2 Hudson Valley Small Cities Ranked Among Best in U.S. for Food & Drink

The Hudson Valley and Upstate New York: A Foodies Paradise

Over the years the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York has become a top location for those who enjoy a delicious bite to eat.

There are top rated restaurants all across the region from Orange to Dutchess and Columbia and Greene Counties. Some restaurants are event getting national attention.

Most recently Eng's in Kingston, a traditional Chinese food restaurant, was the recipient of a  James Beard America's Classic Award.

READ MORE: Beloved Kingston, NY Restaurant Just Won a James Beard Award

Chef Corwin Kave from Deer Mountain Inn, in Tannersville was also recently nominated for a James Beard Award, and in 2025 Chef Clare de Bore of Stissing House in Pine Plains was a James Beard Award semifinalist.

There is no shortage of great restaurants in the region and people are taking notice.

 Best Small City For Food & Drink: 2 Hudson Valley Towns Make the List

As Food & Wine puts it "We’re experiencing a renaissance in the United States: More and more small cities are developing big restaurant energy."

They add "Across the country, the culinary scene outside of major metropolitans is as inspiring as ever." The publication has been on the search for the best destinations to dine using data from "a global network of chefs, travel experts and wine pros" where the information is then "vetted by Food & Wine editors" to narrow down the winners.

Several lists were just released including the list for the Top 10 Best Small Cities for Food & Drink.

Hudson, New York made the cut coming in at #4. The Food & Wine experts write:

The Hudson Valley’s verdant landscape, pastures, and orchards feed much of New York City; in turn, the convenient train line from NYC supports immense ingenuity in riverside towns like Hudson.

They name drop restaurants and businesses like Klocke Estate, Lil' Deb's, Nerverstill Wines and Mel the Bakery as they go on about the creativity of local menus and the bold menu items across town.

Other local favorites, according to Yelp, include Feast and Floret, Via Cassia and celeb favorite La Perch (back in 2020 both Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Winslet were both spotted dining there!).

Kingston, New York Another Small City Known For Great Food

Coming in at #7 on the Food & Wine list is Kingston, New York.

As mentioned above a local favorite, Eng's, just became a James Beard Award winner but the excellent food scene doesn't stop there.

Food & Wine writes that Kingston "has seen its fortunes change many times over the decades" and adds that now the "elegant historic buildings" are full of "enticing boutiques and restaurants that convince New York City residents to visit and, often, stay."

Of course Food & Wine mentions Eng's as well as Top Taste, Kingston Bread + Bar, Lucky Catskills and Rough Draft Bar & Books as recommendations for those who plan to visit.

You can't forget local favorites too like Dallas Hot Wieners II, Sorry Charlie, Ship to Shore and Blue Duck Brewing Company.

If you were to give an award to a Hudson Valley town for the best food and drink, who would you give it to?