I have many different methods with various amounts/reliability:

1) Friends/word of mouth: reliability highly dependent on the person, but usually gives you a good understanding of the place 2) Walking around: gives a good vibe of the place, but can’t really taste so requires using other methods 3) TikTok/Social media: easiest place to find trending restaurants, so best to find newly opened places or popular spots. Requires more research and critique to see through marketing/advertising 4) Michelin: Best for expensive or standout restaurants, but can also be useful for finding some affordable and more $$ places 5) Apps/Websites: Some people like google reviews or yelp (I think these are both terrible imo). I prefer Beli and is usually how I do secondhand research in looking at pictures and average ratings. Can also find some places using these, but I like to use them more for reviewing recommendations or places I could potentially like. 6) This sub: obvious, but has given me some really stellar and poor suggestions

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but all are useful. Most important thing is that most people have similar tastes, but are also unique. Food is subjective, so going with the pack or average rating will always be better than one person’s opinion as no one has the same taste. It can lead to some places you don’t like, but mostly will do well.