I love the restaurants in NY, San Francisco, and many other cities. (Currently I live closest to Atlanta, and Babette's Cafe is where I go when I am there.) However, we lived for a couple of years outside of New Orleans--and they have great food! Everywhere, not just the big famous excellent restaurants, but the little fried fish shack north of Lake Pontchartrain. I hope there are still great places to eat in NO since Katrina! Of course, that is just the US. France and Italy have some awesome food too. And cost is a consideration--I can't really enjoy a meal if I have to pay a day's wages for it.

Posted By Patty on January 16, 2010, 6:58 AM

I would think it would be impossible to say one US city is the "best food city". I suppose you could look at a place like NYC that has so many world class restaurants and say that the overall ratings would be superior to most other cities, but that is narrow-minded thinking. The fact is, there are amazing dining experiences to be had anywhere if you are willing to look hard and long enough. Having lived in Manhattan for several years, I ate some incredible meals in that city. However, it was our move upstate that lead us to a restaurant that serves 12-15 course dinners over the course of 5 hours with a chef who uses many ingredients most people have never even heard of. Or an experience like Outstanding In The Field which amounts to a traveling literally farm-to-table restaurant that can be had all over the country. I have eaten the best hamburger in my life in San Francisco, the greatest risotto in NYC, and the best jerk chicken outside of Jamaica in Ogunquit, Maine of all places. Does that make Portland a "best food city"? I don't think so. But if you are willing to poke around, anyplace can be the "best" at something. And isn't finding those places half the fun?

Posted By Sim Morrell on January 16, 2010, 4:24 PM

If we're looking for the best haute cuisine restaurants or greatest variety of international food, then it wouldn't be fair to compare any city in America to New York.
But, if we're talking about a place with a uniquely American food scene, I nominate a sleeper choice: Pittsburgh. There is no "foodie" scene, no fusion cuisine, no culinary trend of the moment there. But where else in the world can you find french fries stuffed into a pastrami sandwich (Primanti Bros), a hot dog doused in nacho cheese and bacon (D's Six pack), or a hoagie made out of perogies (Fat Head's)? Pittsburgh may not be the foodiest city in America, but when you're dining there it's pretty clear you couldn't be anywhere but America.

Posted By BS on January 17, 2010, 9:16 PM

Hands down it's NYC. Tourists and visitors will say that it works best for haute cuisine, however residents know that a bad restaurant will not survive in NYC, at any price point. It is difficult to find bad food, and easy to find great food at any price & in any neighborhood. NYC boasts the food of all its 5 boroughs, & no one does pizza better than Brooklyn, travel to Flushing in Queens & you may think you were in Korea, or Thailand, or Hong Kong. In the Bronx, Arthur Avenue boasts great Italian restaurants...what tourist knows that? And then there is Long Island, boasting about its ducks and potatoes & catering to all those locavores...not to mention great seafood restaurants & yes it's not part of NYC technically, but everyone visits the Hamptons! Being a port city is important, everything passes through NYC. Those are my thoughts from Chicago...yeah I know, I live in Chicago... it's a great food town, but it ain't NYC!

Posted By Carole Cooper on January 18, 2010, 7:03 PM

No doubts about the answer... it has to be Montreal ALL THE WAY! It is very difficult to find a bad restaurant in Montreal. Bad ones never survive a year. Also, whatever the cuisine, Montreal has it!

Posted By Ronald Houde on January 18, 2010, 7:28 PM

with few reservations, I nominate Austin Texas. to me, the best food city does not mean the best single restaurant, or the best creole or Hungarian food. I vote for Austin because of the high quality of all its restaurants. I have lived in Austin since the mid-70s. Austin has the highest number of restaurants per capita in the U.S.. at a minimum, if you are not very good at your target cuisine, you will be out of business in a year or two. with so many restaurants vying for dollar, the food quality is outstanding. Austin does lag behind in a few areas compared to NYC, NO or Chicago. you wont find many 5 star dinning experiences here. we have them and they are exceptional (Fonda San Miguel’s, the Driskill, etc) but Austin is a laid back town. many are turned off by over-the-top elegance or the promiscuousness of plates that are seemingly more about style than substance. Tex-Mex, BBQ, Italian, burgers, Chinese, Vietnamese and Southern style cooking rules here.
if a restaurant can survive 10yrs in this town, it is a real gem and we have many of them.
Chuy’s, Matts El Rancho, Conans, Huts, Iron Works, County Line BBQ, El Azteca, 888, Brick Oven, Hoffbrau, Omletry, Manuels… when I travel to other parts of the country, I am ALWAYS disappointed with the food. this includes NYC and NO. yeah, I have had some of the best meals of my life in those towns, especially NYC, but I am not always eating at a 5star establishment and that is where the problem lies. Austin has great food everywhere you go and that makes it the best food city!

Posted By Squirrel_Nut on January 18, 2010, 9:56 PM

It always surprises me how often people relish in talking about the goods and more often, the bads of Los Angeles and rarely is food a part of the conversation. Those that grew up there or live there now know that the LA area has some of the best offerings around - based on all metrics: quality, price, taste, authenticity and variety. There is something for everyone, whether it's a high-end experience replete with upturned noses, an unusual destination, or a hole in the wall no-service joint that makes you reminisce about your home country halfway across the globe. Similarly if you are a vegan, one who cannot live without a good side of cow, or one with the most obscure of allergies. The common factor is how GOOD the food usually is. And how many small (food) businesses dot the LA landscape. Get out and explore!

Posted By Jennifer on January 19, 2010, 12:08 PM

I have to agree with Jennifer regarding Los Angeles! Hundreds, nay thousands of neighborhood spots leave you with the happy conundrum as to where to go next. All ethnic cuisines are represented and every pocket book is catered to! So for sheer diversity of choice Los Angeles is an exciting place to live in, with a vast array of restaurants that dazzle! The only food writer who has won a Pulitzer Prize, Jonathan Gold, of international fame, further delves into the byways to inform us weekly of what's new and exciting. What a cool way to be guided! Call any city the winner, but for me LA has it all!!! My pick for second? Toronto!

Posted By Tansen1 on January 19, 2010, 1:48 PM

New Haven, CT, has some of the best food choices anywhere for a smaller city. Pizza as we know it was invented here -- you can still see the brick oven at Pepe's on Wooster Street. Also, very diverse choice of restaurants within a few city blocks. Favorites: Bentarra's (Malaysian), Scoozie's (Italian), Zinc (upscale cosmopolitan), and many other Indian, Thai, Chinese, etc. Visit Yale Campus some day and have a foodie fest!

Posted By Maria C. on January 19, 2010, 5:18 PM

Overall, New York City, hands down, no contest! NYC is the center of great food and restaurants.

I noticed some people said Los Angeles, but that just shows that West Coast people don't get out much, or travel to the East Coast!

And for Barbecue -- only one city -- Memphis!!

Cliff
Miami, Fl.

Posted By Cliff K. on January 19, 2010, 9:08 PM

New Orleans with San Francisco in second place. The first because of its long culinary history and standards, secondly San Francisco has wonderfully fresh ingredients and great variety in how to prepare them.

Posted By paula Shockley on January 19, 2010, 11:10 PM

Hands down, NYC. From the hot dog vendors on the street to high falooting fancy-shmancy restaurants, I'm convinced that you cannot get a bad meal in the big apple. No, it isn't possible.

Posted By Anne on January 20, 2010, 7:35 AM

PROVIDENCE!

People say NYC just because they have never been to Providence. Talk about a foodie city! It's no wonder what with Johnson and Wales right there in town.
Pizza at Felini's or just about anywhere goes head to head with New York any day. Spike's hot dogs, Geoff's sandwiches,and anything on federal hill are some of my favorites. you can get delicious lobster ravioli just about anywhere. Julian's for a million different kinds of eggs benedict.
My NYC friends and I take eating trips to providence at least once a year and spend the entire car trip planning out each and every meal so we don't waste any tummy room!

Posted By Liz on January 20, 2010, 9:16 AM

Lima, Peru is by far the best city in America to eat and not only in America but the world...

Posted By Guillermo on January 20, 2010, 10:56 AM

NOLA: New Orleans, Louisiana hand's down. I've lived in NYC, DC, KC, and now San Antonio, but am from Lafayette, LA. NOLA and S. Louisiana has the best food regardless of how much you are shelling out for a meal. From Commander's Palace, to a gas-station speciality meats store (Don's SPECIALTY MEATS) South Louisiana has the best most flavorful food served by smiling happy people! Food is intertwined with the culture!

Posted By Donna Dugas Pearson on January 20, 2010, 1:50 PM

New Orleans where food is practically a religion and even the minor restaurants are good or gone.

Posted By R Gambel on January 20, 2010, 1:51 PM

There's no real doubt it's New Orleans. Living in New Orleans makes it difficult to go out to eat anywhere else.

Posted By philtable on January 20, 2010, 5:22 PM

New York City, New Orleans, Chicago... the top three in that order, for me!

Posted By Jennifer C on January 20, 2010, 8:04 PM

Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the U.S. I've lived here all my life and have traveled within the U.S. & Europe and although NYC has great food also, Chicago wins hands down!

Posted By Angela on January 20, 2010, 10:33 PM

While NYC is a good [ok, great] food city, I have to say that Chicago is a fabulous food city!! Each unique neighborhood has it 'haunts' that are favorites to the locals. And when particularly good, those neighborhood joints become popular to the masses, yet maintain the intimate neighborhood appeal. For example, Maple Tree Inn for breakfasts that can't be beat. Smoke Daddy for the best BBQ north of the Mason-Dixon. Then of course, there are the known restaurant enclaves that draw everyone in....'Little Italy' for the obvious; West Randolph for new age cuisine; N Broadway & Devon for international fare from across the globe..... There isn't anything you could want that you won't find in Chicago, and not only find it, but truly enjoy the food & experience.
Chicago is absolutely the best!

Posted By kim on January 21, 2010, 10:02 AM

Of course, cities like New York, Chicago and New Orleans will always be at the top of any foodie list, but I believe there is one city that is emerging as the NEW culianry capital of the U.S.: Houston. Our population is so diverse that you'll find authentic cuisine from around the world. In fact, seven of our top chefs are collaborating on “where the chefs eat” culinary tours to promote the diversity of Houston’s culinary scene. Chefs pair up and take guests (16 people per tour) to the small, mostly unknown, ethnic eateries around town that inspire their menus. The chefs that are leading these tours are nationally known and recognized, but they are more interested in showcasing the small places around town that really make Houston different from other foodie cities. This takes the "eat like a local" story to a completely different level.

Posted By Lindsey on January 21, 2010, 10:05 AM

HOUSTON! H-TOWN! The attitude here blends Southern gentility with Texas hospitality, so you'll find service to be both gracious and friendly.Best of all, you can eat very well at prices that never cease to amaze visitors from NY, San Fran and CHI-Town.

America's fourth-largest city has a bustling economy, highly diverse population and a moderate climate that encourages year-round activities. For these and other reasons, Houstonians dine out more frequently than the residents of any other major U.S. city, supporting more than 8,000 restaurants. Menus offer virtually unlimited ethnic options, Creole favorites, fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood and, of course,chicken-fried this and that.

Posted By Katherine on January 21, 2010, 10:45 AM

I nominate Houston, TX. We have great food from the creative haute cuisine of Robert Del Grande's RDG/Bar Annie to affordable authentic Indian food, Mexican food, TexMex and more.

Posted By Leo on January 21, 2010, 10:48 AM

C'mon, you can even go to an Ethiopian restaurant in Houston. Not even close, Houston has the greatest diversity of culinary tastes in the nation.

Posted By Bob Nowak on January 21, 2010, 10:58 AM

Though I am a former New Yorker who lives in Atlanta, I nominate Chicago for "true American" food. New York and the CA metropolises are heavily influenced by the continents on either side of them while Chicago is truly and uniquely American. That said, New York is a close second and certainly tops when it comes to variety and turnover.

By the way, while it's not quite in the same class as the big boys, Atlanta has a competent, varied and progressive restaurant scene (you need to get out of downtown and explore Atlanta's many in-town neighborhoods). Also, the variety and authenticity of the ethnic food on Buford Hwy is a no-apologies winner in my book.

Posted By John R. on January 21, 2010, 10:59 AM

Not that I have been to THAT many cities, but I would say Houston, hands down.

Let me know when you take a poll on international cities!

Posted By sarah magee on January 21, 2010, 11:04 AM

Best? What budget are we talking here? Yes it does make a difference!

For me, a low budget guy, my vote is PORTLAND, OREGON!

Why...they love fresh local ingredients, of which the best are the berries and fruits! However most of all the food carts!!

NO other city has the quanity of good carts who you can count on. These are not the carts always on the run. They have permanent locations and the owner is often the cook and there to take care of you. All ethnicities, all kinds of food. Some have websites too! A place to read more is:

http://www.foodcartsportland.com

You can eat fast and cheap! Don't have to tip and the food is prepared to order on the spot. You find things that you might not normally find like Egyptian, Bosnian, Kazak, Venezuelan, Czech, and many more. Endless variety! The hard part is deciding which one! They are found throughout the city, but mostly in the central area and seem to gather in bunches. So when you come across a group of them you do have choices! They do have electric, and water, and are licenced and inspected. They rent their spaces. Public transport in the central "fareless square" is free for everyone all the time so getting around is not a problem. Love it!!

Posted By Mike Wall on January 21, 2010, 11:05 AM

I've gotta agree with Houston. From the outstanding fine dining spots (like Tony's, Mark's, Feast, Reef, Indika, Catalan) through the fantastic casual spots and tiny ethnic dives, Houston's got it all. I've dined all over the country, and I've never found a city with such a variety of great food at all price points.

Posted By Albert on January 21, 2010, 11:06 AM

Houston, Texas HAS to be the city in America for food. Why? The Zagat Survey, made up of diners comments, says that Houstonians eat out 4.7 times a week so that fact is proof in itself that Houston offers the best choices of food, or why would Houstonians eat out so many times weekly. The variety of cuisines available are unlimited. Although most non Texans believe Texas food is steaks and BBQ, I have to agree with Lindsey. Houston has emerged as the NEW culinary capital of the U.S. Diners will find restaurants offering food from around the world. Whether the restaurant is a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant or a fine dining estabishment such as Mark's American Cuisine, the diversity of Houston's culinary scene is endless. Therefore, I believe HOUSTON is the best food city!

Posted By Lisa Cox on January 21, 2010, 11:07 AM

Houston, Texas! Houston is way more eclectic than most people realize, with not one but TWO Chinatowns. Excellent Vietnamese, authentic Tex-Mex, the best BBQ and all the southern comfort food you could ever want.

Make it happen!

Posted By Travis on January 21, 2010, 11:09 AM

A second for Austin, TX, with New Orleans a close second. Both are more laid-back than NYC or SF. There are usually no problems getting into the best places, parking is easy, etc. With more home-grown places like Uchi and Olivia's starting up the upper end is growing even in a down-economy.

Posted By ATX on January 21, 2010, 11:11 AM

I have traveled extensively and enjoyed eating in all the cities nominated above, but I have to say that Houston is the emerging culinary capital of the US. Houston boasts several young nationally recognized and highly inventive chefs and a unbeatable variety of ethnic cuisine.

Posted By Linda on January 21, 2010, 11:12 AM

Ethnically diverse cities are always interesting food cities. Houston, New York, San Francisco come to mind. There is an exciting energy that develops when ethnic markets and restaurants pop up. Food writers, homesick transplants and "foodies" bring attention to foods that (until recently) have flown under the radar. Houston hasnt gotten the attention it deserves for having a diverse, high quality food scene. Fledgling Farmer's Markets are opening all over town. Underground dinners by young rogue chefs are well attended. It may not be a revolution yet, but things are definitely changing. Bring it on!

Posted By Tracy Vaught on January 21, 2010, 11:13 AM

Houston, Texas is the up and coming food scene giant in my opinion. Every style of restaurant and food is available there. Plus, there a focus on locally grown foods and locally produced wines. Houston is bordered by the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail on the north and Gulf Coast wineries on the south which produce internationally award winning wine like those from Paul Bonarrigo. There is a growing sentiment to eat local and drink local--Conserve Texas Water, Drink Texas Wine. Also, Houston chefs are great and approachable. Plus, foodie celebrities like Cleverley Stone are keeping the restaurant scene at the forefront of Houston lifestyle news.

Posted By Merrill on January 21, 2010, 11:18 AM

Among cities across the Gulf Coast, I find Houston to be the best place for good eats. From the burgers at Otto's and Beck's Prime, to fajitas at Pappacitos and chops at Perry's, Houston has the widest variety of great restaurants that I have found. Great food at great prices... it's a Texas thing.

Posted By Baxwrtr on January 21, 2010, 11:22 AM

I love traveling to cities throughout the US and seeking out the hot, new restaurants that I've read about. But after a few days I start missing the wealth of dining experiences in Houston, my hometown. From BBQ at Goode Company to Tex-Mex at El Patio and Los Tios or comfort food at the Buffalo Grill, I'm ready to get home.

Posted By Jay on January 21, 2010, 11:24 AM

Places, like New York and New Orleans will always be on top as far as restaurants are concerned. But what I find fascinating is the dramatic improvement in food preparation in a host of cities. For instance, when I lived in Lexington, KY in the 70s, the restaurant scene was so-so. Today, there are many good restaurants there, as I found out during a recent return visit. Orange Beach, AL is another example.

There is a quiet revolution going on nation-wide, I suspect. We probably owe it to the culinary schools.

Posted By jack on January 21, 2010, 11:37 AM

BOULDER COLORADO IS THE BEST FOOD CITY.

Posted By STEVEN DREWS on January 21, 2010, 11:43 AM

Houston. Sitting somewhere between Cajun, Southwestern, and Tex-Mex, these local flavors influence some amazing combinations that really cannot be duplicated.

Robert Del Grande, Chris Shepherd, Brian Caswell, Michael Kramer, and Mark Cox are just a few big name chefs that call Houston home. Repertoires include comfort food, fine dining, and health conscious.

Having over 4 million inhabitants in the Greater Houston area also provides vast variety for eateries, so eclectic they out do NY and CHI in shear numbers.

Posted By Richard on January 21, 2010, 11:45 AM

New Orleans and vicinity. Hands down. From the most expensive to comfortable grass roots. Food from all over the section from New Orleans and all over Acadiana.From sea food, to steaks, to fried chicken, breaksfasts, nothing can touch this region.

Posted By Pat on January 21, 2010, 11:46 AM

Houston is absolutely the NEW foodie capital! Of course NYC, Chicago and NOLA will always be contenders, but it would be great to see a different perspective. Houston has one of the most diverse populations in the country which means there's a diverse foodie community. Aside from great BBQ and Tex-Mex, there are literally areas of town that are dedicated to other cultures and their cuisine which include everything from Asian, Indian, Jamaican, Ethiopian, Nigerian, Polish and even soul food! We also have the "Where the Chefs Eat" (check out houstonculinarytours.com) tours where some of our nationally known chefs will be taking people to these types of places specifically. Houston's soooo big, you never run out of trying new, diverse and ethnic places to eat and it's about time the world knew it!

Posted By Kim on January 21, 2010, 11:53 AM

I nominate Birmingham, Alabama as best food city in the US. Why? It would be NEW, and Birmingham has it ALL, from upscale dining to down-home country cooking and mouth watering BBQ.
We always hear about the NYC, LA's, etc., but Birmingham offers some stiff competition for a city its size and some of the best independent restaurants in the U.S.

Highland's Bar & Grill - nominated as a Top 5 restaurant in U.S. by James Beard. Frank Stitt who owns Highland's is a top chef in the U.S.
Stitt also owns Chez FonFon (French cuisine) and Botegga (Italian). There's also nationally renowned Hot & Hot Fish Club, owned by Chris and Idie Hastings. Jensei in Homewood has some of the BEST sushi in the country. No sushi restaurant can beat the "Kadoma Tuna Roll."

Here's what culinary writer Corinne Trang had to say about Jensei.... "A must is the signature dish Kadoma Tuna, a chewy and crispy round sushi rice cake topped with raw tuna, avocado, and sliced jalapeno pepper and served with a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze."

Birmingham is also home to some of the BEST Southern BBQ with Jim N Nicks, SAW's and a host of others. The best meat-and-three around can be found in Birmingham. Nikki's West is one of the local favorites.

The restaurants listed above have been given accolades in National and International publications.

Let's hear it for Birmingham!

Posted By Edith on January 21, 2010, 12:08 PM

Houston deserves to be on this list. The city is the draws from the great regional flavors of the south and has become the epicenter for combining those tastes into a unique cuisine. Cajun, Tex-Mex, Southwestern are the big-name categories, but every type of food is represented in Houston, and represented well. Renowned chefs have brought Houston to the forefront of the national culinary conscience. Robert Del Grande of RDG, Brian Caswell of Reff, Michael Kramer of Voice, Chris Shepherd of Catalan, and Richard Knight and James Silk of Feast are just a few names of the "game-changers" that call Houston home.

It's not just about the powerhouse restaurateurs of the Houston. With four million residents in the Greater Houston the local "mom and pop" eateries provide an eclecticism of cuisine that rivals NYC and Chicago. From taco stands to all-night Greek restaurants to casual diners, Houston has it all in spades. The city has been on top of the "Fattest List" for many a year; something which is looked down upon by the rest of the country. But with all this great food at our fingertips, who's to judge? Luckily with all the established restaurants a new breed are beginning to crop up: "locavore" and health conscious restaurants are establishing roots and flourishing in Houston's hungry appetite.

Posted By Paul on January 21, 2010, 12:08 PM

As with so many lists, Houston is always overlooked as a place that falls in the top ranks of foodie cities. We have an amazingly broad range of restaurant options -- from the nationally recognized gastronomical envelope pushers to the stalwart local BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Gulf Coast icons to the hole in the wall neighborhood joints that fill you up for the fewest of dollars-- and all the variety of ethnic foods you could desire. But beyond that, you find different aspects of the local culture mixing and matching to create combinations you couldn't find elsewhere. Try to find another place where some of the best boiled crawfish come from Chinese or Vietnamese establishments. Go for the unique twist on a Gulf Coast standby -- an oyster or shrimp po' boy with a Sriracha remolade. Jalapeno baba ghanouj, anyone? A shopping trip could involve going to the most amazing (and inexpensive) Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American grocery stores you've seen. And for anything you might have missed, hit one of the numerous gourmet food emporia that have everything else you could possible need. A wine lover will go dizzy in Spec's downtown. The seafood from the Gulf Coast is readily available, fresh, and incredibly tasty. The city is surrounded with rice fields, vegetable, fruit, and berry farms, and livestock operations that provide not shortage of seasonal staples and local fresh meats. A mark of spring or summer is when you drive down a nearby country highway and see the old pickups along the side of the road selling freshly picked berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, okra, or watermelons. Houston has always been about taking what's given to us and putting our own spin to it. Who knows a better place where satiating your appetite can be so much fun.

Posted By Jose on January 21, 2010, 12:19 PM

Houston. The sheer number of restaurants boggles the mind between 8,000 and 10,000 in the metro area. The diversity of cuisine is astounding as is the diversity of price points. From Texas BBQ to Ethiopian. From mom and pop operations to operators of multiple locations, quick serve to fast casual to gourmet fare. And the residents support the restaurant community - Zagat Survey, LLC.’s latest survey shows the average Houstonian eats an average of 4.2 meals out each week, nearly one meal per week more than the national average of 3.3 meals.

Posted By Brian on January 21, 2010, 12:25 PM

Absolutely, hands down, you have to select New Orleans. No place else in America has as unique a food culture as NOLA. If you asked 25 locals to name their favorite restaurant, they wouldn't name the same restaurant! Think John Besh, think Emeril, think Brennan! All of them are NOLA natives. Galatoires, Commander's Palace, Emerils, Restaurant August, even Chris's Steak House was born there! I can't say enough about the food of the city. Even street food, like Lucky Dogs, rock! Please, please recognize the home of the Muffaletta as the best food city in America. For, it surely is!

Posted By Christy on January 21, 2010, 12:28 PM

I have to say, Houston is a favorite in my book.

I planned a trip because I had always heard what an international city it is, being in close proximity to Latin America and a major airline hub.

What I found was such a variety of flavors done so well, from Asiatown to Tex-Mex, Indian-fusion to locally-grown organic menus, Houston blew me away, and I'm a foodie.

NY will always be near the top, but Houston was a nice surprise. The city was great to me. That Southern hospitality with international appeal can't be overlooked.

Posted By Tasha Ray on January 21, 2010, 12:30 PM

Sorry to all the Houstonites redirected over from facebook, but I don't think "even having Ethiopan food" makes Houston any better than any other major metropolitan area (Dallas, for instance, has several Ethiopan restaurants). In fact, the only context in which Houston's ever been recommended to me has been as the best location for one very particular take on Tex-Mex.

By personal experience, my list is Portland, OR; Austin, TX; and Boston, MASS (in that order).

By reputation, DC is supposed to be an amazing food spot. It's been too many years since I've been for me to trust my memories of it, but NOLA is also high up on the list of cities that's been recommended to me.

Posted By Omar Buhidma on January 21, 2010, 12:32 PM

Houstonians are happy campers that eat out on average 4 times per week. Why? Because our cities restaurants are an international delight. At every price point you can enjoy global cuisine. Fabulous neighborhood places like the Breakfast Klub, welcome Houstonians of every hue for their signature Waffles and Wings. Our the other spectrum we hold our own with such internationally renowned restaurants as Mark's; Ibiza; Tony's and so on. Houston hands down baby.

Posted By Susan Schmaeling on January 21, 2010, 12:36 PM

NEW ORLEANS! It's not just the restaurants, it's the FOOD itself that is diverse and unique. From boudin to muffalettas to crawfish ettoufe' to crab-stuffed mirliton to aligator sauce piquante - the list goes on and on!! Seafood like I have never eaten anywhere else, and festivals that honor and celebrate every food in the region. And yes, there are plenty of ethnic places for Mexican, Thai, Italian, sushi, etc., too. Food is at the center of life in N'Awlins !!

Posted By Elaine on January 21, 2010, 12:49 PM

The best food city in America is San Francisco. Because of its unique location on the Pacific Ocean, the strong Latin influence in California, and California's cutting-edge leadership in promoting fresh and locally-grown ingredients, San Francisco is blessed with some of the most innovative chefs and outstanding restaurants in the country. There are a whole host of great restaurants in town, but the ones that jump out are Boulevard, The Slanted Door, Amber, Foreign Cinema, Aqua, and, of course, The French Laundry in Napa Valley (technically not in San Francisco, but close enough).

Posted By Don on January 21, 2010, 1:01 PM

Hello,I think Houston is the best food city in the US. I like the varirty of foods and the amount of restaraunts to choose from.There are more restaraunts in Houston per capita than any other in the US.My favorite restaraunts:Gravitas, Trulucks, Del Friscos, Mark's, Catalon, and Mardi Gras. Also as the home of the one of the largest cookoffs(The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo) in the US. 3 days of nothing but food food food all day long. From the Taco stands to Tony Vallones restaraunt, Tony's, Houston has it all

Posted By Christopher Coleman on January 21, 2010, 1:03 PM

Houston, Houston, Houston. Our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico allows for "boatloads" of fresh local seafood. There is a whole new generation of chefs taking over the city. Come see for yourself!

Posted By Paul P on January 21, 2010, 1:08 PM

I haven't traveled to too many places, but, I have to say New Orleans. I've been there twice. I didn't have a bad meal while I was there, no matter where we ate or how much we spent. And there are many more restaurants in NOLA that I still have to go to.

Posted By Audrey on January 21, 2010, 1:11 PM

whisknladle in la jolla is a great place if you are in the san diego area. they have a great bar and the food is local and amazing. also prep kitchen in la jolla on fay street is a great placce for a casual meal, pasta, soups, salads and great sandwiches. all very affordable. great place to sit outside and sip wine and enjoy the fabulous olives that are always complimentary..

Posted By susan on January 21, 2010, 1:15 PM

For diverse cuisine at all price points, Houston - boasting one of the strongest economies in the nation - is flourishing with inventive new restaurants (and tried-and-trues) that have staying power. You get the culinary advantage of an international city with a heaping side of hospitality and affordability.

Posted By Michele McMurry on January 21, 2010, 1:16 PM

Houston, hands down. Has the most diverse palette of all cities in the U.S., supported by its own very diverse population. Combined with great prices - explains why Houstonians eat out so much!

Posted By Kevin on January 21, 2010, 1:17 PM

Wait! Have you people never been to Ann Arbor, Michigan??? The breadth of choices, international cuisine, and pure excellence of food whether you go to the Gandy Dancer or Seva or Tumtim or any of the wonderful restaurants in Ann Arbor will make any foodie salivate.

Posted By Marti on January 21, 2010, 1:20 PM

Hands down NOLA. Sure, NYC has lots of options, but New Orleans has a cuisine of its own. The character and the taste are unreal! You don't have to go to a $$$$ restaurant to get a quality meal, but if you do you won't be disappointed. Ranging from Coop's Place to Commander's Palace, Acme to Stella, Cooter Brown's to Broussard's, Cafe du Monde to K Paul's, there's something for everyone's wallet, and taste does not have to be compromised. Crawfish, alligator, pralines, beignets, turtle soup, absinthe, oysters...the answer is simple: New Orleans.

Posted By Jhodgso1 on January 21, 2010, 1:22 PM

Hands Down it's New Orleans! The Big Easy has the only truly unique, one of a kind venue in the United States. Whether it's Cajun, Creole, French or Southern...or a savory blend of several, there is no other city where every restaurant, large and small, has an offering that is truly memorable. Think Muriels on Jackson Square, Commander's Palace, Brennans, Arnauds, Emerils and all their family spin offs....spectacular....and the music to accompany!

Posted By Mike S on January 21, 2010, 1:46 PM

NYC, San Fran and Chicago are obvious contenders. Portland's great too. But I have to agree with the Texas contingent here - Austin is good, and Houston is GREAT. Every kind of food you could ever want, most of it amazingly affordable for the quality. I'm surprised no one has mentioned Monica Pope yet - she's an outstanding example of the next generation of chefs inspired by Alice Waters. T'afia, Voice and Beaver's BBQ are all brilliant, so here's a shout out for Monica. The other places mentioned here are all terrific, and I would add Shade, Dolce Vita, Cafe Rabelais, Teotihuacan, Chiloso's, Niko Niko's, Glass Wall, Mockingbird Bistro, Max's Wine Dive, Yum Yum Cha, Kiran's...and so many more. Oh, and Anvil for drinks.

Posted By Lisa on January 21, 2010, 1:49 PM

I used to think it was New Orleans, because they had excellent expensive restaurants and the cheap places were very good also because the population would not stand for poor food, even in a cheap place. But, these days, I have to say LAS VEGAS has the best. LV takes the best restaurants from each of the above cities, plus Paris, and pays the chef mountains of cash to open a branch in Vegas. Thus, all over Vegas you can find outposts of the best from other cities, plus then there are a few local Vegas finds, e.g., Lotus of Siam.

Posted By Don McD on January 21, 2010, 2:05 PM

I used to think it was New Orleans, because they had excellent expensive restaurants and the cheap places were very good also because the population would not stand for poor food, even in a cheap place. But, these days, I have to say LAS VEGAS has the best. LV takes the best restaurants from each of the above cities, plus Paris, and pays the chef mountains of cash to open a branch in Vegas. Thus, all over Vegas you can find outposts of the best from other cities, plus then there are a few local Vegas finds, e.g., Lotus of Siam.

Posted By Don McD on January 21, 2010, 2:07 PM

While New Orleans offers delicious and culturally unique cuisine, the best food city in the US is Houston. Houston offers more ethnically diverse food than any city in the country. It is a part of the fabric of life in this vibrant, international city. Regionally specific cuisines from every province in China, every sub-culture in India, Pakistan, Iran and every type and style of Latin American cuisine from Peruvian to the Mexican state of Oaxaca is available to Houston foodies. Not even NYC can match the diversity and richness of the culture and cuisine in Houston - mostly because it is not segregated by neighborhood as in other cities, but truly a melting pot of cultures, flavors and people.

Posted By Adam on January 21, 2010, 2:09 PM

Come on people! ALBUQUERQUE can't be beat! Red or Green? The chile alone puts us on top! We even have an official state question in regards to this fruit!

Posted By Suzanne Scatliffe on January 21, 2010, 2:13 PM

New York for the versatility and endless possibilities. Miami great seafood and Little Havana has great cuban food. And Atlanta is a foodie's paradise with a culture of eating out for every meal (especially Brunch).

Posted By boyche on January 21, 2010, 2:17 PM

Richmond Virginia is chock full of affordable, excellent locally owned restaurants. Neighborhood places ranging from upscale to down home cuisine and stellar service are on almost every corner. For its size and accessibility, you would be hard pressed to find a better option.

Posted By Katherine on January 21, 2010, 2:18 PM

MINNEAPOLIS- We have everything you could imagine eating. Just check out the Midtown Exchange and try middle eastern, vietnemese, and mexican food under one roof.
There are many great classy joints like the Craftsman, La Grassa, 112 Eatery, Spoonriver, Saffron and Barrio.
NOT to mention some really great places with history like W A Frost, Nye's Polinaise room, and Kramarczks.
We also have excellent bakeries such as Wuollets ,ice creameries like Izzy's and Sonny's where you can have Guiness or Chai ice cream, and pizza joints like Black Sheep (coal fired) and Pizza Luce(offers even vegan choices).
We don't have a lot to do here in the winter other than eat and so the food is good and the restaurant scene is exciting. We draw really great chefs that want to start new restaurants here. We have some great grocery stores and coops as well where you can buy locally grown produce and locally made cheese and meat. AND our state fair food is better than any other fair in the country. I haven't been anywhere else in the US wheree the percentage of good food far outweighs the bad than in Minneapolis and St Paul. Maybe it's because we have less crappy tourist joints.

Posted By SLS on January 21, 2010, 2:34 PM

Houston, really, is experiencing a culinary Renaissance. As recently as 10 years ago, the best restaurants in Houston were known for great steak or authentic Mexican food. That's no longer the case.

Since at least 2004, Houston has been introduced to new, creative cuisines, such that the old Houston landmarks are no longer even in the top 5 or 10 restaurants in town. Feast, one of the top restaurants in the country; Reef, the top seafood restaurant in the country--indeed, it is difficult to find food so innovative and fresh.

If you follow these things, you'll see that Houston is coming up more and more in national restaurant and food circles, as people realize the high standard of our food. Houston is the best food city in America, and it is a please to experience its growth.

Posted By Jonathan on January 21, 2010, 2:38 PM

Farmers markets are the best place to find good food! Wherever you visit, find out where and when their local market operates. You'll meet the locals, learn local food traditions and find out what grows in that area.

Plus, many markets offer prepared food to eat there or take back to your hotel.

Posted By Sharon on January 21, 2010, 2:39 PM

NEW ORLEANS is the best, hands down! At Louisiana Bistro they have wonder fried green tomatoes, of coure Cafe du Monde for beignets and their wonderful chicory coffee, the brunch at the Court of Two Sisters is awesome, and don't forget Jacques-Imo (not in the Quarter) for their Chicken and Alligator Sausage "Cheesecake" - actually it's a quiche. YUM! I travel a lot, but this is my #1 favorite place for wonderful food!

Posted By Jan on January 21, 2010, 2:39 PM

Houston is hands-down the best all-around food city in America. No matter the type of cuisine, you can get it in h-town. The quality, authenticity and taste can’t be beat and the price is always right!

You can eat out 24-7-365 and never taste the same dish twice!

Posted By Holly on January 21, 2010, 2:40 PM

Montreal is great but not in the USA so I have to give the prize to Washington D.C. for it's diverse menu and numerous multi ethnic choices. You can get anything you want in our nation's capitol!

Posted By marygee on January 21, 2010, 2:44 PM

Actually, Des Moines, Iowa has the very best pork, beef and sweet corn that you will ever eat! Come on by. We're not just a fly-over state anymore!

Posted By marygee on January 21, 2010, 2:49 PM

New Orleans. No explanation needed.

Posted By Kamieka on January 21, 2010, 2:58 PM

Okay, so perhaps I’m a bit biased as I’m going to vote for the city I live in; Chicago. However, I would not have had the same thoughts just a few years ago. Chicago’s food scene has absolutely exploded, and not just in quantity! Sure we have our high end restaurants, and some of them are absolutely fabulous, but the influx of restaurants that are combining local sustainable ingredients with fair prices is what has dazzled my taste buds. Less is more seems to be the underlying theme behind so many of the wonderful places that have opened recently and I’m loving it!

Posted By Steve on January 21, 2010, 3:04 PM

I have traveled the United States extensively (including plenty of time in New York!) and I am still going to have to go with Los Angeles. Yes, it may not be a quintessential foodie city and it may not have most listings in the Michelin, but the Los Angeles area leads in variety and originality. LA is a true melting pot like nowhere else, and the spirit of the city breeds inspirational ideas that change the face of the American food landscape forever. Where else do businesses bred in a hole-in-the wall shop (or more recently the back of trucks)become an American Craze, and then just American life, time and time again? For better or worse, LA invented fast food with the likes of McDonalds and Taco Bell. Then came fast casual, with LA at the forefront again. Trace back the gourmet cupcake trend, and you find Sprinkles. The tart yogurt trend. . .Pinkberry. Small plates, teriyaki bowls, Boba, noodle shops, flame broiled chicken, smoothies, fish tacos, Korean BBQ tacos out of the back of a truck? where else? Other than Starbucks (Seattle you can have that one), almost everything that has changed the face of American food forever comes from LA.

Posted By Rachael on January 21, 2010, 3:05 PM

San Francisco, New Orleans, New York in that order. New York could be #1 if their prices (and the cost to produce great food) were not stratospheric.

Posted By JHL on January 21, 2010, 3:07 PM

I can understand the love for Houston, having just returned from H-town. Some other great spots not already named are Cafe Rabelais, Ibiza, Benjy's. and Tinto's.
But (and Texans, don't hate me until you try both) I have to say Portland, Oregon is the best food city in the country. The food stands alone are incredible, not to mention grat spots like Beast, Blue Hour, and ClarkLewis. Try it, you'll like it.

Posted By doug on January 21, 2010, 3:10 PM

What about Charleston S.C or Las Vegas, if we go on a per capita based on City size i would think that would have to be number one or two

Large City - Chicago
Medium City - Las Vegas
Small City - Charleston

Posted By John on January 21, 2010, 3:13 PM

NYC. It has the most variety, the most restaurants at all prices, and the energy that I have experienced in the USA. That doesn' mean that you can't have a great dining experience in so many other cities that have been mentioned, just that in NYC the opportunities are multiplied.
Although NY prices are thought to be "stratospheric," I have found many smaller venues that are quite reasonable--and as a long-time New Yorker who enjoys visiting other places, I can say I've had some pretty expensive meals in SF, LA, Miami and Boston!

Posted By Betty on January 21, 2010, 3:25 PM

Philly has Fabulous Food, not just our Cheese Steaks!

Posted By Sabrina on January 21, 2010, 3:32 PM

No. 1: New Orleans. No. 2: Houston. No. 3: New York.

I have lived all 3 places and hand down you can't beat the food in New Orleans. It runs in your blood there, is always the talk of the town, plus some of the best chefs worldwide call it home.

I do have to give Houston a close 2nd though because of the variety and quality of restaurants. Houstonians eat out every night & there is never a shortage of fabulous places.

New York, well it's the melting pot of America & thus so many authentic varieties of food.

Posted By Amber on January 21, 2010, 3:52 PM

Such a silly argument. Regardless of how this poll turns out, Chicago is a very distant 1st Place, followed by any one of the aforementioned cities. Since I recently moved from Houston to Chicago, I can honestly say that Houston is a minor league food town. NYC is being taken over by the national chains, while Austin and New Orleans are still heavily local. Let's go with Chicago, New Orleans, Austin, then NYC. That's it folks. No more votes needed. Go back to work.

Posted By Mac on January 21, 2010, 3:54 PM

I have to go with RB on Pittsburgh for a great American food. In addition to the classic spots RB mentions there are trendier, tasty up-and-comers joining the scene. The lower Lawrenceville area has Dozen Bakeshop acclaimed for its cupcakes and cinnamon buns and Tamari, an Asian fusion spot with a club-like decor, delicious sushi, and tapas-style goodies. The Big Burrito group has launched a diverse collection of restaurants; its Eleven focuses on local produce. On the Strip you'll find the best biscotti in America at Enrico's. And the best thing about the diverse options available in Pittsburgh is that even a nice night out isn't too hard on your wallet. You can't say that about NYC (where I live) or many other hot dining spots like Chicago or Las Vegas!

Posted By SB on January 21, 2010, 4:02 PM

DETROIT!!!

Without a doubt, Detroit is the best city for the hungry person. Portions are immense and cheap. Bacon, sausage, eggs, grits, home fries, biscuits and gravy - all of the above for fifty cents. Two pound inch thick steaks with baked potato, vegetables, soup and salad and apple pie for three dollars. Go to any ethnic restaurant and get huge servings of the most succulent genuine fair for a quarter of what they cost in New York.

Posted By Bob Balch on January 21, 2010, 4:10 PM

Bob from Detroit has a strong argument. They could win easily just on the strength of Buddies Pizza and Lafayette Coney Island. Good call, Bob.

Posted By Mac on January 21, 2010, 4:19 PM

I can't believe that Philadelphia has yet to be named! Talk about America's best food city... For starters, we're home to the Reading Terminal - a virtual wonderland of produce stands (local, organic, whatever you want), butchers, salumerias, bakeries...we've even got the Amish making the best pretzels on Earth. And I haven't even started on the restaurants/food stands in there. There is literally something for everyone. Philly has a great Chinatown, as well as one of the largest populations of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam. We have more pho than we can deal with. South Philly = amazing Italian food. Simple as that. We're also home to Jose Garces' restaurants - he's the new Iron Chef and owner of such masterpieces as Amada, Chifa, and Distrito. Stephen Starr's places are also incredible. If you don't feel like big spending, hit up one of our many food carts - there's everything from sandwiches (helloooo cheesesteaks!) to Indian to Mexican and everything in between. Like a cupcake truck. Cheesesteaks, anyone? Hit up Pat's or Geno's for an experience any hour of the day. Check out any Philly food blog and you'll see countless reviews of amazing places. Philly is rising as a major contender in the foodie universe and I'm happy to say that my belly is enjoying every minute of it.

Posted By lyndsey on January 21, 2010, 4:39 PM

Philadelphia best Food City

I have lived in Philadelphia for the past 10 years. Let me tell you this city has grown by leaps and bounds in the food category. Once famed for it's cheese steaks, soft pretzels, scrapple, and hoagies (this alone puts us on the map) Philly has become a Restaurant Juggernaut and can compete with the likes of NYC and San Fran. We coined the BYOB (Bring your own bottle) establishments, every neighborhood has their own, and our fusion restaurants are second to none. Our latest victory came with the selection of Chef Jose Garces as the newest Iron Chef on the food network. He was voted as one of the most up and coming Chefs in America. Where does he live and work you might ask? Thats right, he has hit the Philly Scene by storm with 5 Excellent Restaurants. Restaurateur Steven Starr has a slew of great places and has since opened up spin-offs in NYC and Atlantic City. If you are looking for fine dining my friend, look to the city of brotherly love. We will take you in with open arms and send you off with a full belly!

Posted By Chris Ortiz on January 21, 2010, 4:42 PM

Birmingham offers dining choices from one end of the spectrum to the other. Many pigeonhole the south as serving down-home southern cuisine, which we are no doubt proud to serve, especially since no one wants to leave without a meal of catfish, fried okra, fresh corn, tomatoes ripened on the vine, cornbread all topped off by deep dish peach cobbler---hot---with a dollop of ice cream. But, let me tell you, Birmingham--Alabama’s largest city has some of the best white linen table cloth dining as well. Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega Café, and Hot and Hot Fish Club are world-renowned establishments, mainly because the chefs and owners are James Beard award nominees and winners.
A shout-out was given to Birmingham in an interview in the New York Times, NYC mega-restaurateur Danny Meyer was asked about up-and-coming food cities. His response: There are so many! Both Portlands---Maine and Oregon---are obsessed with good food. So are Seattle, Boston and Birmingham, Alabama.
Wow! What a great mention!

Posted By vickie a on January 21, 2010, 4:55 PM

I have to go with Houston also.
(1) It has massive diversity in cuisines.
(2) All five traditionally American cuisnes (Creole, Cajun, Soul/Southern, Tex Mex and BBQ) converge in Houston.
(3) Really high number of culinary talented chefs make for a very fine and exciting foodie experience. Espcially with the advent of local grown farmers markets popping up every where is getting even better.

I can eat every day inside or near the inner city urban grid at a new non-chain restuarant and still not even come close to getting the full appreciation of food variety in Houston.

I have travelled all over the US, and DC is the closest competitor but believe it or not, DC scene seemed much smaller in size than Houston's.

(As a side comment to one of the commenters above, Houston has several Ethopian food places. I have eaten at 3 place already. BTW Ethopian food is not the only African food out there. It also has many Nigerian, Senegalese, South African, Kenyan, and many many different North Africa Mediterrean cuisines to represent Afria. I like the variety in South American cuisine as well.

And yes, we understand the difference between Mexican cuisines, Tex-Mex, Cali/Baja-Mex, Austin-Mex (or New Mexico cusine).

Posted By Irfan on January 21, 2010, 4:57 PM

I've lived all over the country and eaten many good meals all over the world - some of my favorites have been mentioned, but my favorite foodie vacation is always Charleston.

Regardless of your budget there is everything from oyster shacks to high dollar restaurants. Don't care for Low Country or Southern Cuisine, there are many other cuisines available.

Part of the charm is the ambiance and the availability of fresh fish and seafood. And you haven't lived until you've had Jestine's Kitchen's coca cola cake.

Posted By Kate on January 21, 2010, 5:10 PM

Houston has it all. We have the best Tex-Mex, we have the best seafood, we have the best Vietnamese food, we have the best steakhouses, we have the best burgers, and last (but never least) we have the best BBQ!

When analyzing all the places I have lived, one of the best things about h-town is the food!!!

Posted By Christina on January 21, 2010, 5:13 PM

Hands down the best restaurant city in America is the entire Napa Valley. There are amazing restaurants up and down the entire valley. The French Laundry, Bottega, Bistro Jeanty, Bistro Don Giovanni, Coles Chop House, Fume Bistro and Culinary Institute of America are just to name a few. There are so many more. Even the dive mexican restaurants and burger joints are some of the best. The views alone that some of these restaurants offer aren't too bad either.

Posted By Mary on January 21, 2010, 5:16 PM

I haven't visited every big city in the U.S., but I DO know that New Orleans has some mighty good grub!

Posted By shill on January 21, 2010, 5:46 PM

Ten years ago, when I moved to Chicago, the city seemed to be best known for its deep-dish pizza, its hot dogs, and, thanks to SNL, the famous "cheeseboiger, cheeseboiger" (Billy Goat Tavern). The "good" restaurants - although practically household names across the country - were astronomically expensive and far between.

Fast forward to 2010, and it's a far different foodie scene in Chicago. Sure, we have celebrity chefs like Rick Bayless and Charlie Trotter; but we also have up-and-coming chefs like Grant Achatz (chef/owner of Alinea, known for its cutting-edge cuisine) and James Beard-award-winning Shawn McClain making their marks on the city.

You want cutting edge? Restaurants like L2O and Moto challenge your senses. You want down-home comfort food? We got it - Chicago has more than 100 distinct neighborhoods, where you can find culinary delights from around the world, ranging from Indian and Pakistani fare on the north end (Devon Avenue) to soul food in the south side. From Greektown to Chinatown, there's something for every taste. Chicago restaurants range from the simple but satisfying, to corner bistros, to fancy and impressive - whatever your budget and whatever your tastes, we can find something you'll enjoy.

Beyond the restaurants, we've become a city full of great local bakeries - cupcake stores abound, like the delightful Swirlz in Lincoln Park - and the city is also home to several chocolatiers, such as Vosges. Foodies can indulge in specialty markets in the various ethnic neighborhoods, or in high-end markets like Fox & Obel and Whole Foods (their second-largest store in the U.S., outside of their Austin HQ, opened here last May), and smaller-scale favorites like Trader Joe's.

We're also known for the farmers markets which are a popular feature throughout the city from April through October; and the Green Market makes its home in Lincoln Park year-round.

So no matter what your foodie/restaurant needs are, Chicago can make you happy!

Posted By Cheryl Lemanski on January 21, 2010, 5:58 PM

I'm surprised I haven't heard word one about Seattle, WA or Milwaukee, WI. Most of the cities I've heard about have NO street food scene, and Seattle and Milwaukee have great street food scenes. Tying yourself to a table is a waste of time when you're visiting anywhere.

Having said that, Chicago is my favorite, even though the street food scene is underground because of the restaurants' sway over local politics.

Posted By James Michalek on January 21, 2010, 6:06 PM

PLEASE DON'T TELL the best secret on good fresh Gulf seafood. Mobile and Baldwin County have THE best fresh eateries and fresh supply of seafood ANYWHERE in the country. Just to name one landmark WINTZELL'S, The OYSTER HOUSE, The LIGHT HOUSE of Bayou La Batre, Felix Fish Camp, to name a famous few of Mobile's famous eateries. Boiled-fried-grilled shrimp, oysters raw-fried-stewed-Rockefeller-Bienville (my father Mobile attorney Irvin J Langford "Jimmy" was 2time Guiness world record holding oyster eater of BAKERS DOZENS of GIANT OYSTERS-plaque in Dauphin Street Wintzell's Mobile, AL), flounder broiled-fried-stuffed, blue crab-any way-crab claws/any style-West Indies lump crabmeat-seafood gumbo-redfish-red snapper-grouper-trigger fish-ling- the list goes on, then that inland "seafood" of Crawfish-ummm-ummmm. NOTHING frozen can match the flavor/texture/aroma of that FRESH served seafood from folks who KNOW how to prepare a tasty dish!

Posted By STAR KARAOKE on January 21, 2010, 7:54 PM

Houston offers a United Nations of food. It serves up everything from an international platter of ethnic and creative fusion foods to down-home spreads of regional favorites such as chicken fried steak, fried chicken and fresh vegetables. Even the cafeterias and mom-pop eateries are reliable. You can eat extremely well in Houston for almost half or two-thirds of what you would pay in many other metropolitan cities. Houstonians don't accept foods just because an item is trendy or because someone says they should like it. The foods have to be well-prepared and delicious to earn praise.

Posted By Ann Criswell on January 21, 2010, 8:09 PM

I have to nominate Los Angeles. L.A. offers everything from very budget friendly taco trucks that have amazing food to the finest high end dining.
If your budget is about $10/meal or less you can easily find something. Thai Town is a close hop on the subway system if you are in Hollywood (don't bother, over priced homogeneous fare is all you will find in Hollywood) and Torung and the restaurant on top of the Silom Market(both on Hollywood Blvd) are fabulous choices.
GOOD Mexican is everywhere, and I can recommend Tacqueria Sanchez on Centinela and Kiko's on Spring (a short walk down Pico from the LACC). Cuban is available for slightly more at the Versailles chain or a few independent places.
Chinatown is home to some great Chinese and Vietnamese joints, some even open late like Won Kok on Alpine. Also, either of the Vietnamese places (especially the one on the courtyard) at 727 N Broadway across from the Lucky Deli (which has some amazing exotic pastries) are worth a visit. Chinatown is even home to Philippe's, home of the famous French Dip.
At Santa Monica and Bundy you have Hawaiian BBQ, Vegan Thai, and Indian-with the last 2 being pricier. Also pricier is Killer Shrimp and Tajreesh (Persian) on Washington in Marina Del Rey. Nearby on Venice we have Hurry Curry - the Indian version (not to be confused with the Japanese Hurry Curry on Olympic), with New India Sweets and Spices being further down Venice.
Vegetarians and vegans will delight at the amount of choices on Washington Blvd between Culver City and Marina Del Rey. The Sensitive Baker, The Leaf and Samosa House are but a few.
If you see a Mitsuwa Market be sure to drop in and check out the food court for fresh Japanese, or you can go to Mr. Ramen on 1st St in Little Tokyo.
Several excellent Korean choices are available in the Mid Wilshire district, like the one next to the 7-11 at 6th and Alexandria (No English!).
These are just a sample of excellent cheap places in L.A. There are several amazing restaurants within a stone's throw of each of the places I have recommended as well as dozens of places I've not mentioned due to space constraints. I hope I've given everyone some better ideas than fast food and I would love to know where to go in your cities. Enjoy!

Posted By Jeanne on January 21, 2010, 8:42 PM

I will go with Berkeley or San Francisco. Especially Berkeley. It has so many restaurants from every country you can possibly imagine. The city has a population of 120000 but I traveled most of the US citizens and never seen a diversity like this as in Berkeley.

Posted By Mesutcan Ilhaner on January 21, 2010, 8:57 PM

San Francisco!

Posted By Sooperdee on January 21, 2010, 10:07 PM

NYC, DC, Birmingham, Philly - anyplace on the East Coast other than my home town, Wilmington, NC: the fast food capital of the world. With very very few exceptions, if it doesn't come fried and/or greasy, you can't get it here...

Posted By Chet Lampwick on January 21, 2010, 10:20 PM

Without a doubt, CHICAGO! I have lived all over the U.S, and traveled the world...but Chicago is hands down the culinary capitol! Anything you could possibly want...if you can dream it, you can eat it! Obviously, the pizza and hot dogs are great but with so many chefs (famous and up & coming) here in Chicago to make a name for themselves. You can eat the world chicago! I could list hundreds of outstanding places to eat, but you really need to just go and eat the experience! I do have to say though while I feel Chicago is the best overall, if you want great mexican...SoCal i.e. San Diego to L.A is where it's at! For the best taco, carne asada burritos and rolled tacos, try any restaurant with a name ending in " 'tos" Robertos, Norbertos, Albertos etc. MMMMMM, the best! Ok, one last tip...this was a secret, but no more. You will stand in line, and they only take cash! Its hard to find, but you just might bump into a President or some other celebrity in the know! The name of the restaurant for the best seafood you will ever eat is...dang, I forgot the name! Just kidding, "Point Loma Seafood! If you live in San Diego, you know! Try the fish or scallop sandwich...yum!

Posted By Brian Lawrence on January 22, 2010, 9:35 AM

HOUSTON is by far the BEST ..... not only can everyone find their favorite cuisine, it is AFFORDABLE!

Posted By Elsa on January 22, 2010, 9:52 AM

San Francisco - Fantastic variety of [really good!] restaurants. Moved away from the Bay Area to Austin, TX. Really miss the restaurants in the Bay Area, especially San Francisco.

Posted By Gerald Bailey on January 22, 2010, 11:04 AM

Houston! Houston! Houston! Best food ever, not mention its diversity. You can't go wrong with restaurants owned by the best chef's in the nation! The food is so exquisite and flavorful. If you haven't been to Houston, you definitely need to make a trip out here!

Posted By Laura on January 22, 2010, 1:10 PM

When you think of Houston, BBQ & TX-Mex comes to mind. However, what people do not know is that Houston is diverse when it comes to food. With over 8,000 restaurants to choose from, you can find anything to your liking. Houston is the perfect place to dine and can fit into anyone’s budget.

Posted By Shea on January 22, 2010, 2:28 PM

Houston has the best food in America

Posted By Giselle on January 22, 2010, 3:07 PM

Houston, hands, down! Summers are hot and so is the food scene here...

Cuisine, quality, variety...it's all here in the 4th largest city in the United States (we know Chicago is sweatin' and barely holdin' on to that #3 spot, but we still love you)...As a "business city" the offerings are far ranging and the styles just as unique. High end to low end, French to Mexican and everything in between, the options are endless...

This IS the city for the palate in search of adventure...If you want to spend a lot or a little, you will always have more choices than time when it comes to eating in this city...

While other cities call great food catfish, grits drowning in thick, white, gravy and fried iced tea (sorry, New Orleans, but have you ever seen a vegetable?) and Dallas serves up one more steak house, Houston dazzles with food that can be chic, hip or down home...

For food, it is hard to beat NYC or San Francisco, but when friends from those to great foodie cities visit, they return home as believers in this, the next true "foodie" city in the country, Houston!

Posted By George H on January 22, 2010, 3:35 PM

Charlotte, NC has the best food in America!!!
Mert’s has the best Soul Food. Visit Price's Chicken Coop which is consistently rated the best fried chicken in the country. Or fried pickles at the Penguin or Alexander Michaels. The EpiCentre just opened Uptown and features a ton of great unique restaurants like Mez, BlackFinn and Enso. Or check out the gauchos at the Brazilian steakhouse Chima. Or stroll through Dilworth and go to 300 East, Thai Taste or Cantina. There are SOOO MANY options to choose from.
Has anyone checked out the new Tuscan Grill- aria?? It is fantastic! And my all time fav is Canjun Queen is the Elizabeth area. Charlotte honestly has a ton of variety and the best unique restaurants.

Posted By Beth Blakney on January 22, 2010, 3:46 PM

A little known town in southeast Alabama is named Abbeville, Alabama. Sits on Highway 431. There is an "Old fashioned" Soda Fountain (1939) from the Chicago Soda Fountain Company named "Huggin' Mollys" that will take you back in time.....memorabillia galore. The food is fantastic. 24 different Sandwiches, Homemade Soups, Salads.....the Onion Rings are to die for. The Steaks and Seafood is incomparable to any you can imagine. Check it out on the web.....www.hugginmollys.com. Take a tour...its worth it.

Posted By Ronnie Marshall on January 22, 2010, 5:06 PM

Aspen has a lot of wonderful restaurants.

Houston would be my favorite city to eat in. Cheaper than NYC, as previously noted, with an amazing variety.

Posted By Kevin on January 22, 2010, 6:54 PM

I have to agree, Austin, Texas is one of the best food cities in America. I have lived on the west coast and travelled extensively (love NYC, SF, LA, Chi,Toronto) and Austin has the most unique restaurants with eclectic feel. i find myself travelling to other cities to find the same ambience with little luck. clay pit, home slice, vespaio, moonshine, shady grove, kerbey lane, blue star, uchi, hotel san jose, mikado - you name it, they've got every cuisine! and the best part - austin prides itself on local businesses. hook 'em!

Posted By dat on January 22, 2010, 8:50 PM

I'd have to say Houston has the best taste in all of America! I absolutely love food and can always be found trying new restaurants that have been around... from african to greek, a lot of restaurants here will fit whatever taste you're going after- diet or none. It's nothing like city flavor and you can always see people out on the streets looking for amazing meals.

Posted By Daisy on January 23, 2010, 12:27 AM

Indianapolis, Indiana has every imaginable world food, at reasonable prices! And it is prepared superbly! The number and variety of restaurants in Indianapolis is astounding! Cafeterias abound, including the world's largest cafeteria. Old world, European, and Asian restaurants can be found in all parts of the city. Chicago would be a close second!

Posted By Clarence on January 23, 2010, 7:35 AM

Many of the large cities have a diverse food scene. It is hard to say that New York is better than LA when both have unique, diverse and great food choices.
The city that I vote for as the Best Food City in America is, hands down, New Orleans! I have been fortunate to have had adventures all over the country and parts of the world. For four years I had the great luck to live in New Orleans. Based on my experience I feel there is no other place in the country with a food scene as interesting or unique as New Orleans. The food scene is an enormous part of the New Orleans identity. From fine dining to the whole in the wall place there are a multitude of flavors unique to New Orleans. A few:
Beignets & cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde.
Muffalata's
Banana's Foster
Po-Boy's (shrimp or oyster or any other sandwich filling)
BBQ Shrimp
Jambalaya
Gumbo
Pralines
Anything Cajun
Anything Creole
Best burger ever at Port-o-Call
Brunch at Commander's Palace
Diner Scene at Camelia Grill

Posted By Sarah on January 23, 2010, 9:37 AM

Perhaps not the best food city in America, but certainly a surprising find: Des Moines, Iowa.

I moved here 6 years ago and in that time I have just been blown away with the range and quality of restaurants - especially new arrivals. As in many smaller cities, it's a bit easier for small business and locally owned establishments to compete. Having traveled extensively and lived in Kansas City, San Francisco, New York, Paris and Florence I can honestly say I have a well-rounded food background and yet some of my favorite restaurants in the world live in the heart of Iowa.

From the simple, grill-only approach of Flying Mango (succulent and perfectly seasoned meals) to the inventive, middle-eastern/Mediterranean inspired Proof (where what's fresh determines what's for sale) the variety and the quality can't be beat.

There may not be 18 different French bistros or Italian eateries in Des Moines, but you don't need more than one when you have such places like Django and Lucca.

Not to mention a splattering of more casual lunch spots like Gateway Market, The Wine Experience and Flarah's.

And of course, no food city would be complete without a healthy selection of ethic flavors. Iowa's biggest city is no different. For Bosnian, head to Saraj's. For Thai, try Cool Basil or Rolling Wok, for Vietnamese: A'dong the staff and selection can't be beat. Feeling greek? Mario Gazali is your man. His family runs the casual lunch spot Gazali's, the swankier Adonis a new beautifully and authentically decorated Lebanese spot Open Sesame. And if Sushi is your plat du jour, you're in luck. In addition to established strongholds like Miyabi 9 and Taki, sake bistros have been popping up all over the metro: try Zen, Saki 21, Sakari Sushi Lounge and more.

Posted By kat on January 23, 2010, 3:47 PM

I have had the privilege to eat great food in many cities - New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Chicago Baltimore, Albuquerque, Miami, Austin, San Antonio and Houston to name a few!! Houston, by far, has the BEST diversity AND quality!! If you want Mexican, good ol'BBQ, seafood, steaks, Thai, Indian, Meditteranean, Vietnamese, Italian, Vegan, Brazilian, Cajun, Creole, pizza, kolaches, NOT TO MENTION the beverages to match!!! H-town rocks AND rules!!

Posted By Lauren H on January 23, 2010, 5:13 PM

The best food city? New Orleans. There can be no other contenders. Case closed.

Posted By Jerry Cicerone on January 23, 2010, 9:03 PM

If you want the most diverse food options your choices are going to boil down between New York, LA, and Houston (sorry Chicago). Out of those 3 Houston is the one that is bound to surprise people the most. Not so much the diversity of it's culinary scene but it's quality.

Houston has 3 things that help it's culinary scene:

1. Culturally diverse. Houston has the second most number of foreign consulates in the US trailing only NYC. This can be attributed to it's port facilities and it's position as a leader in the energy sector.

2. Mild temperatures. Houston is pretty mild year round. This enables people to leave their homes more often to go out to eat and enjoy everything that this city has to offer.

3. Abundant wealth. This may seem trivial but Houston has the second most number of Fortune 500 Company HQ's in the US other than NYC. This abundance of wealth means that there is plenty of money to spread around in the restaurant scene. Competition between the top tier restaurants is something that is helping push the envelope here in H-town.

While these 3 things are true what I look at personally is the quality of the food that the average joe on the street gets. Yeah we got Tony's and Fargo de Chao and other world class top end eateries. But what I'm talking about are places like these:

Niko Niko's - If you live in the Montrose area you know about this place. Some of the best Greek food you'll find at prices you can't beat. My all time favorites are the Lamb Kabobs with Viniger Potatoes ($16) and Gyro sandwiches ($8).

Tacos A Go-Go - One of my favorite breakfast stops in town. The Breakfast tacos are a steal at $1.59 with 2 toppings each. I would get a couple of those for breakfast and would fill me up well into lunch. Their Fajita tacos were only $2.49 each, I could eat once of those things with a side of chips and salsa and a drink and be full off of just that alone. Not bad for a $6 meal.

Choice Meat Market - This store in Pasadena off of Richy and Southmore is one of those hole-in-the-wall places you hear about all the time. The star of the show is the little kiosk at the back of the meat market. No chairs, no table, you stand there, make your order then walk out. The $2 Sausage Link Sandwich cannot be beat and the $5 chopped beef potato can feed 2 people easily by itself.

Tony's Shrimp Gallery - Another hole-in-the-wall near Pasadena. Some of the best friend shrimp and onion rings you've ever had. A dozen for under $7 is a bargain. Home made Coleslaw that's so thick it sticks to the roof of your mouth. That's good cookin.

And probably the least appreciated restaurant in town.

Brady's Landing - If you want 5 star cuisine at a budget price you go here. Most people don't even know where it's at, when they find out it's nestled in the MIDDLE of the ship channel turning basin they always think the worst. But once you walk in your transported to a high end dining experience. With the lunch buffet running at only $14 you cannot get a better high quality deal in town anywhere else.

There are tons of other restaurants like these around town that I could go over, Sauka at the park shops downtown, J&L Cafe in Missouri City, Kenny and Ziggy's near the Galleria. But I would be here all day.

If you want to showcase a city that most of your readers would not have expected to be considered. Put Houston down. You will not regret it.

Posted By Chris on January 24, 2010, 6:54 PM

I'm with Chris and many other folks commenting above...Houston, Texas is a great foodie city!! All the best resons for this have already been mentioned in previous comments, so I am writing here to vote for my home town. Come to Houston and get ready to eat!

Posted By twisty1965 on January 25, 2010, 12:04 PM

Much to my surprise Houston is often overlooked as a foodie city! It's much more than BBQ and Tex-Mex down here. Here's a great page with a snap shot of some of Houston's wonderful culinary accomplishments.
http://www.visithoustontexas.com/media/statistics/Culinary

Posted By Laurette on January 25, 2010, 12:26 PM

Quebec City Provence of Quebec.
Could find no better french cooking anywhere this side of the Atlantic!

Posted By JAMES MARSHALL on January 25, 2010, 12:55 PM

I work for the tourism office, so I am biased, but at the same time... I couldn't promote Philadelphia like I do if I didn't have a wonderful city to represent! From stars like Jose Garces to our unique BYOB scene, to our insanely good lunch carts, Philadelphia is the greatest city for foodies.

Posted By Caroline - Philadelphia Tourism on January 25, 2010, 1:24 PM

PHILADELPHIA! I would absolutely rate it as the "most underrated food city in America". Jose Garces, Stephen Starr, and all these little BYOBs that rock! Ethnic, hip, old school – Philly's got it all!

Posted By Kelly B on January 25, 2010, 1:40 PM

I prefer simple meals over fantastic ones, so my favorite "food city" for its sheer variety of simple family foods, NC 'cue (pulled pork BBQ), southern family style meals, their "vegetable plates" that could be anything, including vegetables. When I wanted Greek foods, there was Showmars. Italian food was plentiful. And if you really wanted fancy foods, those were there too.

Posted By Gayle S. on January 25, 2010, 3:03 PM

philadelphia!
such great food on every level - the best sandwiches (and i don't mean cheesesteaks alone), really amazing, affordable little hole in the wall BYO's (bring your own bottle), and fantastic fancy dining, as well. we have celebrity chefs (newly crowned top chef jose garces calls philly home to no less than five top notch restaurants) and we have more than our share of up and coming chefs, as well.

Posted By sara on January 25, 2010, 3:36 PM

Apparently I will have to visit Houston again based on all of the Texans’ comments, but I have been to all US states other than Maine and the Dakotas, and cannot find a better food city than Chicago.

Do I say this because Chicago has steakhouses that are second to none? No.

Do I say this because of Chicago-style hotdogs, deep dish pizza and the cheezeborger, cheezeborger, cheeseborgers of SNL skit fame? No.

Do I say this because Chicago has one of the world’s largest food festivals in the Taste of Chicago, a new Gourmet Chicago festival and a myriad of other festivals which celebrate the food and culture of nationalities as diverse as Serbian, Ghanian and Armenian (Note there are two Armenian festivals…)? No.

Do I say this because one can easily do a fabulous birthday dinner with appetizers in Greektown, entrees in Chinatown and dessert in Little Italy? No, (but it was fun!)

I say this for the sheer diversity of restaurant offerings within even a TYPICAL CHICAGO BLOCK. Just in the 3 block walk down one street from my train stop to my house, you pass Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Polish, Indian, American (burgers and fries), Mexican, American (BBQ), Middle Eastern, Italian and a world class bakery – all of this on a very nondescript stretch of road. This is played out all over the city.

I have spent time in New York and also feel this diversity, but just as with Broadway shows, it feels there is more freedom to experiment in Chicago. Thus you get amazing chefs (the term “chef” almost does not apply and you need to say “inventor”) like Homaro Cantu, Grant Achatz and Graham Elliot Bowles who continue to do amazing things at their restaurants. Chicago continues to welcome individuals just creating their new restaurants such as Stephanie Izard and supports the “casual” fine dining scene as well with Charlie Trotter’s to Go and Rick Bayless’ XOCO.

Chicago also supports some of the best neighborhood restaurants I have come across in my travels. The places mentioned below really make you feel as if you are over at a friend’s house for dinner. Amazing food at great prices in unassuming settings:

Bistrot Campagne – classic French in an intimate garden setting; even has several wine selections from sustainable vineyards

La Bocca della Verita - simply a casual place to get a very good Italian meal; ask the owner what is best that day and what wine to pair it with – she makes great suggestions

Cooper’s – knowledgeable bartenders and 90 bottled beers- try the BBQ Panini and fries

La Gondola – Zagat-rated dining in a strip-mall; only 3 or so tables, but get it to go if you have to; try the lasagna or the Veggie Special pizza

RoSal’s – the floor boards are not even, but the food is great at this place owned by Rosie and Sal in Little Italy

Twist – unassuming tapas place near Wrigley Field beats the pants off the more expensive tapas restaurants in flavor and atmosphere

Finally, having lived in Europe and become quite a fan of market shopping, I am very excited that the French Market has recently opened downtown and that the farmers markets continue to grow each year. (I love that I can buy rutabagas off the farm on my lunch break in downtown Chicago.) Even in the winter people pack into the nature museum to buy fresh ingredients. The City of Chicago even gets into it - they keep bees on the roofs of city buildings and produce their own honey. They have also opened a year-round farmer’s market storefront in the Loop.

The city’s ethnic produce/supermarkets such as Stanley’s, HarvesTime and numerous others provide inspiration to so many budding cooks. I love that there are always new markets to discover and ingredients that allow me to recreate what I have eaten as I have travelled the world. Last night I found foule (breakfast in Egypt) and Bulgarian feta in a very unassuming market I had never come across before. I will never find it all. There will always be more to explore and experimentation is encouraged – that is why my vote is for Chicago!

Posted By Kris on January 25, 2010, 4:14 PM

Philadelphia – for sure! We have everything from top, award winning chefs like Jose Garces to street food to haute cuisine and everything in between! We also have an under-the-radar local food scene with tons of farmers markets, food festivals (including a Mushroom Festival|), and awesome breweries that craft some of the best beers in the US.

Posted By Lily on January 25, 2010, 4:30 PM

Far and above any place, New York City. You can get any kind of food you want. You can spend top dollar and you can find unbeatable bargains, especially in ethnic foods. And, to make things easy, public transportation can get you anywhere you want 24 hrs. a day.

Posted By ECN on January 25, 2010, 4:34 PM

I vote HOUSTON HOUSTON HOUSTON
I have lived in the US, Europe, Asia and Africa and always miss the food found in Houston. The variety and ingenuity are always inspiring. What ever taste you fancy can be found in Houston.

Posted By SKO on January 25, 2010, 5:09 PM

HOUSTON: I can't think of anywhere in the US esp in the south where you can get any kind of the world from Asian to Soul food.

Posted By Madelen on January 26, 2010, 4:51 AM

Houston - hands down! After living in both New York and London (two of the world's culinary capitals)I can tell you that the Lone Star State's best-kep secret is that Houston is a gastronomic paradise.

Posted By Sarah on January 26, 2010, 1:17 PM

Austin, Austin, Austin

In addition to all those fore mentioned....
Hudson's on the Bend

Posted By ann on January 26, 2010, 6:12 PM

This is a no brainer. New Orleans wins this hands down. It is worth the trip just to eat. I once spent 4 days with lunches and dinners scheduled to hit as many of the great restaurants as possible. And it is forbidden to worry about one's weight while visiting. You have a lifetime to diet, perhaps once in a lifetime chance to eat this well.

Posted By Kris on January 28, 2010, 4:51 PM

Everyone has dealt with all aspects of restaurants in various cities. How about all the citizens of New Orleans, especially males who are GREAT cooks. The question was best food city, not who had the best restaurants!

Posted By Rene' on January 29, 2010, 10:06 PM

St. Augustine, Florida, population 12,500, home of the American Chefs Federation can hold it's own with any of your mega city choices. We have culinary programs that create trained chefs into even our smallest eating establishment. We who live here are so spoiled and only realize it when we visit other places. Granted we don't have all of what a NYC or a Chigao has but what we do have is excellent and we can safely walk to most of them.

Posted By Olen Meredith on January 30, 2010, 12:37 PM

Baltimore, MD should be on the list!! For its ethnic diversity, range of high quality dining at all price levels, but most of all for its seafood!! Uniquely situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore has some of the best seafood to be had anywhere and a Maryland style crabcake is unbeatable!!

Posted By Kathy on February 1, 2010, 1:11 PM

I would have to say Chicago is "Food City". They have an eclectic blend of food choices. Everything from steak to pizza. New Orleans would be my scond choice with their creole cuisine, it is always a palate pleaser. Third, well that would be a shocker...Detroit! I know, there is no trendy cuisine, famous chef's, and definitely no glitz, but Detroit should be recognized. Coney Island hot dogs, fine Mexican food, and Greek food to die for...Chicago, New Orleans and Detroit, now that's a winning trio!

Posted By Leon on February 1, 2010, 2:26 PM

Phoenix. I don't know how it hasn't been mentioned yet when someone at Zagat rated it #2 beneath NYC and my Italian mother in New Jersey loves to go there just for the Italian food. Moving from Phoenix to SoCal a few years ago was a huge disappointment. I'm now in San Antonio, Texas for business reasons and while it's better than SoCal, the restaurants still don't hold a candle to Phoenix.

Sure, NYC may have the most five-star restaurants, but due to the sheer size of the city, it also has the highest number of garbage restaurants and you have to wade through hundreds of them to find something good. Otherwise it's like Los Angeles - there are great five star meals available if you don't mind spending $400/couple. Otherwise, Phoenix is where it's at!

Posted By FrankR on February 1, 2010, 3:05 PM

I will nominate San Antonio, Texas because of its inexpensive offerings of foods in a variety of cultures. While Tex-Mex may dominate the scene, one can find great German cuisine, French, Japanese, Sushi and so on for very reasonable prices. Of course we cannot forget bar-b-que and good ol' Chicken Fried Steak.

Posted By Jim Miculka on February 1, 2010, 8:44 PM

Cincinnati - who could resist Skyline Chili, Graeter's ice cream and La Rosa's pizza?

Posted By Dana on February 2, 2010, 9:38 PM

This seems like an unfair survey as NYC is clearly the place for cuisine. It's a melting pot of cultures so our food is authentic and the variety is endless.

Posted By Eva on February 4, 2010, 10:30 AM

Not even a fair contest. New York city, end of story. Anything that recommends any other city mentioned above, you can also find in New York. New York by a wide margin has the most variety of food opportunities in the world.

As far as the "haute cuisine" end of the spectrum goes, New York plays at the very top of the game and will compare to the best any city in the world has to offer.

More impressive though, is that you can find pretty much ANY ethnic cuisine somewhere in the five boroughs. And I will tell you this, it's all pretty much excellent fare. Say what you will about New Yorkers (and people definitely have their opinions, I know-I lived there a long time) but there's one thing folks there do not tolerate and that's bad food. People are always looking for that new "best place."

Face this fact: if you want to have a restaurant in NYC, you better be good or you're just not gonna make it.

Having moved out of New York years ago, I can tell you without hesitation the one thing I miss more than anything else is the food. I have been to many, many different places since I left. Each of them has something that makes them special: I love the cheesesteaks in Philly (whiz wit, please), the *real* fried clams in Boston, the barbecue ribs in St Louis, the perfection of a real Tampa cuban sandwich, the awesome creative fusion cuisine in LA.

It's all good, but in the final analysis, NYC wins by the sheer overwhelming number and variety of outstanding restaurants.

And, in the unlikely event of a tie, NYC still wins because it has Peter Luger's Steakhouse.

Posted By Fred on February 4, 2010, 11:40 AM

New Orleans!!

Posted By Debra on February 4, 2010, 12:56 PM

Hmm, very apples to oranges to rate something like a "best food city." The criteria can be all over the map. But I truly believe my hometown of Philadelphia has to be the choice by virtue of the extraordinary range from everyman food (from pretzels and scrapple to cheesesteaks and regional pizza offerings) to the highest end of the haute cuisine led by our superstar entrepreneurs Stephen Starr and Iron Chef Jose Garces. Throw in the local ingredients and farmers market and an unbeatable BYO scene, and that's that. New York and New Orleans will have to settle for silver and bronze.

Posted By David Krakow on February 4, 2010, 2:52 PM

I nominate Charlottesville, VA. I have had meals that are wonderful in New York; Washington, DC; Chicago and other big cities - but again and again I am always amazed at the amount of quality restaurants and speciality markets in Charlottesville. From diners to fine dining I have yet to have a bad meal in Charlottesville. I really suggest trying Miller's and in the morning go to Spud Nuts for a potato donut. WONDERFUL!

Posted By Bethany on February 4, 2010, 3:26 PM

portland, maine so many options so little time...from american bar to sophiticated fare...too many to talk about

Posted By carol on February 4, 2010, 4:07 PM

PORTLAND, MAINE!!

We are a small city, you can walk to all the best resaurants from the waterfront to up on the hill. We have a James Beard award winning chef and lots of great restaurants with great chefs in the kitchen.

Everyone cares about local food here- from the chefs to the home cooks. There are so many farmers at the market, and lots of residents have CSAs.

There are dining options for everyone, different types of food, vegetarians, ballers, and budget eaters (ahem, me).

We were recently profiled by the NY Times and Bon Appetit magazine (even voted Best Foodie Town in America by the latter!). So you've gotta pick us, because everyone else is doin' it! :)

Posted By Kate on February 4, 2010, 4:12 PM

I live and eat in Portland, Maine. Portland has been recognized for their restaurants this past year in many publications - and we deserve it!

Our restaurants were doing sustainable, local, organic food before it was trendy. Many print where their food is from in Maine right on the menu, making me proud to buy local when I dine out.

Not only that, but eating out here is affordable. You can have a fine dinning experience for under 100 - easily - at many of our fabulous restaurants. If you're looking for quick, cheap easts - try one of our pubs or dinners (dinnahs) for top quality, affordable food.

Maine Restaurant Week in March is also a great time of year to visit Portland and other cities. Restaurants offer set menus at 20, 30 and 40 dollars a person --- allowing you to try a restaurant that might otherwise be out of your budget.

Plus the service is always great because Mainers are friendly and proud people who want you to love our state as much as we do!

Posted By Jill on February 4, 2010, 4:12 PM

Yes. There IS one best city for culinary delights. It has a history of Spanish, French, African and English/American delights. You may have heard of it; it's called New Orleans.....

Posted By Wester on February 4, 2010, 5:32 PM

NYC, no doubt about it. It has the greatest diversity (you can find anything you want, plus at most hours of the day!) and the best pizza, bagels, diners, and delis in the world... though I guess I'm biased since I grew up in the area.

Posted By Virginia on February 4, 2010, 5:33 PM

I think Honolulu is the best food city in the country because of the diversity of excellent restaurant choices. We have restaurants to meet every appetite and they serve GREAT food--Korean, Japanese, Italian, American, Hawaiian, Chinese, Greek, Thai, Vietnamese, etc.

Posted By Sharon Mahoe on February 4, 2010, 5:36 PM

I haven't read all of these comments, but there seems to be a clear campaign afoot for Houston. It has all the marks of an orchestrated/coordinated campaign that has been put in motion by some third party. Personally, I think a case could be made for any number of cities in the U.S. I live in NYC and of course it must be on any shortlist. However, I've also enjoyed tremendous meals in San Francisco, New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, and others. The top "it" city of the moment for dining, I'd say, is Portland (OR), and IMHO deservedly so.

I've been to Austin many times; it's a place with a great vibe, the music scene is fantastic, and there are some decent local eats. However, I don't think the food there in any way approaches that of the other cities above.

And, sorry, folks, but Houston just isn't a contender.

Posted By Susanna on February 4, 2010, 7:41 PM

Absolutely, hands-down, gotta be Portland, Maine. There are SO many good restaurants and positive food-related goings on in this small city it's unbelievable!

The best fresh bread/bagels/baked goods I've ever had.

The freshest seafood imaginable.

Some really innovative chefs with incredible restaurants (Miyake and Hugo's to name just a couple).

I am SO honored to live near Portland, MAINE!

Posted By Lori D. on February 4, 2010, 8:34 PM

Portland Maine - hands down!
Fresh, creative, affordable, fun.

Posted By Karen Watterson on February 5, 2010, 1:55 PM

Houston, we have a problem. There's clearly a campaign afoot to get Houston to take the prize, but handing that city the crown would make a mockery of this poll.

If by the best food city one means the one where you can get the best food, no matter the price, as well as the best variety of food and food that is consistently good or very good, then NYC wins hands-down--although NYC is not the best at everything: the best seafood is in Maine, the best BBQ is in North Carolina or Tennessee, the best Mexican is probably somewhere in Texas, and the best Thai and Japanese is in LA.

Having been to all of those places, however, there is only one city where I am always so blown away by the unbelievable flavor of the food that I would go back just to go eat, and that's New Orleans. It's the only American city that has a cuisine of its own that is world-renowned, and for that I think it needs to take the prize.

Sorry, Houston.

Posted By Tim C from NJ, formerly from NYC on February 5, 2010, 5:17 PM

++Portland, Maine. Enough said.

Posted By Bob Belanger on February 5, 2010, 6:12 PM

yes, i would agree with all, that most of the large U.S. cities will have the best food ... including Berkeley which is a small town. (I've lived in NYC, Northern and Southern CA)

But when I moved to Cincinnati, I was amazed to find so many varied restaurants in the Cincinnati area. We even have a Master Chefs of France ( Maîtres Cuisiniers de France) in our midst, Jean Robert de Cavel. If you are ever in Cincinnati, try some of the creative restaurants here!

Posted By toobusy2 on February 6, 2010, 10:29 AM

Since Pittsburgh is a melting pot of many cultures, the food choices are endless...and inexpensive. You will not find the 'best' food in the most expensive restaurants. To the contrary, heavenly pierogees or terrific spaghetti and meatballs will be sold in church basements for next to nothing. A local Indian or Chinese family-run establishment will cook a meal that is not on menu. French fries and cole slaw will appear on your sandwiches...or your salads...tasting like they belong there.

Pittsburghers embrace the small local restauranteurs..the diner owners...and they cherish family recipes duplicated in their cafes.

So, when you visit the 'burgh, ask locals for the 'best' food choices. Most likely, you will trek to a small, out-of-the way establishment with fantastic plates at not so fantastic prices.

Posted By Janice on February 7, 2010, 12:52 AM

Chicago, hands down, always on the cutting edge. New Orleans also remains a special treat despite the aftermath of Katrina.

Posted By garrett on February 8, 2010, 2:39 PM

1) NOLA 2) Portland, OR 3) San Fran, in that order IMHO

Posted By rjt on February 8, 2010, 6:05 PM

Absolutely Houston! The variety and quality of restaurants in Houston should be enough to make it a top contender for anyone. No matter what type of cuisine I'm craving, I can find an authentic and delicious option nearby.

Posted By Holly on February 10, 2010, 12:45 AM

PORTLAND, MAINE, PORTLAND, IN MAINE!
Local ingredients, the best fish in the country, beef too. Considering our winter weather what our chefs serve here is nothing short of a miracle. Come to Maine Restaurant week, 1st week in March and see for yourself. We are going to Fore St. for a treat, then to some of the real budget restaurants to enjoy the change, and we drive 30 miles to get there, but its worth it.

Posted By Celia on February 10, 2010, 10:16 AM

While infamous for its snow, and often overlooked and underestimated, Buffalo New York is the best food city in America. Unexpected and off the radar for most travelers, it has a host of possibilities to offer the travel lover and food connoisseur. It is full of mom and pop restaurants with classic Buffalo fare, innovative and creative restaurants that showcase the budding artistic community, and refined restaurants to please even the most discerning palate. First and foremost, the spotlight is given to Buffalo Wings - there is no better place to eat them than here, where they originated. I recommend the Anchor Bar where they were created and still beat any imitator. Second, a sampling of true-blue Buffalo food would not be complete without Beef-on-Weck from Charlie The Butcher's. This famous little hole-in-the-wall has the most savory roast beef sandwiches on the unique, salted kimmelweck rolls topped with horseradish fresh enough to knock your socks off. Next, the exquisite menu at the Buffalo Chophouse is not to be missed. It is Buffalo's premiere steak house and will stand the test against any big cities' best. There is no shortage of options for an unforgettable dessert; my nomination for taking the cake in this category would be Butterwood Desserts, located right on Main Street in the quaint suburb of Williamsville. Finally, before heading home you would need to stop for breakfast at The Original Pancake house where you will find a fantastically vast menu, large helpings, a perfectly balanced bottomless cup of coffee, and a meal so satisfying you will wish a speedy return to experience all the other culinary surprises Buffalo has up its sleeves.

Posted By Rachel on February 11, 2010, 1:55 PM

Buffalo NY is, hands down, the best food city in America. I ditto Rachel of 2/11/10 on her choices, and must add a few more. E.G.Green's downtown is one of the top 10 steakhouses in the U.S. Rue Franklin, started as a coffeehouse back in the 70's, has been an ooh-la-la french cuisine restaurant for many years. Trattoria Aroma has the best Italian trattoria cuisine. Then there's Chef's, the Seneca St landmark, with down home Italian, and the best tomato sauce ever! Anyone for lasagna, this is your place. Hop down Main St to the Lake Effect Diner, for a dining car style diner experience right out of the 50s. Charlie the Butcher's beef on weck is good, but for the best beef on weck, visit Schwabl's for a fresh carved sandwich that melts in your mouth. I could go on and on, but visit us here in Buffalo, trek down Elmwood Ave, check out the suggestions above and by Rachel, and see for yourself. Don't forget to take in the great architecture between meals.

Posted By Pat on February 16, 2010, 4:34 PM

The best food city is New York City. New Orleans is a distant second. New York City is the best because no place in America offers the vast variety of authentic styles and flavors that New York does. New York is also one of the the most inventive and exciting food cites in the world, the most cutting edge next to San Francisco and Tokyo. Chicago use to get some mention but their food scene has become fairly derivative in recent years, and the great restaurants have become very hit or miss. An underestimated food city is Milwaukee. They have been drawing some great chefs and many awards the last few years.

Posted By Larry J on February 17, 2010, 3:17 PM

The entire Bay Area has many wonderful high line, middle class, and cheap eats. I am including Berkeley, Oakland (many wonderful new places in the last two to three years and plenty of old standbys), the City, Marin County, Napa and Sonoma Counties, the Silicon valley area, and even some in the burgs.
The variety of food is unsurpassed with about two hundred languages spoken in the area ... not sure if 200 types of food, but wouldn't be surprised.
Of course, I live here.
One last thing, the average person in SF spends about 50% more on eating out than in NYC... we are year round get out and enjoy life place.

Posted By steve on February 18, 2010, 6:45 PM

New York is the place where food reaches the greatest perfection and thus deserves to win.

New Orleans is the place where food is most ingrained in the local culture and so also deserves to win.

However, I am not someone who can afford to eat at michelin-star restaurants all the time, and I also crave variety. Thus, Los Angeles is my perfect food city based on the incredible quality and diversity of cheap eats.

People have mentioned diversity already when discussing New York or Houston. But these people are probably not aware that LA has the largest populations of the following in the US: Armenians, Cambodians, Chinese, Filipinos, Guatemalans, Iranians, Israelis, Japanese, Koreans, Mexicans, Peruvians, Salvadorans, Thai, and Vietnamese. LA also has the second largest population of Ethiopians, a personal fave cuisine of mine.

There are also large enough populations of Russians and Indians to make excellent options available.

I only ever crave good pizza. I'm smitten with NY pizza and realize most of what we have here doesn't begin to compare (not that good pizza doesn't exist in LA, but I wish it was as prevalent as it is in NYC).

But would I give up the best mexican, thai, chinese, japanese, etc. in the country for the best pizza? No way.

And we haven't even talked about burgers, which LA is undeniably the capital of.. or jewish delis which LA is tops in.. or vegan/vegetarian cuisine.. or the excellent grocery stores.. or amazing farmer's markets, etc.

So if you're talking history, culture, etc. please go with New Orleans.
If you're talking the best and most high-end restaurants, its NYC, hands-down.
But if you're talking about the quality and breadth of every-day eating available to the average person, nothing compares to LA. It should be considered in this running much more strongly.

Posted By Dan on February 20, 2010, 9:38 PM

Los Angeles is the best food town. One reason: Ethnic food. The ethnic food scene in LA is the best in the country.

Korean, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese are just a few where LA dominates. And these are ballsy cuisines. Not pizza or pasta. It's a new food experience that most of America is missing out on, yet those in LA get to have it at it's best every day.

Posted By david on February 24, 2010, 1:48 AM

Virginia Beach is a great place for food! Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from the Atlantic along with organic produce straight from local Virginia Beach Farms. The city offers nearly 300 restaurants, many locally-owned and operated, that serve fresh ingredients indigenous to the region—produce grown from one of the resort city’s 20 farms and seafood pulled from the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Ocean.

Some of the regions specialties and local favorites include crab cakes, grilled mahi-mah, yellowfin tuna, she-crab soup and striped bass (better known as “Rock Fish”). In fact, due to the abundance of striped bass, Virginia Beach is known as the “Striped Bass Capital of the World.” Virginia Beach is also famous for its Lynnhaven Oysters. Holding historical significance, Lynnhaven oysters fed America’s earliest settlers and once were coveted around the world, served to presidents and royalty for their size, saltiness and gentle zing. Today, striped bass and Lynnhaven oysters are considered to be a local delicacy and are served in some of Virginia Beach’s best dining establishments by some of the resort city’s finest chefs.

The atmosphere in Virginia Beach’s restaurants is just as rich as the food on your plate and diverse enough to fulfill any appetite. Culinary travelers can experience a romantic diner watching the sunset over an inlet at one of the resort city’s waterfront restaurants, such as One Fish, Two Fish, engage in some crab cracking and oyster shucking in a casual beach atmosphere at Chic’s Oyster Bar, or enjoy an evening as sizzling as shrimp pulled straight from the steamer at Catch 31. Firepits are located on the outdoor dining terrace overlooking Neptune’s Park and the ocean front boardwalk, where live music and entertainment is provided during the summer.

Agriculture is also one of the top leading industries in Virginia Beach. Corn, Wheat and soybeans are the main grain crops grown in the area. Because of our mild climate, our farmers also enjoy growing fresh fruits and vegetables. Three Virginia Beach farms offer Consumer Supported Agriculture programs. Culinary Travelers may want to visit the Farmers Market and local produce stands in Pungo, where seasonal treats abound, or stop by the Heritage Store for a wide variety of organic selections. Many local chefs support the Virginia Beach slow food movement and sustainable farming methods by incorporating local organic ingredients into their recipes and cooking with the freshest of seasonal produce in Virginia Beach. Approximately, 20 area restaurants carry the Virginia Green certification and are committed to eco-friendly practices like recycling, energy conservation and greater water efficiency. The Sensible Seafood Program was recently started by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center which is designed to help consumers make sustainable seafood choices when shopping and dining in stores and restaurants.

Posted By Kari on March 1, 2010, 3:26 PM

Birmingham AL deserves a shot at this title. PUT A LITTLE SOUTH IN YOUR MOUTH. You can't go just anywhere in US and get Ribs, SOUL FOOD, Shrimp 'N Grits...but you can find it here. So send your Food Critics down South, we'll feed you well, and be so nice you'll wish you lived here.
A few of my favorites; Jim N Nicks BBQ, Hoover Location- Best RIBS, Pulled Pork, Try crispy fried Carl's Catfish, don't forget to order a big sweet tea while you're there.
The Bright Star- Greek,over 100 years old family owned, try the Greek Tenderloin and homemade pies.
Baha Burger, - Try the Fried Green Tomato Burger and a basket of sweet potato fries and fried Okra ask for Ranch for dippin'.
Highland Bar and Grill- Anything you order is outstanding. Birminghas Best 5 star.

Ya'll come on down!

Posted By Jennifer Taylor on March 3, 2010, 10:19 PM

Best food city in America has to be Atlanta! We have great chefs (Linton Hopkins, Richard Blais, Kevin Gillespie, Anne Quatrano and so many more); the best ethnic dining on Buford Highway (taquerias, pho, Korean BBQ, etc.); top-rated fine dining from national chefs (BLT Steak, Craft, Spice Market); and incredible local dives and neighborhood favorites that can't be beat (Vortex, Holeman & Finch, Taco Mac, Nuevo Laredo Cantina and the list goes on).

Posted By Anne on March 10, 2010, 9:48 AM

New Mexico, specifically Albuquerque can't be beat. New Mexico has its own genre of food (New Mexican food) and nobody does it better. From the large chains to the numerous family owned restaurants it cannot be beat. It also has great live stock, and the Mariscos make some awesome seafood for not being close to water. No one who has eaten in the neighbooring states (Texas, Arizona, Colorado) has truly had the delicous chile.

Posted By Robert S on March 11, 2010, 8:24 PM

There is wonderful bar and grill in gretna Louisiana and it is call Ruby Reds and they have the best hamburger! all there food is good but i would have to put there burgers first. hope that you all can give it a try weather you are from out of town or live close by. give Ruby Reds a try.

Posted By William Funk on April 17, 2010, 3:57 PM

Best food city overall is New York City. San Francisco is another good choice. Incredible variety in those cities.

Posted By Taylor M. on April 19, 2010, 3:10 AM

1) New Orleans 2) Honolulu 3) San Francisco
New York is just too expensive.

Posted By Lilli on May 28, 2010, 11:34 PM

I've traveled a lot and am always on the hunt for unique culinary delights that don't have to reside in 5 star restaurants at 5 star prices. Having been to NYC (Great food for a price) and if you talk to the locals you can find very good food at very good prices, I definitely think it qualifies as number 2. I'm not really sure how Houston or Pittsburgh can even be considered, they have alot of descent food but I never found anything I considered truly exceptional... I think people eat out so much in Houston because there are a ton of cheap options and it's just not worth buying groceries. San Fran belongs high on the list as does Chicago and Austin. All of that said, New Orleans has a rediculously high concentration of exceptional 5 star restaurants combined with tons of great affordable options that all offer unique options and you can literally walk in to almost any whole in the wall without talking to a local and walk away very impressed.

1. New Orleans
2. New York
3. Austin
4. Chicago
5. San Francisco

Posted By Chris B. on June 28, 2010, 8:15 AM

So tough to say.

I'm an LA native, and there is something here for everyone, whether it's ethnic food from every continent on the globe, a great burger, or fresh seafood.

NYC obviously can't be beat in terms of Italian (i.e. pizza especially), and delis (it's da watah! as the locals claim).

SF has unbelievable seafood (Scoma's comes to mind), and everything else.

KC has the best BBQ, but that's a contentious thing, given how many different localities are so passionate about their own specific style.

NO is obviously the king of Cajun, Creole and French.

Philly is impressive in terms of sandwiches, delis, and roast meats.

Chicago gets an honorable mention for its wide array of goodness.

That's my list, however I can't rank it because they're all so different.

Posted By J on September 21, 2010, 4:00 AM

Hands down Boston's north end, best italian food you will ever eat, with Mike's pastry, I am SO surprised no one has mentioned Boston, there are restaurants everywhere with all real unbelievable italian food, no doubt about it.

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Posted By Dashaerorge on March 4, 2011, 9:10 AM

As a resident of Houston, I believe it is up-and-coming on the food scene as of this point. However, of the places I've been, New York and New Orleans still take the cake for good food. New York has a gastronomic breadth that is second to none in the US. New Orleans has some of the best regional cuisine by far. To my fellow Houstonians, we're coming up for sure. Our selection and quality are great. Hopefully, we'll be up there soon enough.

As an aside, the best pizza I've had was at some place in Chicago. I'm looking forward to going back to NYC and seeing if they can sway my opinion.

Posted By Karey on March 20, 2011, 1:02 PM

Probably LA. Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Japanese. These are some of the great cuisines of the world. They just aren't done very well in NYC or SF. (Yes, they're known for good chinese, but that's in the past).

I think people always say NYC and SF out of historic habit, as it's been known for food for so long. But places like Chicago, Portland and LA are really the centers of food now. the general public is always slow to catch on what food writers are saying now.

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