How to Write a Good Restaurant review

Singapore
December 17, 2008 1:18am CST
I'm writing some restaurant reviews but have been rejected by one of the review sites. As such I'd like to find out from my friends here in myLot what are some of the things you look out for when reading a restaurant review. If you have written one yourself, what are the components you include in your restaurant review? Any other tips would be helpful too.. Thank you for your help!
3 people like this
4 responses
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
19 Dec 08
Well, when I read a restaurant review, there are a few things I usually look out for. First of all, I will see what the writer has eaten. Then I will see what the author feels about the service. And then the ambience of the restaurants. Of course, when reviewing food, one cannot forget the four MUSTs! That would be Color, Smell, Presentation and Taste. What impression the food give you when it is served? How does the food you order whet your appetite? Is the taste of the food as good as it looks? Then comes the all important question. How Much? Is it affordable? Is the place value for money? Will you go back again to try the other dishes on the menu? Will you recommend the place to another person? And if you can add little things like your personal views on who you should bring? What you should do to ensure a seat in the restaurants? What dishes you personally recommend? All these would be useful. And if you have pictures to share, even better! Hope that is helpful.
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
22 Dec 08
SydneyHazelton, you are most welcome. Being a foodie myself, I do look out for stuff like that when I go out to eat. I have never really thought about writing reviews of restaurants though. I may do just that to add to my writing load. He he... but not so soon. Do share your reviews with me so that I too can learn of new places to eat! you are most welcome my friend MichaelCorleone!
• Singapore
20 Dec 08
Hi Ah Gong, Thank you for your advice! They are fantastic and well categorised. I really like your point on the 4 musts when reviewing food. Well done! I will write according to these and add more to my restaurant reviews.
1 person likes this
• India
20 Dec 08
Hi Ah Gong You do seem to be a pro !!! Thanks for this ;)
@sierras236 (2739)
• United States
18 Dec 08
Make sure you discuss whether the restaurant would appeal to families or if it is for a more grown up crowd. This is important for those who are looking for family-friendly restaurants. You want to write about what a person visiting there might expect, along with the other things mentioned. Definitely detail your visit there, good or bad. Don't praise a restaurant just because. Give reasons why you liked it. On the flip side, if it was terrible, state what was so bad. Don't be afraid to write the bad along with the good. There is one more thing to check before submission besides spelling and grammar, word count. It maybe that your word count is too low. Most sites have a minimum word count to meet. I know I ran into this problem with my first few articles. You can check it for free at wordcounttool.com.
1 person likes this
• Singapore
18 Dec 08
Yup! You are right about indicating whether it is a family friendly restaurant. I always look for that when dining with my daughter. As for the word count, I definitely have enough number of words. I usually go over most of the time. I get caught up with writing. But it could be something else that they are not really telling me. I suspect it is a list of keywords they are looking for. Great suggestions. Thank you sierras!
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
17 Dec 08
okay I haven't written a restaurant review yet but I have written many reviews, of course you have to say if you like the food, you have to say what food they serve was it good, well prepared, how did it look on the plate was the service good how long did it take for you to get your meal was it appropriate how was the ambiance of the place, crowded, noisy, quiet, maybe furniture and decoration was really nice, does it have capacity for a big reception? do you need reservations, and how fast can you get them is it easy to get two by public transporation is it open all the time or only on certain days and times. how is the pricing, cheep, average or very expensive these are just a few ideas oh yes would you go and eat there again
1 person likes this
• Singapore
18 Dec 08
Thank you for your suggestions! These are excellent and important components of a restaurant review. I will try writing using some of these catchphrases and hopefully my future restaurant reviews will get accepted. Cheers!
@rocketj1 (6955)
• United States
17 Dec 08
Promptness to be seated (or wait time), Ambiance (atmosphere), lighting (bright, romantic etc.), price range, variety on the menu, attentiveness of wait staff, Promptness of the food, presentation of the food (how it looks on the plate), location of the restaurant and ease of parking (valet, availability etc.), extras (live music, specials, coupons, gift certificates, handicap entrance?, non-smoking section, special menus for vegans, diabetics and others) Hours of operation.
1 person likes this
• Singapore
18 Dec 08
Excellent list! But I think it needs to be organised into some categories here. But it's a great start for me. Thank you for your response!