Restaurant Crossed Spoon & Fork Symbols represent the style and facilities offered by establishments. Service is represented as part of their overall rating.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Cruise Restaurants
Australian Good Food and Travel Guides Chef Hat's have been awarded to discerning Chefs around the country since 1982 (see Our History). These awards are the result of careful deliberation. Inspectors appointed by AGFG dine anonymously. Their reviews and the opinions of the dining public, who generously send in their comments throughout the year, determine these results.
Prices for each establishment reflect a two course meal, (entree & main course) unless otherwise noted. The prices are approximations and variations may occur.