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Best Food Cities In The U.S. Includes North Carolina Hot Spot

Author Debbie Nance
Goat Cheese appetizer at Sunset Terrace Grove Park Inn Asheville, one of best food cities in the U.S.

Food often factors in when I’m planning a vacation. And, Travel+Leisure points us in the right direction with their Best Food Cities in the U.S. list.

So, it’s really fun to see one of our favorite weekend getaway destinations in North Carolina is also on the best food cities in the U.S. list.

Best Food Cities In The U.S. Close To Home

And, drumroll…it’s none other than Asheville, North Carolina. According to Travel+Leisure, it was an easy choice in light of the growing culinary scene in Asheville.

The article points out that Asheville is home to more than 120 restaurants, including winners of the prestigious James Beard award. And, they mention a couple they consider highlights on the scene.

First, Travel+Leisure names Chai Pani for Indian street food. Hey, I’m all about some tasty Butter Chicken.

Also, the article highlights Curate for Spanish tapas. And, of course, Buxton Hall Barbecue, which serves us pulled pork from locally sourced pigs.

So, those are Travel+Leisure’s recommendations for what makes Asheville one of the best food cities in the U.S. But, obviously, I have opinions.

More Recommendations From One Of Best Food Cities In The U.S.

First, even though it may sound touristy I love the dining the Biltmore Estate and Grove Park Inn offer. So, let’s start with Grove Park Inn.

A few years ago, I found myself on a girls’ trip with a dear friend. And, it ended up being just us after several friends had to bow out.

So, we took the opportunity to head to the Grove Park Inn to catch a trolley for a bar crawl. Well, while waiting on the trolley, we popped into The Sunset Terrace for a quick bite and pre-game drinks.

Suffice it to say, we missed the trolley. The view, vibes, food and drinks were just so good, we couldn’t see the point in leaving. They offer hand cut steaks, seafood and delightful starters.

Goat Cheese Appetizer at Sunset Terrace at Grove Park Inn Asheville one of best food cities in the U.S.
Debbie Nance
Goat Cheese appetizer at Sunset Terrace Grove Park Inn Asheville, one of best food cities in the U.S.

Plus, we witnessed an incredible black tie wedding taking place. It was the stuff fairytales are made of, and something we would probably never be invited to!

best food cities in the U.S. Grove park Inn asheville spa
Debbie Nance
View of the spa at Grove Park Inn from the Sunset Terrace in Asheville one of the best food cities in the U.S.

Then, one of my absolute favorite places to visit is The Biltmore Estate. We have made numerous visits during candlelight Christmas tours.

And, we always dined on property. Our favorites were Deer Park, Stable Cafe and the Bistro at the winery. Deer Park and Stable Cafe had amazing holiday themed buffets.

And, the Bistro was a delight while touring the winery. We grabbed light lunch and sat outside with a glass of Biltmore wine. There’s nothing better on a crisp Carolina Fall afternoon.

So, that’s my two cents concerning one of the best food cities in the U.S. See the article for the full list. There’s one in South Carolina, too!

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

South Carolina City Named 2nd Best Food Destination In The Nation

  • 10. Asheville, North Carolina

    I’ve been to Asheville many many times and can attest to the quality of restaurants there. The region has a heavy focus on farm-to-table cuisine. Trip Advisor writes, “If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.”

  • 9. San Francisco, California

    I’ve been to San Fransico a few times, but all as a child so the food scene doesn’t stand out much to me. In fact, other than Hard Rock Cafe (hey it was the cool then) and Chinatown I don’t remember much about eating there. Well, I do remember the fresh sourdough bread. That was amazing. So I guess I can attest to the food. Trip Advisor says, “Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. “

  • 8. Boston, Massachusetts

    Yes, yes, and yes to this one. I’ve never had Italian food that held a candle to what I ate in Boston’s North End. That was by far the most memorable but from the trendy brunch, to after Red Sox game snack, every meal I ate in Boston was divine.

  • 7. Nashville, Tennessee

    It’s easy to get caught up in the touristy spots and Bachelorette party culture, but don’t let the cuisine in Nashville fall under your radar. The area is full of some fantastic eats. Some of my must do’s are Demo’s Italian, White Limozeen, and the tacos at Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa. The Trip Advisors experts say, “The creative spirit from Nashville’s music landscape flows into the area’s myriad art galleries, up-and-coming fashion scene, historic landmarks and chef-driven restaurants.”.

  • 6. San Diego, California

    This close to the ocean you know there is going to be some great seafood. And the proximity to Mexico means that cuisine is well represented as well. Trip Advisor says, “San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint.”

  • 5. Maui, Hawaii

    Maui is one of only two places on this list I haven’t experienced. And if the blue water, island lifestyle wasn’t a draw enough, it’s a foodie paradise too. Trip Advisor mainly gushes about the scenery and things to do, but they ranked it 5th on this list and against some stiff competition so I’ll take their word on the food. Until I make the trip myself!

  • 4. Savannah, Georgia

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CktWutEJ9Yz/

    Savannah is one of my favorite cities in the country, and the food is a big reason why. In fact, I have so many restaurants on my must-visit list that my trips have to get longer and longer every time to accommodate. Some of my favorites are lunch at The Paris Cafe, seafood at The Pirates House, and the homestyle favorites at The Olde Pink House. Trip Advisor suggests the fresh seafood and creamy grits for a taste of Savannah home cooking.”

  • 3. New York City, New York

    With endless restaurants and influence from nearly every culture in the world, it makes perfect sense to see NYC near the top of this list. Trip Advisor suggests the “fine dining” offered on the Upper West Side. Some of my favorite restaurants from my recent trip were Beauty & Essex, Sarabeth’s, and La Grande Boucherie. But the hole in the wall neighborhood spots can be even better than these slightly fancy choices.

  • 2. Charleston, South Carolina

    You had to know this was the city we were talking about! Charleston often takes top spots on food lists. And for good reason. The southern influences and fresh seafood makes for a culinary dream. The hard part is simply choosing where and what to eat, it’s impossible to do even a portion. Some favorites of my include Fleet Landing, Church and Union, and Hyman’s Seafood.

  • 1. New Orleans, Louisiana

    A coworker spent New Year’s in New Orleans and came back gushing about the food. Trip Advisor says, ” city’s distinct blend of cultures—including Creole and Cajun—means there’s tons to see, explore, and yes, eat.” And as the only other city on this list outside of Maui I haven’t visited (and one that’s been at the top of my list for a while now), it may be time to book the flight.

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