The Official Ranking of the Best Food Cities in the US (Chicago Is Not Number One)
When people discuss great American food cities, a few predictable names typically come to mind. But the 2025 rankings point in a new direction. Updated data and broader criteria have shifted the landscape to highlight cities that combine diversity, affordability, and everyday accessibility, rather than relying solely on reputation. The result is a list that reflects how people actually eat and explore food today.
The City That Took The Crown
Miami, Florida, landed in the number one position with a score of 73.58. The city ranked first for the availability of affordable restaurants rated at least 4.5 out of 5 stars and sits among the highest in the country for restaurants per capita. It also offers Michelin-starred restaurants, including L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, which holds two stars. Those who prefer cooking at home also have options. Miami ranks third for farmers’ markets, third for butcher shops, ninth for gourmet specialty food stores, and second for kitchen supply stores per capita. In short, it delivers both the fancy and the practical, and that balance has pushed it straight to the top.
Portland’s Tax Advantage
Portland, Oregon, followed closely in second place with a score of 72.73. What sets it apart is the lack of tax on groceries and prepared meals. That perk alone can save serious money over time. Plus, there’s a dense collection of highly rated restaurants, specialty spice shops, wineries, breweries, and frequent food and wine festivals. Even in earlier studies, the same qualities placed it at or near the top.
San Francisco’s Star-Studded Impact
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San Francisco, California, secured third place with a 70.58 score. The city contains 26 Michelin-starred restaurants, including three with the maximum three stars: Atelier Crenn, Benu, and Quince. Beyond fine dining, the city ranked high for restaurant density, affordable top-rated eateries, craft breweries, international grocery stores, food festivals, cooking schools, and access to healthier options.
The Rest of the Top Ten
Seattle (70.45) came in fourth, followed closely by Orlando (70.08), then Austin (69.77), Tampa (68.62), Las Vegas (67.89), Sacramento (67.52), and San Diego (66.35). Several of these cities tie for the most restaurants per capita, including Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Houston. Craft beer and winery access also played a significant role, with cities like Santa Rosa, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, and Portland, Maine ranking extremely high in that category.
Where Does Chicago Actually Land?
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Chicago placed 23rd, with a score of 60.08 in the most recent data set. It still offers quality food, heritage, and recognition from major culinary organizations; however, higher costs and increased competition have led to a decline in its overall standing. Past ranking reports have shown similar patterns for well-known names. In an earlier WalletHub study, Chicago ranked 12th, while New York fell to 18th and Los Angeles to 15th due to high grocery prices, dining costs, and sales tax.