California Shines in Food & Wine’s Global Tastemakers Awards
California has once again solidified its reputation as a culinary powerhouse, claiming two spots among the best cities in the United States for food and drink. According to the annual Global Tastemakers Awards by Food & Wine, Los Angeles and San Francisco stand out as top destinations for gastronomy.
Key Findings from the Awards
In a recent announcement, Food & Wine stated that the winners in various categories “define American dining in 2025.” The publication emphasized the diversity of dining experiences available across America while highlighting that certain cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, harbor exceptionally talented chefs and innovators, creating an unrivaled food scene.
Los Angeles and San Francisco: Culinary Hotspots
Los Angeles earned recognition as the third-best city for food and drink, while San Francisco closely followed in eighth place. Both cities also excelled in the pastry category, with Los Angeles ranking third and San Francisco fourth. Furthermore, Los Angeles has been dubbed the premier city for coffee, surpassing Seattle in this category.
Burdell: Best Restaurant
The top honor, however, goes to Burdell, a quaint eatery in Oakland, acknowledged as the best restaurant in the nation. Food & Wine praised Burdell for its innovative approach to California soul food, describing it as a nostalgic setting reminiscent of a grandmother’s living room from the 1970s.
“Geoff Davis digs into a totally fresh take on California soul food at Burdell, one of 2023’s most highly anticipated openings, and Food & Wine’s 2024 Restaurant of the Year. The restaurant looks like a grandmother’s sitting room from the 1970s, complete with vintage Corelle china and soul playing on the retro stereo system,”
Highlighting menu items such as boiled peanuts and barbecue shrimp, Burdell showcases local and seasonal produce, combining them with comforting flavors that evoke nostalgia. Davis, a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist, has also earned Burdell a spot in the California Michelin Guide.
Celebrating Local Flavor
San Francisco’s dining scene benefits from its location near abundant farms and fresh seafood, contributing to its status as a globally recognized culinary destination. Visitors are encouraged to explore historic Chinatown for xiao long bao and indulge in signature items like Tartine’s renowned sourdough.
In Los Angeles, the vibrant restaurant scene reflects the city’s dynamic energy. Notable establishments include Holy Basil, where Chef Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat melds Thai cuisine with Californian influences, and Birdie G’s, where Jeremy Fox excels in innovative vegetable dishes. Classic eateries like Philippe for French dips and Cielito Lindo for taquitos also highlight the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
List of Award Winners
Top 10 Cities for Food and Drink
- New York City
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Austin, Texas
- New Orleans
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Miami
- San Francisco
- Houston
- Philadelphia
Top 15 U.S. Restaurants
- Burdell, Oakland, California
- Canlis, Seattle
- The Musket Room, New York City
- Lowland, Charleston, South Carolina
- Emeril’s, New Orleans
- Mr. Tuna, Portland, Maine
- Yangban, Los Angeles
- My Loup, Philadelphia
- Myriel, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Stissing House, White Plains, New York
- Nancy’s Hustle, Houston
- Penny, New York City
- Sunny’s, Miami
- Virtue Oyster, Washington, D.C.
- Oyster, Washington, D.C.
Top 10 Cities for Pastries
- New York City
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- New Orleans
- Boston
- Miami
- Houston
- Las Vegas
- Detroit
Top 10 Cities for Coffee
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Seattle
- Portland, Oregon
- New Orleans
- San Francisco
- Boston
- Miami
- Honolulu
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
Top 10 Hotel Bars
- King Cole Bar, St. Regis, New York City
- Elysian Bar, Hotel Peter and Paul, New Orleans
- Evening Bar, Shinola Hotel, Detroit
- Titsou, Fouquet’s, New York City
- Allegory, Eaton, Washington D.C.
- Collins, The Fontainebleau, Las Vegas
- Four Walls, The Joseph, Nashville
- Midnight Rambler, The Joule, Dallas
- SkyHigh, Four Seasons, Philadelphia
- Z Bar, Peninsula, Chicago
Top 10 U.S. Airports for Food and Drink
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City
- LaGuardia Airport, New York City
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, Texas
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- Miami International Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Conclusion
The Global Tastemakers Awards serve as a guide for travelers seeking the best food and beverage experiences. The winners were determined based on insights from over 400 chefs, travel experts, food writers, and industry professionals. With this recognition, California continues to be a leading destination for culinary enthusiasts both nationally and internationally.
