Photo courtesy of L'Artusi
L’Artusi is one of Resy’s most notified restaurants in all of New York City. Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of L’Artusi

Announcements

This Summer, Consumers Are Traveling for New Dining Experiences

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According to a recent Amex Trendex* study, 54% of respondents are looking most forward to dining out and exploring new restaurants this summer, in their home cities and while traveling.

Forty-two percent of surveyed consumers also said they like to choose vacation destinations based off restaurant options, and 82% agree they like to find local small businesses to explore with an interest in trying local foods while traveling.

“I start planning out my meals as soon as I book a trip. Food, and particularly local traditions tied to the preparations and serving of meals, is such an important part of experiencing the culture of the destination I’m visiting,” said Sangeeta Naik, Global Head of Partnerships and Marketing, American Express Travel.

“I also love getting to know people who live in the area. Getting their recommendations on the best places to try local cuisine, and learning where they shop for their own groceries, gives me a better understanding of their day-to-day lives. These memories revolving around food are some of the best memories I have from trips over the years, and we know food-related experiences are important to our Card Members.”

Destinations topping Card Members’ travel wish lists include New York, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, and San Francisco according to American Express Travel**.  To help with planning, Card Members can use Amex Trip Planner to build their travel itinerary, and Resy to discover new restaurants and book tables at some of the most sought-after restaurants.

For inspiration, Resy shares a few of the most in-demand restaurants that can be found when traveling to American Express Travel’s top summer destinations:

  • New York – L’Artusi – For over 10 years now, L’Artusi has brought craveable Italian food served with a warm, friendly vibe to the West Village. The West Village’s de facto trattoria is known for its sumptuous pastas and Italian wines, and pro tip: The bar’s still the best place to be, whether you’re in a pair or dining solo.
  • Los Angeles – Mother WolfExpect exceptional Roman pastas and thin-crust pizzas and other specialties of the Eternal City at pasta master Evan Funke’s highly anticipated Mother Wolf (the name is a reference to Rome’s origin story). Don’t miss the scottadito — rib lamb chops with salsa verde — it’s finger food deluxe.
  • London – Café Cecilia Max Rocha’s love letter to his grandmother and the Irish cooking of his upbringing reflects the tiniest details of the chef’s pedigree at institutions like The River Café and St. John Bread and Wine. A fabulously laid-back dining room sets the scene for what can be considered one of the best lunches in London –al dente rabbit pasta, serious charcuterie skills, and an almond tart to return for.
  • Chicago – Monteverde Restaurant & PastificioAny pasta touched by Sarah Grueneberg is a revelation: cacio whey pepe, egg yolk ravioli, and ragú alla Napoletana with a fusilli rustico base are among the highlights. Here, you’re well advised to choose your own adventure, because all destinations lead to pasta perfection.
  • San Francisco – AL’s PlaceAL’s Place is a Michelin starred neighborhood restaurant in the Mission district of San Francisco from chef-owner Aaron London. From its artful, produce-focused plates to unique creations of proteins, AL’s Place caters to just about everyone. AL’s is a fun, relaxed and exciting place for people to come together and enjoy food in company of family and friends.

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*Methodology: This Morning Consult poll was conducted between May 6 – May 9, 2022 among a national sample of 2,000 U.S. consumers who have a household income of at least $70K and are adults who typically travel by air at least once a year. Results from the survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

**Based on U.S. Card Member bookings made through American Express Travel for travel June 1 – August 31, 2022.