Large Bus Tours vs Small Tour
Dining Options

A. Large Bus Tour’s restaurants:                                           
     PROs: 
         1. pre-arranged, probably uninteresting.         

    CONs:
        1. minimum or dubious quality:
            Anecdote: On my only cruise, St. Petersburg, Russia we were served en masse a suppossedly authentic fish lunch. It was so terribkle that I estimated less than 5% of us ate it, ... if that.            Cruise company and guests scammed???
        2. Culturally Americanized: 
        3. Rushed service & fast eating for efficiency: on tight schedule
        4. Ambiance or authentic embellishment: little, if any

        Note: Small local & quality restaurants refuse large bus tours because they lose  
                  their local customer experience, must reduce cost to fight tour company
                  price pressure.

B. Small tour meals: more likely to be a more relaxed sit-down atmosphere with friendlier staff, more culturally authentic, & maybe locally grown foods.                               

    PROs:
        1. Local cultural ambiance:
        2. Authentic or traditional dishes:
        3. Memorable settings & experience 
        4. Relaxed & welcoming:
        5. Accommodates special needs

    CONs:
        1. makes tour more expensive, but infinitely more rewarding
        2. takes more time, but worth while.

C. ’"free-time"’ options: In both cases, Large Bus Tour or small bus tour’s ‘free-time’ afternoon or evenings MAY offer you your ONLY truly authentic dining experience at a 'locals' restaurant suggested by your guide or hotel staff.  

Ironically, the local folks who work in the tourist shops, etc probably speak English and can direct you to THEIR favorite non-tourist, off-the-beaten-path restaurants.       Walkabout or grab a taxi and go!!    

TIP: Truly helpful tour guides may conveniently drop you off in Old Town at ‘Restaurant Row’ with their personal recommendations. You return to lodging at your leisure.