Google reviews used in isolation can’t, but I’d argue that no one source really can turn up something like that unless that one source is a human being who knows an extraordinary amount about restaurants in a given location. I use Google first to find highly rated places, then look at those restaurants’ websites and menus to decide if they are a place that I actually want to eat at.

That was what was great about Chowhound. Since it was foodies, they usually were local, and would have lots of suggestion.

City-Data can provide some, depending upon the city. But they are often not specifically foodies.

Almost every restaurant of quality caliber can serve a single / solo diner. It might be at the bar or it might be a smaller table. The key might involve getting that reservation which can be based on making it 2-3 months before the actual meal. If you want a foodie type place then Resy / Tock are better than opentable for usa. For outside USA one must check the platforms which are based on location. So my knowledge is strictly usa.

If it's not somewhere that requires advance reservations, I've had great luck with that.

One instance that sticks out in my mind was Kinsale, Ireland, where the guests ahead of us were all demanding reservations at Fishy Fishy (and some upset that the concierge called over and found it fully booked). She told us, "I think I can get you in at Supper Club, and honestly, it's a lot better food and less touristy."

The place deserves a star (IIRC, it was on the Bib Gourmand list anyway). Fantastic food and service, and it wasn't even on our radar before we asked the hotel clerk where she'd recommend.

We have had similar experiences in Tokyo, Croatia, Greece... I mean, yeah, sometimes the concierge steers you right to a tourist trap, but more often than not, we've had great luck.

Not good for advance planning, though...

I chuckled at this since I can count on less than one hand the times I've stayed at hotels with concierges :)

Asking the 19 year old desk clerk at the Hampton Inn stands at best a 50% chance of getting a decent recommendation ime. So, as previous posters for me it's usually a combination of Trip Adviser, Yelp, and Google Maps/reviews.

To be fair, the places we stayed in Kinsale and Dingle didn't exactly have dedicated concierges; these were young ladies (clearly foreign workers as well) working the check-in desks at the small hotels we stayed at.

On the point of asking, say, the desk clerk at a random Hampton Inn or equivalent, my thought it is depends on the area. They probably aren't doing a ton of dining themselves at Michelin starred places (unless they're friends with kitchen or wait staff there, perhaps). Somewhere there aren't many such splurges, they likely do know the best non-chain places where they've taken a date or hear everyone wants to go.

Reminds of a meal in Bologna. Except I rolled the dice with Google. Good reviews so I walked to the address and when I arrived it was dark. I thought it strange and double checked. Yup right address - but closed. It was Sunday so figured that must be why. Next door was another little restaurant that looked nice enough so walked and asked for a table.

While there I noticed at least two others come into the restaurant thinking that it was the one closed. Upon finding out it was not it they simply left. I felt bad for all as they were offered a table and the meal and the desert was most excellent. Definitely a highlight of my stay in Bologna.

I find Eater to be the most helpful and accurate, and I appreciate how I can search for different types of lists. Best burgers, best brunch, etc. I won't use Yelp or Trip Advisor, they're not trustworthy sources IMO. I haven't had a bad experience at an Eater-recommended spot.

Outside of large US cities, it's more difficult and I read a lot of travel blogs and other forums to look for trending restaurants. Finally, I think this FT site can be a good source. There are a number of us here who are self-professed foodies, and I trust the recommendations here when they come with a personal review. The difference here is you have to post your specific question -- for example, "I'm looking for a good place for birthday celebration on the north side of Chicago or Evanston. We'll have 6 people and we'd really like a place that has great steaks and seafood. Entrees priced under $x." Not: "Where can I get a good birthday dinner in Chicago". :)

The problem with something like that is you need enough people seeing it. You can post a question in one of the regional forums here, but so few people look at them that you don't get a recommendation until 2 months after you have already been there.

I am staring to think there needs to be some kind of forum to ask those questions. But, how do you keep it from getting flooded by the businesses themselves self promoting?

That's a good point, I rarely check the regional forums, especially since Chicago was merged into "Midwest". I have found a number of good restaurant recs in the Dining Buzz section, but mainly through general conversation.

You can't stop businesses from self promoting on ANY forum. But it's exactly why I never use Yelp for anything. Restaurants figured out how to self-promote and attack competitors a long time ago there. Even the old "throw out the high and low score" method doesn't work there. At least here on FT, you can have some certainty that someone with thousands of posts on a variety of topics probably isn't just a restaurant owner who signed up for a single purpose.

No answers, just acknowledging your point!