How to Find a Good Restaurant While Traveling

Ask a local. This is a concept everyone knows about but rarely applies, which is a shame because it's more reliable than any guidebook. Remember to ask nicely, and be specific about what you're looking for in terms of fare if you're seeking something in particular.

Take a look in the window before going in and committing. Are the customers happy? Do they seem to be relishing their food, or just tolerating it? How does the food look?

Follow your nose! While window shopping never hurts-if that's not enough evidence-just open the door and take a whiff-it's no coincidence that delicious food always smells better too.

Nobody likes waiting in line, but if you can find a place that actually has a wait to be seated, that's an extremely favorable omen. It also gives you a chance to relax at the bar-assuming they have one-and look over the menu. If you're undecided, try an appetizer at the bar-which is a good gauge of how the rest of the food will be.

If you're in a city, ask a concierge at a reputable hotel. They tend to know a city as well as anyone, and generally have an extremely helpful attitude as well.

Check the menu. Pictures are generally a bad sign, and bad pictures are the worst sign of all. Also (and perhaps this is just personal opinion) it seems that restaurants with smaller/shorter menus are better than the ones with ridiculously long menus; it's easier to create great food when you have a niche focus and aren't trying to offer every dish known to mankind.

Go to the cell! Do you know anyone from that city that's a reliable food friend? Give them a shout by cell and you can bet they'll know five great places just off the top of their heads-and people typically love to share these kinds of recommendations.