – 2.25 million hashtags
Dallas has become a powerhouse in the Texas dining scene. Steakhouses, Tex-Mex, and barbecue dominate the more than 2.2 million social media mentions.
5. Miami, Florida – 2.7 million hashtags
Food in Miami is as lively as its nightlife. With Cuban sandwiches, fresh seafood, and glitzy fine dining, the city’s 2.7 million hashtags show just how many flavors tourists and locals are celebrating.
4. Houston, Texas – 3.1 million hashtags
Houston is Texas’ top foodie city in this study, with more than 3.1 million hashtags. Its culinary landscape reflects its cultural diversity, from Vietnamese pho to world-class barbecue.
3. Chicago, Illinois – 4.1 million hashtags
Deep-dish pizza may be the star, but Chicago’s dining scene stretches well beyond that. Over 4 million hashtags showcase everything from hot dogs and Italian beef to award-winning fine dining.
2. Los Angeles, California – 5.3 million hashtags
L.A.’s tacos, sushi, and health-conscious dining options all helped the city pull in more than 5.3 million posts. The mix of casual street food and celebrity-loved hotspots makes it a foodie playground.
1. New York City, New York – 12.5 million hashtags
No surprise here—New York blows every other city away, with over 12.5 million food-related hashtags. With more than 23,000 restaurants across its five boroughs, you could eat out every day for decades and never repeat the same spot.
The Best Food to Try in Each of the 50 States, According to Americans
Welcome to a culinary journey across the United States! In this article, we will take you on a mouthwatering tour through all 50 states, exploring the most iconic and beloved dishes each region has to offer.
Read more: The Best Food to Try in Each of the 50 States, According to Americans
Every State’s Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurant, New Study Finds
Everyone has a go-to when hunger hits, and it turns out those favorites change depending on where you are in the country.
Read more: Every State’s Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurant, New Study Finds
15 Cities in the World for the Best Culinary Adventures, Recommended by Foodies
This article is inspired by a social media thread where food lovers worldwide voted for their top picks for the best cities in the world for foodies. This article will help you seek that adventure your tongue has been craving.
Read more: 15 Cities in the World for the Best Culinary Adventures, Recommended by Foodies
12 Foods Europeans Eat Regularly That Are Really Weird to Americans
From unique meats and seafood to fruits you’ve never heard of, there is a whole world of cuisine available in Europe that you’d be hard-pressed to find in the United States. According to an online forum, this list of popular European foods are nearly impossible to find in America.
Read more: 12 Foods Europeans Eat Regularly That Are Really Weird to Americans
I guessed NY would be number 1 before I read it.Probably should’ve read the article before I had dinner now I’m hungry again…🤣
Some really tasty foods on here. Thanks for sharing.
New York City had every kind of food you can imagine. Hands down the best pizza for sure.
I’m such a foodie so this is a great post! Thank you 🙂
Would love to visit Boston myself one day.
I loves to eats
I would love to go on a trip to Chicago or Texas.
L.A. and New York tie for # 1 and Chicago is a close second.
Haven’t gone to any of them yet
Love different choices of food
Asheville, NC is a wonderful little food city too!