how and where do you find the best local food options?

How to Discover the Best Local Food Options Before You Travel

Experienced traveler seeking smarter dining ideas
A 55-year-old with a passport stamp collection spanning 44 countries, I recently completed a 17-day itinerary through Spain and Switzerland. I’m turning to the Reddit community for more refined strategies to eat well while traveling. My past approach involved saving Lonely Planet recommendations to Google Maps and choosing dining spots near our daily activities. We’re open to everything from street stalls to upscale restaurants, but we generally avoid hype and Michelin stars.

The challenge
In recent trips, this method hasn’t served us well. I’ve noticed Lonely Planet recommendations haven’t aged as gracefully, and I’m looking for ways to identify promising dining options before reaching a new destination.

What I’m after
– Practical methods to discover high-quality local food options in advance of travel
– Tools, resources, and signals that help pinpoint worthwhile restaurants and street-food stops
– Ways to balance authenticity, value, and culinary excellence without relying on overhyped destinations

Any tips, experiences, or alternative recommendations are greatly appreciated.