5 Tips for Picking the Perfect Restaurant While Studying Abroad
As a complete foodie, one of my favorite parts of studying in Milan has been discovering new restaurants. However, when traveling in a foreign country, especially with a language barrier, one of the biggest challenges is finding a restaurant that meets your expectations. For me, a perfect restaurant abroad is one where locals go, rather than a typical tourist trap. So, I’ve compiled a few tips to help you pick the perfect spot!
1. Avoid Tourist Trap Restaurants
Be cautious of restaurants with menus overloaded with pictures, especially if there’s someone standing outside trying to persuade you to come in. These places are usually targeted toward foreign visitors. In my experience, restaurants with overly extensive menus tend to be more mediocre compared to smaller, specialized spots that focus on a few well-executed dishes.
2. Ask Local Uber Drivers and Teachers for Recommendations
Some of the best restaurants I’ve discovered have been from local recommendations. Whether it’s an Uber driver, a professor, or even a shop owner, they know the best hidden gems. My friends and I have taken suggestions from locals multiple times, and these places have often turned out to be our absolute favorites. For example, we once asked our academic advisor for a quick lunch spot near the city center. Let’s just say we are now obsessed with his sandwich shop recommendation, Cesarino. (If you’re ever in Milan, you have to try it!)
3. Check Reviews!
When selecting a restaurant, checking reviews can make all the difference. On Apple Maps, if you scroll down after selecting a place, you’ll find reviews and an overall rating out of 5 stars. More often than not, I’ve found that the ratings on the app align with our actual experiences. I know this may seem like an obvious step, but it’s always worth remembering. And don’t forget to leave your own reviews—future travelers will thank you!
4. Utilize Beli
Beli is an app that acts like social media for food lovers. As strange as it sounds, it allows you to rate and track the restaurants you visit, creating a personal list of your favorites. Over time, the app starts recommending restaurants based on your tastes, and you can also see how your friends have rated different places. I’ve found it incredibly useful, in fact, one of Beli’s recommendations ended up being my number one restaurant experience ever! (See below for a pic of my delish pasta from Venice).
5. Trust Your Gut!
Sometimes, you just know whether a restaurant is worth trying. If a place looks unclean, has bad reviews, or is completely empty at peak dining hours, it might be best to keep walking. On the other hand, if the food looks fresh, the atmosphere feels inviting, and you have a good feeling about it, go for it! There’s no shame in stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new.
I hope these tips help you find amazing restaurants during your time abroad. Happy eating!
