Starting from the premise that "food is fuel" helps. As long as it makes the engine run smoothly then anything else is a bonus. I do not travel for food.

I avoid chains and focus on the local cuisine. I am a big fan of street food. I prefer restaurants that are mid-sized and look like they've been there for a while. I look for places that are busy but not crowded. I will not wait hours in line just to dine at an eatery with a good reputation among the foodies and Trip Advisor crowd.

If I check Trip Advisor or Yelp it is usually after I visit a place for the first time and measure my experience against what everyone else has to say. I don't care to have my expectations set by anonymous posts on the Internet. I have found places that are gems that no else cares for and highly-rated spots to which I wouldn't return. YMMV.