As we inch closer to spring break, I can’t help but use planning a trip with my college friends as motivation to get through the next few weeks. When deciding where to visit, I always find myself ranking the food scene pretty highly as a non-negotiable. I like to experience culture through trying new dishes and flavors, so I’ve done extensive research on which cities around the world have food worth traveling for. I have even visited some of these food cities myself, so if you’re also a foodie you’re in luck because I’ve created a round-up of fabulous places definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for an awesome food scene.
1. Bologna, Italy
Skip Rome, Florence, and other touristy destinations if you’re looking for the best quality Italian. Bologna is nicknamed La Grassa (“The Fat One”) by Italians and is widely considered the culinary capital of Italy. The city is known for its winding streets full of historic markets and century-old shops, so you’ll find incredible local cuisine everywhere you go. It’s a sin to not get bolognese while you’re in Bologna, but don’t skimp on the other dishes too. Look for tortellini in brodo, which are stuffed with meat and served in broth. You also must find mortadella, their signature cured sausage, and cotoletta alla bolognese, a veal cutlet topped with prosciutto and parmesan. You can’t go wrong, pasta lovers.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’re looking for culture, you can’t miss New Orleans. The fusion of Creole and Cajun tradition and flavors creates some of the most unique cuisine you can find in the US. With other cultural influences like French, Spanish, African, and Vietnamese, NOLA is world renowned and even has famous restaurants that have been serving up famous foods for years and years. Some dishes to try during your trip are gumbo or jambalaya, slow-cooked rice stews with incredible Cajun spices, po-boys, fried seafood sandwiches served on French bread, and crawfish etouffee if you like spicy food. Iconic places to enjoy NOLA staples are Commander’s Palace, Cafe Du Monde for beignets, and Dooky Chase’s Restaurant for the famous gumbo.
3. Austin, Texas
Austin is another southern spot that should be at the top of your bucket list for a very food-centered spring break. Texas overall has an incredible food scene, most notably for their barbecue and “Tex-Mex”, which combines Mexican and Texan culinary traditions. For the best barbecue in Austin, the most popular recommendations are Franklin Barbecue for brisket (allegedly it’s worth the long lines), Terry Black’s BBQ, and Stiles Switch BBQ. You also can’t go wrong asking pedestrians for advice on where to eat because obviously locals know best. Tex-Mex, on the other hand, originates from Tejano culture, and common offerings include tortillas, ground beef tacos, nachos, and fajitas served sizzling. You might be suffering from meat sweats after this trip, but the taste makes it all worth it.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico is a common spring break destination for those looking to go tropical, but skip the stingy all-inclusives in Cabo or Cancun for the real foodie destination: Ciudad de Mexico. One of my close friends recently got back from a January term here, and she couldn’t stop raving about the food scene. A lot of Mexican food here has Aztec influence, so you’ll find a ton of vibrant markets serving up tacos al pastor, fresh seafood, and rich moles — complex native and Mexican blending sauces found all over the city. From street food to fine dining, Mexico City offers an incredibly unique food scene that will make your favorite Mexican restaurant at home seem pathetic.
New York, New York
You can never go wrong with a trip to New York, and although I’m biased because I grew up here, I still think the city is one of the best places for food in the U.S. Prepare to carbo load because pizza and bagels will be all you want to consume for the entirety of your trip. The city’s access to soft tap water is low in calcium and magnesium, which allows gluten to develop a texture that makes bagels tender and chewy and pizza flexible yet crispy. New York also offers incredible restaurants for finer dining, but be sure to book your reservations in advance to get tables at some of the most iconic spots.
San Sebastián, Spain
It might not be your first thought destination when planning a trip to Spain, but if you’re looking for the best food scene in the country, San Sebastian is for you. This region has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars in the world, so the Basque Country is certainly impressive in terms of dining experience. Known for the pintxo, or tapas, culture, you must enjoy as many small dishes made with fresh seafood, mushrooms, peppers, and other innovative ingredients that feel like an explosion of flavor. Save room for dessert because the Basque Country boasts an incredible, creamy cheesecake that you cannot miss.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
This spot is definitely on my bucket list for places to visit, and I didn’t even realize how vibrant the food scene is too. If you’re a meat lover, you’re in luck because Buenos Aires boasts some of the highest quality beef in the world. Their dinner culture is also worth experiencing, where dining often starts close to 9:30 p.m. and lasts for a couple of hours. It’s important to visit a parrilla, or steakhouse, for the best meat dishes and Malbec wine to pair with the steaks. What you might not expect as well is a huge influence from Italian immigration, so when you’re sick of steak, try the pasta and pizza in Buenos Aires.
8. Miami, Florida
Spring break isn’t complete without a recommendation in Florida. Miami is a surprisingly great food city, and its proximity to the Caribbean offers a uniquely vibrant scene. Cuban, Peruvian, and Vietnamese chefs have introduced their own techniques to the restaurant culture, offering great versions of foods like Cuban sandwiches, stone crabs, and key lime pie. Miami is also unique because of its “club-staurant” scene, which combines clubbing and dining out to create very theatrical dining experiences as you eat high quality food. These intimate experiences make dining in Miami a sleeper pick for foodie spring break, and you still get to enjoy the beach while you’re eating good.