One of the most common questions I get about my curated Google Maps lists is how I decide which places make the cut. For me, it starts with sources I already know and trust, such as:

• Condé Nast Traveler
• Monocle
• Eater.com
• The Infatuation
• Financial Times and New York Times
• Many, many other publications and periodicals

These publications generally feature spots that align with my tastes—often focusing on thoughtful design, distinctive menus, and unique local charm. Whenever I come across an article or feature in one of these outlets that highlights a compelling new restaurant or cultural spot, I head straight to Google Maps and add it to a relevant list. If I don’t have a list yet for that location, I simply start a new one right then and there. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years at this point.

Friends: A critical source of insider tips

Another crucial step in my vetting process is seeking recommendations from friends or friends-of-friends whose preferences mirror mine. I’m lucky to know people who share my passion for trying out new, under-the-radar places, whether it’s a cozy neighborhood café or a tiny, family-run gallery. When I get these friend-to-friend endorsements, I add them to my maps with confidence, knowing I’m not just collecting high Google ratings—I’m collecting personal endorsements that fit my overall style and preferences.

This approach ensures that my curated lists aren’t just a random assortment of all the top-rated establishments in a given area. Instead, they’re a collection of places I would personally recommend to a close friend, based on careful reading and real-life word of mouth. By avoiding purely data-driven curation (like every 4.5-star spot in a certain radius), I’m able to keep the lists feeling more genuine, eclectic, and reflective of my own tastes.

Culling a list is just as important as creating one

Staying current is also an essential element of the process. A place that was great five years ago may have slipped in quality, changed management, or even closed. To keep my Google Maps lists fresh, I periodically revisit spots—at least virtually, by checking updated reviews—and remove those that no longer meet the standards I look for. If a trusted publication revisits a location and indicates it’s not as good as it once was, I take that into account. Likewise, if a friend returns from a trip raving about a previously unnoticed gem, I’ll add it to the list so others can discover it, too.

As part of my commitment to authenticity and transparency, I try to leave reviews directly on Google Maps whenever I can. Even a short note about what makes a place special helps fellow travelers and locals alike. It also reminds me later what I loved about a particular venue—whether it was outstanding service, a unique dish, or a hidden architectural detail.

Ultimately, my goal with these curated lists is to help people uncover experiences they might have otherwise missed. While it’s convenient to show up at a city’s top-rated restaurant, I find that real travel magic often happens when you stumble upon a spot that truly resonates with your personality or interests. By compiling recommendations from reputable publications, trusted friends, and my own experiences, I try to offer a set of options that will give anyone using my lists a memorable time—one that feels personal, authentic, and perhaps just a little bit surprising.

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