Across cultures, food serves as a universal language that unites communities and is continually evolving. Food media coverage creates community and encourages innovation—all while making us hungry in the process.

At the center of this cultural force is food journalists, whose media coverage shapes trends and influences how we experience cuisine. From print magazines to digital press, these food journalists carry decades worth of experience and expertise from around the world.

The following list highlights food journalists and critics whose storytelling has the power to influence, inspire, and redefine the culture of the food industry.

Tejal Rao​

Tejal Rao is a chief restaurant critic for The New York Times, based in Los Angeles. Rao reviews and writes about restaurants across the United States and has been with the New York Times since 2016.

Nick Mancall-Bitel​

Nick Mancall-Bitel is the editor of Eater Travel, managing the maps program, travel columns, and packages (including the annual Where to Eat guide), and stories about global cuisines.

Brenna Houck​

Brenna Houck is a dining editorial manager for the Eater network, overseeing the Cascadia and Midwest regions with a decade of experience reporting on food and hospitality.

Francky Knapp​

Francky Knapp is the commerce writer at Eater, and an award-winning writer with bylines in GQ, VICE, The Daily Beast, and other publications.

Alaina Chou​

Alaina creates digital content for Bon Appétit and Epicurious, writing and producing commerce stories and newsletters across brands.

Callum Black​

Callum is Good Housekeeping’s Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing, he specialized in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese.

Sara Ventiera​

Sara Ventiera is the Digital Managing Editor for Wine Enthusiast. Her work has appeared in publications including the New York Times, Food & Wine, The Guardian US, BBC Travel, Vice Munchies, Travel + Leisure, and Modern Farmer.

Katelyn Lunders​

Katelyn Lunders is the Digital Director at Delish, where she oversees the brand's digital strategy and audience growth. Katelyn has more than a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and content strategist.

#PRontheGO