According to a new U.S. News & World Report ranking, Memphis is the "8th Best Food City" in the U.S.
A recent Travel + Leisure list ranked the Bluff City as the best road trip destination in the country, so it's been a celebratory few weeks for the city.
Among the criteria U.S. News used to determine its ranking were "innovative dining concepts, awarded chefs and restaurants, and culinary diversity."
New Orleans ranked first on the list, followed by New York City and Chicago.
Memphis — the only Tennessee city to make the list — also received a special mention for a city that is “Best for Barbecue and Southern Staples” along with Dallas and Austin.
Here’s
exactly what U.S. News wrote about Memphis:
“Between its dry-rubbed pork ribs and chicken wings doused in its signature honey gold sauce, Memphis will leave you with sticky fingers and a full stomach. With the highest ratio of barbecue joints in the country, including iconic venues such as Elwood’s Shack and Cozy Corner, Tennessee’s second-largest city is arguably the king of the ‘cue. Once you’ve napped off your lunch, dig into crispy catfish and Southern sides at one of Memphis’ soul food restaurants, or satisfy a late-night hankering with a perfectly glazed treat from Gibson's Donuts.”
Of course Memphis’ food culture is deeply rooted in barbecue, U.S. News noted, a local tradition that has helped put the city on the culinary map.
While the city offers restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, the national news source reported, barbecue remains the city’s signature fare, with dozens of longtime and newer spots putting their own spin on the craft.
It listed pork as the star, whether it’s ribs cooked low and slow or pulled pork piled onto a bun. Recipes vary from one restaurant to the next, with distinctive dry rubs and sauces ranging from sweet to tangy.
Among Memphis’ well-known barbecue destinations namechecked by U.S. News are Central BBQ, Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, Cozy Corner and Interstate Bar-B-Q.
Beyond barbecue, it acknowledges that Memphis’ culinary identity also includes a strong soul food tradition. The Four Way, one of Memphis' historic soul food institutions, is named as a longtime favorite, while Evelyn & Olive is mentioned for bringing Jamaican and Southern influences to the table along with live music.
And, of course, it wouldn't be a comprehensive Memphis food story without a nod to one of the city's signature annual events: the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, described as part of the city’s broader barbecue culture.
Top 10 food cities for 2026
According to a new U.S. News & World Report ranking, the top 10 food cities in the U.S. are:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- New York City, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco, California
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Houston, Texas
- Dallas, Texas
Brian Strickland is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at brian.strickland@commercialappeal.com.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis is '8th Best Food City' in the U.S., new ranking says
