Finding a new restaurant that doesn’t disappoint and even exceeds one’s expectation — this is the ultimate goal of any foodie. So whether you want to enjoy an amazing BLT in Seattle, devour the most delectable deep-dish pizza in Chicago, or try the best burger in Dubai. To have an excellent dining experience worth every penny you spend, you have to be sure you will choose a first-rate restaurant to visit.
Finding Great Eats
If you’ve always wanted to have the best dining experience regardless of your location, here are some handy tips for doing just that:
1. Go where the crowd is
When you see a restaurant packed with seated customers that still have a long line outside, you have to try eating there because a dining establishment does not seem to have any trouble attracting patrons.
Aside from consistently serving great, satisfying food, these restaurants may also provide excellent service, superb amenities, and the right ambiance. So when you join the crowd, you won’t be disappointed. The wait will be worth your while.
2. Ask some locals
If you’re new to the area, you can be sure you will be dining at a great restaurant if it is recommended by a local. However, long-time residents have typically already tried numerous eateries, and they know which ones to go back to and which ones to steer clear of.
Of course, you have to know which food experts to ask. The best foodies to ask for recommendations are people who, by trade, have become familiar with the streets. These include cab drivers, office and retail employees – people who are always on the prowl for good, cheap eats.
3. Peruse trusted restaurant review and guide sites
Serious foodies are usually not hesitant to show their fondness for restaurants that meet or exceed their expectations. They are also not afraid to express their disappointment when they feel misled or let down by a particular dining establishment.
Diners often convey their satisfaction or disappointment via a restaurant review site. Using sites or apps such as the Where To Eat Guide, Zagat, Yelp, OpenTable, Foursquare, MenuPages, and even Google and Facebook, diners can rate their experiences at particular restaurants.
Collated rating and published for everyone on the site to see. Most sites also post actual comments or reviews of diners regarding their experiences.
If you’re looking for the best dining establishments in a particular area, these sites will help you narrow down your list. Then, when you focus your search on top-rated local restaurants, you will find the best ones (those that won’t disappoint) as recommended by your fellow foodies.
Of particular note is the Michelin Guide, the most popular restaurant guide today. Restaurants are awarded one to three stars by official but anonymous Michelin reviewers or inspectors. A dining establishment with one star is already considered a good restaurant. So if you’re lucky to find a Michelin-starred restaurant in your area, it is worth trying that establishment. But be prepared to shell out some more money for your lunch or dinner.
4. Read a trusted food blogger’s reviews
The Internet is saturated with thousands of food blogs, focusing on posts about the blogger’s dining experiences at different restaurants. Their articles and reviews can also help you discover which restaurants you should go to.
However, be careful about choosing reputable food bloggers to read and believe. Make certain establishments do not pay them to give positive reviews even if their dining experiences aren’t that good.
You can always search for a list of trustworthy and recognized food bloggers online to ensure that you won’t rue your decision to try a restaurant recommended by a blogger.
Finding a new restaurant that doesn’t disappoint and even exceeds one’s expectation — this is the ultimate goal of any foodie. So whether you want to enjoy an amazing BLT in Seattle, devour the most delectable deep-dish pizza in Chicago, or try the best burger in Dubai. To have an excellent dining experience worth every penny you spend, you have to be sure you will choose a first-rate restaurant to visit.
5. Explore on your own
Lastly, nothing will beat the thrill of finding a great restaurant on your own. Explore the city or town you’re in and be on the lookout for appealing and inviting eateries. Then, take the hint if it’s crowded and try their dishes.
If a particular restaurant doesn’t have many customers but finds it inviting or exciting, be bold and enter anyway. Ask the staff what their most sought-after dishes are, or at the very least, order a drink and a plate of appetizers. Don’t miss out on having the best Sunday night in Dubai or any other city simply because you’re afraid to explore the city.
With every city or state having its fair share of restaurants and eateries, you won’t have a hard time finding the best dining spots. However, by doing some research and putting in some additional grunt work, you can be sure you will get more value for your money when you try a restaurant for the first time.
