When you’re exploring a new city, what types of restaurants do you seek out? Skip the typical chain restaurants or fast food establishments and commit to eating locally while traveling. Not only will you be supporting the local community, but you’ll also learn more about the area’s culture. Here are a few more reasons to seek out locally owned spots when grabbing your next meal.

3 Reasons to Eat Locally While in a New City

1. Support the Local Economy

When you eat at that small café or mom-and-pop pasta restaurant, your dollars will go back to the community. This money will contribute to the area’s schools, roads, hospitals, and other causes that are crucial to their everyday living. When you eat at a larger establishment, less of your dollars stay local.

2. Understand the Culture 

Ordering local cuisine helps build a connection between tourists and residents, helping you better understand the culture of the community. For example, if the city has a large immigrant population, eating traditional foods can give you better insight into their customs and preferences. The same goes for cities that are known for certain dishes, such as digging into some delicious seafood when visiting the coast. 

3. Minimize Environmental Impact

Did you know that eating at locally owned restaurants can lessen your eco-footprint? Large chain restaurants often need to import their food from far-flung places, which requires a considerable amount of gas. Locally owned eating spots often work with local farmers, who use sustainable practices to grow their crops. When your food needs to travel a shorter distance to reach your plate, it helps reduce greenhouse emissions and supports sustainable agriculture.

Located just a few miles off I-95, Paul’s Pasta Shop has gained a reputation as the best Italian restaurant in Groton, CT. Since opening its doors in 1988, this locally owned restaurant has been serving up a delicious menu full of fresh pasta, crisp salads, hearty sandwiches, and other types of Italian food. View their menu online or call (860) 445-5276 today to make a reservation.