Want to take your restaurant game to the next level?
Nearly 20% of leisure travelers are basing entire trips around restaurant destinations and experiences. This isn’t just a trend — we’re seeing a restaurant travel revolution.
Restaurant dining consistently ranks as travelers’ second-biggest budget item when visiting new destinations. That means people really care about their food experiences when they travel.
And when you travel to the right destinations, restaurants can give you memories that last a lifetime.
From family-friendly restaurants to destinations packed with national cuisine favorites, these travel locations will help you plan your next restaurant adventure.
Bookmark this guide to restaurant travel:
- Why Restaurant Travel is So Popular Right Now
- Top Cities for Restaurant Travel
- How To Find Restaurants That Will Welcome Kids (& Pets)
- How To Plan The Perfect Restaurant Trip
Why Restaurant Travel Is So Popular Right Now
Did you know…
When asked about things they’re looking forward to while traveling, 81% of travelers responded “local foods & cuisines.” More than museums, beaches, and even activities. Food.
Honestly, when you think about it, dining out is the best way to experience new cities and countries. Not only do restaurants let you taste traditional dishes that you might not be able to find at home, but dining at local establishments also gives you a window into their culture.
You learn about history. Family traditions. Local ingredients. All through the power of eating.
But here’s another crazy fact to chew on…
Restaurant travel is predicted to be one of the biggest travel industry markets going forward. Restaurant reservations from travelers are climbing every year as people want more authentic experiences.
The only problem? Not every city or travel destination is created equal when it comes to food. And if you’re traveling with family, or with pets, you might be limited on where you can find restaurants that will welcome you with open tables.
Luckily, we’re about to dive into the best travel destinations for some epic restaurant adventures.
Top Cities for Restaurant Travel
Need a place to start?
New York City
Don’t even get me started on this food scene.
This town has top-notch restaurants for every taste bud and every budget. Sure you can go big and hit up the most expensive Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.
But my favorite meals in NYC are often at tiny hole-in-the-wall establishments that serve authentic as heck food for a fraction of the price.
You can go from street vendor pizza to Korean BBQ to American classics in the span of a day. Every meal is delicious.
Here’s why NYC is one of the best travel destinations for foodies:
New York has so many different options that you can’t help but find restaurants that everyone will love.
Portland, OR
Hands down my favorite underrated foodie city in America.
Portland understands food culture. Farm-to-table restaurants aren’t “a thing.” They’re part of the lifestyle here.
Head to any of the food carts downtown and try something you can’t find anywhere else. The food truck scene in Portland will rock your world.
But don’t sleep on the sit-down restaurants either. They know what they’re doing with Oregon seafood.
New Orleans
Ah, New Orleans. Soul food capital of the world.
No other city has better restaurants. Sure they may not be “fancier” than other places on this list. But when has that ever stopped you from wanting to eat?
New Orleans was birthplace to Creole cuisine. And you’ll feel like you’re eating straight from it’s core when walking into most restaurants.
Grab beignets for breakfast. Po’boys for lunch. Gumbo for dinner. Go to New Orleans and watch yourself explode with happiness.
Here’s what makes New Orleans so special:
Ask any local where the best restaurants are and they’ll likely send you somewhere only locals know about. Find a friendly waiter or waitress and they’ll take care of you. Restaurants in New Orleans aren’t just businesses, they’re communities.
Tokyo
Sorry folks. Tokyo is on another level than any other cities on this list.
Michelin stars? Tokyo has the most of any city by far. But what makes Tokyo special is that their baseline for restaurants is insane.
Here’s what I mean. Every restaurant we visited in Tokyo, no matter the price point, would be considered high-end back home. The chefs care about their food. They are artists.
Eat ramen at a restaurant where the chef has spent 30 years perfecting his craft. Drop into a sushi bar and receive fish you can’t get anywhere else. Enjoy tempura so good, you’ll think you’re munching on air.
How Do You Find Restaurants That Will Welcome Kids (& Pets)?
If you’ve traveled with kids or pets, you know that not all restaurants are created equal when it comes to making your whole family feel welcome.
Thankfully, certain destinations are much better than others at providing restaurants that suit your whole party. Charleston restaurants frequently fit this bill.
From seafood joints to trendy food halls, you can find kids & pets friendly restaurants here that will please any palate. The locals know families with kids will come to Charleston. They cater to us.
The same rings true for Austin and Nashville. Both cities pride themselves on being open and inclusive to everyone.
Look for restaurants with outdoor seating. Those will generally be more accepting of families with kids. Or, restaurants with an early dinner service. Don’t be afraid to call around and ask what “scene” the restaurant gives off.
How To Plan The Perfect Restaurant Trip
Research ahead of time
Don’t wait until the week of your trip to look up restaurants and deals. Many of the best spots will book up quickly. Get the name dropped early and we guarantee you’ll get that table.
Mix high-end meals with casual dining
Sure you want to grab some super fancy meals while on vacation. But trust me when I say that some of your best food experiences will come from nothing-fancy restaurants.
A good rule of thumb is to plan one nice dinner for every two “regular price” meals. You’ll have a better well-rounded feel for the city’s food scene.
Stay open to suggestions/reservations
Keep a couple dining spots open when planning your food itinerary. You’ll meet locals and other travelers who will tell you about their favorite restaurants. You may stumble upon that gem of a restaurant nobody knows about yet.
Check restaurants based on peak season
Certain restaurants are better at certain times of the year depending on the location. Visit San Francisco in the summer. New Orleans in the fall. Miami in the winter.
You want to visit when restaurants can source local, seasonal ingredients. If they’re traveling half the country to supply their kitchen, those ingredients aren’t the freshest.
Make Every Bite Count
You’re not visiting every restaurant in one city in one day. Learn to pace yourself.
Ask your server what they recommend personally. Tell them what you like. What you’re in the mood for. Let them make suggestions based on what YOU want to eat.
Eat during non-peak hours if you can
This is where that suggestion above comes in handy. Dining at off-peak hours will not only give you better service, but it will be quieter and you’ll feel more spoiled.
During these off times you can usually get cheaper prices at high-end restaurants for lunch. Score.
Take Lots of Instagram Photos
…But don’t let it interfere with your dining experience. We recommend taking one photo per dish. Any more and you’re just slowing down the people behind you.
Write down notes about your meal
Ever go back home and try to remember that amazing meal you had on vacation? Yeah… same. Grab your phone during dinner and take notes about the dishes you liked. What was the name of that steak sauce? You’ll want to look it up later. Trust me.
Final Thoughts
Visiting new cities and trying their local restaurants is more than just checking things off your bucket list.
When you travel to these restaurants know that every meal you’re taking is someone’s livelihood. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall pizza shop in New York or a high-end place in Tokyo, you’re creating memories.
So get out there and plan your next restaurant adventure today.
And as always, eat EVERYTHING.