Discover the best AI tools for finding local eateries while traveling, as recommended by experts in the field. This article provides valuable insights into leveraging AI for reviews, verifying suggestions, and combining tools for maximum efficiency. Dive in to explore how you can enhance your dining experiences with the power of artificial intelligence.
- Leverage AI For Reviews
- Avoid AI For Dining
- Use Gemini For Insights
- Verify AI Suggestions
- Combine AI-Powered Tools
- Utilize AI For Efficiency
- Consult Chat GPT
Leverage AI For Reviews
I start with Google Maps, but I don’t just look at the star ratings—I use AI to analyze review patterns. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of reviews, I type something like “best local breakfast” or “hidden gem cafe” in the search bar and let AI filter the most relevant reviews. The new AI-driven summaries in Google Maps also highlight common themes (like “amazing pastries” or “great for digital nomads”), making it easier to spot real local favorites.
I use AI chatbots like ChatGPT to refine my search. I’ll ask something like, “What’s a lesser-known but amazing taco spot in Mexico City?” or, “Best cozy coffee shops in Prague with strong WiFi?” AI pulls from travel blogs, Reddit threads, and recent reviews, often surfacing spots that aren’t as mainstream. This saves me from getting stuck in tourist traps.
AI-powered social media search is a game-changer. I use Instagram and TikTok, searching “best food in [city]” or “hidden gem restaurants in [city].” AI ranks the most engaging posts, so I get real-time recommendations with visuals. If a place consistently pops up from different local foodies, I know it’s worth checking out. Bonus: I can see how the food actually looks, not just the staged menu photos.
Matthew Heyes
Founder, Backpacker Job Board
Avoid AI For Dining
I find it fascinating that one would ask this question. You don’t use AI to find good local restaurants when traveling.
My clients ask me time and again how to and the simple answer is that AI is not capable of this yet.
The surefire way to find good local restaurants when traveling is to ask for recommendations from people you meet along the way.
I have tested AI tools, Tripit, TripAdvisor’s AI planner and more, and in each case they fail considerably at recommending restaurants in my city.
I advise my clients to stay away from AI when planning travel. AI does not have spatial or temporal reasoning ability for general travel planning, and its relationship understanding is still severely limited.
When asking for the best local traditional foods in a city, multiple AI tools continue to suggest “traditional Irish pubs,” which unless you are in Ireland don’t serve local food for the most part.
Unfortunately AI hasn’t even come close to what humans can do in this field yet and my advice is to stay away to avoid disappointment.
Adrian O’Brien
Travel Consultant, self-emlpoyed
Use Gemini For Insights
One tool I find particularly useful is Gemini because it integrates user reviews with AI-driven insights. It goes beyond simple ratings, pulling out details about the atmosphere, the chef’s specialties, and any dietary considerations. This helps me find hidden gems and avoid tourist traps. In addition to this, the ability to filter by cuisine, price range, and distance makes it easy to narrow down the options. It’s like having a local friend who knows all the best spots.
Bruce Fisher
Owner, Hawaii Aloha Travel
Verify AI Suggestions
AI has become a valuable tool for discovering the best local restaurants and cafes while traveling. I frequently use ChatGPT to get tailored recommendations based on my personal preferences, location, budget, and dining priorities. I know that I will receive accurate, well-rounded suggestions. However, like any tool, its accuracy depends on the quality of the sources it pulls from, so I always cross-reference reviews and recent updates.
Another useful AI tool that I have been using recently is Meta AI, which integrates with Facebook and Instagram. This AI lets me find trending restaurants and cafes, get real-time reviews, and find user-generated content. I find that it helps me get insight into a restaurant’s current popularity and quality.
AI helps streamline the search process, but I always verify details through multiple sources to make sure that I am making an informed decision.
Darryl Gordon
Owner/Consultant, SanDiegoFoodieFan
Combine AI-Powered Tools
I use AI-powered tools like Google Maps and Instagram to find the best local restaurants and cafes during my travels. Google Maps helps me discover highly rated places based on real user reviews, peak hours, and personalized recommendations.
For a more visual approach, I rely on Instagram, where I search for food bloggers’ recommendations in a particular city. The platform’s AI personalizes my feed, making it easier to find trending or hidden gem eateries.
If I’m looking for vegetarian options, HappyCow is my go-to, as it specializes in plant-based restaurants worldwide.
By combining these AI-driven tools, I can efficiently find great dining spots that match my taste and dietary preferences, ensuring a great culinary experience wherever I go.
Priyanka Choudhary
Social Media Manager, Explorico
Utilize AI For Efficiency
Whenever I travel, I use AI-powered tools like GuideGeek to find good local spots to eat. Instead of spending ages scrolling through reviews, I just send a quick message on WhatsApp, and its AI pulls recommendations based on location, trends, and recent reviews. It’s not perfect, but it’s faster than manually sorting through endless lists, and it usually helps me avoid tourist traps.
What I like most is how AI personalizes suggestions. It doesn’t just list the most popular places—it considers what I’m actually looking for. If I ask for a late-night ramen spot or a quiet cafe with strong coffee and good seating, it gives me tailored recommendations rather than generic “best of” lists. Sometimes it’s a hit, sometimes it misses, but more often than not, it leads me to places I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
I still check Google Maps for reviews and photos, but what makes AI so useful is how it simplifies decision-making. Instead of getting overwhelmed by too many options, I get a shortlist of solid recommendations that actually fit what I’m looking for. It doesn’t replace exploration, but it makes the process faster and more efficient—so I spend less time searching and more time enjoying great food.
Mohammad Haqqani
Founder, Seekario
Consult Chat GPT
Chat GPT is my go-to. It is handy when you know the correct prompts to use. Last time I was in Nuevo Vallarta, I found this delightful seafood restaurant thanks to Chat GPT, it is always really useful for this kind of stuff.
Sebastian Garrido
Digital Marketing Manager, Vibe Adventures
