Choosing Good Restaurants When Traveling

Choosing Good Restaurants When Traveling

When traveling to a new destination, one of the most exciting aspects is exploring the local cuisine and trying out new restaurants. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which restaurants are worth your time and money. In this post, I will discuss a tested method for choosing good restaurants when traveling, taking into consideration three important factors: price, food quality, and ambiance/service.

The Three Factors: Price, Quality, and Service

When it comes to dining out, these three factors play a crucial role in our overall dining experience. Price determines the affordability of a restaurant, food quality reflects the taste and presentation of the dishes, and the service encompasses the atmosphere and level of customer service provided. Ideally, we would want all three factors to be exceptional, but in reality, it is very difficult to find a restaurant that excels in all three.

Choosing Two Out of Three

Based on experience, it is much easier to find a restaurant that excels in two out of three factors. This can be a tough choice and each individual has their own preferences and priorities when it comes to dining out. Some may prioritize price and food quality, while others may value service and price above all else.

Personally, my priorities are to maximize food quality at a good price. I always strive to maximize experiences per dollar and this is one of the better ways to do it. My preferred method for finding a good restaurant is to look for establishments that have been open for a while but have received negative reviews. This may seem counterintuitive at first, but there is logic behind it.

The Logic Behind Bad Reviews

Generally, people are more likely to leave reviews when their dining experience is either exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. If a restaurant has bad reviews, it is an indication that the ambiance/service might not be up to par. However, it is also likely that the food and price are good enough to keep the restaurant open despite the negative feedback.

Restaurants that have been open for a while but have bad reviews often have a loyal customer base that appreciates the quality of the food and the affordability. These establishments may not focus as much on providing a luxurious ambiance, but they make up for it with their delicious dishes and reasonable prices. This is always my goal when traveling and if the food disappoints then I don't have regret it since I didn't spend a lot on the experience.

Putting the Method into Practice

Now that we understand the reasoning behind this method, let's discuss how to put it into practice when choosing a restaurant while traveling.

When looking for a restaurant, don't focus on the star rating; instead, focus on the style of food and the oldest review (to understand how long the restaurant has been around). Once you've narrowed down your list to a few places, look at not only the review descriptions but also focus on who is making them. If a majority of the negative reviews are about service and appear to be by a tourist, it may be worth considering the restaurant.

This method can also be done rather easily while walking around and looking at places when you see them in the street. If you notice a lot of tourists in a restaurant then I usually recommend avoiding it; the restaurants often increase prices and have long lines - no one has time for that!

Finally, trust your instincts. If you come across a restaurant that fits the criteria mentioned above and aligns with your personal preferences, give it a try. Remember that everyone's taste and expectations are different, so what may be negative for one person might not bother you at all.

Conclusion

Choosing a good restaurant when traveling can be challenging, especially when you have to prioritize between price, food quality, and service. By focusing on restaurants that have been open for a while but have received bad reviews, you can often find hidden gems that offer delicious food at affordable prices. Remember to do your research, read the reviews, and trust your instincts when making your final decision. Happy dining!