How to find the best restaurant during a Sabbatical

One of the quickest ways to feel at home in a new place is by finding a meal that hits the spot — fresh ingredients, the right atmosphere, and a taste that stays with you.

But what’s the best way to find those places — without ending up somewhere overpriced, underwhelming, or serving yesterday’s bread?

Start with Sabbaticalplan.com

For a head start, use this site’s destination guides and tips — many of them include personal, tried-and-tested restaurant recommendations. They’re a quick way to avoid the trial-and-error phase in a new city.

Look for Bib Gourmand listings

If you enjoy high-quality cooking without Michelin-star prices, check the Bib Gourmand section on the Michelin Guide website. These are restaurants recognized for excellent food at good value.

HappyCow for vegetarian/vegan finds

For vegetarian or plant-based meals, HappyCow is the best resource. It lists dedicated vegan restaurants, vegetarian-friendly spots, and places with solid vegan options — along with user reviews and photos so you know what to expect.

Use Google Maps reviews — with care

When you want something close to your hotel, apartment, or campsite, Google Maps is one of the fastest ways to see what’s nearby. Just type “restaurants” or a specific cuisine and browse by location.

But: be cautious with places that have hundreds of overly glowing reviews. Some businesses actively ask (or even pressure) customers to leave five-star ratings, which can distort the overall score.
To get a truer picture, read the most recent reviews and scan the lowest ratings. Some negative reviews are about things like the restaurant being closed rather than the food — so take them in context.

Ask the internet: Reddit

For real, recent, and often brutally honest opinions, try searching Reddit — for example, “best restaurant in Barcelona reddit.” You’ll find comment threads where locals and travelers share their actual favorites (and the places they think you should skip).

Tap into local knowledge

Your accommodation host can often point you toward a great meal — whether it’s a hidden neighborhood spot or a place only open on certain days.
And if you have a friend who lives (or has lived) in the area, ask them where they’d take someone visiting. Recommendations from people you trust tend to beat any online list.

Tip: If you’re in a smaller town without many listings online, a quick chat with a shop owner or market vendor can lead you to a place you’d never have found otherwise.