The Ultimate Guide to Finding Local Restaurant Gems on Holiday

RetiredCormac
Sep 18
4 min read

When you're on holiday - you have to eat. One of the things I find most enjoyable is finding great restaurants and eating my way through the local food scene. However, finding the best restaurants can be difficult, and shouldn't be left to chance, nor should it become all consuming. With countless options at your fingertips, how can you ensure you're dining at the top local spots? in this short guide I will share pretty obvious practical tips on discovering great restaurants whilst on holiday. It isn't rocket science - just applying a tried and tested methodology that tends to work most of the time.

TL;DR

Don't leave eating out on holiday to chance. Follow my advice to find good restaurants to visit whilst on holiday.

Research Before You Go

Before you set off on your holiday, doing your homework is vital. A liitle research using your individual preferences will pay dividends. Whether it's locating the best places for regional specialties, or well priced lunches or tourist traps to avoid. All can significantly enhance your eating experience and help you pinpoint restaurants that will work for you.

Make a list of restaurants that catch your interest. Aim for those that are not only highly rated but have numerous positive reviews. This research lays a good base for your dining adventures.

Use Google Maps for Restaurant Discovery

Google Maps is a powerful tool for finding nearby restaurants while on holiday. Here’s how to leverage it effectively:

Search for Restaurants: Click or type “restaurants” into the search bar, and Google Maps will display a list of options nearby. You can filter results based on ratings (look for 4 stars or higher), distance, and cuisine type.
Check Ratings and Reviews: Each restaurant listing comes with a star rating and user reviews. A restaurant that has a high rating (4.5 stars) with a significant number of reviews (200+) suggests a consistent dining experience.
Explore Photos: Google Maps users upload photos of their dining experiences. Check these images to get a better feel for the restaurant and the dishes they serve.
Website: Click through to the restaurants website or Facebook page if they have one, to locate their menu.
Check Opening Times: Always verify the restaurant’s hours before heading out. You’d hate to arrive only to find it closed, especially if it's a top choice.

Leverage TripAdvisor for In-Depth Insights

TripAdvisor is another excellent resource for discovering great dining options while on holiday. Here’s how you can use it effectively:

Read Detailed Reviews: Unlike Google Maps, TripAdvisor often features comprehensive reviews. Seek comments about specific dishes, service quality, and the overall experience.
Check Rankings: TripAdvisor ranks restaurants based on user feedback. Look for the top-rated spots in your area, as these will likely provide memorable dining experiences.
Check Distribution of Reviews: TripAdvisor provides a graphical representation of number of Excellent, Good, Average, Poor and Terrible ratings - which works well for me.

Combining Google Maps and TripAdvisor

To increase your chances of finding fantastic restaurants, combine insights from both Google Maps and TripAdvisor. Here’s a straightforward approach:

Start with Google Maps: Use it to discover restaurants near your location. Focus on those with high ratings and numerous positive reviews.
Cross-Reference with TripAdvisor: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, check the relevant ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor for more in-depth insights.
Look for Consistency: If a restaurant boasts high ratings on both platforms, it’s likely a safe bet.

Consider Local Recommendations:

Don’t hesitate to ask locals for their favourite dining spots. The car parking attendant in Lecce was very eager to make lunch recommendations when I asked - even writing down the names whilst providing good walking directions.

Eat Local: Avoid Multinational Chains

When travelling, immersing yourself in local culture through food is one of the most enriching experiences. While multinational chains offer familiar options, they mostly miss the authentic flavors that local cuisine provides.

Instead, seek out local diners, street food vendors, and family-run restaurants. These places typically serve traditional dishes prepared with regional ingredients, offering a genuine taste of the area. In Italy, for instance, try freshly made homemade pasta at a traditional trattoria instead of dried pasta from a chain restaurant.

If you do find yourself at a multinational chain, consider ordering the country-specific meal offered. For example, at a McDonald’s in Japan, you might find a Teriyaki Burger, which is a fun twist on a familiar brand.

Make Reservations When Necessary

Some restaurants fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you have a specific place in mind, it's advisable to make a reservation in advance. Many restaurants now offer online booking, which saves you time, avoids that difficult phone call if you don't speak the same language, and ensures you won't miss out.

Be Open to New Experiences

While having a plan is essential, staying open to spontaneity can lead to delightful surprises. Sometimes the best dining experiences arise from wandering past or into a place that catches your eye.

I've joined queues before not really knowing what is at the end of it - one memorable queue was in Gouda in the Netherlands, where I walked out with a delicious turkish pizza. I'd never had one before then. We always visit the same shop when we are passing through Gouda - never tastes as good as that first one though!

And Finally....

Finding excellent restaurants while on holiday doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right research upfront, using apps like Google Maps and TripAdvisor, and focusing on local eats, you can enrich your dining experiences and create lasting memories.

Make sure to verify opening hours, pay attention to the reviews, and remain open to spontaneous culinary adventures. With these tips in mind, you're well-prepared to discover the best local gems during your travels.