San Diego takes 12th place in WalletHub’s 2026 Best Foodie Cities in America report, and it takes 1st place in categories that matter most if you like to eat well without overspending: affordability and accessibility of highly rated restaurants, and craft breweries and wineries per capita.
The personal-finance company released the ranking ahead of World Food Day on October 16.
How San Diego scored
WalletHub compared more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities across 28 metrics. They range from grocery costs to the number of food festivals per capita. In the ranking, 1 is the best position and 91 is the average.
San Diego’s results in 6 categories are as follows:
1st – Affordability and accessibility of highly rated restaurants
1st – Craft breweries and wineries per capita
14th – Restaurants per capita
66th – Average beer and wine price
67th – Gourmet specialty-food stores per capita
83rd – Grocery stores per capita
The picture is clear. San Diego offers a lot of well-reviewed places to eat at reasonable prices, along with the country’s strongest concentration of breweries and wineries relative to its size. Grocery stores and specialty-food shops are less dense than in many other big cities, though both still rank better than the average of 91.
Beer and wine prices land at 66th, also better than the average position, so the abundance of local producers does not come with a steep price tag.
More insights from the report
Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst says: “In the best foodie cities, including Miami, FL, Portland, OR, and San Francisco, CA, there are tons of unique culinary experiences to try, from food trucks to specialty-food stores to, in some cities, Michelin-starred restaurants. 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.”
As far as trends go, Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University says: “Because prices are higher across the U.S. right now, I’d say eating earlier and midweek have become more popular, even among younger diners. You can have a quiet meal rather than being rushed in and out. People are also veering toward restaurants that reflect local culture and foods. Many people are moving away from alcohol and having mocktails.”
In this report, Miami was named the best city for foodies.
