Ratings & Symbols

The ratings of listings are strictly independent!

Restaurants
Accommodation
Wineries
Bars & Entertainment
Attractions & Tourism

Ratings are based on the facilities and services of each establishment. In the interest of uniformity, a standardized 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, standardizing 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.

The style of service is typically determined by the style of the establishment, and is thus represented as part of their overall rating. The quality of service is critiqued in a listing's write up, however with such high turnover in the hospitality industry, this can sometimes be inconsistent. Readers are encouraged to send us their comments regarding their experiences.

Restaurants

Restaurant Types

	Licensed Restaurants in Formal Surrounds with Faultless Grand Traditional Service These restaurants meet the strictest formal european standards of grand traditional service, cuisine and formal surrounds. The dining room should not only be formally set with the finest linen, crockery, cutlery, and crystal glassware, but should also boast spectacular views and be decorated with the most luxurious of décor; only original paintings, artwork and fixtures. The building in which the restaurant is situated should also be unique and significant in its architectural design or historical significance. Service should be outstanding and a formally appointed and appointed maître d' 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 and 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.
	Licensed Restaurants in Elegant Surrounds with Grand Traditional Service Refined and sophisticated in service, setting & cuisine. The dining room should be set with linen tablecloths & napkins, designer crockery, designer/silver cutlery, and crystal/riedel glassware. Wait staff are required to be uniformed in elegant/formal attire. Degustation menus & private dining rooms should be available, and complimentary pre dinner hors d'oeuvres are typical. The wine list should be extensive, offering a good selection of contemporary & boutique wines. And 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.
	Licensed Restaurants in Stylish Surrounds Restaurants that fall under this rating are fully licensed and provide full table service without exception; Table setting should be set with linen table cloths &/or napkins, good quality cutlery, crockery and glassware; Wait Staff should be uniformed; and the cécor should be stylish. Smart-casual dress codes are usually required for patrons.
	Licensed Cafes & Licensed Informal Restaurants Smart, licensed, casual dining establishments offering an adequate choice of well presented dishes. With the exception of licensed bistros, theses establishments should provide full table service.
	Unlicensed Cafe/Family Style Establishments Unlicensed cafes and unlicensed restaurants with a family environment.
	Theatre Restaurants
	Cruise Restaurants

Restaurant Awards

The Chefs hat award is not given away lightly and is the result of extensive investigation over a twelve month period. Inspectors appointed by AGFG dine anonymously, throughout the year and this information is considered, along with comments that have been received from the paying public and online votes. After much consideration, the winners are then chosen.

This method allows a fair assessment of a diverse range of establishments without preference being given to those located in the major cities. It should be noted that subsequent visits (once again anonymous) are carried out to ensure that the establishments are maintaining the quality and standard of a Chefs Hat Award Winner

	Superlative Food & Wine: Internationally acclaimed - WORTH A SPECIAL JOURNEY		Exceptional Quality of Cuisine - WORTH A DETOUR
	Food Quite Out of the Ordinary - WORTH A STOP ON THE WAY		A Good Restaurant in its category - COMMENDED

Restaurant Symbols

	Air Conditioning		Alfresco Dining
	Bush Views		BYO
	City Views		Car Park
	Degustation Menu		Disabled Access
	Fully Licensed		Functions
	Licensed Bar		Live Music
	Private Dining		Take Away
	Water Views		Winter Fireplace

Restaurant Pricing

Prices for each establishment reflect a two course meal, (entree & main course) unless otherwise noted. The prices are approximations and variations may occur.

Accommodation

Accommodation Types

	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 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 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 Inclusive of facilities from 'Modest Accommodation' as well as: Laundry and ironing facilities available, Luggage handling assistance, Morning newspaper available, All rooms self contained with shower & toilet
	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.

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

Accommodation Symbols

	BBQ Area		Bush Views
	Business Centre		City Views
	Day Spa / Beauty		Disabled Access
	Dry Cleaning		Fireplace
	Functions		Golf Course
	Gymnasium		Laundry
	Licensed Bar		Lift
	Live Music		Pets Allowed
	Playground		Restaurant
	Room Service		Sauna
	Spa Pool		Swimming Pool
	Tennis Court		Water Views