The Bay Area just earned another national spotlight — this time for its unmatched food scene. In Condé Nast Traveler’s 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, Oakland was officially named the No. 1 Best Food City in the United States, leading a list of 15 food destinations across the country. San Francisco followed close behind, landing in the top five.

More than 757,000 travelers cast votes this year, ranking the best cities, hotels, destinations, spas, and restaurants in America. For food culture specifically, the Bay Area stood out for its diversity, history, and globally influenced culinary identity.

Why Oakland Earned the Top Spot

Oakland’s rise to No. 1 is no surprise to locals — the city’s food landscape is one of the most diverse in the nation. Condé Nast Traveler highlighted Oakland’s blend of cultural depth, small-business creativity, and neighborhood-specific flavors.

Key highlights from the survey:

• Temescal: Home to buzzy soul food restaurant Burdell and inventive pizzas at Pizzaiolo
• Fruitvale: Renowned for its taco trucks and some of the best birria in the country
• Taprooms & tasting rooms: A growing network of breweries and wineries shaping a strong local drinking culture

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee praised the recognition, noting that Oakland’s food reflects the “diversity, creativity, and resilience” of the city’s people and neighborhoods.

Michelin Recognition

Oakland also boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants—Commis and Sun Moon Studio—alongside 19 additional eateries recognized in the Michelin Guide.

San Francisco Also Makes the List

San Francisco joined Oakland in the top rankings, securing its position as one of the nation’s most iconic food cities.

Standout details include:

• Chinatown, credited for helping popularize dim sum, chow mein, and fortune cookies in the U.S.
• The Mission District, known for its exceptional Mexican food and decades-old family establishments
• One of the nation’s highest ratios of independent restaurants vs. chains
• Culinary staples such as Thanh Long, Sotto Mare, and Boudin Bakery

The publication also emphasized the city’s access to Pacific seafood, California farmland, and the Napa/Sonoma wine regions, reinforcing its reputation as a destination where culture, geography, and culinary innovation collide.

California’s Strong Presence in the Top 15

California performed exceptionally well in this year’s rankings, with three cities in the top 10:

• No. 1 — Oakland
• No. 5 — San Francisco
• No. 10 — San Diego

From coastal seafood to multicultural street food, California continues to set the tone for national dining trends.

Full List: Best Food Cities in the U.S. (2025)

1. Oakland
2. New Orleans
3. Milwaukee
4. Chicago
5. San Francisco
6. Lexington, Kentucky
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. Santa Fe
9. New York City
10. San Diego
11. Seattle
12. Boston
13. Honolulu
14. Las Vegas
15. Charleston

Read More Here!

Check out all Bay Area restaurtants opening this season here!