Try not to fill up on the bread, as far more interesting fare will soon be on the table.

Few people would dream of spending every single vacation in the same location, but millions of us think nothing of ordering the same restaurant dish whenever and wherever we dine. No matter how much you may enjoy a particular food, sticking to a "usual" order can lead to culinary stagnation and keep you from experiencing a whole world of interesting flavors and textures. To make the most of any restaurant, try thinking of the menu as a map to exotic new food destinations.

Pooja Bhatia is a staff writer for the Wall Street Journal. Here she offers advice for ordering boldly in restaurants:

• Try adventurous appetizers. If you really want to experience a restaurant fully, says Bhatia, be adventurous when you order your appetizers. Go for choices that display the creativity and talent of the chef.

• Order numerous courses. Another sign of an adventurous diner is ordering as many courses as possible, just to get a broader appreciation of the menu.

• Go for the specials. Specials are often a great bet because they are typically made with something that the chef has gotten in just that day. Ingredients in daily specials are often seasonal, or limited in quantity for some other reason, so the chef won't put the dishes on the regular menu.

• Don't fill up on the bread. Many restaurants offer wonderful bread before the meal, served with fresh butter or gourmet olive oil. But don't make the mistake of eating too much, as a full stomach won't let you appreciate the exquisite appetizers, entrees, and desserts to come.

• Satisfy your curiosity. Restaurants are really exciting places to explore. Each new ingredient or dish you try is like a discovery for your palate, so be adventurous and satisfy your curiosity.

Next: Evaluating Restaurants