Build a Restaurant Finder App with Next.js 13, React, and Google Maps

Ready to build a cool restaurant finder application? This guide will walk you through creating one using Next.js 13, React, Tailwind CSS, and the Google Maps API. We’ll cover everything from setting up your project to integrating Google authentication and styling your map. An accompanying video walks through the full process.

This tutorial guides you through building a restaurant finder app using Next.js 13. You’ll learn how to integrate Google Maps to display restaurants, filter by type and radius, and authenticate users with Google. The application features a dynamic interface with interactive map markers and real-time updates, offering a hands-on experience with modern web development technologies.

Setting Up Your Next.js Project

Let’s start by creating a new Next.js project. Next.js is a powerful React framework for building web applications. It offers features like server-side rendering and routing, making it ideal for dynamic applications. To get started, open your terminal and run the following command: npx create-next-app@latest This command will set up a new Next.js project with the latest version. You can customize the project name and other options as needed during the setup process. Using @latest ensures you’re getting the newest features and improvements in Next.js 13.

Integrating Google Authentication

User authentication is crucial for many applications. We’ll use NextAuth.js to integrate Google authentication into our restaurant finder app. NextAuth.js simplifies the process of adding authentication to Next.js applications. First, install NextAuth.js: npm install next-auth Next, configure your Google OAuth credentials in your Next.js project. You’ll need to create a Google Cloud project and obtain the necessary API keys and secrets. Store these credentials securely and configure NextAuth.js to use them for authentication. This setup will allow users to log in to your application using their Google accounts.

Styling with Tailwind CSS

Tailwind CSS is a utility-first CSS framework that allows you to rapidly style your application. It provides a set of pre-defined CSS classes that you can use directly in your HTML. To add Tailwind CSS to your Next.js project, install the required packages: npm install -D tailwindcss postcss autoprefixer npx tailwindcss init -p Configure Tailwind CSS in your project by modifying the tailwind.config.js file. You can customize the theme, colors, and other styling options to match your application’s design. Tailwind CSS makes it easy to create a responsive and visually appealing user interface.

Working with the Google Maps API

The Google Maps API is essential for displaying maps and restaurant locations in our application. You’ll need to obtain an API key from the Google Cloud Console to use the Google Maps API. To get started, enable the Places API and Maps JavaScript API in your Google Cloud project. This will allow you to search for restaurants and display them on the map. Remember to restrict your API key to prevent unauthorized usage and protect your quota. You generally get $200 of credit every month, which is sufficient for small applications.

Displaying Restaurants on the Map

Once you have your Google Maps API key, you can start displaying restaurants on the map. Use the Places API to search for restaurants based on different criteria, such as type and location. Use the Google Maps JavaScript API to render the map and add markers for each restaurant. You can customize the appearance of the markers and add information windows that display details about each restaurant when clicked. The API supports various features like custom map styles, directions, and geocoding, allowing you to create a rich and interactive map experience.

Filtering and Radius Selection

Implement filtering options to allow users to search for specific types of restaurants, such as Italian or Mexican. Add a radius selection feature so users can specify the search area around their location. When users apply filters or change the radius, update the map to display only the relevant restaurants. Use the Places API to perform the search based on the selected filters and radius. This feature enhances the user experience by allowing them to quickly find the restaurants they are looking for.

Styling the Google Map

Customize the appearance of the Google Map to match your application’s design. You can use the Google Maps Styling Wizard to create a custom map style. The Styling Wizard allows you to change the colors, visibility, and other properties of map elements. You can create a unique and visually appealing map that integrates seamlessly with your application. Apply the custom style to your map by including the style configuration in your Google Maps JavaScript API initialization. By styling the map, you can enhance the user experience and create a cohesive look and feel for your application.

Key Takeaways

• Next.js 13: A powerful React framework for building web applications with features like server-side rendering and routing.
• Google Authentication: Use NextAuth.js to easily integrate Google login functionality.
• Tailwind CSS: A utility-first CSS framework for rapid UI development.
• Google Maps API: Essential for displaying maps and restaurant locations. Obtain an API key from Google Cloud Console.
• Places API: Used to search for restaurants based on various criteria like type and location.
• Custom Map Styling: Enhance the user experience by customizing the appearance of the Google Map using the Styling Wizard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Next.js 13?

Next.js 13 is the latest version of the React framework for building web applications. It provides features like server-side rendering, static site generation, and API routes.

How do I get a Google Maps API key?

You can obtain a Google Maps API key by creating a project in the Google Cloud Console, enabling the Maps JavaScript API and Places API, and generating an API key.

Is the Google Maps API free?

Google Maps API offers a free tier with a certain usage quota. You get $200 of credit every month. If your usage exceeds the free tier, you will be charged according to their pricing.

Can I customize the appearance of the Google Map?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of the Google Map using the Google Maps Styling Wizard. This tool allows you to change the colors, visibility, and other properties of map elements.

What is NextAuth.js?

NextAuth.js is a library that simplifies the process of adding authentication to Next.js applications. It supports various authentication providers, including Google, Facebook, and GitHub. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to build a restaurant finder application using Next.js 13, React, Tailwind CSS, and the Google Maps API. You’ve integrated Google authentication, displayed restaurants on a map, added filtering options, and customized the map’s appearance. This project provides a solid foundation for building more complex web applications with interactive maps and user authentication.

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