Ready for a road trip? One of the keys to making the most of any journey is planning your stops, and choosing a good restaurant along the way is a big part of that. But how do you find those places that offer great food, a pleasant atmosphere and a well-deserved rest? Don't worry! We've put together all the tips you need to make your travels a delicious, hassle-free experience.
Index
Why does choosing a good roadside restaurant matter?
Choosing a good restaurant on the road goes beyond simply satisfying hunger. It's about looking after your wellbeing and getting the most out of your travel experience:
- The comfort of a proper rest stop: A good restaurant gives you a clean, comfortable and safe space to stretch your legs, use the facilities and unwind before continuing on your way.
- The benefits of eating well on long drives: Opting for healthy, balanced meals will help you stay energised, focused and in good spirits throughout the journey. As the saying goes, a full stomach makes for a happy heart. Avoiding heavy, unhealthy food also helps prevent fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel. Your safety comes first, and taking a proper break to avoid the dangers of driving tired is absolutely essential.
Where to look for roadside restaurants?
Technology is your best ally when it comes to finding restaurants on the road. Here are some options:
- Navigation apps: Google Maps and Waze let you search for restaurants near your route, read reviews, browse photos and check opening hours.
- Specialist apps: TheFork and OpenTable are ideal for booking a table and finding discounts.
- Service station apps: Some service station apps, such as the Moeve gow app, let you locate service stations with nearby restaurants.
- Blogs and travel guides: Look for travel blogs and online guides that offer restaurant recommendations for the areas you'll be passing through.
- Social media: Ask friends and family on social media, or search hashtags such as #[city]eat or @[city]food on Instagram to find local recommendations.
Tips for choosing the right restaurant
With so many options out there, how do you find the perfect spot for your stop? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Prioritise safety: Choose well-lit, busy rest areas, especially if you're travelling at night.
- Plan your route: Identify potential stops in advance, taking into account the distance between them and your rest needs.
- Think about the facilities: Look for restaurants that offer clean toilets, play areas for children or accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
- Read the reviews: Check what other users have to say on Google Maps, Yelp or TripAdvisor to get a sense of the food and service quality.
- Seek out local recommendations: Ask locals, or check regional blogs and social media accounts.
- Stay flexible: Don't be afraid to try new places and cuisines. Sometimes the best surprises are found off the beaten track.
Roadside restaurants: what kind of food can you expect?
The food offer at service areas has come a long way in recent years. It's no longer just sandwiches and coffee. Today, you'll find a wide variety of options to suit every taste and budget:
- Set menu restaurants: Many restaurants offer affordable daily set menus with varied, balanced options. This is typically the most common type of dining you'll come across on the road.
- Convenience stores: For a quick snack, convenience stores stock sandwiches, salads, fruit and other ready-to-eat products. These are also a staple on the road, especially at service stations like Moeve, where you'll find Moeve Market and Carrefour stores, as well as R'spiro cafés and stations with freshly baked bread. To find out which stations offer these services and how close they are to you, use our station finder.
- Local cuisine restaurants: If you want to sample the flavours of the region, look out for restaurants serving traditional local dishes.
- Fast food restaurants: Fast food chains offer a quick and affordable option for an informal bite. That said, as mentioned earlier, healthier choices are always preferable for keeping you safe and making your journey more enjoyable.
Extra tips for a great meal stop
To make your stop as enjoyable as possible, keep these additional tips in mind:
- When to stop to avoid fatigue: Plan a break every two hours or every 200 kilometres to stretch your legs and refresh yourself.
- How to make the most of your rest time: Do some gentle stretches to ease muscle tension and improve circulation. Close your eyes and breathe deeply to relax and unwind.
- Why planning your stops saves time: Planning ahead helps you avoid unnecessary detours and make the most of your time on the road.
You're now all set to enjoy your road trips with the confidence of knowing you'll always find a great place to stop and eat along the way. Ready for your next adventure?
