Seasoned travelers know that the best meals—and prices—come from skipping the tourist menu. Here’s your go-to guide for eating like a local without overspending, no matter where you roam.
Always Eat at Peak Hours
Forget about it. The smartest travelers eat during off-peak hours (typically 2-5 PM for lunch, after 8:30 PM for dinner). Not only will you avoid crowds, but many restaurants offer significant discounts during these times.
In Spain, for instance, the menú del día is often available until 4 PM, offering three courses for the price of a regular main dish.
Stay in Tourist Districts for Convenience
Walk just 10-15 minutes away from major attractions, and you’ll find restaurants charging local prices — often 30-40% less than their tourist-district counterparts. Think of it this way: every block you walk away from a major landmark is like earning a discount on your meal.
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English Menu = Tourist-Friendly
Those laminated menus with photos and multiple languages? That’s your cue to keep walking. Look for places with hand-written daily specials or menus exclusively in the local language.
Download a translation app beforehand, and you’ve got all the tourist-friendly features you need without the tourist prices.
Avoid Street Food
This ‘rule’ costs travelers some of the best (and most affordable) local cuisine. Instead of avoiding street food entirely, look for stalls with lines of locals and high turnover. In places like Bangkok or Mexico City, some of the most acclaimed local dishes come from street vendors who’ve been perfecting their craft for generations.
Always Make Dinner Reservations
While reservations have their place, they can lock you into tourist-oriented establishments. Consider walking in during off-peak hours and asking about table availability.
Many local spots don’t even take reservations — they operate on a first- come, first-served basis, which often correlates with more authentic experiences.
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Stick to Recommended Dishes
Those ‘house specialties’ highlighted on tourist menus often come with inflated prices. Instead, ask what’s fresh today or what the kitchen staff is eating.
In seafood restaurants, this approach might lead you to the catch of the day, often priced lower than the ‘famous’ dishes that appear on every tourist’s Instagram.
Order Individual Portions
Family-style dining isn’t just for families. Many cultures traditionally serve shared plates, and ordering this way often provides better value and variety.
In Greek tavernas or Chinese restaurants, sharing several mezedes or dishes family-style typically costs less per person than individual entrées.
Avoid Restaurants Without Reviews
Some of the best local spots haven’t made it onto TripAdvisor or Yelp. Look for places full of locals during lunch hours — particularly if you spot office workers or families.
These are your real restaurant critics.
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Always Order Drinks with Dinner
In many countries, markup on drinks (especially alcohol) can double your bill. Consider places that allow you to bring your own beverages (BYO) or do as locals do — enjoy drinks at a separate bar before or after dinner, where prices are often more reasonable.
Choose Restaurants with Views
That stunning view typically comes with a 50-100% markup on menu prices. Instead, enjoy your meal at a local spot, then find a nearby rooftop bar or public space for those panoramic photos.
You’ll get the same views without paying a premium on every course.
Avoid Empty Restaurants
While this isn’t entirely wrong, timing matters. That empty restaurant at 6 PM might be the local hotspot by 9 PM.
Research typical eating times for your destination — in Argentina, for example, restaurants might seem eerily empty at 7 PM but fill up completely by 10 PM.
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Only Eat Where Cards Are Accepted
Cash-only establishments often offer better prices because they avoid credit card fees. Hit the ATM before your meal, and you might find yourself saving 10-20% compared to card-accepting tourist spots.
Skip Lunch Set Menus
Business lunch specials or set menus (prix fixe) often provide the best value in otherwise expensive restaurants. In cities like Paris or Tokyo, Michelin-starred restaurants sometimes offer lunch sets at a fraction of their dinner prices.
Avoid Residential Areas
Neighborhood restaurants in residential areas typically offer better prices and more authentic experiences than their city-center counterparts. These establishments rely on regular local customers, so they maintain quality while keeping prices reasonable.
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Trust Only Professional Reviews
While professional reviews have their place, local food blogs and community forums often provide more current and authentic recommendations. Look for posts in the local language (with translation) for the most genuine insights.
Eat Like a Local
The secret to eating well while traveling isn’t about sticking to rules—it’s about breaking them smartly. Think like a local instead of a tourist, and you’ll save money while finding more authentic food spots.
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