The Rating System
I find most food and restaurant reviews provide more of a qualitative sensory reading experience rather than a measurable evaluation based on preset criteria.
This is my attempt to bring a little objectivity in a highly subjective topic.
Using a points based system, I am splitting 100 points into two categories - Food and Dining Experience. Food receives a total of 80 points, as this should encompass the main dining experience. However, what makes up this rather broad category? Considering there can be multiple food items in one sitting i.e. appetizer, entree, dessert I would expect points to be split evenly depending the number of items. Flavor and Texture of these dishes would make up the bulk share of this subcategory of 60 points. Whereas, the quality and value of the dishes around out this Food category as a whole with 10 points each.
Dining Experience totals 20 points and revolves around the uniqueness of the restaurant itself. How was the quality of the service? Is the place accessible? Do I have to park 5 blocks away and then sit through 2 hours of mediocre service? Points for this subcategory of service and setting range from -5 to 5 to reflect the potential negative magnitude of the experience. How was the presentation of the food? Is there any creative element about the food or atmosphere that aids in the dining experience? Is there anything memorable? 5 points for the additional latter three categories presentation, creativity and memorability.
This criteria is by no means set in stone, but I think offers a decent beginners framework to start objectively rating restaurants and food. Let's find out! I will update accordingly.
Food (80 Points):
Flavor and Texture (60 points)
Does the food taste good?
How many courses? Side dishes?
Does the meal as a whole come together?
Quality and/or Skillfulness (10 points)
How are the quality and freshness of the ingredients?
Does the chef’s skillfulness and effort shine through?
Value (10 points)
Is the meal good value, given the context?
Dining Experience (20 Points):
Service and Setting (-5 to 5 points)
Thoughtful service?
Cool spot?
Good locale or atmosphere?
Presentation (0 to 5 points)
Does it look delicious?
Was there any attempt to make it look appetizing?
Legitimacy or Creativity (0 to 5 points)
Is the food authentic with potentially significant history?
Or is it unique and creative that it pioneers the field?
Misc / Memorability (0 to 5 points)
Special place?
Special dish?
Special memory created here?
Stars to Points Conversion
5.0 Stars → 90+
Next level restaurant; will go if possible. Worth at least a 1-hour line.
4.5 Stars→ 80+
Very tasty food; I can have this for 2 meals in a row. Worth at least 30 min lines.
4.0 Stars → 70+
I will come back if in the area, and I’ll recommend you to try it out too if you’re in the area. A 15 min wait is acceptable.
3.5 Stars → 60+
Good food. I don’t regret coming here, but I would not wait in line.
3.0 Stars → 50+
Decent. No incentive to return.
2.5 Stars → 40+
Eh, not horrible, but I would not come back.
2.0 Stars → 30+
I could have cooked this meal, and probably have done a better job.
1.5 Stars→ 20+
Not worth the time and money to come again. Hard Pass.
1.0 Stars→ <20
Gross. Avoid at all cost! Can I get a refund?