OAKLAND, Calif. – A recent survey has named Oakland the best city for food in the United States. According to Condé Nast Traveler, over 757,000 votes were cast in their annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which highlights top travel destinations across various categories.
Oakland topped the list of 15 cities, thanks to its rich and diverse food culture. Each neighborhood in this vibrant city offers a unique culinary experience.
In Temescal, for instance, you can find the popular soul food restaurant Burdell, known for its creativity and flavors. Plus, there’s Pizzaiolo, which serves inventive pizzas. Fruitvale, rich in Latino culture, boasts numerous taco trucks famous for their birria, showcasing the blend of flavors that define Oakland.
Mayor Barbara Lee expressed pride in the city’s food scene. “Oakland’s food is world-class,” she said. She emphasized that this award honors local businesses that play a crucial role in the community. Mayor Lee highlighted the resilience and creativity of Oakland’s culinary landscape.
Besides the local gems, Oakland is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants: Commis and Sun Moon Studio. In addition, 19 other eateries in the city are recognized by the Michelin Guide, solidifying Oakland’s reputation as a food destination.
Oakland wasn’t the only Bay Area city to make the list. San Francisco also ranked high, showcasing its own diverse gastronomy. The city’s vibrant food culture includes historic Chinatown, known for introducing dim sum and chow mein to the U.S., and the Mission District, a hotspot for authentic Mexican cuisine.
The survey highlights that California’s culinary scene is thriving. As Condé Nast Traveler points out, San Francisco has one of the highest ratios of family-owned restaurants compared to chains, relying heavily on the region’s rich resources—from fresh seafood to farmers’ produce.
In recent years, food trends on social media have highlighted the diverse and innovative dishes found in both cities. Hashtags like #OaklandEats and #SFEats gain traction, with users sharing everything from ramen to gourmet tacos. This not only boosts local restaurants but also fosters a community that celebrates culinary creativity.
Both Oakland and San Francisco made another list earlier this year, with Oakland ranking 7th among small cities to visit and San Francisco coming in 2nd among large cities. According to the same survey, California as a whole remains a key player in the national food scene, and food lovers are eagerly exploring these vibrant cities.
Here’s how the top ten food cities ranked:
- Oakland
- New Orleans
- Milwaukee
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Columbus, Ohio
- Santa Fe
- New York City
- San Diego
For more insights, check out Condé Nast Traveler for the full Readers’ Choice Awards list.
Source link
Us,Ca,Alameda County,Oakland,News,Lifestyle,Food Drink,Restaurants,Lifestyle,Food Drink,Us,Ca,San Francisco,Lifestyle,Travel,Series,Instanews

