Best Small City for Foodies

Newsweek

03-07-2025

Asheville, NC
Photo courtesy of Explore Asheville
Photo courtesy of Explore Asheville
Self-proclaimed as Foodtopia, Asheville's food scene has an eclectic mix of restaurants that highlight the city's bohemian, Southern charm. Farm-to-table spots like Posana source ingredients from the lush gardens that surround this mountain city, and hospitality has never been higher than at Cúrate, recognized by the James Beard Foundation for its warm, attentive service. Beer and BBQ fill many corners, too, with local brews and Carolina-style roasted meats.
Bozeman, MT
Photo courtesy of DianeBentleyRaymond/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of DianeBentleyRaymond/iStock by Getty Images
People who love to explore the outdoors flock to Bozeman for its rugged beauty, only to realize that its restaurant scene is equally as enchanting. Before heading out on a hike, swing by Wild Crumb for a flaky croissant to fuel your adventures; when you return, a pint and a bite—try the local, pasture-raised burger—from Montana Ale Works satisfies the appetite you built on the trail.
Burlington, VT
Photo courtesy of Julia Potapoff/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Julia Potapoff/iStock by Getty Images
Known for its craft beer and delicious cheeses, Burlington enjoys a lakeside location close to farms that supply its restaurants with seasonal ingredients, inspiring a range of flavors. You can share small Mediterranean plates at Honey Road or indulge in a cheeseboard with a beer from one of the 30 draft lines at The Farm House Tap & Grill. Don't leave without trying Vermont's famous creemee from Little Gordo.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Photo courtesy of CarmelCalifornia.com
Photo courtesy of CarmelCalifornia.com
Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts more restaurants per capita than other city in the country—that alone should pique any foodie's interest. But add on its enchanting oceanside village vibe with access to the freshest seafood and some of the best wine in America, and it quickly becomes an epicurean paradise. Even Michelin has taken notice, awarding its most coveted stars to restaurants like Chez Noir and Aubergine.
Charlottesville, VA
Photo courtesy of Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo courtesy of Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
A bustling college town with historical roots and a strong agricultural presence, Charlottesville is constantly welcoming exciting new restaurants like Tangerines Kitchen while supporting mainstays like the 18th-century Michie Tavern. Of course, the wineries and cideries in and around the city are also a huge draw, and spots like Pippin Hill Farms, with its garden-to-table tapas, provide the chance to experience the area's best food and wine.
Fredericksburg, TX
Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr/iStock by Getty Images
You might not expect to stumble upon delicious European cuisine in the middle of the Lone Star State, but Fredericksburg has a rich German heritage that continues to influence this delightful Texas Hill Country city. Start your day at the Old German Bakery & Restaurant with a pancake dusted with powdered sugar, served with lemon wedges, and then savor a plate of wurst and sauerkraut from Otto's at dinner.
Galena, IL
Photo by Keren Roeglin on Unsplash
Photo by Keren Roeglin on Unsplash
For cozy bistros, global flavors and classic treats, consider a visit to Galena, an adorable city steeped in history. You can spend a day strolling down Main Street, stopping to try crazy popcorn flavors (like cherry cheesecake) from the Great American Popcorn Company before continuing on with your shopping to finally end at Fritz and Frites, an upscale café that'll make you feel like you're dining in Paris.
Greenville, SC
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Ever since Greenville began revitalizing its downtown area, talented chefs and restaurateurs have been flocking to this burgeoning city to join its culinary community. Though anchored by its farm-fresh Southern fare at places like Soby's, this city's food scene is diverse, offering everything from dim sum and birria ramen to goat korma and gyros. Tack on coffee shops like Methodical and bakeries like Rise, and it's a no-brainer foodie destination.
Gulf Shores, AL
Photo courtesy of George Dodd/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of George Dodd/iStock by Getty Images
If you can't get enough of fresh seafood, plan your next vacation in Gulf Shores. After a day on the beach, you can eat at humble dives like Sloop for Gulf-caught shrimp or splurge on a fine-dining experience at Coast, where stunning sea views are served alongside oysters and crab. Reel in a big one on a fishing excursion? Several local restaurants will even cook your catch.
Healdsburg, CA
Photo courtesy of Stay Healdsburg
Photo courtesy of Stay Healdsburg
Nestled in the middle of California's Wine Country, Healdsburg offers a restaurant landscape studded with Michelin Stars and lauded by the James Beard Foundation. Visitors can meander around its charming plaza and downtown on a tasting tour, pausing for bites and sips at places like Costeaux French Bakery, Spoonbar and Bravas. And if you're lucky enough to snag a reservation, the acclaimed SingleThread restaurant features a 10-course tasting menu.
McMinnville, OR
Photo by Ben Eubank on Unsplash
Photo by Ben Eubank on Unsplash
While this area of the Willamette Valley has been known for its wine for quite some time, only in the last 15 years or so has it become a culinary hot spot. Fueled by the flourishing farms that surround the area, McMinnville's restaurants rival those in any big city with local establishments like Okta and Hayward garnering the attention of and a few nominations from the James Beard Foundation.
Oxford, MS
Photo courtesy of Visit Oxford MS
Photo courtesy of Visit Oxford MS
Oxford, a town bolstered by literary legends and the arts and culture of Ole Miss, has seen its food scene blossom under the leadership of award-winning chefs like John Currence and Vishwesh Bhatt. Here, a good day starts with a meal at Big Bad Breakfast (order a side of locally smoked meats!) and ends with soul food like the sweet heat okra bowl or shrimp and grits from Bouré.
Santa Fe, NM
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Spice up your next getaway with a stay in Santa Fe, where you'll uncover inspiring flavors influenced by its Native American, Spanish and Mexican heritage. In between tours of the historic architecture and colorful art galleries, you can try local specialties like crisped breakfast burritos from Cafe Pasqual's or indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with a nine-course meal at Sazón with curated tequila, mezcal and wine pairings.
Sedona, AZ
Photo courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
Photo courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
Imagine savoring expertly prepared dishes as the sun sets against towering red rocks, setting them aglow and creating breathtaking views. This mixing of senses is exactly what you'll encounter when you dine in Sedona, a city designed to take you to new levels physically, spiritually and mentally. To capture its golden-hour glory and thrilling flavors, we recommend dinner reservations at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Enchantment or SaltRock Kitchen.
Traverse City, MI
Photo courtesy of Meg Bowen Photography/Travis City Tourism
Photo courtesy of Meg Bowen Photography/Travis City Tourism
Popular for its bountiful cherry orchards, growing wine region and lakeside location, Traverse City is an area where you're just as likely to have a memorable meal at a refined restaurant as at a local microbrewery. Keep it casual with patio lunches at Farm Club, relish an intimate supper at The Cooks' House and enjoy mouthwatering freshwater fish at the Boathouse.