Pitman, New Jersey Named One of the Best Small Town Food Scenes in the U.S.

The Gloucester County community was ranked #4 on the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards list.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:04am

A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and diverse offerings of Pitman, New Jersey's vibrant food scene, with sweeping architectural forms and smooth color gradients conveying a sense of energy and creativity without any literal depictions.Pitman, New Jersey's thriving food scene, from artisan bakeries to farm-to-table restaurants, earns national recognition as a top small town culinary destination.Pitman Today

Pitman, New Jersey, a small borough with a population of around 8,700, has been named one of the best small town food scenes in the United States according to the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. Located close to farmland and just 25 minutes from Philadelphia, Pitman was praised for its vibrant downtown, artisan bakeries, farmers markets, specialty food shops, and farm-to-table restaurants.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights how small towns can have thriving and diverse culinary scenes, challenging the notion that standout food destinations are limited to larger cities. Pitman's ranking showcases the growing appeal of local, community-driven food experiences that celebrate regional ingredients and culinary creativity.

The details

Pitman was ranked #4 on the USA TODAY 10BEST list of best small town food scenes in the U.S. The town was lauded for its "exceptional quality and outsized flavor" across its artisan bakeries, farmers markets, specialty food shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. Downtown Pitman was described as having a "small-town charm with a surprisingly diverse food scene, from classic diners to contemporary eateries" where visitors can "walk to a number of restaurants and other dining establishments to sample a wide variety of global cuisine."

  • Pitman was named to the USA TODAY 10BEST list in 2026.

The players

Pitman

A borough in Gloucester County, New Jersey with a population of approximately 8,700 people. Pitman was recognized for having one of the best small town food scenes in the U.S. according to the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards.

USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards

An annual awards program run by USA TODAY that recognizes the top destinations, attractions, and experiences across various categories as voted by readers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards will continue to recognize exceptional small town food scenes across the United States in the coming years, shining a spotlight on unique culinary destinations that may be overlooked.

The takeaway

Pitman's recognition as one of the best small town food scenes in the U.S. demonstrates that standout culinary experiences are not limited to major metropolitan areas. This award highlights how smaller communities can cultivate vibrant, diverse, and quality-focused food cultures that attract visitors and celebrate local flavors.