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LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA
Similarly, travelers shouldn’t overlook the perks of social media. Shamim Ehsani, co-founder, Tribe Hotels Group, said, “I bookmark interesting restaurants I come across on TikTok or Instagram and keep a running list of places I want to visit in cities I frequent the most. The 50 Best Discovery list is a great resource for many cities — it typically has a good range of indulgent and more accessible options.”

Ternavan also recommends taking advantage of social media. He encourages travelers to look at the latest customer photos at restaurants to gauge the quality and authenticity of the food. “The best-case scenario is that they include menu images, not professional or owner-uploaded ones,” he said.

For spontaneous meals, Ehsani uses Dorsia, an app designed for securing last-minute tables at coveted restaurants for travelers who value great food but can’t always plan weeks in advance. But even with these tools in hand, he maintains one simple rule: “A good restaurant is one where the locals go. I also value restaurants that use local ingredients and respect the region’s foodways and traditions.”

PHOTO: © YURI ARCURS | DREAMSTIME.COM

ASK THE LOCALS
Upon arrival, Ruggieri-Maynard suggests making local connections and tapping them for suggestions. “Ask locals for recommendations like hotel staff, bartenders or even shop owners [who] can often point you to their favorite places that might not show up on popular lists,” she said. In a similar vein, Edelman shared, “If you don’t want to commit to reservations, I get some of the best tips by going to local bars in a neighborhood and asking the bartender about restaurants they like.”

Like both Ruggieri-Maynard and Edelman, luxury travel advisor Andrea Duvall recommends looking to hospitality experts at your destination. “Bartenders are a gift when you’re traveling to get top tips on local restaurants. Go for a drink, or have dinner at the bar rather than at a table, and tap into a quality selection of local favorites,” she said.

She also noted concierges remain one of hospitality’s most underrated resources: “If you’re researching in advance, ask your hotel or travel advisor to connect you with the concierge, especially if you’re looking for a hot spot or a tough-to-get table. A concierge can pull strings and provide suggestions tailored to your preferences.”

Finally, don’t knock local food tours while you’re traveling, both Duvall and Ternavan shared. As Duvall said, “A food tour is a great way to meet like-minded travelers and ask a local professional foodie for their favorites. You’re multitasking by trying great spots and seeking recommendations during the tour.”

BOOK DIRECTLY
Think of booking directly as an untapped resource to help curate your ideal itinerary. Not only does it allow you to eliminate the middleman, but it helps to connect travelers with professional hosts, said Eric Goldreyer, CEO, Savvy. “When you book direct, you get access to professional hosts local to the area you’re traveling to, so they’ll have plenty of recommendations for local spots and restaurants,” he explained. “Especially during holiday travel, they’ll know which local spots take reservations and offer the best holiday menus. These insider connections can transform your trip from stressful to seamless.” These hosts’ jobs depend on finding the best under-the-radar gems and seasonal specialties, ensuring an unparalleled experience.

PHOTO: © KHRYSTYNA POCHYNOK | DREAMSTIME.COM

BE SPONTANEOUS
One of Edelman’s biggest tips is to simply wander. “I have found some of the best restaurants simply by wandering around a city and popping my head into places. The small holes-in-the-wall, the spots with a grandma cooking up her recipes in the kitchen, away from the hot tourist spots, are gems,” she said. Exploring the area where you are staying proves a surefire way to see the spots where locals are prone to go. Ternavan added travelers should “rely on gut feeling and observation,” and peruse menus, look in windows and assess whether customers look happy and satisfied.

At the end of the day, there’s no tried-and-true method that will garner you perfect results every time. Instead, it’s best to marry curiosity with good old-fashioned research, and the experts all agree. Arrive at your destination prepared and then allow the locals and experts in the area to help guide you in the right direction. Tap into your instincts while strolling through the city and allow yourself some spontaneity to step off the beaten path and wander someplace new. Great dining doesn’t often happen by accident — you can find it when you balance these strategies with a willingness to explore. Keep your eyes open while you’re out and about, and stay open to adventures along the way.