“How Do I Find a Good Place to Eat around Here?”
On vacation, the last thing you expect is to cook for yourself. But how do you find somewhere decent to eat in a new city?
To start, ask the staff at your hotel for recommendations. Depending on their affiliations, they might comp or discount your meal. Similarly, hang out in the lobby and speak with other guests who’ve dined already. If neither works, fear not—there’s always an app.
Apps and Websites
If you travel with your smartphone or tablet, the apps below can guide you towards the best places to eat. Most of these services also offer websites with wider functionality.
Local Eats: Excludes national chains and filters local restaurants by destination, cuisine, and popularity. All listing include a URL with comments, descriptions, and photos.
Zomato (Previously Urbanspoon): Shake your device to randomize a recommendation with their innovative restaurant slot machine. Alternative searching is also available for those looking for something less gimmicky. Listings include details like operating hours, contact information, photos, and reviews.
Yelp: Includes more than just restaurants, making it a robust travel companion. Like others on this list, this app forefronts comments and ratings. It also allows you to check in, upload phones, and tip! Some listings include other pertinent details like wheelchair accessibility.
Open Table: Makes online reservations easy. By working with Yelp, you can use this app to review, comment on and search for nearby restaurants.
Foursquare: Features over 60 million expert reviews on restaurants, bars, and other venues. This is the closest app to a social media channel because it lets you check in and post your whereabouts.
Trip Advisor: Covers all your travel essentials. From booking flights to finding hotels to reserving tables, do it here.
