In a surprise to no one, New York City has once again been named the best food destination in the U.S.
TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards ranked New York number one in its Best of the Best Food category. The city also earned the top spot as the best overall destination in the country.
It’s no secret New York sits at the top of the nation’s dining scene. The culinary powerhouse is home to 72 Michelin-starred restaurants, according to the latest 2025 guide—more than any other state, edging out California.
But New York’s strength isn’t limited to fine dining. It’s everything. Street food in Queens, late-night bars on the Lower East Side, Williamsburg pubs, roast pork in Chinatown, classic steakhouses, and cuisines from nearly every corner of the world. If it exists, New York is serving it.
For young culinarians, it remains the place to learn the industry from the ground up. For food obsessives, it’s America’s dining Mecca.
New York City Is America’s Top Food Destination
TripAdvisor analyzed millions of community reviews over a 12-month period. New York City stood out, earning more high-rated food reviews than any other destination in the country.
With 72 Michelin stars, placements on the World’s 50 Best list, more than 20,000 restaurants, over 800 languages spoken, and more than 8 million residents, it’s no surprise a world-class food scene continues to thrive here.
People travel from around the globe just to eat in New York. As a food-obsessed kid who grew up in the shadow of Manhattan, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn.
The only problem? Now I’m spoiled.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
