When traveling, I always enjoy discovering local restaurants that serve dishes unique to the region. There’s a surefire way to find the best places to eat, whether locally or in a new country. It’s about researching and asking around. Here are some tips to help you find delicious food during your adventures.
1. Ask the locals
At your first stop, whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat or taking a tour, ask locals about their favorite places to eat. This is one of the best ways to find good places to eat.
2.Google Maps
If you’re looking for something in a hurry, check out Google Maps to see what’s around you. But be sure to read reviews too. Sure, most people only review if they had a bad experience, but that’s why you need to read between the lines.
3. Avoid dangerous tourist traps
If you’re staying in a popular travel destination, you’re more likely to fall into a tourist trap when looking for a place to eat. Even though we’re getting better at passing ourselves off as places where you can eat authentic local food, there are still ways to tell the real thing from the tourist traps.
If a restaurant has an extensive menu, cheap/cheap decor, or gimmicks, you’re more likely to fall into a tourist trap.
4. This Wikipedia hack
Or you can use Wikipedia. Learn about local cuisine using popular websites.
Do some research, find a dish you’ve never heard of, and search for it on Google Maps. If the restaurant has photos, be sure to check them out. They say the best gourmet spots are usually family-owned and operated, with little renovation or decoration additions.
5. Restaurants with plastic chairs
Plastic chairs may not be sexy, but they’re a surprisingly effective way to find the best local restaurants.
6. Find popular places crowded with locals
When walking around a new place, pay attention to which restaurants are crowded. Be careful, especially if it’s crowded with locals.
Talk to people who live in the area. Venture outside of the popular tourist spots. If you find a restaurant that’s mostly crowded with locals, be sure to check it out.
7. Take advantage of gourmet tours
If you can’t decide where to eat, ask your tour guide to decide for you. Even better, ask your guide for recommendations of places not included on the tour.
8. TikTok
TikTok is a great way for locals to showcase their favorite restaurants.
9. Reddit
Additionally, Reddit is also beneficial.
Major cities usually have their own subreddits, filled with information to help you find the best restaurants.
10. Ask for a hotel or place to stay
Hotels and other accommodations help introduce tourists to the city’s best places to eat. Don’t be shy to ask questions. Using your hotel’s concierge service may help you secure reservations at better properties.
11. Check on Yelp
Yelp is home to people who are dedicated to leaving honest reviews. Good resource.
12. Check out the street food
There are many wonderful street food stalls overseas. Shop with your eyes and nose. See where you’re going. have fun!
Maya (she/they) is a queer entertainment and culture journalist from Worcester, Massachusetts, with bylines in publications such as Pulse Magazine, Horror Press, CM Pride, Fangoria, and Translash News & Narrative. She covers interviews, reviews, summaries, news, and more in the entertainment and lifestyle fields. She loves horror, LGBTQ+ representation, and creativity. They want their writing to entertain readers and encourage them to think critically.
