When we travel, we love to learn about the area and experience the culture. Food is a large part of that experience. I make it a top priority when planning our trips to find some local food spots. Choosing restaurants is not just about good food, I often look for memorable places. Sometimes that is a local diner or small-town cafe. It could be BBQ from that region or street carts serving up an authentic experience. Occasionally it is a nice restaurant or a bucket-list chef. By eating at locally owned restaurants, visiting food stands or strolling through fresh food markets, we get to see what the area is known for. We love to eat in these places and take in the area’s vibe, but we also sometimes go for the touristy famous place too. For us, it is all about making memories. If you are planning a trip, here are some tips on how to find those restaurants.
Start by doing some research. I look up information about a city’s food culture to get an idea of what dishes or types of cuisines to look for. I do a quick search to find out its local ingredients and most beloved dishes. Then I start to look where to find those foods. I read local food blogs, search the restaurant apps, and skim suggested itineraries from travel blogs and magazines. I know it is a good sign when I see a few places showing up again and again in a variety of places. I always make a note in our travel plans of things to order. We especially like to try things we may not have had before or experience foods in a new way. I love sites like RoadFood, Eater, New York Times, Curiosity Magazine, and Southern Living. I also like to look at “best of” lists such as the best burgers or best pizza. Additionally, I often use Yelp, but you do have to read the reviews carefully.
Don’t rule out travel TV. Watch travel shows or other cooking shows to see what might pique your interest. Sometimes we plan a detour to an area just to try something we saw on a video or TV show. There are lots of travel food shows on streaming networks too. If you enjoy listening to podcasts, look for a podcast about the area. To find restaurants that have been on TV I start with the website TV Food Maps. Some suggested shows are View and Chew, Taste the Nation, Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, Street Food: USA, and of course Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives.
Another way to experience local food is through farm tours and farmers’ markets. It allows us to see what is in season in the area and support local farmers. Buying local food when traveling, keeps money in the area. I do some research on local dishes and what’s grown in the area. It is a great place to start to see what the people in the area are using for their cooking. We also sometimes do food tours or cooking classes to learn about regional food.
If you are in the area and did not make plans, ask a local, but be specific in the types of things you are looking for. Hotel staff or bartenders are often a good reference. Check google maps to see what is close by and then look at their reviews on multiple sites. Also, look for the crowds, then you know it is good. The possibilities are endless, but most importantly… make memories.