Exploring new places means tasting new and delicious food. But how do you make sure you find the best restaurants? With the right steps, it’s easy to discover great places to eat while traveling. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
Plan Ahead
The best way to find good restaurants is to plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’re hungry and walking around aimlessly. Here’s how to organize your search before you even leave home.
Do Online Research
Before your trip, research restaurants online. Start by making a list of tourist attractions you want to visit. Then, use Google Maps to find nearby restaurants. Here’s how:
- Search “restaurants near [tourist spot]” in Google Maps. For example, if you’re visiting Zilker Park in Austin, search for “restaurants near Zilker Park.”
- Look for restaurants with good ratings (4 stars or higher) and check the reviews. Google Maps will also show photos of the food and the atmosphere, helping you decide.
- Add your favorite restaurant options to a list and map them out so you know what’s nearby when you’re out exploring.
Utilize Pinterest for Inspiration
Pinterest is a hidden gem for travel research. It’s filled with blogs and recommendations from food lovers, especially locals. Here’s how to use it:
- Search “best restaurants located in Austin” to find blog posts written by food bloggers who have visited or live in that area.
- Save the pins you like, and read the articles for more details. Many of these bloggers will have already tried the restaurants, so you’ll get an insider’s view.
Use Review and Reservation Apps to Find Restaurants
Once you have some restaurant options, it’s time to dive deeper using review and reservation apps. These tools give you the inside scoop on which places are truly worth your time.
Check Reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google
These apps let you read detailed reviews from other travelers. Follow these steps:
- Search for a restaurant on TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Google Reviews. Make sure to look at the number of reviews and the overall rating. A higher number of reviews usually means the rating is more trustworthy.
- Read a mix of positive and negative reviews. This helps you see if there are any common issues like long wait times or bad service.
- Look at customer photos. Unlike Instagram, these photos are unedited, giving you a realistic view of the food and restaurant.
Use OpenTable and Resy for Reservations
If you’re traveling to a popular city, reservations are a must to avoid long waits. Here’s how:
- Download OpenTable or Resy and search for restaurants in your destination.
- Check availability and reserve a table at places you want to try. This ensures you won’t miss out on a spot, especially at busier times like dinner or weekends.
- These apps also show ratings and reviews, so make sure to read through them before reserving.
Discover Restaurants on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool to find the trendiest and most unique spots to eat. Here’s how you can use it:
Using TikTok and Instagram for Food Inspiration
TikTok and Instagram are great for seeing videos and photos of the food and vibe at different restaurants. Follow these steps:
- Search for keywords like “best restaurants in [city].” For example, type “best restaurants in Rome” or “best brunch in Tokyo.”
- Watch short TikTok videos or scroll through Instagram posts to see what the restaurant looks like. Pay attention to how the food is presented and whether the place feels relaxed or fancy.
- Check for the location tags on Instagram. This helps you find out where the restaurant is and how far it is from your hotel or tourist spots.
Be Wary of Influencer Promotions on Instagram
Sometimes influencers are paid to promote restaurants. Here’s what to do:
- Check other reviews to confirm the restaurant is actually good. Don’t rely on influencers alone, since they may be getting paid for positive reviews.
- Look at customer comments on Instagram. Comments from real customers can give you honest feedback on whether the restaurant is worth it.
Get Insider Recommendations from Locals
Locals often know the best places to eat that aren’t overcrowded with tourists. Here’s how to get their recommendations:
Talk to Airbnb Hosts, Hotel Staff, and Drivers
When you arrive, ask the people you meet for their favorite restaurant recommendations. This includes:
- Your Airbnb host: They might know local hidden gems that aren’t online.
- Hotel staff: They usually have a list of restaurants nearby, and they know which places are good.
- Taxi or Uber drivers: Ask them where they like to eat. They drive around the city all day, so they have lots of recommendations.
Join Local Food Groups on Facebook
Before your trip, join local food groups. Here’s how:
- Search for food groups on Facebook. For example, search “Best Restaurants in New York” or “Paris Food Lovers.”
- Request to join the group and ask for restaurant recommendations. Locals in these groups can tell you about spots that don’t show up on big websites like TripAdvisor.
Food Tours and City Tours
Tours are a great way to sample a city’s food and discover new places. Here’s how to find food through tours:
Join a Local Food Tour for Expert Guidance
Food tours take you to different restaurants where you can try local dishes. Here’s what to do:
- Look up food tours online before your trip, and book one that fits your schedule.
- Ask the tour guide for extra recommendations. They’re food experts and can tell you about even more great spots to try after the tour ends.
Use City Tours to Spot Great Restaurants
If you don’t want a food tour, you can still spot restaurants during a city tour:
- Join a trolley or bus tour and keep an eye out for restaurants that look interesting.
- Make notes of any places that catch your attention so you can visit them later.
Practical Tips During Your Trip
Even with good research, there are a few extra things to keep in mind:
Check Operating Hours
Sometimes restaurants close between lunch and dinner or have odd hours. To avoid disappointment:
- Check the restaurant’s website or Google listing for hours of operation.
- Make a note of when they open and close to avoid showing up when the restaurant is closed.
Avoid Tourist Areas
Restaurants right next to tourist attractions are often overpriced and not as good. Instead:
- Look for places a little further away from the main tourist spots. The food is often better and you’ll avoid the crowds.
- Ask locals for restaurants that are off the beaten path but still offer great food.
Check Food Safety Ratings and Hygiene Practices
When traveling, it’s important to make sure the places you eat are clean. Here’s what to do:
- Look up food safety ratings online. Some cities and countries have websites that show restaurant hygiene ratings. Here are more food safety tips to consider.
- Read reviews to see if people mention cleanliness issues. A restaurant might have great food, but you don’t want to get sick because of poor hygiene!
Conclusion
Finding great restaurants while traveling doesn’t have to be hard. Start by doing some research, use review apps, check social media, and ask locals for tips. With these steps, you’ll always find delicious food wherever your adventures take you.