Best Restaurant

JUDGING (100% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)

ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

VOUCHER OR JUDGING FUNDS REQUIRED: to fund an entrée, main meal, sides, dessert and beverages for two adults to cover the cost of judging. 

OVERVIEW

This category is open to venues offering full table service, delivering exceptional dining experiences with high-quality cuisine, ambiance, and customer service.

GENERAL CRITERIA

• Décor, design, ambience, atmosphere, lighting, and comfortability
• Quality and appearance of the venue (furniture, table setting, crockery, cutlery, glassware)
• Popularity of venue and alignment to local market
• Pricing relevant to local market, quality of the restaurant and restaurant experience
• Hygiene and cleanliness (all areas including restrooms)
• Original and innovative wine list with a range of wines served by the glass and bottle
• Innovation and creativity incorporating the overall theme of the restaurant with the food and beverage offerings

FOOD AND BEVERAGE CRITERIA

• Menu/food experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
• Beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
• Evidence of specials for food and beverage

EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

• Excellent customer service
• Staff presentation and quality of interaction (willingness to make recommendations)
• Staff knowledge of all products with the capability of food and wine matching with dishes offered
• Efficiency of order taking, meal delivery, table clearing
• Staff well-groomed
• Service consistent with a restaurant experience