15 Airbnbs across the US with incredible kitchens and dining perks that foodies will love
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- The US is home to some of the best cities for foodies looking to taste their way through travel.
- Staying in an Airbnb with a gourmet kitchen makes it easy to travel and cook like a chef.
- We chose Enhanced Clean Airbnbs in foodie cities with excellent kitchens starting at $80 nightly.
As a food blogger and freelance travel writer, I’ve been visiting and covering foodie destinations for almost a decade. Naturally, my trips revolve around checking out the best spots to eat, but equally important is where to stay.
Private Airbnb homes promote social distancing and make it easy to live like a foodie thanks to added amenities like Japanese knives, James Beard Award winning neighbors, and in-home wine coolers.
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But before combing Airbnb, I turned to Aaron Thebault, Executive Chef of Zeppelin Nashville, for tips on what to look for when planning a culinary-focused trip. He’s known for his traditional home cooking techniques in one of the biggest foodie cities in the US and was recognized by Zagat in their “30 Under 30” list.
Thebault says when he travels, he looks for coastal destinations. “Their climates offer more vegetation and seafood. I also consider the surroundings when booking an Airbnb. For example, are there nearby grocery stores, or will we need to bring all of our own food and wine?” He also added, “It’s always nice to have a grill because it’s a quick, easy meal. Most people don’t think of checking for tongs, trays, extra plates, dishes, and tools like that, but they are an important part of a trip built around food.”
The best Airbnb homes in the US for foodies were chosen based on the following criteria:
- Each house has a foodie aspect, such as gourmet kitchens, proximity to local markets, grills, and other chef-worthy amenities.
- Airbnbs follow Chef Thebault’s advice and are located near grocery stores and markets, are found within a mix of coastal destinations and popular foodie cities, and come fully stocked.
- Airbnb listings are for the entire home, apartment, or cottage with social distancing in mind — no need to run into other guests or meet with the hosts.
- Each home is committed to Airbnb’s Enhanced Clean program, a five-step cleaning process developed in partnership with health and hospitality experts.
- All are highly-rated Airbnb listings with a review score of 4.8 or higher.
- Airbnb listings vary in price from $80-$829, including cozy affordable cottages to larger homes for vaccinated “pod” reunions. Though, expect prices to rise during popular seasons, holidays, and weekends.
- The home is available to book in the coming weeks and months, as of publishing.
Browse all the best Airbnb homes for foodies below, or jump directly to a specific area here:
- Best Airbnbs for foodies
- FAQ: Foodie travel
- More unique places to book on Airbnb
These are some of the best Airbnbs in the US for foodies, sorted by price from low to high.
Retro cottage with outdoor dining space in Richmond, Virginia
Book this Virginia home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $80
Sleeps: 5 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.98
Beyond its classic staples like pimento cheese and ham biscuits, Richmond, Virginia has turned into an increasingly popular destination for homegrown, local ingredient culinary concepts. The city hosts its Fire, Flour & Fork festival each year (last year was virtual) where locals and visitors can experience behind-the-scenes tours, guest chef dinners, demos and tasting opportunities.
Once it’s safe to resume in person, consider staying in this high-quality home, a part of Airbnb Plus. The overall design is contemporary with retro accents, but what stands out to us the most is the gleaming full kitchen that has everything a home chef needs including a dishwasher, gas oven, breakfast table, glasses, dishware, and a wine cooler.
Luxury apartment in Chicago, Illinois
Book this Chicago apartment on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $87
Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.8
Chicago has long been a foodie destination, and those visiting Chicago this summer can experience the Taste of Chicago event in July or Chicago Gourmet in September, which includes intimate dinners, celebrity chef cooking demos, and tasting local restaurants. The city also hosts food-centric street festivals nearly every weekend in the warm weather months.
Located a short walk away from Chicago’s famed Wrigley Field, this hidden gem is steps from the city’s best restaurants and trendy shops, but comes with a stunning kitchen should you prefer to take things into your own hands. According to past guests, all of the kitchen tools were there for morning coffee and making meals, equipped with dishes, silverware, pans, wine and cocktail glasses, and even basic supplies like spices and oils.
There’s also a nice vinyl collection and a huge bed.
Glam apartment in Denver, Colorado
Book this Denver home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $114
Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.96
Food-loving travelers will love Denver, Colorado, especially since the city’s main train terminal, Union Station, has been attracting culinary connoisseurs since its renovation in 2014. It’s a hub for an eclectic choice of markets and restaurants.
This one-bedroom Airbnb is only a 20-minute bike ride away from that station, and kitchen is fully stocked with all of the essentials, plus condiments, seasonings, and spices. It’s also located close to other popular attractions like the Denver Botanical Gardens and the Denver Museum of Art.
Home with an outdoor oasis in Columbus, Ohio
Book this Columbus home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $119
Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
Columbus, Ohio’s food scene is unique, covering everything from farm-to-table eateries, family-owned bakeries, and restaurants opened by the city’s immigrant communities. In August, the city will host the Columbus Food Truck Festival that features the best food vendors from throughout the region. It’s the nation’s largest food truck festival and Ohio’s premier foodie event.
For these reasons, foodies flock to Columbus when they want to try something new. If you do, this home is in one of the most charming neighborhoods called German Village and has a large private backyard with a patio and dining table.
The fully stocked kitchen has a gas range oven, coffee maker, dishwasher, full fridge, and everything you will need to cook at home. There are also tons of great spots to eat nearby and local shops within walking distance.
Quaint studio for two in Portland, Oregon
Book this Portland studio on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $164
Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.99
Portland has fast emerged as a culinary hot spot with an abundance of local, innovative restaurants that have popped up over the last few years. There Michelin-starred restaurants, farmers markets, and a plethora of food trucks and carts. This summer, travelers can revolve their trip around food by visiting during the many events like the Portland Korean Food Festival or Portland Burger Week (where more than 30 restaurants compete to prove their $5 burger is the best) in August.
Afterward, retreat to this Airbnb built to feel like a luxury hotel, with the quaintness and quality of a craft home. It exudes boho jungle vibes with a two-person soaking tub, marble shower, King Tempurpedic bed, and a fully stocked kitchen. It’s also located within walking distance of all the shopping, eating, drinking, and brunching you could ever desire.
Historic home in downtown Savannah, Georgia
Book this Savannah home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $208
Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.95
This Savannah home dates back to the 1860s and includes a spacious, full-functioning kitchen infused with plenty of Southern charm thanks to historic architectural detailing and decor such as exposed brick. The kitchen is set for a chef who wants to feel right at home. It’s small but has everything you need with upscale appliances, coffee, and welcoming wine and snacks.
Since it’s in the heart of downtown, the home is nearby all the best restaurants, sights, and local shops. For the home chef, the majority of the home’s reviews state it’s within walking distance to the grocery store which, according to Chef Thebault, is a huge plus.
Modern home near Malibu, California
Book this California home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $260
Sleeps: 7 guests/5 bedrooms
Rating: 4.96
Great for families, this large rustic modern home has a prime location with a lush backyard close to Malibu’s beaches and wineries. The backyard provides fresh ingredients with its Jacaranda, maple, magnolia, orange, avocado, and lemon trees.
The gourmet kitchen has a bright open floor plan, but there’s also a more formal dining and living room with a fireplace. For the chef, there are Bosch double ovens and a warming drawer, a Viking six-burner gas range top, a double basin sink, and separate prep sink, a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer, and a beverage center that chills your wine or sodas. The host also offers the use of amenities for babies and children, as well as beach gear.
Coastal getaway in Yarmouth, Maine
Book this Maine home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $271
Sleeps: 6 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 4.92
As Chef Aaron Thebault said, coastal destinations should be a go-to when planning a trip centered around food. This four-bedroom home in Yarmouth makes it easy since it’s only a 10-minute walk to town where guests can find markets, seafood shops, and produce. Also, the city of Portland is just 18 minutes south.
Amenities include an expansive deck with propane grill for summertime cooking, a fully equipped kitchen with All-Clad cookware, plates, glasses, wine glasses, silverware, a coffee brewer, french press, coffee grinder, and eco-friendly products. This host doesn’t miss a detail, they also have sugar, salt, pepper, olive oil, and a host of other spices available.
Hidden creek chalet in Park City, Utah
Book this Park City home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $380
Sleeps: 10 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
This private four-bedroom creek-side chalet has a fully equipped gourmet chef’s kitchen and a hot tub. There are two separate dining areas, which works well for large groups or families.
Enjoy two coffee makers, a Keurig, and a traditional pot. The Le Creuset tea kettle is there to accommodate those who prefer a variety of teas, which are all provided. If you’re looking to dine outside, there’s a separate private upper deck that seats up to six people. While Park City is mostly known for the winter weather with close proximity to the mountains for skiing, this home is great for the spring and summer weather as well.
Pet-friendly home in Flagstaff, Arizona
Book this Flagstaff home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $442
Sleeps: 14 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
If you were unaware, Arizona has underrated wineries, and a majority of them are only 45 minutes away from this pet-friendly farmhouse. Flagstaff is also known for top-rated beer breweries, and of course, beautiful nature by way of Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge, and of course, The Grand Canyon.
This Airbnb has a fully fenced backyard for children and dogs, has a patio with a grill, a well-equipped kitchen, and is close to a grocery store. The host keeps the kitchen so well stocked, that one past guest wrote she brought her own milk frother thinking it was too uncommon to be included, only to find one provided in the house. Other amenities include six custom bunk beds, a hot tub, a garage, and a high-tech home locking system that can easily be accessed through an app.
Private farmhouse in Woodstock, New York
Book this Woodstock home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $450
Sleeps: 4 guests/3 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
This cute farmhouse has been newly renovated and in the host’s words, “brought back to life”. It’s the perfect staycation spot for New York City natives who adore rustic modern vibes. Woodstock in general is ideal for foodies, with tons of top restaurants and local cafes to experience. Many of the restaurants offer farm-to-table, utilizing fresh produce ingredients from the surrounding area.
This home has a spacious outdoor dining area with a BBQ for use. There’s even a private herb and salad garden, for those who want to cook up something fresh. Other amenities include an outdoor solar shower, large outdoor dining space, a fireplace, and a bluestone terrace.
Keep in mind that the host’s cat lives here, even when he is not there, so if you have allergies you should stay clear.
Historic house in Charleston, South Carolina
Book this Charleston home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $484
Sleeps: 10 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 4.8
Charleston is a culinary haven with everything from biscuits to barbecue. You can taste fresh oysters and seafood all over the city, and the city is home to world-famous and award-winning chefs.
This luxurious four-bedroom property was recently renovated and redecorated to ensure guests feel properly at home. Aside from the new appliances and modern decor, there are two spacious porches with outdoor chairs and lounge areas where guests can people watch, drink a morning cup of coffee, or enjoy the crisp Charleston air.
For home chefs, the fully-equipped kitchen has marble countertops, state-of-the-art appliances, and ample amounts of storage to bring in your own groceries. There’s also a built-in wine cooler, a gas top stove, two ovens, and a large refrigerator/freezer.
Home near James Beard-awarded restaurant in Austin, Texas
Book this Austin home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $498
Sleeps: 10 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 4.84
A dream location built for foodies visiting Austin, this home is near Franklin Barbecue, where the chef was honored with the James Beard Foundation Award for best chef. It’s also blocks away from the award-winning VIA 313, Ramen Tatsuya, Kerlin BBQ, Fukumoto, Hightower, Buenos Aires Cafe, Spartan Pizza, Brew & Brew, Scoot Inn, and La Barbecue.
Visit during the Austin Food & Wine Festival in November and you’ll enjoy a weekend of meeting top chefs, sampling award-winning restaurants, sipping on wine, and watching chefs cook in front of you.
Back in this home, guests can cook up a Texas-size feast in the gourmet, industrial kitchen with a fully-stocked pantry and open floor plan for spacious gatherings.
Mountain-view home in Stowe, Vermont
Book this Stowe home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $633
Sleeps: 12 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 4.94
Vermont makes for a gorgeous spring or summer road trip for food lovers thanks to a combination of gorgeous scenery and unique farm-to-table produce.
Whether you or someone else in your group is planning to play chef, look forward to cooking up meals in this home with an updated kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a huge center island, which doubles as a counter for up to six guests. Other dining options include the breakfast bar, a farmhouse table, or the back deck equipped with a gas grill, shaded patio table, and spacious lounge area.
Private lakefront compound in Arkansas
Book this Arkansas home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $829
Sleeps: 16 guests/6 bedrooms
Rating: 4.95
Ideal for a family reunion or trip for your vaccinated “pods,” this six-bedroom private lake lodge on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs has all the bells and whistles to hold up to 16 people and is near popular eateries serving southern fare and BBQ.
Each room has views of the lake, and there’s an expansive deck with ample outdoor seating, two charcoal grills, a wood-burning fire pit, tables, and sofas.
Past guests have said that the open kitchen in the main house is where all of the meals for the week were made, and there are many dining spaces to enjoy wine, local meals, and great conversations.
FAQ: Foodie travel
What is a foodie?
According to the dictionary, a foodie is a person with a particular interest in food. A foodie includes someone who is always up-to-date on the latest restaurants and dishes in a particular area, goes to new restaurants frequently, and is eager to give their opinions and recommendations to others.
What are the best food cities in the US?
The US is one of the most diverse countries in the world, especially when it comes to cuisine. Almost every state has its own culinary attractions. According to TripAdvisor, popular cities known to be best suited for foodies include Chicago, New York and surrounding areas, Savannah, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Charleston.
What foodie activities can you do?
When it comes to planning a foodie trip, look for locations where you can truly immerse yourselves in the local cuisines and culture. For a food-centered vacation, try activities like booking a local neighborhood food tour, cooking classes with chefs, dining out at the restaurants locals recommend, or cooking for yourself using local ingredients and produce.
Why stay in a vacation rental on a foodie trip?
Private home vacation rentals are a great way to stay away from touristy areas and live in the city like you’re a native. Airbnb offers all kinds of homes, many in prime city locations within walking distance to great local shops and restaurants. Airbnb can also be a more affordable option compared to staying in a hotel.
What should you look for in a kitchen in an Airbnb?
When booking an Airbnb with a great kitchen, look for factors such as extensive counter space for cooking, or pantry space to unload your groceries for the week. Ideally, the kitchen should be fully stocked with essential utensils, spices, condiments, appliances, and cooking tools. Cleanliness is also a key factor and Airbnb’s new Enhanced Clean program makes it easy to feel confident while traveling.
Is it safe to eat at restaurants?
According to the CDC website, “there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is spread by handling or eating food. However, it is important to limit close contact with people outside of your home, encourage hand washing, and wear a mask when you’re not eating.”
There are red flags to look out for, however, as restaurants open, like if customers can sit at any table they’d like, or if there is poor airflow.
What is Airbnb’s cancellation policy?
Before booking, check the cancellation policy for your Airbnb in case your plans change. Each individual host sets their own policies, so it’s important that you fully understand the policy of your potential rental before confirming. Here are more details on Airbnb’s current cancellation policies.
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb right now?
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people can safely travel in the US.
Additionally, experts say that private Airbnbs are safe, perhaps even more so than hotels because these stays minimize interactions with other guests and staff. Plus, Airbnb hosts are required to follow enhanced cleaning procedures.
More unique places to book on Airbnb
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- The best vacation rentals near national parks
- The best glamping destinations in the US
- The best Airbnbs with pools
- The best Airbnb lake houses
Axel Springer, Insider Inc.’s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.
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