If your favourite part of a holiday is trying new food, you’re not alone. According to recent research, one in five Brits now choose their holiday primarily for the cuisine.

However, anyone who has been abroad has likely experienced a tourist trap. Overpriced, basic food and terrible service all for a premium. If you are sick of trying to find authentic European restaurants only to end up with microwaved mains don’t panic.  Maryanne Sparkes, luxury hotel barge cruising and culinary expert at European Waterways, says the simplest sure-fire way to tell whether a restaurant is truly local is a humble chalkboard menu.

She said: “Menus written on a chalkboard usually mean the kitchen is focused on seasonal, locally sourced dishes.

"Laminated menus or ones printed in English are often aimed at tourists. Locals eat where daily specials are handwritten — that’s usually your ticket to great, fresh cooking.”

Another thing she warns against is any restaurant with pictures of the food. A sign that a restaurant is authentic includes rustic, simple decor and a local wine list. 

Maryanne said: “British tourists don’t need a Michelin-starred menu to enjoy authentic cuisine.

“Spotting a chalkboard is often enough to guarantee fresh, seasonal dishes and a genuine taste of the region"

If you want to find the true gems of the area, you can simply ask the locals. If you are polite and interested in their knowledge, they’ll likely help you out.

Maryanne recommends moving away from the more touristy areas and instead exploring down side streets and off the beaten path. Main squares are notorious for offering tourist menus.

Keep your eyes peeled for places that are packed with locals- especially at off-peak hours, and you’re much more likely to find a better quality meal at a lower price.