Food tourism is on the rise, and for good reason—exploring a destination through its cuisine is one of the best ways to experience its culture. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, the local food scene is often a deciding factor in where to go. A new study from the Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has ranked the U.S. states with the most dynamic food scenes, revealing some surprising results.
The study analyzed data from sources like the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the National Restaurant Association and Georgia Tech’s Friendly Cities Lab. Factors such as restaurant density, tourist-to-restaurant ratio, number of culinary schools, number of independent restaurants and number of Michelin-starred restaurants all played a role in determining each state’s overall score.
One key takeaway from the study is that great food isn’t just limited to major cities—small towns and across the country boast some of the best culinary experiences. While many might expect New York to top the list, it actually came in second. The number one spot? Hawaii, which scored a perfect 100. The report highlights the state’s impressive restaurant-to-tourist ratio, with 376 visitors per eatery, along with a strong independent restaurant scene.
The study also uncovered fascinating state-by-state insights. Nevada residents allocate nearly half their food budget to dining out, Vermont leads in independent restaurants and California boasts the most Michelin-starred eateries. Even tiny Rhode Island landed in the top ten, thanks to high restaurant spending and strong industry employment.
Find the full report here, and start planning your next food-driven adventure.
U.S. states with the best restaurant scenes
- Hawaii
- New York
- Nevada
- California
- Florida
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- Texas
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey