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18 food & dining platforms to help you find where to eat
The best platforms for booking tables, reading reviews, and finding restaurants
When I'm looking for a great place to eat, whether it's a fine dining spot, a local gem, or a wine bar, I never use just one platform. Each platform offers a unique angle: some focus on chef philosophy and technique, others on real-time guest feedback, or the overall vibe.
Over the years, I've realized one important thing: the more platforms a restaurant is mentioned on, the more confident I feel about trying it. That doesn't mean it has to be famous or expensive; it just means it has a strong presence, whether it's loved by food critics or locals or featured in curated guides.
I always cross-reference. A Michelin mention might get me curious, but if it also pops up on Eater or is included in the list on The Infatuation, I know it's worth a visit.
But here's where it gets personal.
Back in 2015, I had one of my most disappointing dining experiences at a restaurant with an incredibly high Yelp rating. It was one of the most talked-about Italian spots in San Francisco (not so far from my home there), and booking a table was easy.
The place was huge and half-empty. I ordered a few appetizers and their prosciutto pizza. When it arrived, the crust was dry and practically burnt. And instead of silky, salty slices of authentic prosciutto, there was boiled ham. When I asked about it, the waiter told me, "That's prosciutto! It just looks like that when you cook it." Excuse me, what? The appetizers were average, too, and I left feeling thoroughly disappointed.
On my way home, I passed a tiny Italian spot just across the street. There are only 8 tables inside, a few outside, and a long line of people patiently waiting to get in. A few days later, I decided to try their food.
I looked it up on Yelp, and it had an average rating, with many reviews saying things like "Just go across the street to the big place, it's better." - Well, now we both know what kind of "prosciutto" they're serving across the street.
That tiny place turned out to be amazing. It was run by Italians, with Italian staff, and the food was delicious, and beautifully cooked. And yes, the prosciutto was as it should be.
That was the moment when I realized that ratings can be misleading. And that's why I'm skeptical of platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor for their reviews.
Sometimes, our feelings about a restaurant can be influenced by things that aren't really about the food itself, such as trouble finding parking, waiting too long, slow service at the reception, or even just having a rough day. All of these things can change how we feel about a place!
On top of that, Yelp in particular is known for having quite a few fake or overly dramatic reviews, which makes it harder to trust unless I see consistency elsewhere.
But, on the other side, Yelp or TripAdvisor are incredibly useful when you want to see real, unfiltered images from guests and get a raw feel of the place.
Now, let's break down the most valuable platforms and what each is good for.
Platforms
Some are perfect for last-minute reservations or trend-forward spots. Others are great when it comes to chef stories, cultural context, or global standards. A few are better for finding hidden gems, and some are best used just for browsing guest photos.
Here’s a clear overview of 18 food and dining platforms, so you can choose the right one depending on where you are, how you travel, and how you like to eat.
👉 Tap the image to go directly to the website
 The Michelin Guide What it is: When to use: |  Opentable What it is: When to use: |
 Yelp What it is: When to use: Features:
|  Tripadvisor What it is: When to use: Features:
|
 Tock What it is: When to use: Features:
|  Resy What it is: A reservation platform often spotlighting trend-forward restaurants with insider picks and stylish design. When to use: Features:
|
 TheFork What it is: When to use: Where it's available: Features:
|  InKind What it is: When to use: Features:
|
 Eater What it is: When to use: |  The Infatuation What it is: When to use: |
 TimeOut What it is: When to use: Features:
|  Condé Nast Traveler What it is: When to use: Features:
|
 Food & Wine What it is: When to use: Features:
|  Tasting Table What it is: When to use: Features:
|
 Eating Europe What it is: When to use: Where it's available: Features:
|  Gastro Obscura What it is: When to use: Features:
|
 Le Fooding A French guide that mixes gastronomy with culture, and lifestyle. When to use: Features:
|  Gault&Millau What it is: Often spotlighting rising culinary talent and new fine dining trends. When to use: |
🍷Final Thought
Think of these platforms as your dining team. And don’t be afraid to go deep! When a place appears across multiple platforms, that’s usually where the magic happens.
Happy eating, and may your next meal be unforgettable 💫
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