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The 10 best foodie cities in the US, ranked by travel experts

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In many US cities, what you eat is as memorable as what you see or experience.

Food plays a prominent role in how visitors experience America’s major cities.

Lee Abbamonte, a New York-based travel expert who claims to have visited every country in the world, told Fox News Digital that there is a clear pattern when it comes to the best food cities in the US.

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Below are his top 10 picks.

And the choice may cause some tension.

Other cities across the country attract tourists with their food and sights and experiences. (Stock)

1. New York

Whether it’s New York-style pizza, bagels, cheesecake, halal carts or more, the Big Apple offers something for every craving.

New York is “the definitive place in America,” according to Abbamonte.

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“It has the best of everything, except Mexico,” he said.

“Whatever your budget, New York has it, especially if you’re willing to go to the pits.”

99 Cent Pizza store outside Manhattan New York City

New York leads one expert’s list of the top food cities in the US, offering everything from pizza to halal cart basics. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters)

2. Los Angeles

The City of Angels is known for its healthy food, but also for its street tacos and variety of Asian food.

Los Angeles “has come a long way in recent years,” Abbamonte said.

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“Your food scene has gotten better as its nightlife scene has disappeared. LA has become a pizza place with top Italian restaurants delivering great pizzas.”

He said “it’s still a little bit behind in terms of slices, but most cities are doing compared to New York. LA is also leading the way in Mexican and Asian food.”

Woman's hand squeezing lime on vegan tacos

Los Angeles has received praise for its thriving food scene, including iconic tacos and a variety of Asian cuisine. (Stock)

3. New Orleans

Tourists from all over America flock to New Orleans for its French Quarter and jazz, but also for its beignets, po’boys and gumbo.

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“Creole and spice isn’t for everyone, but if you are, you’ll love NOLA,” Abbamonte says.

“To me, it’s the most famous and unique food city in America.”

Seafood gumbo served in a bowl with rice on a wooden table.

New Orleans’ food culture stands out as “exciting and unique” in America, a travel expert told Fox News Digital. (Stock; Chris Granger)

4. Las Vegas

Sin City offers some of the most expensive food and drink in the country, from its all-you-can-eat buffets to its high-end steakhouses.

Abbamonte noted that many of the country’s top restaurants have locations outside of Las Vegas.

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The Las Vegas Strip “also has amazing places that most tourists don’t know about,” Abbamonte said.

“It has great Asian, Mexican and Latin American spots to go with the crazy pizza spots off the Strip,” he said.

The Las Vegas Strip at night with empty streets and no traffic

Las Vegas features gourmet buffets and gourmet restaurants from around the country. “It has amazing locations,” said a travel expert. (Stock)

5. San Francisco

Abbamonte has described San Francisco as a “foodie paradise,” and the city has gained attention for its sourdough bread and fresh seafood.

He praised the “good food” and “culture atmosphere” of San Francisco restaurants.

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“The sushi is great and, as a burrito, it really delivers,” he said.

San Francisco city skyline with buildings and harbor in background

San Francisco impresses professionals with its fine dining offerings and its reputation as a foodie destination. (Getty Images)

6. Chicago

The Windy City is “a great city to eat in, but not if you’re trying to lose weight,” Abbamonte said.

Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs — tomato, not ketchup — but also for its Italian beef sandwiches and old-school diners.

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“High-end steakhouses and other restaurants, and deep-dish pizza will fill you up all week,” he said.

“Hot dogs are also a must, but a weekend in Chicago is a five-pound weekend.”

A Chicago-style hot dog on a black tray at Portillo's restaurant

The heart of Chicago’s food scene includes deep-dish pizza, hot dogs and classic diner fare. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg)

7. In Miami

For those who think Los Angeles is the “healthy eating Mecca” of the US, Abbamonte suggests the title goes to Miami.

“If salad is your thing, then Miami food is for you,” he said.

“But it also has great stone crabs, Cuban food and very high-end restaurants.”

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The city “runs the gamut in terms of food,” Abbamonte said.

“It’s not cheap to eat in Miami, but nothing in Miami is cheap.”

Boats sailing on the ocean near the Miami skyline

Miami excels in both healthy dining options and comfort favorites like Cuban food. (Stock)

8. Austin

The Texas capital is known for its food trucks and brewpubs, as well as its formal dining scene.

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“Austin is my favorite city in the US for breakfast tacos and barbecue,” Abbamonte said.

“It has everything else, too, but those are at the top,” he said — calling Austin “different than most of Texas.”

People line up at the bar inside The Salt Lick BBQ & Wine Cellars restaurant in Austin, Texas

The Texas capital combines food trucks, breweries and eclectic flavors into one unique scene. (George Rose/Getty Images)

9. Houston

Houston leans toward Texas-sized indulgence, with a food scene built on big portions and bold flavors.

The city “subscribes to ‘everything is big in Texas,'” Abbamonte said.

“Big portions, big steaks, high calories, lots of sauces. Houston is a mecca for high-calorie, delicious food.”

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A travel expert singled out the city’s Tex-Mex as a highlight.

“Try queso and make sure your belt has an extra hole,” says Abbamonte.

Richard Mouton and Tajuana Thomas stand in front of the Houston skyline

Houston’s food culture focuses on bold flavors, large portions and Tex-Mex staples. (Stock)

10. Boston

Boston’s culinary reputation is built on a few standout specialties, including oysters and clam chowder.

The Massachusetts capital, Abbamonte said, “does a few things very well.”

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“North End Italian food is very good,” he said.

A Cape Cod chip production line at the Hyannis facility with chips moving on a conveyor belt

Boston is known for seafood staples like clam chowder, oysters and lobster rolls. (Stock)

“The seafood is second to none, and the lobster rolls rock.”

Abbamonte added, “I don’t like everything about food in Boston, but that stuff, it’s crushing.”

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