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How we score

For the first time, the Good Food Guide this year will go national.
For the first time, the Good Food Guide this year will go national. Photo: Eddie Jim

Restaurant reviews written for Good Food (weekly in The Sydney Morning Herald) and Epicure (weekly in The Age) follow this scoring system.

Of 20 points, up to 10 are awarded for food, five for service, three for ambience, two for wow factor.

12 Reasonable
13 Solid and satisfactory
14 Good
15 Very good 
16 Seriously good 
17 Great 
18 Excellent 
19 Outstanding 
20 The best of the best 

Related Content

The Good Food Guide is an annual compilation of independent, anonymous reviews written by a panel of professional restaurant critics. Restaurants have to score at least a 14 to be included in the Guide, and are chosen at our discretion.

Total: 20 points

Up to...

10 points for food – flavour, technique, produce, balance, presentation

5 points for service – care, pacing, attentiveness, professional skills

3 points for atmosphere – decor, comfort, style, vibe

An additional 2 points for a special something – location, spirit, charm, commitment, wow factor