Rick Steves Shares His Top Strategies for Discovering Amazing Restaurants While Traveling

Rick Steves embraces dining like a local. He prefers authentic experiences over generic 'best of' lists, seeking out fresh, local cuisine while avoiding restaurants that compromise quality for tourists. As the host of Rick Steves’ Europe, he champions a travel philosophy that favors local gems over pricey hotels and eateries.

In a recent chat with Dinogo, Steves revealed his top dining tips for Europe, emphasizing how to be a savvy diner and steer clear of tourist traps. He follows several key principles when selecting restaurants, helping travelers enjoy more authentic, seasonal, and cultural dining experiences.

'It's about being part of the celebration, not just participating in the economy,' Steves remarked.

Venture Off the Beaten Path

Focusing solely on the top-rated restaurants can often lead to disappointment, Steves noted, as the most renowned places attract both locals and tourists, making reservations highly competitive.

Instead, he suggested being open to trying a less well-known restaurant that still offers great quality.

'Every evening, I choose where to have dinner, and I want the freedom to follow my mood, my spirit, and where luck leads me,' Steves shared.

(If you have your heart set on that one must-visit restaurant, go ahead and make the reservation—just be sure to do it in advance.)

When selecting a restaurant, Steves advised looking closely at the street where it’s located. Is it a high-rent area where owners likely pay a premium to be in a busy, trendy spot?

As an alternative, he recommended wandering to a nearby street where the restaurant may have lower rent and isn't overrun with tourists. Many eateries on the busy, popular streets aren't locally owned, which means they don't attract local diners, Steves pointed out.

'I'll seek out a place on a quieter street just a few blocks away, bustling with cheerful local patrons,' he explained. 'If you discover such a spot, and it's lively with locals enjoying their meals, you're in for a fantastic dinner.'

Choose a Menu That Resonates with You — in the Local Language

A clear indicator that a restaurant caters to tourists, Steves noted, is a prominent sign outside boasting, “We speak English” or “No frozen food.” These establishments often feature a standardized menu printed in multiple languages that doesn’t change throughout the year.

'Everything about this is a red flag, and you'll likely be dining alongside other tourists,' Steves remarked.

Instead, he advised looking for places with a concise menu, either handwritten or dated, which suggests the chef focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. If the menu is in the local language, that’s even better, as it indicates they’re serving locals rather than tourists.

'A discerning diner can visit a quality restaurant, glance at the menu, and instantly understand the time of year and their location,' Steves remarked.

For example, Steves pointed out that many travelers to Paris insist on having French onion soup year-round. While this dish is a winter classic, numerous restaurants will happily serve it in summer, prioritizing profit over fresh ingredients.

Dining seasonally is an excellent way to delve into and appreciate the local culture, Steves noted. When restaurants embrace seasonal cooking and a zero-kilometer approach by sourcing local produce, 'it’s a wonderful experience,' he stated.

This is part of the inspiration behind Steves' latest book, “Italy for Food Lovers,” which aims to connect American travelers to European — specifically Italian — culture through food. It serves as a practical resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of Italian culinary history and culture, along with Steves' recommendations for dining abroad.

Co-authored with Fred Plotkin, the book highlights the culinary and wine specialties from Italy’s 20 regions. It includes an Italian food glossary, insights into the country’s coffee and wine culture, tips on ordering, and an in-depth look at Italian dining and drinking customs.

'We travel to celebrate a culture and to understand the people and the stories of their nation,' Steves expressed. 'Knowing a bit about what to order and their traditions makes it enjoyable to share those experiences with fellow travelers.'

Locals Matter More Than Location

Discovering a family-owned restaurant, Steves noted, is a fulfilling way to enjoy a wonderful meal while also supporting local businesses. The unique character and warmth of places where parents or grandparents have handed down the family business is unmatched and creates lasting travel memories.

'In a small, family-run establishment, where the owners have found their niche, you can sense their passion,' Steves said. 'You feel the personal connection; they know their staff and their customers — it’s truly a people-to-people experience.'

That’s why Rick Steves’ Europe tours and guidebooks highlight these kinds of restaurants. By immersing in local culture through food, travelers may find themselves inspired to slow down and savor their surroundings as they dine.

'I may not be a gourmet food critic, but I can recognize a memorable experience when I have one,' Steves remarked.

Steves explained that instead of going to places that pour resources into advertising and climbing those 'best of' lists, he cherishes the atmosphere of local restaurants. He seeks out spots where the profits support the community and the vibrant energy comes from the patrons.

'What makes a trip truly special isn’t just, ‘How amazing was your gelato?’ but rather, the people you shared it with,' Steves noted. 'Those connections truly enhance the entire experience.'