This VA Town Ranked Among 20 Best Foodie Cities In U.S.

Virginia has cooked up another victory as it houses one of the 20 best foodie cities in the U.S. this year, a new survey says.

Personal finance website WalletHub on Monday released its list of the best foodie cities for 2025. According to WalletHub, the term “foodie” is widely used to describe anyone with a passion for gourmet dining, but foodie culture goes far beyond upscale restaurants.

"Enthusiasts seek out unique and exciting flavors wherever they can, from home kitchens to hidden gems like street food trucks," WalletHub wrote. "For many, eating isn’t just a necessity — it’s a hobby or even a way of life."

Richmond ranked 18th on this year's list with an overall score of 61.46.

Other Virginia cities included in the ranking were:

• Virginia Beach (No. 63)
• Norfolk (No. 109)
• Newport News (No. 117)
• Chesapeake (No. 143)

To determine the best foodie cities in the United States, WalletHub analyzed 182 towns in two categories: affordability, as well as diversity, accountability and quality.

In evaluating 28 metrics, analysts also reviewed factors such as grocery costs and the affordability and accessibility of high-quality restaurants.

Richmond, Virginia's top foodie city, ranked 126th in affordability and 20th in diversity, accountability and quality.

Portland (No. 2) and San Francisco (No. 3) followed suit with 72.73 and 70.58 scores, respectively.

“In the best foodie cities, including Miami, San Francisco and Orlando, there are tons of unique culinary experiences to try, from food trucks to specialty-food stores to Michelin-starred restaurants," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report.

He continued, "The top cities cater not just to people who enjoy dining out, but also to foodies who enjoy putting their own skills to the test by exploring new flavors in their own kitchens. In addition, these cities make delicious dining affordable for residents and visitors alike."

The worst foodie city in the U.S. is Pearl City, Hawaii, according to WalletHub. The cost of groceries is highest in Laredo, Texas, but the best average food and wine price can be found in Reno, Nevada.