5 of the Best Travel Destinations for Foodies in 2022
According to the 2022 Hilton Trends Report, one of the highlights of travel for self-proclaimed “foodies” is getting the chance to explore the culinary scene in a brand-new city.
According to the 2022 Hilton Trends Report, one of the highlights of travel for self-proclaimed “foodies” is getting the chance to explore the culinary scene in a brand-new city.
Whether a trip will take you to a new city in 2022 or return you to a long-time favorite, it will allow you to dig into famous niche dishes, new trends, world-renowned favorites and so much more.
Here’s what to be on the lookout for when visiting five popular U.S. cities.
Stir Up a Cultural Melting Pot in New York City
Thanks to its deep multicultural roots, the Big Apple offers one of the most diverse culinary scenes in the world. Great pizza can be found all over the city, Chinatown offers mouthwatering dumplings and hand-pulled noodles, and you certainly can’t go wrong with a stop into a deli for handheld delights like a bagel with lox, pastrami on rye, and the breakfast staple bacon, egg and cheese.
Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea (opening November 2021) is perfectly situated for business travelers with big appetites. Not only does it offer quick access to the subway, but the hotel will also be home to a new restaurant, helmed by a celebrity chef, that’s sure to delight diners with a seasonally inspired menu that highlights elevated takes on comfort foods. For a bite and hand-crafted cocktail before a Broadway show, head to Skylawn Bar & Social at Embassy Suites by Hilton New York Manhattan Times Square.
Dive into Deep-Dish Pizza & More in Chicago
Chicago has been the home of deep-dish pizza since the style was invented in Chicago’s North Side neighborhood in 1943. Requiring a knife to dig through all the layers of sauce, mozzarella and cracker-like crust, it’s truly a must-try for anyone visiting the Windy City. But deep-dish pizza wasn’t the only mouth-watering creation invented here. Flaming saganaki, a Greek dish that combines lemon, olive oil, kasseri cheese and pita bread, was supposedly invented in Chicago and can be found at one of the city’s many wonderful Greek restaurants. Those with a sweet tooth should taste Atomic Cake, alternating layers of banana, yellow and chocolate sponge cake topped with Bavarian cream custard, bananas, strawberries and fudge.
For stunning views of the skyline and Lake Michigan, book a room at Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton, where you can enjoy Latin and Iberian-inspired food at hotel restaurant Lirica. The property also boasts the country’s largest rooftop bar and restaurant, Offshore Rooftop & Bar. The dual-branded Homewood Suites by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop could also be a foodie favorite, as it’s home to Mei’s, a restaurant that serves Mandarin, Sichuan and Taiwanese specialties made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
Scout Seafood in Washington, D.C.
Because the nation’s capital is situated on the Chesapeake Bay, fresh seafood — like blue crabs, oysters and rockfish — is delicious and easy to find. Washington D.C. is also home to the highest concentration of Salvadoran immigrants in the nation, so food trucks and restaurants serve up popular must-try dishes like pupusas, a thick griddle cake topped with cheese, spicy cabbage slaw or tomato salsa.
Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf is within walking distance of many popular dining spots, and its on-site Whiskey Charlie Rooftop Bar is an excellent place to grab a dram after a day of meetings. If you prefer the charming cobblestone streets of Georgetown, Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown is another great place to stay. Its atrium bar District Tap serves excellent pours and bar bites.
Cozy up to Cuban Flavor in Miami
Cuban food is big here, so get ready to get your fill of yuca, ropa vieja, croquetas, Cuban sandwiches and café con leche. Peruvian ceviche, Argentinian churrasco and Venezuelan arepas should also be on your list. Seafood lovers should partake in stone crab claws and mahi-mahi sandwiches, and you should order key lime pie as much as possible.
Hilton Garden Inn Miami South Beach sits in the center of this foodie haven and serves up its own Italian cuisine at Café de Polo. If you prefer to stay on the other side of the Intracoastal, Hilton Aventura Miami offers South American fare at Gala, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and tapas.
Take in the Taco Scene in San Diego
Tacos are a bona fide staple in Southern California, and the best way to try them all is to treat yourself to a taco crawl. Don’t miss varieties like Baja-fried fish, birria and barbacoa. Fresh seafood is at your disposal, so get your fill of uni, ceviche and Pacific Northwest oysters. Stroll along Convoy Street and pop into one of the many excellent Korean barbecue spots in the neighborhood. The city also has more than 150 breweries, so beer fans should plan to visit at least a few.
Adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center, Hilton San Diego Bayfront boasts beautiful views and newly renovated guest rooms. The property has two new restaurants opening this fall: laidback sports bar Hudson & Nash Waterfront Kitchen & Cocktails will serve a farm-to-table-focused menu, and The Cannery Market & Supply will have grab-and-go meals, coffee and fresh juices. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown offers the restaurant New York West, which is known for its excellent pizza, wings and Italian fare. They also have an extensive list of spirits, wine and local San Diego beer.