How To Find The Best Hidden Gem Restaurants Wherever You Go

When exploring the world or frequenting faraway cities, one normally works up an appetite. Yet when hunger strikes, more often than not, rave-worthy dining establishments, unique cafes, and secret spots about town are what you crave — not just any old eatery nearby. Since some of the best travel memories happen over a shared drink or during one-of-a-kind dining experiences, you know where you decide to eat matters. And if you happen to be a traveling foodie, then visiting the crème de la crème of the local food scene is definitely on your to-do list.

Of course, discovering and grabbing a table at a destination's premiere culinary joint by chance is very unlikely without some forethought. Whether you are familiar with your location or not, finding the best-underrated places to eat can be tricky, especially with more than a few tourist traps and influencer upsells along the way. Nonetheless, this task is far from impossible when you do your homework. So, let's go over how to find the best hidden gem restaurants wherever you go.

In this day and age, social media is everything. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more are brimming with restaurant suggestions. From influencers highlighting new spots to celebrity chefs and stars listing their favs, you are bound to come across an establishment or two worth checking out. Plus, you can often find somewhere unique to chow down at simply by looking at what food joints some of your like-minded followers and friends are raving about.

Food, travel, and entertainment sites are also great resources for hungry wanderers as they provide important information about a variety of destinations, including what to do, what events are going on, and, most importantly, where to eat. So, it is highly recommended that you cast a wide net when perusing your socials and the internet. Of course, you might have to do a deep dive when looking online for those truly hidden gems. But it never hurts to check out the highlighted dining and nightlife scenes via the web or social media, especially if you want to check out the trendier restaurants.

Most visitors have booked a place to stay and have agendas that are chock full of activities. Thus, the opportunity to make inquiries when out and about is absolutely there. If you happen to be staying in a hotel or an Airbnb, you can ask the front desk staff, the concierge, or the host of your vacation rental. Even hostel managers can offer some insight into the local food scene, so don't be shy; just ask.

Likewise, if you are headed to a concert, play, convention, or other local happenings, then it is perfectly acceptable to ask around. Chatting with the event staff, servers, and bartenders should get you some great finds. Not only are they often in the know when it comes to the best, low-key, and tastiest joints in town, but they are also less likely to lead you astray or suggest tourist traps. What's more, the people working the event are generally full of useful information on how to spot hidden gems on the fly. Staff tips such as going with less trendy joints located in high-traffic areas and choosing the restaurant sans the breathtaking views are just a couple of ways to spot dining establishments in real-time that often have the best food.

If you are not too big on planning and prefer to take things as they come when exploring new places, you can always quiz somebody who lives there about the best culinary joints in their city. Before striking up a conversation with the locals, however, do yourself a favor and take note of your location's food scene. Any places with a line outside the door or restaurants that appear to be overwhelmingly frequented by locals definitely deserve your attention. 

When stumbling upon such a find, if possible, make a reservation for later or even the next day to ensure you are not waiting around for hours when you could be enjoying your destination. Alternatively, if you happen to be shopping, lounging in the park, or hanging out near areas where the locals tend to be in masses, like coffee shops, libraries, universities, and so on, then start a conversation with someone about the city's dining options. Most people are eager to give suggestions because who hates talking about amazing food? And remember to ask more than just one unassuming person where they often go for incredible eats. Tip: Ask cab, ride-share, and bus drivers for even more beloved restaurant suggestions from locals.

Unsurprisingly, pop-up restaurants are often gems in the making. Many of these pop-up establishments had humbler beginnings as street food vendors. From incredible on-the-go culinary feats to simple sandwiches, rice-based dishes, and cherished snack foods, street food is no longer just something to eat in a far-off country or outside a sporting event. Not only has street food culture taken over in the U.S. (mainly in the form of food trucks), but it is also recognized worldwide as an opportunity to grab some great and authentic eats.

Thus, when vacationing anywhere in the world, don't hesitate to try some good old-fashioned street food in all its forms, as you will likely be surprised. Hungry visitors can also root around for the nearest food truck assembly, which is often near financial and business districts. And even though traditional pop-up restaurants, though by definition are temporary events, they still tend to showcase delightful eats — so make sure to check your destination's pop-up events schedule. What's more, travelers should be on the lookout for a blast from the past, supper clubs, which have been gaining in popularity recently as well. Supper clubs are more so social gathering spots for food enthusiasts than restaurants. Nonetheless, for a minimal fee, you can join in on what is considered to be the latest take on communal, urban dining.

It may seem a bit counterintuitive to locate the popular nightlife and entertainment scene in any area when on the hunt for hidden gems. But bustling downtowns and prominent haunts in most metropolises worldwide tend to have a few diamonds in the rough. From underrated joints and hole-in-the-wall diners to taverns and dimly lit lounges that serve food, culinary treasures tend to be plentiful in these kinds of locations.

Theater districts are also a good place to head to if you are wandering listlessly about a city in search of food. Since it is customary for theatergoers to do dinner and a show, there is usually a large number of restaurants in the vicinity. Though you may need to read the reviews to avoid some of the more touristy establishments, many of the restaurants located in such districts have stood the test of time for a reason beyond convenience. Likewise, posh hotels are frequently grouped together in faraway cities and probably have at least one or two in-house eateries. So, you can easily pop into one of these five-star hotels for a fine dining experience and rub elbows with the in-crowd, especially during the week.

Finally, if all else fails, try your hand at some good old-fashioned sleuthing. Of course, sleuthing or collective detective work does not just apply to unsolved crimes — in this instance, rather, it means putting the word out. Let your friends, family, and followers know via social media that you are off to distant lands and would appreciate their input regarding good food options. You can also head on over to your favorite forum sites and online travel groups to cast a wider net across your social networks. Chances are someone has a bit of insight into your destination's food scene — so put the word out that you are looking for a unique dining experience and watch the suggestions roll in. 

Ultimately, finding the best hidden gem restaurants when traveling is definitely a separate excursion in its own right. But that does not mean you have to walk around hungry or spend your entire vacation eating sub-par food. That said, if you happen to be out and about in an unfamiliar location and a random food joint piques your interest, try it out. There really are no die-hard rules here. Remember, it is perfectly acceptable to go with your gut as well as step outside your culinary comfort zone when the opportunity presents itself.