8 Expert Tips for Discovering the Best Restaurants While Traveling

Memorable meals can transform your travels, but finding authentic restaurants in unfamiliar destinations can be challenging—especially when hunger strikes. These proven tips, drawn from Travelzoo's experienced team, reveal where to look and whom to ask for exceptional dining. Bon appétit!

1. Plan Ahead with a Culinary Walking Tour

Start your trip with a culinary walking tour, increasingly popular in cities worldwide. Sample diverse dishes, orient yourself locally, and pinpoint spots to revisit or regional specialties to explore further. Connect with your guide for personalized recommendations. Highlights include Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto in the Bay Area, Chicago's pizza tours (pace yourselves!), and European adventures from French escargot to Greek seafood and olives. Ideal for non-speakers, these tours introduce local menus and etiquette. Photo from Flickr by Ian Ransley

2. Dive into Local Publications and Food Blogs

Enhance trip planning by researching local food bloggers and journalists via a quick Google search. They uncover hot spots and hidden gems—save addresses to Google Maps or print a highlighted guide. Many regional magazines and newspapers publish annual dining lists to simplify your choices.

3. Seek Recommendations from Real Locals

Hotel concierges offer solid options, but the best tips often come from travelers met en route. Cab drivers know late-night eats, while staff at attractions share nearby lunch spots sans crowds or inflated prices. Chatting sparks more insights. Pre-trip, post on Facebook or Twitter for friends' favorites.

4. Prioritize Regional Cuisine

Our UK Website Editor Sara Kriegel in London insists on local flavors: “Why eat familiar food abroad? Snacks drive 50% of my travels.” Opt for area-appropriate dishes—skip pizza in Asia. Even crowded spots: check for locals over tourists. Photo from Flickr by Dilys Ong

5. Steer Clear of Tourist Hotspots

Near major attractions, restaurants thrive on convenience, not quality. Senior Copy Editor Kelsey Rexroat advises: “Neighborhood spots beat tourist strips. Avoid aggressive touts or flyers—they signal tourist traps. Research via Yelp, forums, and friends; map options per area.”

6. Download Essential Apps

Before departing, grab the Travelzoo app for on-the-go deals. Use Yelp and TripAdvisor for specifics: peak seating times, must-try appetizers, reservations. Foursquare provides insider tips from regulars beyond mere check-ins.

7. Follow the Lines

Lines signal quality worth waiting for—not every meal, but note hot spots. Research off-peak times or reservations to maximize vacation time. Yulia Grigoryeva/Shutterstock.com

8. Traveling with Kids?

Executive Producer Angela Shannon shares: “Ask for a table immediately. If the host seems uneasy or the vibe is stuffy/adult-only, move on. Spot strollers outside for family-friendly assurance.”