How to Find Great Food in a Foreign City

Because great trips deserve even better food!  

by Stella Coffaro

One of the best parts of traveling is the food, but nothing ruins a trip faster than sitting down at a tourist trap and paying way too much for a mediocre meal. 

While studying abroad in London, I quickly learned that finding great food isn’t as easy as it looks. The good news is that with a little bit of strategy, courage and wandering, you can enjoy meals that are both memorable and delicious. Here are the tips I’ve gathered for eating great food in a foreign city. 

1. Start Small 

Rather than attempting to conquer the entire city at once, I suggest focusing your initial search on the neighborhood you’re staying in. Chances are, you’ll uncover cafes, bakeries and restaurants that locals actually go to and enjoy! In London, some of my favorite finds were right down the street from my dorm; they were spots I never would’ve known about if I had stuck to the more touristy areas. 

2. Scroll Smarter 

We’ve all used TripAdvisor, Yelp and Google Maps reviews to find a restaurant, but when abroad you shouldn’t stop there! TikTok and Reddit are full of (mostly) honest reviews from travelers and locals alike, so they’ve become my go-to apps for finding great meals. Searching “underrated cafes in London” or “best patisseries in Paris” will usually turn up more interesting recommendations  — and sometimes more affordable ones — than online travel guides. 

3. Say Yes to New Cuisines 

If there is anywhere you should broaden your food horizons, it’s definitely in a new city! In London, I found that the city’s food scene shone brightest with its international cuisines, from its yummy Indian biryani to its incredible Persian kebabs. My advice is to not be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone and try a dish that might not be as “traditional” as you expect. 

4. But Don’t Skip the Classics 

Of course, you shouldn’t skip the staples. Whether it’s fish and chips in London, tapas in Madrid or pasta alla carbonara in Rome, eating local specialities connects you with culture in a truly unique way. Just make sure that you’re eating where the locals do—not just places with neon green “authentic!” signs. 

5. Wander Without a Plan 

My most magical food moments have often happened when I put away my phone and follow my instincts (or the smell of something incredible). I suggest that when you’re out and about in a foreign city, look for long lines of locals outside a restaurant or side-street cafes to find some hidden gems. Spontaneity often pays off big in my experience. 

6. Embrace Trial and Error 

If you remember any tip, I hope you remember this: not every bite will blow you away, and that’s perfectly okay! Food abroad is an adventure, and part of the fun is the challenge of finding a great meal. 

Traveling is more than seeing the places you visit, but tasting them too. With these tips, I hope you can avoid the bland tourist spots, and unlock meals as unforgettable as your trip!