10 Under-The-Radar Cities Perfect For Food-Lovers

Will travel for great food.

If you travel the world to eat, don't miss these 10 under-the-radar spots known for their incredible cuisine.

1. Osaka, Japan

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Many travelers flock to Kyoto or Tokyo, but as it turns out, Osaka is a must-visit city for food lovers. The street food capital of Japan, Osaka's best bites can be found on a single street called Dōtonbori. You'll find savory bowls of ramen, fried octopus balls, savory vegetable pancakes, and tender barbecue meat skewers. Beyond street food though, Osaka also has plenty of high-end restaurants. Head to Tempura Tsuchiya for light-as-air fried prawns and vegetables, Hajime for a Michelin-starred tasting menu, and Koryu for seasonal keiseki-style dining.

2. San Sebastián, Spain

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Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are all full of excellent food, but few cities in Spain can compare to the culinary scene in San Sebastián. Whether you're looking to eat cheap or splurge on Michelin-rated meals, you can do it here. Spend the days hopping from pintxo bar to pinxo bar, filling up on cod croquettes, roasted mushrooms, grilled octopus, and seared foie gras at Gandarias, La Cuchara de San Telmo, or Borda Berri. Or if you're looking to splurge, you can't go wrong with a multi-course meal at Arzak or Akelarre.

3. Bogotá, Colombia

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This vibrant Colombian capital city mixes modern and colonial style with its eccentric street art, quaint cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings. The city has undergone a renaissance in the past decade, which includes the food. New young chefs are combining age-old recipes (think: tamales, empanadas, and savory chicken soups) with modern techniques. Exciting restaurants like Leo and mini-mal are sprouting up across the city, serving local produce and ingredients from the surrounding Andean foothills.

4. Sifnos, Greece

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Sure, you've heard of Mykonos and Santorini, but have you ever heard of Sifnos, one of the more underrated jewels of the Cyclades? This beautiful spot is known as the culinary capital of Greece, and it's a must-visit stop for any foodie traveling around the Aegean Sea. Book a cooking class at Narlos Farm and learn how to make traditional Greek recipes, or dine on charred octopus and grilled lamb chops at Rabagas or Agianemi, two of the island's most charming tavernas. When you're done chowing down, make sure to spend some time exploring Heronissos and Kamares, two picturesque fishing towns known for super fresh seafood caught daily.

5. Modena, Italy

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Those seeking an Italian holiday often head straight to Rome, Florence, or the Amalfi Coast, ignoring the Emilia Romagna region. But the whole region and the city of Modena in particular is a must-visit for any food-minded travelers. Modena is the perfect starting point from which to explore the hills of Emilia Romagna, known for olive oil, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, mortadella, and more. The region is also known for its filled pastas like tortellini en brodo and lasagna. If you can get a reservation, don't miss the opportunity to eat at chef Massimo Bottura's acclaimed restaurant, Osteria Francescana.

6. Charleston, South Carolina

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For a small city, Charleston has a whole lot going on when it comes to its food scene. As You'll find everything from southern soul food at Poogan's Porch and farm-to-table dining at Husk to Asian fusion at Xiao Bao Biscuit and incredible seafood at 167 Raw. If you go, make sure to explore nearby Sullivan's Island, which is home is stunning sandy beaches in addition to two great restaurants, Poe's Tavern and The Obstinate Daughter.

7. Tel Aviv, Israel

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This lively city on Israel's Mediterranean coast is a hotspot for multicultural cuisine. There are the bustling markets, Sarona and Carmel, where you'll find coloful produce, dried fruits, candies, and spices. Go to Hakosem for the best falafel and hummus you'll ever try. If you're up for a more upscale dining experience, Claro, Santa Katarina, and Mashya are three great places to sample Tel Aviv's classic mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Tel Aviv is a young and lively city with a thriving nightlife, so you'll want to spend some time exploring the quaint wine bars and buzzy cocktail joints.

8. Chengdu, China

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If you like spicy food, you'll love the cuisine of Chengdu, the capital of the province of Sichuan. Here, you'll find food laden with Sechuan peppercorns and other intense spices — dishes like ma po tofu, wontons in spicy chili oil, hot pot, dan dan noodles with pork, and stir fried chicken with chilies. If you're hoping to sample Chengdu's many specialties, look to further than Yangxixian Food Street, which is lined with food stalls and authentic restaurants.

9. San Juan, Puerto Rico

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The largest city and capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan boasts the best of both worlds: You'll find the beautiful beaches you'd expect from any Caribbean island combined with the comforts of an urban city. Among the colorful buildings that make up colonial Old San Juan you'll find great restaurants like that serve Puerto Rican classics like mofongo, roasted pernil, tostones, and fresh fruit paletas. You'll also find international flavors like great pizza at Pirilo Pizza Rustica and Serafina and Italian classics at La Cucina di Ivo, not to mention some great food trucks, seafood shacks, and taco stands.

10. Porto, Portugal

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Porto looks like a city that emerged from a fairytale. The city spans the Duoro River and is made up of narrow, hilly cobblestone streets that weave past colorful homes adorned with ceramic tiles. In recent years, tourists are flocking to Porto for its stunning beauty, history, and excellent food. Go to Cantinho do Avillez or Mito for excellent Portuguese food like veal risotto, seafood risotto, and giant pawns in garlic sauce. Make sure to sample the city's most iconic sample: The Francesinha, the Portuguese take on the Croque Madame. The city is also known for Port dessert wine, so make a reservation at Vinum and sample tawny, ruby, and vintage Ports paired with an amazing meal.