Restaurants: be content or search for better?

[thetapeworm]

I presume that like many people I have a few favourite restaurants that I've been to, liked and been back to a few times but I often wonder if I'm missing out on something better by not trying all the other options out there.

Do most of you tend to go back to the same places because you know you won't be disappointed or do you go out and suffer a few substandard meals in pursuit of something better?

I read the reviews and hear about the next big thing that's hard to get a table at and think "I'm happy with that type of food from X" and then go back there time and time again... but I always wonder if I'm missing out.

Should I stop my inside voice from typing or is this kind of thinking fairly normal?

I'm into burgers at the moment, nice burgers, I think I've found my perfect place... but should I be happy with this?

[calibrax]

I suppose it depends on why I'm going to the restaurant. If it was a special occasion, or with someone who I wanted to impress, I wouldn't risk an unknown place. But if it was just going out for a meal for no particular reason then I'd always either look up a few places or ask friends if they recommended anywhere, just to try something new and hopefully add to my list of good places.

[Sharted]

Through work and socially I eat out 3 or 4 times a week. Work-wise it will be in a different town most weeks and I do tend to research a little. Well, I drop my bag of at the hotel, find a pub and get onto the internet and see what is around to eat. This sometimes works well but usually ends in disappointment, too much to drink and a guilty feeling that my diet has been fked right over.

At home I tend to be far more civilised - Missus tells me where she has heard is good and we then go to the French place that I know will deliver.

Would like to hear how others research, might even get some tips.