The South may be known for its fall-off-the-bone barbecue and crisp, golden-fried chicken, but anyone who has visited a Southern city knows that Southern food is so much more than that. These 10 spectacular food cities consistently prove that the South’s culinary scene is vibrant, diverse, and—most importantly—unpretentiously delicious. From New Orleans to Asheville, these food destinations span regions and states; but while all of the places on this list are in the South, we’d put them up against any celebrated culinary city in America. Each of the South’s best food cities, as voted on by our readers, has its own particular character: In Austin, you’ll find taco shacks around every street corner; in Charleston, seafood is king. But no matter where you are—whether it’s a white-tablecloth, crystal-chandelier restaurant or a backyard barbecue pit with red-checkered picnic tables—there’s one common denominator in all good Southern food: It’s relentlessly welcoming.