The 17 best US cities for people who really like to eat

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One of the most exciting ways to explore a city is through its cuisine — just ask a foodie. 

Food- and drink-rating site Zagat asked editors around the country to make a case for the US city they believe had the biggest year in food. The editors looked at new openings, award-recognition, and national media attention to determine which cities had the most victorious years. The final list ranks the 17 best food cities in the country.

From LA's legendary Mexican fare to NYC's award-winning chicken sandwich, here's what went down this year in the best food cities in America.

17. San Diego

San Diego cemented its status as a competitor in the national food scene this year when it punched up its Baja cuisine with delectable and modern takes on traditional Mexican fare. But don't worry — the city's legendary taco offerings continue to flourish.

San Diego was also a location on this fall's Top Chef season 13, along with Palm Springs and Los Angeles, bringing some welcome attention to the SoCal food scene.

16. Miami

A party-fueled culinary scene turned posh in Miami this year as the city's hotels drew celebrity chefs far and wide and events like Art Basel went international.

Seafood-centric Mediterranean fare has long been Miami's staple, but now it's innovating with an unexpected lineup of impressive dinners and pop-ups.

15. Charleston

Charleston continues to try out new food concepts year after year and 2015 was no exception, delivering one victory after another in the realm of elevated comfort. The executive chef of farm-to-table favorite FIG earned the Southeast's James Beard Award for Best Chef, and a slew of award-winning restaurateurs opened some of the coolest new eateries like renovated cigar factory Mercantile and Mash.