18 Best Foodie Cities In The South
The South is a treasure trove of mouth-watering cuisine, blending traditions from African, European, and Native American cultures. From smoky barbecue joints to seafood shacks along the coast, Southern cities offer unique flavors that tell stories of their rich histories.
Ready your taste buds as we explore the most delicious destinations across the Southern United States where food isn’t just a necessity – it’s a celebration of heritage and community.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
You haven’t truly experienced Southern cuisine until you’ve wandered through the French Quarter with a warm beignet in hand. The Big Easy’s food scene blends Creole, Cajun, and French influences into dishes that dance with flavor.
From gumbo bubbling with andouille sausage to crawfish étouffée that melts in your mouth, every bite tells a story. Local chefs honor traditions while pushing boundaries in this culinary playground.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sip chicory coffee at Café du Monde or savor a proper po’boy stuffed with fried oysters at a neighborhood joint where locals gather.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
History and flavor mingle seamlessly in Charleston’s cobblestone streets, where Lowcountry cuisine reigns supreme. Shrimp and grits here isn’t just breakfast – it’s an art form perfected over generations.
The city’s proximity to the ocean means seafood arrives fresh daily at restaurants both upscale and humble. She-crab soup, oyster roasts, and Frogmore stew showcase the bounty of coastal waters.
What makes Charleston special is how chefs honor African Gullah traditions that formed the backbone of Southern cooking, using rice, okra, and seafood in ways that connect diners to centuries of culinary heritage.
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Hot chicken rules this music city, with fiery spice levels that will have you reaching for sweet tea between bites. The signature dish started at Prince’s Hot Chicken decades ago and has sparked a culinary revolution across the country.
Beyond the burn, Nashville serves up stellar meat-and-three spots where comfort food classics like fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese fill cafeteria plates. These humble establishments often hide the best food in town.
Many restaurants feature live music while you dine, creating that special Nashville atmosphere where food and melody complement each other perfectly.
4. Austin, Texas
Barbecue pilgrims wait hours in line for a taste of Aaron Franklin’s legendary brisket, tender with a perfect smoke ring and bark. The Texas capital has revolutionized smoked meat, elevating it from backyard hobby to culinary art form.
Food trucks dominate Austin’s landscape, serving everything from authentic street tacos to creative fusion dishes. These mobile kitchens often launch culinary careers and food movements that spread nationwide.
Breakfast tacos fuel the city each morning – fluffy eggs, cheese, and various fillings wrapped in fresh tortillas that put other breakfast sandwiches to shame. Locals debate their favorite spots with religious fervor.
5. Savannah, Georgia
Moss-draped trees create a romantic backdrop for Savannah’s indulgent food scene where Southern hospitality shines through in every dish. The historic city embraces traditional cooking methods while welcoming innovative chefs who respect local ingredients.
Seafood plays a starring role here, with fresh-caught shrimp, blue crab, and oysters featured prominently on menus throughout the city. The proximity to coastal waters means ocean-to-table dining at its finest.
For dessert, pralines – those sweet pecan candies – are made fresh daily in shops along River Street, filling the air with the intoxicating aroma of caramelized sugar and buttery nuts.
6. Memphis, Tennessee
If you’re passionate about pork, Memphis-style barbecue will rock your world with its dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork sandwiches topped with tangy slaw. The city takes its ‘cue seriously, hosting the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest annually.
Beyond smoke and meat, Memphis soul food joints serve up crispy fried chicken, catfish, and sides like turnip greens simmered with smoked turkey. These recipes often trace back generations through African American families.
Sweet treats abound too – banana pudding made with Nilla wafers and gooey butter cookies provide the perfect ending to a Memphis food adventure.
7. Louisville, Kentucky
Most folks know Louisville for the Derby and bourbon, but the food scene deserves equal billing. The Hot Brown – an open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce and topped with bacon – was invented here at the Brown Hotel.
Kentucky’s bourbon heritage influences many dishes, from maple-bourbon glazed pork chops to bourbon bread pudding that’ll make you swoon. Chefs incorporate the state’s signature spirit in creative ways that highlight its complex flavors.
Farm-to-table isn’t just a trend here but a way of life, with restaurants showcasing produce, cheese, and meats from nearby farms in the fertile Kentucky countryside.
8. Birmingham, Alabama
James Beard Award winners have put Birmingham on the culinary map, transforming this industrial city into a sophisticated dining destination. Highlands Bar & Grill, led by chef Frank Stitt, pioneered Southern food with French technique.
Soul food thrives in neighborhood joints where oxtails, smothered pork chops, and perfect cornbread carry on traditions passed through generations. These unpretentious spots often hide the most authentic flavors in town.
Don’t miss Birmingham’s Greek influence – the city hosts a fantastic Greek festival annually, and several family-owned restaurants serve Mediterranean classics with a Southern twist that reflects the city’s diverse heritage.
9. Houston, Texas
America’s most diverse city serves up a global feast with over 10,000 restaurants representing more than 70 countries. The international food scene here rivals any coastal metropolis, with authentic flavors from Vietnam, Mexico, and beyond.
Tex-Mex reaches its pinnacle in Houston, where queso flows like liquid gold and fajitas sizzle on cast iron platters. The original Ninfa’s on Navigation claims to have invented the fajita as we know it today.
Gulf Coast seafood shines in dishes like campechana (Mexican seafood cocktail) and crawfish boils that bring communities together during season. The city’s proximity to the water means exceptional freshness.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville’s food scene is as eclectic as its population of artists and musicians. Farm-to-table isn’t just marketing here – it’s a philosophy embraced by chefs who collaborate closely with local farmers.
Appalachian cuisine gets a modern makeover in restaurants that honor mountain cooking traditions while adding contemporary flair. Foraged ingredients like ramps and mushrooms appear seasonally on menus throughout town.
The beverage scene matches the food quality, with more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city and a growing number of acclaimed cocktail bars using local spirits and house-made ingredients.
11. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods each offer distinct culinary personalities, from upscale Buckhead establishments to the international corridor along Buford Highway. The city embraces both Southern traditions and global influences.
Busy Bee Cafe has been serving perfect fried chicken since 1947, while newer spots like Miller Union showcase farm-fresh Southern ingredients with modern technique. This blend of old and new creates a vibrant food culture.
Food halls have exploded across the city, with Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market housing multiple chef-driven concepts under one roof. These culinary playgrounds let visitors sample various cuisines in a single visit.
12. Richmond, Virginia
History buffs might come for Civil War sites, but food lovers stay for Richmond’s surprisingly progressive culinary scene. The former Confederate capital now boasts cutting-edge restaurants alongside classic Southern establishments.
Seafood from the Chesapeake Bay features prominently, with oysters, blue crabs, and rockfish prepared with reverence for their natural flavors. Virginia ham and peanuts also make frequent menu appearances, highlighting the state’s agricultural heritage.
Richmond’s craft beer scene has exploded, with dozens of breweries serving creative pints that pair perfectly with the city’s diverse food offerings. Many restaurants feature extensive local beer lists to complement their menus.
13. Oxford, Mississippi
Literary heritage and Southern food traditions merge in this small college town that punches way above its weight culinarily. Oxford’s food scene has been shaped by luminaries like the late John Currence, whose City Grocery restaurant helped redefine modern Southern cooking.
The town square hosts restaurants ranging from meat-and-three comfort food to upscale Southern with French influences. These establishments source from local farms and producers throughout northern Mississippi.
Tailgating in The Grove during Ole Miss football season showcases Southern hospitality at its finest, with elaborate spreads featuring fried chicken, pimento cheese, and bourbon cocktails served on silver platters.
14. Miami, Florida
Cuban sandwiches pressed until crisp and cafecito served in tiny cups energize Miami’s vibrant food scene. The city’s Latin American influences create a culinary landscape unlike anywhere else in the South.
Stone crabs with mustard sauce become a celebration during their October-to-May season, drawing locals and visitors to iconic spots like Joe’s Stone Crab. These sweet, meaty claws represent Miami’s connection to the ocean.
Food halls like Time Out Market and innovative restaurants in Wynwood showcase Miami’s evolution into a serious food destination where chefs experiment with tropical ingredients and cross-cultural techniques while honoring the city’s diverse culinary heritage.
15. Greenville, South Carolina
Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has transformed from textile town to culinary hotspot. The revitalized downtown features over 100 restaurants along tree-lined Main Street and the picturesque Falls Park.
Chefs here embrace Southern ingredients while incorporating global techniques. Shrimp and grits might feature local blue corn, while barbecue gets elevated with unexpected spice blends or innovative sides.
The Saturday farmers market showcases the bounty of Upstate South Carolina, with heirloom vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and grass-fed meats that make their way onto local menus. This farm-to-table connection strengthens the community food system.
16. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Fresh-caught seafood defines dining in this coastal paradise where restaurants serve fish that was swimming that morning. Royal Red shrimp – a local deep-water delicacy with a sweet, lobster-like flavor – feature prominently on menus throughout town.
The Annual National Shrimp Festival celebrates the area’s signature ingredient with cooking competitions and tastings that draw thousands. Visitors sample creative preparations alongside traditional favorites like shrimp and grits.
Beyond seafood, Gulf Shores embraces casual beach dining with open-air restaurants serving cold drinks and simple, delicious fare perfect after a day on the sand. Many spots offer sunset views over the water while you dine.
17. Lexington, Kentucky
Bourbon County might be nearby, but Lexington’s food scene stands on its own merits beyond just whiskey. The city’s restaurants showcase Kentucky’s agricultural bounty, from grass-fed beef to heirloom corn used in grits and breads.
Hot Browns compete with burgoo (a hearty game stew) for the title of most beloved local specialty. Both dishes reflect Kentucky’s blend of Southern and Midwestern influences that create a unique regional cuisine.
Horse country surroundings mean many restaurants offer pastoral views and farm-fresh ingredients. Some dining establishments are located on historic horse farms, allowing guests to experience Kentucky’s equestrian heritage alongside its culinary traditions.
18. Mobile, Alabama
Gulf seafood stars in Mobile’s cuisine, where fresh oysters, shrimp, and fish appear on menus citywide. The oldest city in Alabama honors its coastal location with seafood preparations influenced by French, Spanish, and Creole traditions.
West Indies salad – a local specialty of lump crabmeat marinated with onion and vinaigrette – was invented here and remains a must-try dish. It showcases the sweet flavor of local blue crab without heavy sauces.
During Mardi Gras season (Mobile hosted America’s first Mardi Gras celebration), king cakes and festive foods take center stage. The city’s culinary calendar revolves around seasonal celebrations that bring communities together through food.