To find excellent dining options while on holiday, it's highly recommended to consult locals. This could involve asking taxi drivers, baristas, or shop employees for their favorite spots, particularly in less tourist-heavy neighborhoods. Food writers like Regan Stephens suggest researching local experts, critics, cookbook authors, or food tour guides, often via their social media, local publications, or newsletters, and even reaching out directly for recommendations.
Another effective strategy is to use curated resources. The World of Mouth app, co-launched by food writer Kenneth Nars, offers trusted recommendations from renowned chefs and food experts like René Redzepi and Daniel Humm, covering over 2,200 listings in more than 400 cities. This app is particularly useful for finding specific cuisine types or discovering chef-recommended hidden gems. The book "Today’s Special: 100 Emerging Chefs" also provides insights into rising culinary stars.
Food tours are an excellent way to gain local insights and etiquette. Experts like Susmita Baral recommend booking these early in a trip (e.g., on Airbnb Experiences) to learn about local dishes, heritage cuisine, and how to navigate the dining scene. These tours can provide practical tips, such as how to order or interact with staff, making subsequent dining experiences smoother. Additionally, it's wise to avoid restaurants that display pictures of food in their windows, as these are often geared towards tourists.
Planning ahead is crucial, with experts suggesting pre-trip research on desired dining experiences. Lyndsay C. Green, a restaurant critic, uses Instagram's bookmark function to save year-round recommendations, creating city-specific folders. She then makes reservations a week or two before traveling for popular spots and compiles a list or Google Map for casual places that don't require booking, ensuring a less stressful and more enjoyable culinary journey.
