Leverage Instagram: Let the Algorithm Work for You
We all love scrolling through Instagram, but have you ever thought about turning that endless feed into your personal food-finding tool? Instagram’s algorithm can be a powerful resource when it comes to discovering hidden gems, whether you’re looking for something local or checking out food spots while traveling. Here’s how to make Instagram work for you in your foodie adventures.
Follow Local Foodies for Insider Tips
One of the easiest ways to start uncovering the best dining spots is by following local food influencers. These foodies have already done the hard work—eating at new places, finding hidden gems, and sharing their experiences online. If you’re here in Orlando, you’ve got to follow @OrlandoFoodies. They post regularly about everything from new restaurants to classic hidden gems that even locals might not know about.
Following these accounts is like getting personal recommendations from a friend who’s always in the know. They’ll tell you what’s worth trying, what dishes are must-orders, and where to go before the crowds discover it. And it’s not just about restaurants—you’ll also find pop-ups, food trucks, and food festivals you wouldn’t have heard about otherwise.
Use Hashtags to Discover Hidden Spots
Hashtags are your secret weapon for uncovering restaurants, cafés, and pop-up events that may not even show up on Google. Searching popular hashtags like #OrlandoEats, #LocalFoodAdventures, or even specific cuisine tags like #TacoTuesdayOrlando can lead you to food spots that locals are raving about but aren’t necessarily on the radar yet.
If you’re traveling, you can adjust this to wherever you are. For example, if you’re in Miami, just swap to hashtags like #MiamiEats or #MiamiFoodie. This method works everywhere, so you can always find great food no matter where you are.
Pro tip: Don’t just browse through the top posts—check out the “Recent” tab for real-time recommendations. Often, those newer posts showcase the latest hot spots that are still flying under the radar.
Don’t Forget Location Tags
Location tags are another way to find great food right where you are. Simply tap on the location of a post, and Instagram will show you other posts from that same spot. This can help you see what different people are eating and what’s popular at that venue.
For example, if someone tags a taco truck here in Orlando that’s not widely known, you can see who else has posted about it and what they recommend. It’s a fast and easy way to discover new spots and check out what’s nearby without relying on reviews or websites. Plus, location tags are a great way to stumble on events like food markets or one-off pop-up dinners that aren’t heavily advertised.
Save Posts for Your Foodie Hit List
So, you’ve found some awesome spots—now what? Instead of trying to remember all the places you’ve seen, take advantage of Instagram’s Save feature. When you save a post, it goes into a private collection that you can organize into categories. Think of it as your personal “to-eat” list.
Create collections like “Brunch Spots,” “Food Trucks,” or “Dinner Date Ideas.” That way, when the weekend rolls around and you’re looking for a place to eat, you already have a list of places to check out. This feature is especially handy when traveling because you can save places in advance and reference them later.
Turn Your Feed Into a Foodie Goldmine
The best part about using Instagram to find food is that the algorithm gets better the more you engage with it. The more you like, comment on, or save posts from food accounts, the more Instagram will push similar content your way. Before you know it, your feed will be full of new restaurants, hidden gems, and foodie experiences just waiting to be explored.
Next time you find yourself aimlessly scrolling, turn it into an opportunity to discover new places to eat. Whether you’re in Orlando or traveling elsewhere, Instagram is a powerful tool for keeping your food adventures fresh, exciting, and constantly evolving.
