CAITLYN FITZPATRICK FOR TASTE OF HOME
For an over-the-top Goldbelly food delivery, you can’t do much better than a PieCaken. This editor-tested cozy dessert is the dictionary definition of the word “extra.” It features pecan pie on the bottom, pumpkin pie in the middle and spice cake on top. It’s layered together with cinnamon buttercream and topped with apple pie filling. There’s also a Christmas version!
“I went to Appalachian State, which is located in Appalachia (shocker, I know),” says Senior Editor Caroline Lubinsky of this Goldbelly food delivery option. “The thread that unites all of us is Appalachia Cookie Co. In college, I’d walk to the shop and order a dozen cookies for later (because you could rarely walk in and take home a dozen immediately; they were too popular). The chocolate chip cookies were always my favorite, but Paula Dean herself loves the famous blueberry white chocolate oatmeal variety.”
Those who enjoy a classic steakhouse meal can’t go wrong with Berns Steak House. It’s named the best steakhouse in America by several outlets. Plus, it’s a James Beard Award winner and recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award of Excellence. “I can confirm that Berns is one of the best in the nation for good reason,” says Content Director Nicole Doster. “Albeit pricey, these steaks are to die for.” And you can order an entire filet mignon meal directly to your door!
“People think Maryland is just about crabs and seafood (OK, it is phenomenal there), but Angelina’s of Maryland is iconic,” says Nicole. The Smith Island cake originates from Maryland’s only inhabited island in the Chesapeake Bay. It features nine (!!!) layers of ultra-thin yellow cake separated by cooked chocolate icing—yum! Snag this indulgent dessert for a celebration or just because.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
Known as the “best cookies in New York,” Levain cookies are delicious, enormous and the perfect gift for the sweet tooth in your life. “I can confirm that Levain cookies are the real deal,” says Senior Editor Katie Bandurski in her Levain cookie review. “I will certainly be ordering again, both for myself and my loved ones. The signature cookie assortment makes a delightful Goldbelly food delivery gift for any occasion.”
According to Editor Emily Way, ask any Southern Michigander about their favorite fast casual dining place and 9 times out of 10, they’ll say Olga’s Kitchen. Known for their beef and lamb Original Olga (which is something of a mix between a gyro and a flatbread wrap), Olga’s Kitchen has some of the best sandwiches in lower Michigan, and you can have them delivered straight to your door. Don’t forget to add a basket of Snackers and almond cheese on the side—these addicting triangles are most people’s favorite part of the meal!
I once drove through New Haven, Connecticut, on a road trip and stopped at Zuppardi’s Apizza, per the urging of some fellow food writers. A decade later, I still can’t get it out of my head: the crisp, cracker crust; the robust tomato sauce; the slightly spicy locally-made Italian sausage. The fact that you can get these pizzas shipped to your door, thanks to Goldbelly food delivery, is quite literally a dream come true for me. And trust me, it will be for you, as well. Cook the frozen pizzas in your new pizza oven!
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Emily raves about this sampler box from Kansas City’s Jack Stack BBQ. It includes one pound of burnt ends, your choice of sliced beef brisket or a whole rack of pork ribs, one pound of shredded meat for sandwiches, one meaty specialty item and your choice of dessert. “This is truly some of the best barbecue I’ve ever had,” she says. “Nobody even guessed it came through the mail! It reheated superbly.”
This Strawberry Hill povitica, in flavors such as English walnut, strawberry cream cheese and apple cinnamon, is just the stuff! The Kansas-based bakery specializes in loaves of Eastern European stuffed pastry. Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley grew up slathering toasted slices with butter and now gifts these treats in her adulthood. She considers any flavor with cream cheese her favorite.
According to Emily, these William Greenberg black and white cookies are a dessert game-changer. “If you haven’t had a black and white cookie, they’re sort of a midpoint between cookies and cupcakes,” she says. “I brought a tin of these classic New York staples to a party, and they were absolutely devoured. Whether you’re a cake person or a cookie person, a vanilla person or a chocolate person, you’ll enjoy these. Get more than you think you need—they go quickly!”
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
For fans of unique flavors or those who simply want to try a taste of the tropics, Miami Fruit’s tropical fruit assortments are the perfect gift. “Overall, I received nearly a dozen different fruits in my fruit delivery, from watermelon guava to mini bananas,” says Emily. “Size choices include 4-5 pound or 8-10 pound boxes. My 5-pound box had almost too much fruit for me to eat alone. Cutting and freezing the leftovers made for some seriously tropical smoothies throughout the week!”
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
The Zacatecas-style burritos from Burritos La Palma are a Los Angeles staple. However, there’s no need to head west to enjoy them thanks to Goldbelly food delivery. “My husband makes the best authentic Mexican food,” says Emily. “So I have a pretty high standard when it comes to burritos. Both the beef birria and frijoles y queso burritos were so good. We actually ordered a second box of 12 burritos! I love that you can freeze them and then warm them up on the stove whenever the mood strikes.”
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Grown on 1,350 acres of land on the slopes of Maui’s Haleakala, Maui Gold pineapples are so decadent, they’re hardly in the same world as typical grocery store ananas. Not only do they take 18 months to grow, but they’re also hand-harvested during a 48-72 hour window where they reach peak ripeness, making them well worth the splurge. Emily can attest to their sweetness, noting, “I think normal pineapples might be ruined for me now. These are so flavorful!”
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Brooklyn Blackout cakes were created in the early 20th century at a bakery called Ebinger’s, and sadly were lost to time—until now. Snag one of Brooklyn’s most popular treats, Brooklyn Blackout cookies, in a gorgeous gift-able tin and enjoy the rich, delectable crumb. “Out of all the cookies I tried during my Goldbelly cookie subscription, these were some of my favorites,” says Emily of this Goldbelly food delivery. “Between the chocolate icing, tender chocolate cookie and chocolate chips, they’re like a love letter to chocolate fans.”
Vosges Haut-Chocolat placed as one of our best chocolate boxes, and for good reason. Not only is the chocolate superb, but surprising flavors in the milk chocolate truffle box make it a standout option. “Don’t default to the traditional mall chocolate stores when you’re searching for a gift,” says Caroline. “The Vosges truffles offer unique flavors in a beautiful box that is sure to stun even the pickiest loved one.” Fillings include Bulgarian rose water and pistachio paste, sweet churned cultured butter ganache and an Australian macadamia nut and Sri Lankan coconut blend, among several other fun flavors.
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Melissa’s Produce may not be local to you. But the superb quality of the fruit and the fuss-free shipping will have you rethinking your one-hour trips to the supermarket. “Anyone not familiar with Melissa’s Produce would guess the fruit is from a fancy local farm,” raves Emily. After trying a gift tray, she loves gifting the seasonal fruit gift basket for almost any occasion. “Melissa’s Produce even provides fruit to world-class restaurants and TV shows like ‘Top Chef,’ so you know it has to be good!”
FAQ
Is Goldbelly legit?
Yes, Goldbelly is a legit, foolproof way to try new foods from around the U.S., no matter where you reside in the states. Our Taste of Home team tried over 15 different Goldbelly deliveries are were satisfied with the entire process.
Why is Goldbelly so expensive?
Goldbelly is pricey because shipping food properly is pricey. But the tradeoff is everything is guaranteed to arrive safely packaged and damage-free!
How does Goldbelly work?
Goldbelly partners with restaurants from around the United States and offers nationwide shipping of their products. This partnership ensures fast, efficient delivery, so anyone can enjoy Detroit-style pizza or treats from New York’s best bakeries.
Why You Should Trust Us
As Taste of Home’s resident testers, our editorial team has tried everything from the best snack boxes to cookie of the month clubs and beyond. For this piece, we enlisted the tastebuds of the editorial shopping team by asking about their favorite Goldbelly finds. We’re spread across the country—including in scalding climates—so shipping condition is always important. After tasting more than 15 different options, we’re confident that these are the best of the best.