Whether it’s UberEats, Just Eat or Deliveroo, most of us have takeaway apps on our phones. But what about finding a really great restaurant or getting a table at that tapas bar that everyone’s talking about?
The good news is that there are apps for that too. So, whether you’re wanting to wow your date on Valentine’s Day or you’re looking for a pub to take the family for an epic Sunday roast, dine out with some of the best apps around.
The Fork
Great for: money off your bill
The Fork is one of the most popular restaurant apps around. Start by selecting a location, a date and time and you’ll be shown all the restaurants that have a free table. You can then filter by ratings, type of food and whether you can make savings through the app – and these can be as much as 50% on your bill!
The app gives you reviews from other users, a full menu, opening hours and pretty much everything else you need to know. Use the app regularly enough and you’ll soon rack up Yums – which can be used at restaurants, so you pay less when the bill comes. And you’ll even find recommendations for large groups and even romantic spots for Valentine’s Days. They just need a violinist filter.
Happy Cow
Great for: vegetarian and vegan diners
Once upon a time, finding good veggie options in pubs or restaurants was tough. And while menus are a lot more inclusive these days, eating out can still be an effort – especially outside cities.
So, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or you’re just after some healthy eating options, Happy Cow specialises in finding non-meat eateries as well as highlighting vegan and vegetarian options on pub and restaurant menus. You’ll find reviews, recommendations and loads of different filters – including wheelchair accessibility and outside seating. One nice feature is the ability to filter for only vegan options on map mode. And because it’s in 185 countries worldwide, it’s a great tool for holidays.
Luxury Restaurant Guide
Great for: fine dining
Special occasion coming up? Ready to pop the question on Valentine’s Day? If you’re looking for a restaurant with wow-factor, the Luxury Restaurant Guide will find just the spot.
Like the other apps on this list, LRG lets you search by area, style of food and chef. The emphasis is very much on award-winning restaurants and Michelin stars rather than your nearest Nando’s – not that there’s anything wrong with some cheeky chicken.
If you’re a real foodie, you can sign up for premium membership, which gets you access to big discounts, private events with celeb chefs and more. Fancy!
TripAdvisor
Great for: hidden gems
Wait. Hidden gems? From the world’s largest travel app? Hear us out.
Because TripAdvisor is everywhere (and we mean everywhere) there’s barely a café, coffee shop or restaurant on the planet that hasn’t escaped it. Go to any international destination and you’ll find even the tiniest backstreet restaurant proudly displaying its TripAdvisor stars.
The downside is that you’re going to have to do more legwork in filtering out thousands of restaurants and millions of user reviews to find the perfect spot – but help is at hand. Head to the forums and you’ll pick up some great tips for almost wherever you are in the world. The app will always let you know which places are the top-rated in town. And because you can book straight through the app, it cuts out the admin.
Pro tip: Just because TripAdvisor says that a popular place is full, don’t take it as gospel. If you’re really keen to eat there, give the place a call or pop along and you can often get a table.
Have we missed one out? Is there an app you’ve used that’s too good to pass up? Comment below and let the Community know.