If you’re new to Gayot, you’re probably wondering what the number next to the 20 (as in 14/20) stands for. The first number reflects our rating of the restaurant’s food on a 20-point scale, and can give you a quick idea of the quality of the meals served at the restaurant. Although the rating only reflects what the professional reviewer finds on his or her plate, the review will explain whether the entire dining experience, including ambiance and service, live up to the food rating. The Toque Tally, named after a chef’s hat, can be found below for the areas we cover, so you can search and compare the restaurants in a specific city based on their food ratings. If you’re looking for a place to host a special occasion, try to pick a restaurant that is 15/20 or above. Of course, you’ll also want to be sure to read the review so that you know the place you choose is the most appropriate for your event. Here are the ratings in the Toque Tally system:
19/20 - Exceptional
These restaurants will be designated with the emblem of four chef hats or toques. When you see four toques, you know that Gayot considers the restaurant one of the best in the world.
17/20 & 18/20 - Excellent
These restaurants have earned three toques, designating them as excellent places to eat.
15/20 & 16/20 - Very Good
These restaurants are represented by two toques.
13/20 & 14/20 - Good
Restaurants with one toque offer enjoyable meals, but the food is not as good as restaurants ranked above them.
10/20, 11/20 & 12/20 - Average
Quick Bites - No Table Service
The toques are indicative of the quality of the ingredients and the creativity of the chef among other factors. They don’t relate to the atmosphere or service of a place, but the reviews on Gayot address those factors. A professional reviewer reviews the restaurants, but you can also find reviews posted by fellow foodies and locals on a restaurant’s page to help guide your dining decision further. If you have time, use both the ratings and the reviews to pick a great place to eat. However, if you’re in a rush, you can always just take a look at the Toque Tally. To find out more about how the Toque Tally is calculated, visit the Restaurant Rating System page.