Our points system explained

We score every restaurant we review out of 20. Here's how.

10 points for food

Deliciousness, technique, complexity, quality of produce, balance, presentation, consistency, style, innovation, integrity.

We're not comparing a fantastic biriyani with a 20-course omakase. This is all about what is best in its particular class.

5 points for hospitality

Attitude, friendliness, efficiency, pacing, attentiveness, professional skills, knowledge, COVID safety. Staff shortages are a significant problem at restaurants in 2022 and reviewers were advised to take this into account.

Service doesn't have to mean table service. It just needs to be the best version of the style of service that venues offers, whether that's ordering from a leather-bound menu or at the counter.

3 points for experience and setting

The "buzz" or "vibe", consistency, view, table spacing, noise levels, something extra (such as a kitchen garden or counter dining).

Reviewers consider whether the restaurant is fit for purpose (as a location for a date night, say, or family celebration) and whether they enjoyed being in that space.

Did you leave feeling like you'd had an incredible time, or as if you'd simply eaten a meal?

2 points for value

Is it worth it? In other words, would reviewers choose to spend their own money at this venue or recommend it to someone else?

The Critic's Choice Heart

For the first time in the history of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Good Food Guide, we're awarding a critic's choice heart symbol to select restaurants in 2023.

These are places that don't score a hat, but are duly recognised for their meaningful and positive contribution to the city's food culture.

To be awarded a critic's choice heart, reviewers must consider the following: Is it worth crossing town to visit? Is it among the best in its style of cuisine and offering? Does it add something special or notable to the city's dining culture and conversation?

A restaurant may be a reliable suburban bistro beloved by locals, but to be awarded a critic's choice heart, it needs to stand out from the pack.