Dear Michelle Valentine, How Do You Find Great Places to Eat While Traveling?

—Carla K.

Dear Carla K.,

Oh, what a delicious question! ️

I firmly believe that food is one of the best parts of traveling. It connects us to the local culture, tells a story, and gives us something memorable to savor long after the trip ends.

Whether I’m filming a segment for Love Eat Travel or enjoying a personal getaway, I treat every destination as a new opportunity to uncover unforgettable flavors—and I’m excited to share how you can do the same.

Don’t Trust the Obvious—Look Deeper

It might be tempting to choose the restaurant closest to your hotel or one that’s right in front of a major attraction, but those spots often cater to tourists, not taste buds. I always recommend wandering a block or two away from the main tourist zone for more authentic (and often more affordable) finds.

If you can hear a different language spoken in the kitchen or see lots of locals in line, you’re probably in for something special!

Ask the Locals—But Ask the Right Ones

Hotel staff, boutique owners, and Uber drivers are often your best foodie guides. But instead of asking, “Where should I eat?” try this:

“If you had to take a friend out for a fantastic dinner, where would you go?”

It frames the question more personally—and encourages real recommendations instead of default tourist answers.

Use Your Phone… Wisely

Yes, technology can help—but be smart about it. Here are a few of my favorite tools:

  • Google Maps: Zoom in on an area and look for places with lots of positive reviews—but not just the stars—read the comments.

  • Instagram: Search by location tag or food-related hashtags like #HappyValley or #CajunTravel.

  • Yelp: It’s helpful, especially for opening hours and dish photos, but always cross-reference with other sources.

Tip: Search for keywords like “family-owned,” “hole in the wall,” or “farm to table.”

Know What the Region Does Best

If you’re in Louisiana, seek out boudin, gumbo, or étouffée. In Pennsylvania, it might be Amish pretzels or apple dumplings, and in Florida, it might be the best local fish. Knowing what’s local gives you a built-in food quest.

Before I travel to a destination, I do a little research:

  • What dishes are native to the area?

  • Are there markets or festivals during my visit?

  • What food is the region proud of?

Then I make it a personal mission to try something I’ve never had before.

Plan One Fancy Meal—Then Keep It Casual

I often plan one signature dining experience per trip. It could be a waterfront restaurant, a historic inn, or a fine-dining spot that’s known for its chef. Then, I balance it with street food, food trucks, or local diners.

Some of my most cherished travel meals have come from unexpected places:

  • A shrimp po’boy from a family-run stand in Louisiana

  • Pie and coffee in a quiet café in Pennsylvania farm country

  • Fried green tomatoes at a casual dockside grill in Florida

Final Thought from Michelle Valentine

Finding great food while traveling isn’t about reservations or dress codes—it’s about openness, curiosity, and slowing down enough to notice what’s special.

Food is memory. Food is emotion. Food is connection. And when you eat with intention, you’ll always return home with more than just a full stomach—you’ll have a story worth telling.

Wishing you many delicious discoveries,
Michelle Valentine
TV Host, Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine

Ready to Dine Like a Local?

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