AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Ratings & Symbols

The ratings of listings are strictly independent!

Ratings are based on the facilities and services of each establishment. In the interest of uniformity, a standardised point criteria assists inspectors in their critique. Each establishment must meet the minimum requirements and receive a rating score equal to or above that of the corresponding rating, standardising the ratings throughout Australia and further ensuring that irrespective of where or who is rating an establishment, the rating will be consistent with international standards.

Restaurants  Accommodation  Bars  Wineries  Attractions

Restaurants

Restaurants are rated in two ways. The first rating is a 'Crossed Spoon & Fork' symbol representative of an establishments style and facilities offered. A restaurants cuisine is rated independently of their setting. 'Chef Hats' are awarded for consistent culinary excellence.

5 Fork Restaurants

Fully Licensed Restaurants in Formal Surrounds with Faultless Grand Traditional Service

These restaurants meet the strictest formal international standards of grand traditional service, cuisine and décor. The dining room should not only be decorated with the most luxurious of décor and be formally set with the finest linen, crockery, cutlery, and crystal glassware, but it should also boast spectacular views and/or original paintings, artwork and fixtures.

The building where the restaurant is situated should be unique in its architectural design or historical significance. Service should be outstanding and a formally appointed maître d' (Head Waiter) should be in attendance. Wait staff should be uniformed in formal attire and trained in the art of silver service & gueridon service. A classical pianist or other elegant live music should be playing, and valet parking should be available.

Degustation menus, vegetarian menus & private dining rooms should all be available, and complimentary pre dinner hors d’oeuvres served. A fully accredited sommelier should be present to assist with wine selection. The wine list must be extensive, offering a wide selection of contemporary & boutique international and local wines all cellared under temperature controlled conditions. A separate cocktail and Bar area should be available for pre of after dinner drinks. Formal attire is the minimum dress code for these establishments.

4 Fork Restaurants

Formal Licensed Restaurants

Precise and luxurious in service, setting & cuisine! The dining room should be set with linen tablecloths & napkins, designer crockery, silver cutlery, and crystal glassware. Wait staff are required to be uniformed in elegant/formal attire and trained in the art of silver service. Degustation menus & private dining rooms should be available, and complimentary pre dinner hors d'oeuvres served. The wine list should be extensive, offering a wide selection of contemporary & boutique international and local wines all cellared under temperature controlled conditions.. A separate cocktail and bar area should be available for pre, or after dinner drinks. Elegant attire is the minimum dress code for these establishments.

3 Fork Restaurants

Licensed Restaurants

Fully licensed with full table service, without exception! Table setting are typically set with linen table cloths & napkins, quality cutlery, crockery and glassware. Service should be astute, wait-staff uniformed and the décor sophisticated. The wine list should be generous with a selection of local and international wines. BYO is uncommon. These establishments can be reserved in style and a smart-casual dress code is usually required for patrons; not always suitable for young children.

2 Fork Restaurants

Licensed Cafes & Casual Dining Restaurants

Casual in style and setting, such establishments are typically family friendly and generally welcoming and sociable. They are fully licensed offering a range of table wines and beer. Spirits may also be available or BYO may be allowed. With the exception of licensed bistros, theses establishments should provide full table service. Table settings will not necessarily be covered.

1 Fork Restaurants

Unlicensed Café or Casual Dining Establishments

These Establishments are casual in style and setting but generally welcoming and sociable. They are unlicensed but often allow BYO, (although not always). Table service is common but not a requirement. Table settings are typically minimalist with basic cutlery, glassware and napkins; tables will not necessarily be covered. Such establishments are family friendly.

Theatre Restaurants

Theatre Restaurants

Cruise Restaurants

Cruise Restaurants

Accommodation

Accommodation are classified by these categories.

Accommodation Types

Luxury Accommodation Luxury Accommodation

Inclusive of facilities from 'Indulgent Accommodation' as well as: Banking and interpreting service, convention facilities, fully stocked mini-bar (snacks & liquor) in all rooms, at least two well-equipped a-la-carte dining rooms, separate kiosk for the sale of newspapers, tobacco, etc., valet service available, and swimming pool.

Indulgent Accommodation Indulgent Accommodation

Inclusive of all facilities from 'Very Comfortable Accommodation' as well as: porter service, car parking, internet facilities, in-house movies available in all rooms, reception area attended 24 hours a day, same-day laundry service, 24 hour room service, theatre and travel booking service, and on-site postage facility.

Very Comfortable Accommodation Very Comfortable Accommodation

Inclusive of all facilities from 'Comfortable Accommodation' as well as: telephone, music, television in all rooms, dry cleaning service, heating/cooling facilities in all rooms, room service available, reception area attended from 7.30am to 11pm, and fully licensed a-la-carte dining room

Comfortable Accommodation Comfortable Accommodation

Inclusive of facilities from 'Modest Accommodation' as well as: laundry and ironing facilities available, luggage handling assistance, all rooms self contained with shower & toilet

Modest Accommodation Modest Accommodation

All rooms with adequate heating and cooling, all bathrooms with power points, mirror, hot and cold water, breakfast available, tea and coffee making facilities in all rooms, well furnished lounge or sitting area, desk reception attended from 8am to 8pm daily.

Resorts Resorts Luxury Boutique Style Hotel/Motel Luxury Boutique Style Hotel/Motel
Self Contained Holiday Apartments Self Contained Holiday Apartments Guest Houses, Cottages, Bed and Breakfasts Guest Houses, Cottages, Bed and Breakfasts
Ski Lodges Ski Lodges Farm Stays and Ranch Style Accommodation Farm Stays and Ranch Style Accommodation
Caravan Parks Caravan Parks    

Bars

Bars & entertainment venues are classified by these categories.

Lounge and Cocktail Bars Lounge and Cocktail Bars Wine Bars Wine Bars
Pubs and Sports Bars Pubs and Sports Bars Comedy Clubs Comedy Clubs
Nightclubs Nightclubs Gentlemans Clubs Gentlemans Clubs

Wineries

Wineries and vineyard are classified by these categories.

Wineries Wineries

Attractions

Attractions & tourism are classified by these categories.

General Attractions General Attractions Entertainment Venues Entertainment Venues
Galleries & Museums Galleries & Museums Outdoor Activities Outdoor Activities
Snow & Ski Snow & Ski Water & Boating Water & Boating
Tours, Transport & Travel Services Tours, Transport & Travel Services Information Information