How I Research Restaurants Before a Trip

Food is a huge part of traveling for me, so I usually research restaurants almost as much as hotels.

I Look Across Multiple Sources

I’ll use:

• Google

• Tripadvisor

• Travel articles

• Local blogs

• Hotel recommendations

• Travel publications

• Instagram

• TikTok

I especially like finding recommendations from people who actually live in the destination.

I Look at the Menu

Before making a reservation, I always check the menu.

A restaurant can look beautiful online, but if nothing on the menu sounds appealing, it probably isn’t worth booking just for the atmosphere.

I also check prices so I know what to expect.

I Look at Real Photos

Instagram and TikTok are great for seeing:

• Portion sizes

• Presentation

• Atmosphere

• Views

• Dress code

• Whether the restaurant actually looks like its professional photos

I Try to Eat Local Food

I always want to experience the food the destination is known for.

If we’re in Greece, I want Greek food. If we’re in Thailand, I want Thai food.

But I also think it’s nice to mix things up.

After several nights of eating similar cuisine in Greece, we booked sushi one night, and it was such a fun change.

I Plan Around the Itinerary

I try to choose restaurants that make sense geographically.

If we’re sightseeing in one neighborhood all afternoon, I’d rather find dinner nearby than cross the entire city just for a restaurant.

I Mix Special Restaurants With Casual Meals

Not every meal needs to be a reservation.

I usually choose a few restaurants that I really care about and leave other meals open for spontaneous finds, cafés, markets, or recommendations we get while we're there.

I Look for One or Two Memorable Experiences

Sometimes it’s a rooftop dinner, a restaurant overlooking the water, a tasting menu, or somewhere known for a particular local dish.

Those meals often become some of my favorite memories from the trip.