Best way to find authentic local restaurants when traveling?

Don't rely on Google Maps top-rated or TripAdvisor's featured spots - those get gamed by tourists and mediocre places that optimize for reviews. Same with Instagram-heavy spots; they're usually overpriced and banking on aesthetics over actual food. Skip the hotel concierge recommendations unless you're in a really small town.

Instead, walk around residential neighborhoods away from the main drag and look for places packed with locals during actual meal times. If there's a line of construction workers or office people at lunch, that's a good sign. Ask people in your accommodation - not the staff, but other guests or locals you chat with. They'll point you toward spots they actually eat at regularly, not the "tourist experience" places. Check local subreddits or Facebook groups for the city; people are way more honest there than on review sites.

Google Maps can still help if you filter right - sort by recent reviews instead of rating, and read the actual comments for specifics about food quality rather than just the star count. Look for places with menus in the local language only, or at least where the local-language menu looks different (and cheaper) than the English one. Ask your hostel or Airbnb host where they'd eat with their family, then actually go during off-peak hours if possible. You'll eat better and spend less.