Top 10 Famous Food Critics

Food critics play a pivotal role in shaping culinary landscapes, offering valuable insights into restaurants, chefs, and trends. Among the top ten famous food critics are influential voices such as Ruth Reichl, Anthony Bourdain, and Jonathan Gold, each bringing a unique perspective that has transformed how we appreciate food. Their reviews not only guide diners but also influence the restaurant industry profoundly.

Advertisement

Ruth Reichl, former editor of Gourmet magazine, is celebrated for her evocative writing style and passion for exploring culture through cuisine. Anthony Bourdain gained fame for his adventurous culinary escapades, showcasing global flavors while revealing the human stories behind them. Jonathan Gold broke barriers as the first food critic to win a Pulitzer Prize, emphasizing the importance of diverse dining experiences, particularly in Los Angeles. Other notable critics include Pete Wells of The New York Times, who is known for his razor-sharp reviews, and Florence Fabricant, whose work in the industry spans decades. Each critic contributes to the ongoing dialogue about food, influencing public taste, aspiring chefs, and restaurant owners alike, thus ensuring that the culinary arts remain dynamic and relevant. Their reviews serve not only to guide food enthusiasts but also to educate readers about the evolving nature of gastronomy.

  • Jonathan Gold
    Jonathan Gold

    Jonathan Gold - Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic and writer.

    View All
  • Ruth Reichl
    Ruth Reichl

    Ruth Reichl - Food critic, writer, former editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine.

    View All
  • Mimi Sheraton
    Mimi Sheraton

    Mimi Sheraton - Food critic and author with a passion for culinary exploration.

    View All
  • Alan Richman
    Alan Richman

    Alan Richman - Highly respected food and wine writer.

    View All
  • Gael Greene
    Gael Greene

    Gael Greene - Food critic, author, judge on Top Chef Masters.

    View All
  • Jay Rayner
    Jay Rayner

    Jay Rayner - Food critic and writer with sharp wit and insight.

    View All
  • Adam Platt
    Adam Platt

    Adam Platt - Food critic and journalist for New York Magazine.

    View All
  • Tom Sietsema
    Tom Sietsema

    Tom Sietsema - Tom Sietsema is a food critic and journalist.

    View All
  • Pete Wells
    Pete Wells

    Pete Wells - Pete Wells is a food critic for The New York Times.

    View All
  • Frank Bruni
    Frank Bruni

    Frank Bruni - Journalist, author, former New York Times restaurant critic.

    View All

Top 10 Famous Food Critics

1.

Jonathan Gold

less
Jonathan Gold was a renowned American food critic, celebrated for his deep insights into Los Angeles' diverse culinary landscape. His writing in publications like the Los Angeles Times and Gourmet showcased his passion for food, culture, and community. Gold was the first food critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2007, and he was known for his ability to elevate street food and ethnic cuisines, making them accessible and appreciated by a broader audience.

Pros

  • pros Influential food critic
  • pros Pulitzer Prize winner
  • pros diverse taste in cuisine

Cons

  • consCan be seen as elitist
  • cons subjective opinions
  • cons limited accessibility to his work
View All

2.

Ruth Reichl

less
Ruth Reichl is an acclaimed American food writer, editor, and memoirist known for her vibrant storytelling and passion for culinary arts. She served as the editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine for nearly a decade, where she transformed it into a cultural touchstone. Reichl has authored several bestselling memoirs, including Tender at the Bone and Garlic and Sapphires, which explore her experiences with food and the rich tapestry of life connected to it.

Pros

  • pros Experienced food writer and critic
  • pros former editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine

Cons

  • consControversial reviews
  • cons perceived elitism in food choices
View All

3.

Mimi Sheraton

less
Mimi Sheraton is a renowned American food writer, journalist, and former restaurant critic, best known for her influential work at The New York Times. With a career spanning several decades, she has authored numerous cookbooks and contributed to various publications, sharing her culinary insights and experiences. Sheraton's passion for food and travel has made her a prominent figure in the culinary world, celebrated for her expertise and engaging storytelling.

Pros

  • pros Vast knowledge of food
  • pros experienced food critic

Cons

  • consControversial opinions
  • cons strict standards
  • cons can be harsh in reviews
View All

4.

Alan Richman

less
Alan Richman is an acclaimed American food writer and critic, known for his engaging and often witty prose. With a career spanning several decades, he has contributed to prestigious publications such as GQ and The New York Times, exploring culinary trends and dining experiences. Richman is celebrated for his discerning palate and insightful critiques, earning numerous awards, including the James Beard Foundation Award. His passion for food and culture has made him a prominent figure in the gastronomic world.

Pros

  • pros Highly respected food critic
  • pros extensive experience in the industry

Cons

  • consKnown for controversial reviews
  • cons can be seen as arrogant
View All

5.

Gael Greene

less
Gael Greene is an influential American food critic, author, and journalist, renowned for her vibrant writing and keen palate. Born on December 22, 1933, she served as the restaurant critic for New York Magazine from 1968 to 1998, shaping culinary trends and dining culture. Greene is also a bestselling author of several novels and memoirs, including Insatiable: Tales from a Life of Delicious Excess, reflecting her passion for food and life’s pleasures.

Pros

  • pros Pioneering food critic
  • pros influential writer
  • pros knowledgeable about the restaurant industry

Cons

  • consControversial
  • cons accused of unethical behavior
  • cons polarizing opinions
View All

6.

Jay Rayner

less
Jay Rayner is a British food journalist, critic, and novelist, renowned for his engaging writing style and sharp wit. Born on February 24, 1972, he has been the restaurant critic for The Observer since 1999, where he shares his culinary insights and experiences. In addition to his journalistic work, Rayner has authored several books, hosted radio and television programs, and is known for his passion for food and storytelling.

Pros

  • pros Insightful food critic
  • pros entertaining writing styl

Cons

  • consCan come across as overly critical
  • cons can be polarizin
View All

7.

Adam Platt

less
Adam Platt is a prominent American food critic and journalist, best known for his work with New York Magazine, where he has served as the restaurant critic since 2013. With a keen palate and a discerning eye, Platt provides insightful reviews and commentary on the culinary scene in New York City. He has a background in literature and has contributed to various publications, making him a respected voice in the world of food journalism.

Pros

  • pros Experienced food critic
  • pros respected in the industry

Cons

  • consSubjective opinions
  • cons potential bias in reviews
View All

8.

Tom Sietsema

less
Tom Sietsema is a prominent American food critic and restaurant columnist known for his insightful reviews and keen palate. He writes for The Washington Post, where he shares his expertise on dining experiences, culinary trends, and local restaurants in the D.C. area. With years of experience in the food industry, Sietsema's opinions are highly regarded, making him a trusted voice for food enthusiasts seeking guidance on where to eat.

Pros

  • pros Experienced food critic
  • pros respected in the industry

Cons

  • consLimited to his personal taste
  • cons potential bias in reviews
View All

9.

Pete Wells

less
Pete Wells was an influential American food critic, best known for his work at The New York Times, where he served as the restaurant critic from 2012 until his passing in 2021. Renowned for his incisive and often witty reviews, Wells had a talent for capturing the essence of a dining experience while challenging both chefs and restaurateurs. His approachable writing style and deep knowledge of culinary arts made him a respected voice in the world of gastronomy.

Pros

  • pros Experienced food critic
  • pros influential voice in the culinary world

Cons

  • consSubjective reviews
  • cons potential bias or personal preferences
View All

10.

Frank Bruni

less
Frank Bruni is an American journalist and author, best known for his work as a restaurant critic and op-ed columnist for The New York Times. He has penned several books, including Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be, which explores college admissions. Bruni’s insightful commentary often delves into politics, culture, and the intersection of food and society. He is a prominent voice in contemporary journalism, celebrated for his wit and perceptive analysis.

Pros

  • pros Experienced journalist
  • pros insightful commentary
  • pros diverse coverag

Cons

  • consLimited perspective
  • cons potential bias
  • cons controversial opinion
View All

Similar Topic You Might Be Interested In