For solo travelers, food is often the best part of the journey. But finding authentic local eats in a new city isn’t always easy—especially when you don’t know where to start. Thankfully, technology makes it easier than ever to hunt down delicious meals.
This guide highlights the best apps for solo travelers to find food around the world, from street snacks to hidden fine-dining gems. Whether you’re after budget-friendly bites or culinary adventures, these apps have you covered.
1. Google Maps – The Classic Food Finder
When in doubt, start with Google Maps. It’s one of the most reliable apps for discovering nearby restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Real customer reviews with photos.
- Popular times feature helps you avoid crowds.
- Street View can preview the location before you go.
👉 Pro Tip: Search phrases like “best local food near me” or “street food in [city]” for hidden gems.
2. Yelp – Community-Driven Recommendations
Yelp shines in North America and parts of Europe. With its massive review database, it’s great for getting honest feedback before trying a place.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Filter by price, rating, or type of food.
- Solo diners often leave reviews, giving you confidence about dining alone.
- The photo section offers a sneak peek at what’s worth ordering.
3. TripAdvisor – Perfect for Travelers
While known for hotels and attractions, TripAdvisor is also excellent for food hunting. It organizes restaurants by categories like “cheap eats” or “local favorites.”
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Helps balance budget and experience.
- Shows top-rated spots by city.
- Community forums where travelers share food tips.
4. Zomato (formerly Urbanspoon)
Popular in Asia and the Middle East, Zomato is an app that combines menus, reviews, and ratings in one place.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Digital menus help avoid surprises.
- Clear photos of dishes and interiors.
- Perfect for travelers who want to plan meals ahead.
5. HappyCow – For Vegetarian & Vegan Travelers
If you’re plant-based, HappyCow is a must. It specializes in vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants worldwide.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Covers 180+ countries.
- User-submitted reviews and photos.
- Filters for vegan, vegetarian, or veg-friendly places.
6. EatWith – Dine with Locals
Sometimes, food is about connection. EatWith lets you book unique dining experiences hosted by locals, from home-cooked meals to cooking classes.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Meet locals and other travelers over food.
- Get authentic cultural insights.
- Safe, curated platform for social dining.
7. Instagram – A Visual Food Map
Not just for selfies, Instagram can help you discover food hotspots. Simply search hashtags like #FoodieInParis or #BangkokStreetFood.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Real-time updates on trending dishes.
- Local food bloggers often share hidden spots.
- Great for visual inspiration before you eat.
8. Foursquare – Curated Food Suggestions
Though less popular than before, Foursquare is still a powerful app for discovering places with strong community-driven recommendations.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- “Best Nearby” feature shows popular local eats.
- Short, to-the-point reviews.
- Helps you avoid tourist traps.
9. OpenTable – For Reservations Made Easy
If you’re heading to popular or fine-dining restaurants, OpenTable makes solo dining stress-free by letting you book in advance.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Guarantees a table, even for one.
- Easy cancellation in case plans change.
- Earn dining points for rewards.
10. Local Delivery Apps (GrabFood, Uber Eats, DoorDash)
Sometimes, after a long day of exploring, eating in your hotel or Airbnb is the best option. Local delivery apps bring authentic food to your doorstep.
✨ Why It’s Great for Solo Foodies:
- Try local dishes without leaving your stay.
- Explore menus in English translations.
- Track orders easily for convenience.
Final Thoughts
For solo travelers, food hunting is part of the adventure—and the right apps make the journey even tastier. From Google Maps for general searches to EatWith for unique local dining, each app adds flavor to your solo food journey.
So before your next trip, download a few of these apps and get ready to taste the world like never before.
Wellcome to the foodlovingroadtripper,