The Art of Planning Culinary Adventures
For many travelers, food is more than just a necessity—it’s a central part of the journey. Those who are passionate about cuisine often spend as much time planning their restaurant itineraries as they do booking hotel rooms. In fact, entire vacations are being structured around food experiences, from visiting local producers and bustling markets to taking part in cooking classes and dining at renowned restaurants.
“People want to experience the life and culture of the places they visit, and food is one way to do that—literally taking in the culture,” said Maureen Costura, an assistant professor at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Even those who aren’t primarily interested in food often think about their next meal during a trip. “Vacations are expensive and big events in people’s lives,” Costura explained. “We want to maximize our food experiences so we don’t feel our precious leisure time is wasted.”
However, when you’re far from home, whether in another country or just a few hundred miles away, knowing whom to trust and what resources to rely on can be challenging. Many travelers are concerned about ending up at places where they might be overcharged for mediocre meals. So how can you avoid tourist traps and find authentic culinary experiences?
Tips for Finding Great Restaurants While Traveling
There are several strategies that can help you discover the best places to eat while on the road. These include both pre-trip preparations and on-the-go discoveries.
1. Ask Your Friends
One of the most straightforward ways to get recommendations is by reaching out to friends, family, or colleagues. Many people use social media, email, or phone calls to ask for suggestions. For example, someone might post on Facebook asking for restaurant recommendations in a specific city.
The logic behind this approach is similar to finding a good doctor: ask someone you know and trust. Friends who understand your tastes can make educated guesses about the kinds of foods and establishments you will enjoy. The Zagat guide, which started in 1979, was founded on the idea of surveying friends for restaurant reviews.
2. Check Relevant Apps
Everyone has their favorite website or app for restaurant recommendations. Some popular options include OpenTable, Resy, Yelp, Tock, TripAdvisor, Reddit, and Chowhound. These platforms offer a mix of professional and user reviews, ratings, recommendations, menus, forums, and photos of dishes.
Food blogs like Serious Eats or Eater, as well as newspapers and travel websites created by independent bloggers, also provide in-depth reviews. Serious foodies often cross-reference multiple sources to get a well-rounded view.
In Europe, travelers often turn to sites like TheFork, Quandoo, and The Michelin Guide for reliable recommendations.
3. Give Print a Chance
Newspapers, city and regional magazines, and travel guides often feature in-depth restaurant reviews written by professional reviewers. Compared with user reviews, these carry added credibility because they come from individuals whose professional reputations are at stake.
Even if you’re not a subscriber to a publication, many of these reviews can be found online through a simple search. This can be especially helpful when traveling to a place where you may not have access to digital resources.
4. Ask a Local
Many travelers rely on the suggestions of people they meet along the way, such as taxi drivers, hotel staff, or even police officers. These locals often know the best places that offer great value—good food at a reasonable price.
Tourist information boards or local tourism offices can also be valuable resources. They have a vested interest in ensuring visitors have positive experiences and often provide online listings or direct recommendations.
5. Consult a Concierge
Most upscale hotels and resorts have professional concierges who can offer expert advice on tours, tickets, transportation, and, of course, restaurants. A concierge can also help with last-minute reservations or hard-to-get bookings.
While some travelers worry about potential biases due to kickbacks, most concierges are committed to providing accurate and helpful recommendations. A bad recommendation could damage their reputation and affect the hotel's standing, especially in the age of social media.
6. Be Spontaneous
Not every meal needs to be planned. Sometimes, following your nose and grabbing a bite from a nearby café or food cart near an attraction can lead to unexpected delights. Hotel restaurants are also improving their offerings to attract both guests and local customers.
“For me, part of the joy of travel is new experiences,” said Costura. “If you want to experience exactly the same thing, you can at home, save your money, and stay there.”
Additional Tips for Finding the Best Food When Traveling
- Be specific when asking for advice. Share your preferences and budget, including details like ambiance and noise levels.
- Popular restaurants often require reservations well in advance.
- Don’t judge a restaurant based on size, location, or view. Look for places away from major tourist attractions.
- Opt for restaurants that are popular with locals.
- Choose menus written in the local language rather than ones tailored for tourists.
- Familiarize yourself with the local dishes you want to try.
- Look for blackboard menus, which often indicate fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Eat seasonally and locally whenever possible.
- Make sure to try the specialty foods of the destination you're visiting.
- Read menus to see if they disclose where the food is sourced.
- If the menu doesn’t list prices, especially for items priced by weight, ask before ordering.
- If traveling with children, inquire ahead if the restaurant is child-friendly.
- Restaurants can be noisy. If you're older or have hearing issues, request a quiet table.
- Avoid restaurants with street vendors trying to lure you in.
