Forty-Four Percent of Travelers Say They’d Fly, Train, or Road Trip Just for a Restaurant

If the restaurant is close by, all the better. Sixty-one percent of Americans reported that they’d travel more than an hour for a restaurant with a reputation for delicious food. They’re more adventurous and open-minded too: 62 percent of those surveyed admitted that they’re more interested in trying local cuisine than the familiar dishes they could easily find at home.

And their interest isn’t limited to glamorous five-star, Michelin-approved restaurants. Seventy-three percent of Americans said they’d rather eat at a restaurant favored by the local community than a fancier (and probably more expensive) high-end restaurant.

The growing interest makes sense as shows like Chef’s Table bring international acclaim — and interest from people not necessarily acquainted with the culinary world — to restaurants like Osteria Francescana in Modena and Blue Hill in New York City.

Perhaps even more importantly, food shows hosted by culinary superstars like David Chang, Samin Nosrat, and Anthony Bourdain have showcased cuisines unfamiliar to many Americans, as well as brought more recognition to the chefs who are creating some of the best food in the world at street vendors and stalls. These efforts drive tourism to destinations from Asia to Italy and, even better, promote a deeper and more meaningful cultural understanding between America and the rest of the world.