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Which City in America Has the Best Food?
bill mcewen
By Bill McEwen, News Director
Published 9 seconds ago on
December 3, 2025

Folks enjoy an outdoor café at the historic Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, made famous by author Jack London, in Oakland, California. (Shutterstock)

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Residents of cities throughout the United States take great pride in the delicious dishes put together by their local restaurants.

It’s all about savory meals, full tummies, and bragging rights.

So, which city claimed the crown for 2025 in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards?

None other than Oakland, which earned the No. 1 spot for the second straight year.

What They Say About Oakland’s Food Scene

“There’s no wrong neighborhood from which to start exploring Oakland’s staggeringly diverse food scene,” Conde Naste Traveler declares.

“In Temescal, located in the north of the city, you’ll find buzzy soul food spot Burdell, as well as out-of-the-box pizzas (think toppings like Monterey Bay squid and chanterelles) at fan-favorite Pizzaiolo; Fruitvale, named after the fruit orchards that dominated this part of town in the mid-19th century, is packed with taco trucks that serve some of the best birria in the country.

“The city also has a strong taproom and winery tasting room scene, making it easy to plan your entire visit around eating, drinking, or some combination of the two.”

New Orleans Is Voted No. 2

More than 750,000 votes were cast in the 38th annual survey in which Oakland edged New Orleans for the top spot.

San Francisco placed fifth on the strength of its high ratio of mom-and-pop eateries compared to chain restaurants.

Read more at this link.

 

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Bill McEwen,
News Director
Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at bmcewen@gvwire.com

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