Everyone knows the feeling of being in a new city or town and not knowing where to eat. You can walk around for hours, looking at menus and peeking in windows, but all the restaurants look the same. And then you finally settle on something because you’re so hungry.
We’ve all been there, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to find the best restaurants in your area without even stepping foot inside them.
Use Google Maps
Assuming you’re looking for restaurants near your current location, open Google Maps and type “restaurants” into the search bar. A map will populate with red markers indicating nearby eateries. Click on a marker to see the restaurant’s name and average rating.
You can also click the “More places” button at the bottom of the screen to see a list view of restaurants, which includes additional information such as the type of cuisine and price range.
To further narrow down your search results, you can apply filters such as rating, price, and type of cuisine. For example, if you only want to see Italian restaurants that are highly rated and reasonably priced, you would select those filters. Once you’ve applied your desired filters, click the “Done” button to update the results.
If you’re looking for more specific recommendations, you can read reviews of restaurants on Google Maps by clicking on the “Ratings & reviews” tab. Here, you’ll find written reviews and star ratings from other Google users.
Browse Local Blogs and Websites
If you’re looking for the most comprehensive list of options, browsing local blogs and websites is probably your best bet. You can start by searching for “restaurants in [your city]” or “[your city] food bloggers.” This should bring up a good mix of results, including well-known and obscure options.
Once you have a list of potential restaurants, take some time to read through their menus and see if they have anything that catches your eye. If you’re still unsure, most websites will have contact information listed so you can give them a call and get more information. Don’t forget to read through the reviews before making your final decision!
Online reviews can help understand what others think of the food and service, but remember that not everyone’s experience will be the same. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect restaurant for your next meal!
Check Social Media
Assuming you want tips for finding the best restaurants in your area via social media:
Check Yelp and other review sites
Yelp is a great resource for finding out about local businesses, including restaurants. Checking Yelp can give you an idea of what restaurants are popular in your area, as well as what people think of them.
Follow food bloggers and influencers
There are likely many food bloggers and influencers in your area who can recommend the best restaurants. A quick search on Instagram or Twitter should turn up some names you can follow.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, try visiting a few places and see which one feels like the best fit. With a little effort, you’re sure to find the perfect restaurant for your next meal.