How to Choose a Great Restaurant in Europe

Here’s the #1 topic of travelers around the world: FOOD. You might only have a week in Italy or Spain… NEVER waste your precious vacation on a so-so meal! 

First, the Don’ts:

• If you see a menu that is thicker than the local phone book, keep walking. Or if they say they serve pizza, sushi, burgers, paella, schnitzel, curry, tacos and “authentic local specialties” – no way it could all be special, keep walking.
• If each food item appears in glossy photos in five languages and more flags than the Olympics, plus an emoji – good food doesn’t need a glamour shot and translation, keep walking.
• If every table has a sign advertising “FREE Wi-Fi” – they’re catering to the quick eating/bucket listing Instagram crowd, keep walking. Also, if there is a long line to get in and everyone is taking selfies – it’s an Instagram/Trip Advisor-hyped social media trap, keep walking.
• If the restaurant overlooks the most famous square in town AND your appetizer costs the same as your rental car, keep walking.
• This last “Don’t” is a really good one to remember – 100% don’t hesitate to politely excuse yourselves and walk out if you observe any of the conditions above. If it doesn’t feel right, and you haven’t ordered yet, don’t waste even one precious meal in a tourist trap!

Now the Do’s:

• If the menu fits on one page or is written on a chalkboard with lots of eraser marks, slow down; or if today’s specials are handwritten on a piece of paper, slow down even more. If there are only 4-6 entrées because they actually cook them after you arrive, then you’ve arrived.
• If Grandma is making pasta, Papa is pouring wine, Mom is running the dining room, and the grandson is pretending to help… cancel your afternoon plans.
• If the wine comes in a plain carafe, there’s no English menu and the waiter smiles and says, “I’ll bring you something good,” you’re about to have an adventure.
• If locals are arguing passionately over lunch and nobody seems in a hurry to leave, you’ve found Europe.
• If you wandered three blocks away from the famous square, got slightly lost, found a tiny restaurant with twelve tables, no photographs, no greeter, no hashtags and a tiny menu you can read in under two minutes, Congratulations. You probably just found the best meal of your trip. 

Here is advanced etiquette for Italian restaurants to act and be treated like a local:

• Meals are structured into four courses: Antipasti (appetizer), Primi (first main dish), Secondi (second main dish) and Contorni (sides)
• You needn’t order all; Primi and Secondi are larger, so you can choose one.*Pasta is always a Primi course. 
• Bread is served for you to mop up your sauce afterwards; don’t eat it all before your meal comes. 
• It’s good etiquette to enjoy all your food at the table. Italians are not prepared for doggy bags because they can no longer control the quality of the food once it travels and is reheated.
• It’s OK to split your meals evenly when the bill comes… it’s called “alla Romana.” Tipping doesn’t have to be enormous – locals “round up” & seasoned travelers leave something approaching 10%.

Big Finish! It’s customary to say “thank you” to the waiter and owner when you’re leaving. It’s their profession and it’s a very nice touch!