Blog 003: 5 Tips to Optimise Restaurant Choices

There’s nothing worse than wasting a meal on mediocre food when you’re away. These days, finding the best spots on holiday can be a hard work, such is the quantity of options . From overrated TikTok gimmicks that blew up for the wrong reasons, to overpriced restaurants coasting off their name while the quality drops—there are plenty of traps to fall into. In this blog, we’ll help you cut through the noise and minimise the chances of ending up with a forgettable plate. Your tastebuds deserve better.

1. Eat Where the Locals Eat

Always stick to this one—locals don’t mess around when it comes to food. If they’re eating there, you probably should be too. Keep an eye out for the signs: long queues, no need for reservations, no English menu in sight, local wines being poured, handwritten menus, and a solid, lively atmosphere. The bonus? These places are almost always cheaper and way tastier than anything you’ll find in a tourist guide. And most importantly, they’re usually tucked away off the main squares and far from the typical tourist attractions.

2. Research Local Specialties Before You Go

Every country (and city, and neighborhood…) has its own iconic dishes, and a little homework goes a long way. Knowing what you should be eating in a place helps you skip the generic and head straight for the signature. Whether it’s Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Florence or pintxos in San Sebastián—if you’ve done your homework, you can leave your destination knowing you truly tasted the essence of where you visited.

3. Save Favourite Options in Google Maps

After you get your custom recommendations from Trippin & Sippin, start pinning each spot to Google Maps. You can organise your saves into different lists—whether by cuisine, location, or type of venue, it's up to you! Once it's all set, navigating to your must-visit places will be a breeze when you arrive at your destination.

4. Vibe Check - Do Your Research

When it comes to reviews, it’s more than just checking ratings-it’s your chance to get a real sense of what the experience at a bar or restaurant will be like. For us, great food and drinks are a must, but the vibe is just as important. Whether it's a cosy trattoria tucked away in Rome, a family-run tapas bar in Seville, or a rooftop spot with a sunset view in Lisbon, make sure you're choosing places that match your vibe. And if you ignore the advice and end up at El Weatherspoonios, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

5. Plan Around Meal Times

We’ve all been there: starving in the late afternoon only to find every kitchen in town shut down till dinner. Meal times vary wildly across countries—Spaniards eat dinner at 10pm, while the Swedes might wrap up by 7. Do a quick Google before you go out, and plan your day around peak food windows. Trust us, your belly will thank you.

Like what you hear? We can't wait to plan your next trip!

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If you have any queries , you can contact us at bookings@trippinandsippin.co.uk