48 College Towns That Serve Up the Most Delicious Food Scenes in America

43. Columbia, Missouri – Midwestern Comfort with a Global Twist

Nestled between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia (home to the University of Missouri) is a college town where Midwestern charm meets global culinary ambition. From Kansas City-style burnt ends to ramen bowls with house-made broth, the food scene is eclectic and creative. Spots like Café Berlin specialize in locally sourced brunch, while Seoul Taco fuses Korean BBQ with Tex-Mex swagger. The city’s cultural festivals often spill over into food, with Greek, Thai, and Ethiopian pop-ups energizing downtown weekends. It’s the perfect crossroads of comfort food and culinary curiosity.