How do you choose the best restaurant? What makes an experience truly special? What is a Michelin star anyway? Here’s our top five tips for having a great restaurant experience.

Location. Some locations are truly superb: a lake, seaside, riverside or an amazing experience of architecture. Convenience of travel is also important to consider.

Ambience and feel. A local restaurant that gets the atmosphere right forms an important part of the experience.

Cuisine. Quality and authenticity of the food is important. Michelin Stars are often awarded to restaurants that have excelled in this.

Price. This is up to you- are you happy about paying for this meal?

Service. Great service makes for a great experience. Do the waiters and waitresses dress and behave professionally?

Now that you know how to have an enjoyable meal and find a great restaurant, have a browse through our directory to find good restaurants near you. If there are too many choices, get some recommendations from our listings. Our listings show ratings and reviews, which you can compare to find the best restaurant near you.

Restaurants - Common Questions

How do I make a restaurant reservation?

First you need to pick which restaurant you want to go to, as some restaurants only take walk-ins. Then figure out the size of your party, as this will impact your wait time and booking. Lastly, pick a date and time and other options just in case those times are not available.

Do restaurants charge for reservations?

Most restaurants in Australia do not charge when you make a reservation. However some restaurants do take deposits to avoid no-shows or last minute cancellations.

Can restaurants charge for no-shows?

If a credit card is required to make a reservation and it comes with the specific details of its last minute cancellation policy, then they reserve the right to charge if you don't show up or cancel last minute.

What is a call ahead wait list at restaurants?

Some restaurants have a wait list when they receive reservation cancellations. Some casual restaurants accept call ahead seating which lets you put your name down before you arrive.

How long are reservations held for?

Most restaurants generally hold reservations for 15 minutes. If you haven't arrived or contacted via phone within 15 minutes after your booking time, the restaurant can mark your booking as no-show or cancellation and open the reservation to other people.