3 Ways to Find the Best Dish at Any Restaurant

Julio Neves
December 6, 2024

Finding the best dish at a restaurant can be an adventure. Whether you’re visiting a local favorite or exploring new cuisines abroad, the right choice can transform your meal into an unforgettable experience. However, navigating menus—some filled with dozens of options—can feel overwhelming. How do you pick that one dish that stands out? How do you avoid meal regret?

Fortunately, there are proven strategies to uncover the best dishes wherever you dine. This article dives deep into three methods to ensure you always choose a plate that satisfies your taste buds, impresses your dining companions, and captures the spirit of the restaurant.

1. Leverage Technology and Online Reviews

The digital age has made it easier than ever to get insider information about a restaurant’s best dishes. Platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor provide real-time insights from other diners. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Read Between the Lines of Reviews

While scrolling through reviews, don’t just look for overall ratings. Instead, focus on specific mentions of standout dishes. Reviewers often share what they ordered and highlight dishes they loved (or hated). For instance, phrases like “The carbonara was creamy and perfectly seasoned” or “Do not miss the truffle fries!” can guide your decision-making.

Pro Tips for Reading Reviews:

• Sort by Recent Reviews: Menus and chefs can change. Look for reviews from the past few months to ensure you’re getting up-to-date recommendations.
• Watch for Patterns: If multiple people rave about the same dish, it’s likely a winner.
• Ignore Extremes: Sometimes overly negative or glowing reviews are biased. Focus on balanced, detailed feedback.

Explore Social Media and Food Apps

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are treasure troves for discovering popular dishes. Simply search for the restaurant’s name and browse tagged photos. Seeing dishes visually can give you an idea of portion sizes, presentation, and appeal.

Apps like Zomato or OpenTable often include user-uploaded photos and detailed menu descriptions. Combining visual cues with reviews creates a holistic picture of what to expect.

Look for Signature Dishes

Many restaurants are known for specific items. Their menu might highlight these as “Chef’s Specials” or “House Favorites.” If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the server about their most popular dishes. Staff members are usually aware of what customers rave about.

2. Pay Attention to Regional and Seasonal Cues

The best dishes often reflect the restaurant’s cultural or geographical context. Understanding these nuances can help you make an informed decision, especially when exploring unfamiliar cuisines.

Go Local

If you’re dining in a specific region, try dishes that feature local ingredients or reflect local culinary traditions. For example:

• In a seaside town, seafood dishes like fresh oysters, clams, or grilled fish are likely to shine.
• In Italy, opt for handmade pasta dishes in smaller, family-run trattorias.
• Visiting Texas? Barbecue and Tex-Mex specialties are must-tries.

Consider the Cuisine

If the restaurant specializes in a particular cuisine, it’s wise to stick to its strengths. For instance, a sushi restaurant will likely excel in raw fish dishes, while a steakhouse will put its energy into creating the perfect cut of beef. Diversifying too much (like ordering pasta at a seafood joint) can lead to disappointment.

Seasonal Menus

Restaurants that prioritize seasonal ingredients often deliver fresher, more flavorful dishes. Check if the menu changes throughout the year and opt for dishes that celebrate the current season. For example:

• Spring menus might feature fresh peas, asparagus, and lamb.
• Summer menus often highlight tomatoes, berries, and seafood.
• Fall brings dishes with pumpkin, squash, and earthy mushrooms.
• Winter menus emphasize hearty comfort foods like stews and roasts.

Talk to the Staff

Servers and chefs often have insider knowledge. Politely ask your server:

• “What’s the most popular dish?”
• “What’s the chef’s favorite item on the menu?”
• “What do regulars come back for?”

Staff members are typically eager to share their expertise and steer you toward the restaurant’s strengths.

3. Trust Your Own Preferences and Dining Goals

Ultimately, the best dish is one that satisfies your personal preferences. While recommendations are helpful, your taste, mood, and dining objectives should guide the final decision.

Know Your Food Preferences

Are you a fan of spicy dishes? Do you prefer rich, creamy flavors over light, citrusy ones? Understanding your own palate can help you navigate menus confidently. If you enjoy trying new flavors, opt for a chef’s special or a dish you’ve never heard of before. If you’re craving comfort food, stick with familiar options that resonate with your mood.

Consider Portion Sizes

Some dishes are designed for sharing, while others are plated as single servings. If you’re dining with a group, you might want to order a variety of shareable appetizers or family-style platters. If you’re dining solo, focus on entrées that offer a balanced portion.

Balance Nutrition and Indulgence

Are you dining out for a celebration or just grabbing a quick lunch? Your goals can shape your order. For indulgence, go for richer, more decadent options like a steak with truffle butter or a chocolate lava cake for dessert. If you’re mindful of your health, look for grilled, steamed, or plant-based dishes with vibrant vegetables and lean proteins.

Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, the best choice is the one that catches your eye immediately. If a particular dish description or photo excites you, don’t second-guess yourself. Your gut instinct is often right when it comes to food!

Bonus Tips for Dining Success

These additional strategies can further enhance your dining experience and help you find that perfect plate:

Order a Few Dishes to Share

If you’re dining with friends or family, consider ordering multiple dishes to share. This way, you can sample a variety of flavors and increase your chances of discovering a standout dish.

Ask for Recommendations

Engage with your server or even the restaurant manager. Phrasing your question well, like “If you could eat just one dish here, what would it be?” often yields honest, insightful answers.

Pay Attention to Presentation

Beautifully plated dishes often indicate attention to detail in preparation. While presentation isn’t everything, it can enhance your dining experience.

Follow Your Nose

The smells wafting from neighboring tables can be surprisingly helpful. If a particular aroma grabs your attention, don’t hesitate to ask the server what dish it’s from.

Avoid Menu Overload

Menus with too many options can be a red flag for quality. Restaurants that focus on a smaller number of dishes often excel in execution. Narrow your choices to categories that align with your cravings and choose from there.

Conclusion: The Best Dish Is the One You’ll Remember

Finding the best dish at a restaurant is part science, part art, and part intuition. By leveraging technology, paying attention to context, and trusting your preferences, you can make informed choices that elevate your dining experiences. Whether you’re trying a new cuisine or returning to a favorite spot, these tips will help you uncover the dish that’s truly the best—for you.

Next time you’re seated at a restaurant, take your time, ask questions, and savor the adventure of discovering something extraordinary. Happy dining!