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Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest
  • About
    • What is Authentic Food Quest
    • Work With Us / Media
    • Contact Us
  • Destinations
  • Eat
    • Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Street Food
    • Restaurants
  • Drink
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Food Itineraries
    • Books
    • International Food
    • Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Accommodations
    • Cooking Classes
    • Food & Wine Tours
    • Food Traveler Tips
    • People in Food

RESTAURANTS

You seek out local restaurants that use local products and recipes. On your travels, you look for the gems far from the tourist zones to savor great meals. 

Walking 20 or 30 minutes to find that special place is part of the adventure. Whether it is a family-owned restaurant, a restaurant that makes only one type of dish, or one that uses a special cooking technique, you go there for the local experience.  

The restaurant guides below will take you to the unmissable local eateries on your travels. Included are a wide range of options. You’ll find street vendors, off-the-beaten-path eateries, all the way to high-end restaurants where chefs are celebrating traditional cuisines in contemporary ways.

What all these restaurants share in common is their support for traditional recipes and the use of endemic ingredients.

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Best Restaurant in Oaxaca by Authentic Food Quest

Authentic Oaxaca Restaurant Guide: Top 14 Restaurants You Want to Try in Oaxaca

Oaxaca, the gastronomy capital of Mexico, has seen its restaurant scene growing in popularity in recent years. From street food, mom and pop eateries, to fine dining restaurants, Oaxaca offers... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 28 Comments
  • Mexico, Restaurants
Costa Brava Restaurants by AuthenticFoodQuest

5 Authentic Costa Brava Restaurants To Enjoy Amazing Catalan Food

Costa Brava restaurants, with a concentration of 18 Michelin stars awarded to 14 restaurants, enhances Spain's image as a food destination.  But, you don’t have to dine at Michelin star... Read more →
  • Claire
  • No Comments
  • Restaurants, Spain
Featured image for Bansko Restaurants Bulgaria by AuthenticFoodQuest

10 of the Best Traditional Bansko Restaurants for Bulgarian Food

Restaurants in Bansko, the popular ski resort town at the foot of the Pirin mountain, offer several local specialties. In this mountainous region in Southwest Bulgaria, the food is hearty... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 10 Comments
  • Restaurants, Bulgaria
Traditional Restaurants in Sofia by AuthenticFoodQuest

7 Authentic Bulgarian Restaurants in Sofia Not To Miss

Restaurants in Sofia offer creative and surprising interpretations of traditional Bulgarian cuisine.  Many of the dishes are made from recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. At... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 22 Comments
  • Bulgaria, Restaurants
Bulgarian Restaurants AuthenticFoodQuest

10 Surprising Facts You Need to Know About Eating at Bulgarian Restaurants

Numerous Bulgarian restaurants offer the opportunity to taste traditional and regional specialties.  During our three month-stay in Bulgaria, we observed a few surprising things while eating at restaurants in Bulgaria.... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 56 Comments
  • Bulgaria, Restaurants

Cosmos One of the Best Restaurants in Sofia for Modern Bulgarian Food

Cosmos restaurant in Sofia is one of the best restaurants and a must try in Bulgaria’s capital. The restaurant was referred to us numerous times by locals and chefs we... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 28 Comments
  • Restaurants, Bulgaria
Featured image for Plovdiv Restaurants by AuthenticFoodQuest

5 Authentic Bulgarian Restaurants in Plovdiv Not To Miss

Plovdiv, the 2019 European Capital of Culture, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe.  Located in the fruitful Thracian Valley, the city sits between seven hills and... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 24 Comments
  • Restaurants, Bulgaria
Melnik Restaurant aEstivum Zornitza Family Estate by Authentic Food Quest

aEstivum Zornitza: Fine Dining at One of the Best Melnik Restaurant

On a recent trip to Melnik, Bulgaria, we had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and discover creative Bulgarian cuisine at aEstivum restaurant Zornitza Family Estate. Whenever we explore... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 11 Comments
  • Bulgaria, Restaurants
10 Authentic Lisbon Restaurants where locals eat Lisbon food by Authentic Food Quest

10 Authentic Restaurants to Eat like a Local in Lisbon

Getting familiar with a new city can feel daunting. On our first visit to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city with half a million inhabitants, we were unsure where to... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 47 Comments
  • Portugal, Restaurants
Best restaurant and Where to Eat in Sintra Authentic Food Quest

How to Eat Your Way in Sintra in One Day

Have you ever been to a wonderland? If you visit Lisbon, don’t miss the chance to go to Sintra to experience the wonderland of Portugal. Sintra is a long time... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 96 Comments
  • Portugal, Restaurants, Tours
Toy Roszab Best Chiang Mai Restaurant by Authentic Food Quest

9 of the Best Chiang Mai Thai Restaurants You Want to Try

Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, has wonderful options for Thai food lovers. The Chiang Mai restaurant scene offers a wide variety of places to eat, from northern... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 37 Comments
  • Restaurants, Thailand
Love Khao Soi Chiang Mai by Authentic Food Quest

Fall in Love with the Best Authentic Khao Soi in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand. It is a popular destination with many Buddhist temples and the Old City worth exploring. The food is one of the... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 77 Comments
  • Dishes, Restaurants, Thailand
Best of Chiang Mai Food by Authentic Food Quest

15 Best Authentic Chiang Mai Food and Where to Eat It

Chiang Mai food keeps drawing us back to the largest city in northern Thailand. On a recent trip,  we spent two months delving into northern Thai cuisine and the flavors... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 42 Comments
  • Thailand, Dishes, Restaurants
Rosewood Luang Prabang Royal Laos Cuisine by Authentic Food Quest

Rosewood Luang Prabang: Delight in The Surprising Royal Lao Cuisine

Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos is at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Regarded as the country’s culinary capital, Luang Prabang was once known throughout... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 67 Comments
  • Laos, People In Food, Restaurants
Best Comfort Sou lFoods Myrtle Beach by Authentic Food Quest.

Best Comfort Soul Foods: 2 Popular Unique Eats in Myrtle Beach

When you think of comfort foods, what comes to mind? Do you remember some of your favorite childhood foods? The type of food you eat to feel homey and taken... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 24 Comments
  • Restaurants, USA
Best Things to Do in Florence SC Pecan Trail Authentic Food Quest

Best Things to Do in Florence SC on the Pecan Trail

Imagine savoring a pecan pie martini, a pecan encrusted grouper, or a slice of White Russian pecan pie? These are some of the pecan specialties you’ll find in Florence, South... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 32 Comments
  • USA, Restaurants, Tours
Best restaurants and Best Food in South Carolina Authentic Food Quest

Best Food in South Carolina: How To Eat Your Way Through The State

On a 5-day whirlwind trip to South Carolina, we hit the historic cities of Columbia, Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston. Our goal was to explore the food in South Carolina,... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 44 Comments
  • USA, Restaurants
Best Breakfast Tacos in Austin by Authentic Food Quest

Why You Want to Delight in Breakfast Tacos in Austin

As we prepared for a month-long stay in Austin, the thoughts of Texas barbecue was top of mind. But when we asked locals what food specialty we should have in... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 38 Comments
  • USA, Restaurants, Street Food
Authentic Food Quest for the Best Barbecue In Austin Texas

How to Eat Your Way To the Best Barbecue in Austin Texas

Everything is Bigger in Texas. You’ll find big hair, boots, wide open spaces and most importantly: barbecue. Austin is home to some of the best barbecue in the country. From... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 44 Comments
  • USA, Restaurants, Tours
Guide to the Best of las vegas restaurants off the Strip by Authentic Food Quest

10 of the Best Las Vegas Restaurants off the Strip

One of our most surprising discoveries about Las Vegas was the thriving local culinary scene beyond the famous Las Vegas Strip. Known nationwide for the comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 47 Comments
  • USA, Restaurants
The Best Asian Restaurants in Las Vegas by Authentic Food Quest

Where to Find the Best Asian Restaurants in Las Vegas

Where can you find more than 140 restaurants in a three mile stretch in Las Vegas?  You’ll be tempted to say the Strip with its thriving culinary scene and high-end... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 45 Comments
  • Restaurants, USA
Best Value Off Strip Buffet Las Vegas Authentic Food Quest

How to Eat like a Local at the Best off Strip Buffets in Las Vegas

Did you know, all-you-can-eat-buffets are a huge deal in Las Vegas? In 1941, when Las Vegas was still a sleepy town in the desert, El Rancho Vegas pioneered the concept... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 48 Comments
  • Restaurants, USA
5 Local Places to Eat in Miami Authentic Food Quest

5 Amazing Authentic Local Places You Want to Eat in Miami

The culinary scene in Miami is rich and diverse. The city is synonymous with flavors from across Latin America and the Caribbean Islands. On your travels to Miami, take a... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 24 Comments
  • Restaurants, USA
Top 10 New Zealand Food Experiences Authentic Food Quest

Top 10 New Zealand Food Experiences You Want to Enjoy

Food brings people together and it is one of the best ways to connect to a local culture. At Authentic Food Quest we aim to inspire travelers to connect deeper... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 44 Comments
  • New Zealand, Restaurants
The best Evora hotel for Alentejo cuisine Vitoria Stone Hotel

The Best Evora Hotel to Immerse Yourself in the Alentejo Cuisine

One of Portugal’s best cities to visit, Évora, is only 1.5 hours away from Lisbon by train.  Although some may consider making it a day trip to the capital of... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 20 Comments
  • Portugal, Accommodations, Restaurants
Cafe Alentejo Best Restaurant Evora_Authentic Food Quest

Cafe Alentejo: Spotlight on the Best Authentic Evora Restaurant

The Alentejo region that covers about 30% of Portugal, is one of the most fascinating areas of the country. It is considered ‘the breadbasket of Portugal’ with rustic flavors including... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 36 Comments
  • Dishes, Portugal, Restaurants
Valentine's Day Chiang Mai Authentic Food Quest

How to Spend Valentine’s Day in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Valentine’s Day is not native to Thailand, but is now celebrated with enthusiasm. Gifts are exchanged and plans made for a romantic dinner date. Over time it has become more... Read more →
  • Claire
  • No Comments
  • Restaurants, Thailand
Peruvian Restaurants Authentic Food Quest

5 Authentic Peruvian Restaurants to Delight Yourself in Florida

In the last two years, we have spent a total of about 9 months in South Florida housesitting. In that period, we’ve had the chance to explore the large Cuban-American... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 25 Comments
  • Restaurants, USA

Why Is It Worth Discovering Authentic Nyonya Food ?

Would you like to try Nyonya food in Penang? That was the question our friend Kathleen, who writes about heritage and culture at Kat Pegi Mana: Where Is Kat Going,... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 42 Comments
  • Malaysia, Dishes, Restaurants
5 Must Eat Dishes in Singapore_Authentic Food Quest

5 Must Eat Dishes in Singapore (And Where To Find Them)

There are many great reasons to visit Singapore, also known as the “Lion City.” From the UNESCO World Heritage Botanic Gardens, the futuristic Gardens by the Bay or the breathtaking... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • No Comments
  • Dishes, Restaurants, Singapore
Shangri-La at the Fort Restaurants Authentic Food Quest

The Best of Shangri-La at the Fort Restaurants in Manila

Manila was our first city on our quest to authentic food in Southeast Asia. As soon as we landed we were struck by its contrasts. You will find luxurious neighborhoods... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 18 Comments
  • Philippines, Accommodations, Restaurants
Pinterest Doral Restaurants Authentic Food Quest

Your Guide to the Unique Miami Flavors of Doral Restaurants

Traveling through food is the best way to experience a local culture. Whether you are traveling within your home state or internationally, exploring the local flavors gives you a new... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 20 Comments
  • USA, Accommodations, Restaurants
Hawker Chan Singapore Michelin Star Restaurant Authentic Food Quest

What It’s like to Eat at the Cheapest Michelin Restaurant

In July 2016, Michelin shocked the culinary world when they awarded two coveted Michelin stars to Singapore hawker vendors. This was the first time in Michelin's history that Asian street... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 54 Comments
  • Singapore, Restaurants
Food in Singapore Authentic Food Quest

Top 12 Authentic Food in Singapore You Want To Try

When “Makan” or have you eaten, is the main greeting in Singapore, that immediately tells you something about the importance of food in the country. On our quest for Authentic... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 50 Comments
  • Singapore, Dishes, Restaurants
Hawker Centers Singapore Authentic Food Quest

The Best 6 Hawker Centers to Eat Singapore

Have you heard of Hawker Centers? If you are traveling to Singapore, you will hear about them, see them and smell them. So, what is a Hawker Center? It is... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 24 Comments
  • Singapore, Restaurants
Best Siem Reap Restaurant Cuisine Wat Damnak Authentic Food Quest

Spotlight on Cuisine Wat Damnak: Best Siem Reap Restaurant

One way to understand the people and a place is through the food. By exploring the local flavors, one appreciates the destination at a deeper level. Cambodian cuisine surprised us... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 42 Comments
  • Cambodia, Restaurants
cebu lechon authentic food quest

Cebu Lechon “The Best Pig Ever” According to Anthony Bourdain

If you ask any Filipino for the most popular dishes in the Philippines, you will certainly get “Lechon” as an answer. Naturally, the following question is, "where can we have... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 56 Comments
  • Philippines, Dishes, Restaurants
cover image affordable restaurants in Paris

5 Stunning Examples Of Affordable Authentic Restaurants In Paris

Paris, the City of Lights never disappoints. Whether it is your first visit or you have been there several times before, there is always something new to discover. In a... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 57 Comments
  • Restaurants, France
Cuban Food Miami featured image by Authentic Food Quest

How to Delight Yourself With Authentic Cuban Food in Florida

We spent the Summer in South Florida, near Miami, house sitting and writing our first book Authentic Food Quest Argentina. To be more specific, we were in Wellington, near West Palm... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 34 Comments
  • USA, Restaurants
Amazing Authentic Restaurants in The Atacama Desert Chile San Pedro de Atacama Authentic Food Quest

Amazing Authentic Restaurants in The Atacama Desert Chile

Getting to San Pedro de Atacama is a journey in itself. Tucked in the middle of the Atacama desert, this popular town in the north of Chile is an oasis,... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 43 Comments
  • Restaurants, Chile
Japanese Peruvian Cuisine or Nikkei cuisine

Nikkei: Amazing Japanese Peruvian Cuisine That Will Make You Salivate

You might wonder what is Nikkei cuisine or Japanese Peruvian cuisine? And why we say it will make you salivate. To start, we need to first understand what Nikkei means.... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 38 Comments
  • Peru, Dishes, Restaurants
Peruvian fast food

The Most Popular Peruvian Fast Food To Crave For

Is there such a thing as Peruvian fast food? In the US, fast food usually equates to McDonald’s, Burger King or generally junk food. In a country with so many... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 49 Comments
  • Peru, Dishes, Restaurants
Arequipa dishes

Remarkable Authentic Arequipa Dishes Made with Pride

Peruvians joke that you need a different passport to enter Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city. While in Lima, we heard this joke a couple of times and it was often... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 23 Comments
  • Peru, Dishes, Restaurants
Peru Northern Cuisine Work with Us

Fall in love with Peru Northern Cuisine

The cuisine in Lima has continued to fascinate and delight us. As we continue on our quest to discover Authentic Peruvian food, we were told not to miss some of... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 16 Comments
  • Peru, Dishes, Restaurants
Amazonian food Juane

Surprising Amazonian Food From Peru That Will Delight You

Did you know that Peru has the second-largest portion of the Amazon rainforest? And that the Amazon makes up 60% of the country? Have you ever wondered what Amazonian food... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 31 Comments
  • Peru, Dishes, Restaurants
Discovering Ceviche meal

Discovering Ceviche in Lima, Peru

We are currently in Lima, the capital of Peru, our last stop in South America, on our quest for authentic food. We decided to end our trip in the Gastronomy... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 51 Comments
  • Peru, Dishes, Restaurants
Peru Gastronomy Guzman

Borago Fascinating Chilean Cuisine with Top Chef Rodolfo Guzman

Understanding authentic Chilean cuisine was more challenging than we expected. Chile is located in the southeast corner of South America and squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. It... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 21 Comments
  • Chile, People In Food, Restaurants

Trout – The Fish Speciality of Bariloche, Argentina

We are currently in Bariloche enjoying the beautiful outdoors as well as on our quest for the local specialties. We covered chocolates in our previous post, and the next post... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 1 Comment
  • Argentina, Dishes, Restaurants

Ushuaia: Eating At The End of The World

What is there to eat at the end of world? What kind of food grows there? What does a Ushuaia restaurant serve for specialties? These are some of the questions... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 3 Comments
  • Argentina, Dishes, Restaurants
Authentic dishes Parilla

Beef At Its Best – Enjoying Parillas in Uruguay Despite WHO’s Report

Enjoying Uruguay beef and an asado or parilla (barbeque), from a top beef producing country, was high on our list and a priority when we got to Montevideo. We had... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • No Comments
  • Restaurants, Uruguay

A Delicious Bodegon Experience at Las Cabras

A focus away from the pretentiousness of gourmet restaurants and a return to simplicity, heritage and traditional roots has taken a hold of Argentina, as it has in other countries.... Read more →
  • Rosemary
  • 2 Comments
  • Restaurants, Argentina

Delicious Ethnic Foods in Chicago. Our Top Picks!

As we are transitioning and re-connecting with friends from Chicago, we are also traveling with our mouths and stomachs as we experience delicious ethnic foods in Chicago. Chicago is one... Read more →
  • Claire
  • 4 Comments
  • Restaurants, USA
Claire and Rosemary Hi! Welcome to Authentic Food Quest. We are Claire and Rosemary. Our goal is to help you explore local culture through food. As digital nomads, we travel to share authentic food recipes and food guides from around the world so you can savor them during your travels or in your home kitchen. Learn More

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