What application in France are you using to find restaurant nearby?

I just use Google Maps. That will normally give me the contact info and other key details, and often some photos aggregated from wherever. I'm more interested in menus and photos than in user reviews.

I also use Google Maps. You can put in a search for whatever you are looking for, such as restaurants, groceries, etc. I find the pictures and reviews helpful, too.

We just use our eyes and nose and maybe a recommendation from a local.

Google maps must be ad drive or something because it simply doesn't list most of the places we search for in Paris. In areas where I know of bakeries, grocery stores, restaurants -- it always just shows a handful and often not the nearest ones.

I'm with Frank -- when I get hungry, there's a 5-minute window for looking and comparing. Close by trumps top ratings.

Advice from B&B owner (or Travel Group buddy) is my favorite.

I admit that I use Google Maps more for "arm chair" planning than for "on the ground" research. When I'm on the ground I also use my nose and eyes.

I use Google on the go for locations, but for restaurants in advance I use La Fourchette aka the Fork, a TripAdvisor company. It also offers the ability to book and sometimes offers deals and discounts like a Groupon. Of course, not every restaurant is bookable.

Another vote for La Forchette

Eyes and nose regardless of where we travel. If a restaurant is crowded, the menu affordable and it smells like heaven, that's all we need.

I am old fashioned and use a hard copy Michelin Red Guide for my hotel and restaurant planning. It is in French but easy to understand. I am rarely disappointed.

I usually use personal recommendations or Tripadvisor before going out, but La Fourchette if we are walking by a place and want to know how it is. Appearances can be deceiving, and when you're hungry, most everything smells good.

I use Paris Food Lovers, by Patricia Wells. I had to pay, but she updates it. Look at her website first for some info. She covers things from high end to regular people restaurants, cafes, cheese shops, bakeries, places to buy kitchen ware, markets. It is great.

I like to do research before I go, using Gourmet magazine, NY Times, Trip Advisor , etc., recommendations. I then mark them on Google maps, so when I’m in a neighborhood during vacation I can pull up my Google Map to see what’s marked. I also make notes on each place that I save, on my tablet, regarding hours and any specific recommendations.. It’s a bit of work, but it helps me become aware if good places and extend my trip (beforehand).

We stayed at a mom and pop hotel, they gave us great advice. We sat at a cafe and talked with locals,
(And we don't speak French ) , they were very helpful! We strolled down streets and looked for interesting looking places, went in and had a great time.

We've done the same thing in London , Rome, Paris, small towns in Italy, frankly the great restaurants are
everywhere .

Nate

Surprisingly nobody has mentioned Yelp? Yelp is available in France. As much as I love and use Google Maps I find the reviews are sparse and maybe skewed towards techies. I guess I'm old fashioned but I still rely on guidebooks, specifically our hosts. I have learned that planning ahead and not waiting until we are hungry, avoids disappointing meals. If you are walking around at 7:30p.m. looking for someplace to eat, you will end up at the restaurant that the locals didn't make reservations for, which should tell you something. Plan ahead and make reservations if you want a nice sit down meal.

Surprisingly nobody has mentioned Yelp?

I'm not surprised. So often restaurants we enjoy have been panned and, conversely, places we've walked out of have gotten rave reviews. Yelp often doesn't reflect our experiences.

I don't use any apps or google map at all, neither Yelp nor Trip Advisor...never used them.

One very recommendable restaurant in Paris is Chez Jenny, around the corner from Place de la Republique, if you want the cuisine of Alsace.

I use Tripadviser before I leave home and have a List by area and that has worked well for me and a little bit of Yelp.
Mike