How to Find the Best Places to Eat When Traveling

One of the best ways to experience a new destination is through food, whether at a well-known restaurant or a local favorite, it can take your travel experience up a notch. How exactly you go about finding the best places to eat can be daunting, especially when you're hoping to avoid the chain restaurants you can find at home. Here's how I always find the best places to eat and drink when I travel.

Online Research

When traveling within the US, the first three sites I look at are Eater, The Infatuation, and Resy. If you're traveling to one of the top cities in the US, at least one of these sites will have solid recommendations. If I'm traveling internationally, I check Google Maps, TripAdvisor, the Michelin Guide, and The World's 50 Best Restaurants. If I'm in the mood for a cocktail bar, I'll also check The World's 50 Best Bars.

Social Media

Instagram and TikTok are incredibly useful when searching for places to eat. You can find many options by searching hashtags related to your destination, for example, #NYCEats, #NYCFoodie, or #NYCRestaurants. You should always cross-check these recommendations with Google Reviews to ensure the food is worth it, and it's not just an "Instagram-worthy" restaurant.

Avoid Tourist Traps and Ask for Local Recommendations

Sometimes it's hard to find recommendations online and on social media. The Azores was one of those destinations for me. Even with extensive research, I had a hard time finding restaurant recommendations for my trip. In these instances, you should follow a few rules of thumb. First, avoid eating near tourist traps. The food is more than likely overpriced and not that good. Second, seek out local recommendations. Ask your hotel concierge, Airbnb host, or tour guide, and they'll likely point you in the direction of hidden gems for amazing authentic food.

Do a Food Tour or Cooking Class

If you're feeling adventurous, consider taking a cooking class or a food tour excursion. These can be found on Viator or Get Your Guide, and are typically hosted by a local. It is one of the best ways to have an authentic culinary experience on your trip.