I’ll start with the most basic and probably most significant places to start when choosing a restaurant, Cleanliness. Forget the star rating of your chosen eatery, you want to make sure it meets and passes sanitation standards. Who wants to worry about what they may find in their food, or worry about the potential G.I. illnesses they could be ingesting while eating? Keep an eye out for extensive amounts of flies or insects milling about, dirty tables, spilled or crusted food stuck to surfaces such as, counters and floors. Then there is the bathroom, a dirty bathroom is a very bad sign. Can you imagine what the areas such as the kitchen, that you cannot see are in, if the areas you can see are filthy?
The number of patrons the restaurant has could also be a good indicator of quality. Places that maintain a steady flow of patrons are often times known to have great food and excellent service. For recommendations don’t be afraid to ask those you trust like co-workers or friends and family, just remember their tastes may differ from your own. Also, potentially beneficial are the restaurant reviews, if you seek a more professional opinion.
Also consider the occasion for which you’re choosing a restaurant. Will it be a romantic dinner for two, or an important business meeting? It could be worth it for you to check it out before making any decisions