Pittsburgh, Philadelphia named top food cities of 2015

As 2015 comes to a close, Zagat, with the help of editors around the country, rated the top 17 food cities across the United States.

Two Pennsylvania cities, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, both landed on the list. Here’s why.

Pittsburgh claimed first place, thanks in part to the “hefty” sandwiches at the famous Primanti Bros. However, it’s not just sandwiches that the city of bridges is now home to.

Author Alia Akkam suggests the neighborhood Lawrenceville may be partially responsible for Pittsburgh’s surge in food popularity.

“Locals now eat fried chicken and carrot slaw sandwiches for lunch at the Vandal, then jamón croquetas with leek-ash aïoli for dinner at Morcilla, chef Justin Severino’s low-key Spanish follow-up to Cure. Chaz & Odette, with its jerk pork and yam coulis, debuted in Shadyside, just as Station made its mark on Bloomfield with dishes like miso-poached apple,” she said.

Meanwhile, downtown is home to täkō, known for it’s Mexican grub and tequila cocktails. Ace Hotel just opened Whitfield, featuring a slew of well-known chefs, mostly female.

“With its geography straddling both the East Coast and the Midwest (likelihood of poaching more chefs from those areas = high), this town is poised for even more exciting things in 2016,” said Akkam.

Across the state, Philadelphia is also heating up the food charts. Citing their “incredible sandwiches and magical fried chicken and donuts,” Philadelphia landed in 10th place on the list. Both Dizengoff “a world-class hummusiya” and Abe Fisher, “a spot focusing on the vast and varied cuisines of the far-flung Jewish diaspora” have helped the City of Brotherly Love gain serious foodie credit.

If you’re still not sold, Bon Appétit magazine recently named Philadelphia’s Pizzeria Beddia the “best pizza in America.”

Author Caroline Russock also noted the opening of South Philly Barbacoa, a lamb taco restaurant that has been advocating for undocumented restaurant workers.