Trying the food is a must when on holiday and can really help you fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
But how do you know where is best to go? Experts have shared some tips on identifying the best places to eat on your next holiday.
Senior Product Director and travel expert at Away Holidays, Gianni Leone, and founder of Samphire + Sage and former chef at Soho House, HIX and Scott’s of Mayfair, Chef Kevin Gratton, shared their top tips for eating abroad.
One sign of a good restaurant is the location and how many people are gathered outside. A cafe next to a famous landmark risks being a tourist trap.
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Kevin explained: "The first thing I notice is the location of a restaurant. Those that are in high footfall areas, near famous landmarks or attractions, or main city centre spots where the most tourists gather, lend themselves to 'tourist traps' with mediocre food at inflated prices, despite often looking busy.
"I’d also walk straight past a chain restaurant. Queues, meanwhile, can be a mixed signal. If a place is buzzing, it might be worth it – but I don’t queue. I’d rather book somewhere and know I’ll be fed in a timely manner.”
While dining with a view of the Colosseum in Rome or the Eiffel Tower in Paris may sound idyllic, Gianni suggested moving slightly further away to find more authentic food options.
He added: “It’s not to say you can’t find great dining experiences in these busy areas, they just tend to be slightly off the beaten path. If you’re in a popular tourist district, take a few turns down side alleys or quieter streets.
"Often, the most authentic spots are just a few minutes away from the crowds. If you spot a place you like the look of, cross-reference it quickly on social media to get a sense of atmosphere and reviews, you’ll often be able to tell in seconds if it’s worth trying.”
Similarly, the restaurant's interior could be a big giveaway of the quality. If it seems to have been designed for Instagram, the focus may not be on the food, the experts explained.
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In some cases, the restaurants become style over substance, so it is worth checking reviews and menus or opting for alternative locations.
Kevin added: "If the décor looks like it was designed purely for Instagram, or the food presentation seems more about theatrics than taste, it’s a red flag for me. Great food doesn’t need a flower wall or neon sign to taste amazing.
“Restaurants that try to lure you in from the street with discounts, free drinks or loud entrances are also a no-go. I wouldn’t touch restaurants that call you in from the street with a barge pole. It looks way too desperate.”