Where is the best place to eat? At home, it’s easy to figure out where to go – you know the local favorites because you are a local. When traveling, though, it can be harder to determine where to go to eat out. Thankfully, there are a few ways to get hints about the best restaurant in town. While traveling, use the following to help find amazing restaurants and new favorite meals.
Figure Out the Type of Food to Try
Start by thinking about what type of food to eat. Is it the perfect night to try a foreign delight, the right time for an excellent steakhouse, or the time to try something different? Think about what everyone in the group likes and whether they have any preferences for dinner that night. If no one really cares what type of meal they eat, it can open up more options, but thinking about the type of food can help narrow things down to find the right restaurant.
Ask the Locals for Favorites
Don’t underestimate the power of talking to the locals. They’ll know which restaurants are tourist traps and which ones the locals love to go to. They’ll be able to point out some of the best restaurants in town, and you’re sure to enjoy the meal. In foreign locations, consider eating with locals to learn about their favorites, try out local cuisine, and find a new food you might love. The opportunity for a group meal opens you up to new experiences and fun, as well as giving you a chance to try great food.
Check For What’s Nearby
Keep in mind how far away restaurants are from activities or hotels. Those traveling in a car can go just about anywhere, so distance isn’t a problem. Those who are using local transportation options, though, may be more limited in where they can go. Though there are car rental options available, they can get expensive quickly if the best restaurant is further away.
Take a Look at the Menu
Be sure to take a look at the menu before going to any restaurant. This is a great way to find out what they have, get an idea of what foods are available, and make sure there’s something everyone will like. When traveling with kids, look for a kids menu so there will be some favorites that they’ll enjoy. It’s not necessary to pick out the meal before heading to the restaurant, but looking at the menu does provide the opportunity to make sure there is plenty to choose from.
Look for the Lines
On Friday and Saturday nights, restaurants are often packed. Where is everyone else going? Are they all lining up at one restaurant? Or are there any that don’t have a line at all? While no one wants to wait forever to get dinner, look in the lines to find a great restaurant. Get on the waiting list early, so by the time everyone’s hungry, the table is ready.
When traveling, eating out is common, but it’s not always easy to find the best restaurants to try. If you’re looking for somewhere the locals love and that’s known for amazing food, use the tips here to start looking around in the area. With a little bit of research, it’s easy to find the perfect restaurant to try.
