8 Things Melbourne’s Top Rated Restaurants Have in Common
With a vast array of international cuisines, Melbourne restaurants have become synonymous with delicious food to die for. The Australian culinary capital boasts over 3,500 restaurants representing an eclectic mix of cuisines for each palate. But what separates casual restaurants from the fine dining ones? Is it the quality food, the great service, or something else? What makes a good restaurant better?
Here we shed light on 8 things Melbourne’s top-rated restaurants have in common.
1. Food!
The most important factor in choosing a restaurant is the quality of the food. Serving high-quality food is how high-rated restaurants in Melbourne earn good reputations and attract more customers. A good restaurant knows that it’s not the rich menu that fills up the premises, but the freshness and quality of the ingredients, their preparation, and presentation.
Food presentation is becoming a necessity in restaurants as it impacts how diners make their choice. An interesting and creative food presentation gives the impression that the food is of high quality. Also, being visually pleasing, the guests are likely to take a picture of it and share it on social media.
Ultimately, what breaks and makes a good restaurant comes down to the chef. Needless to say, all top-rated restaurants in Melbourne have an experienced cook and someone who knows that nothing strengthens trust between the restaurant and the guest more than a well-cooked meal.
2. Atmosphere
While we already established that people choose a high-rated restaurant mainly for the food, we have to agree that we need to check a few more boxes before we call it the ultimate dining experience. A genuinely good restaurant knows that eating is a sacred ritual, and it matters where you have your lunch.
A restaurant that cares about its food also cares about its ambiance. Most haute cuisine restaurants in Melbourne provide a world-class atmosphere. Some of the elements that create a comfortable ambiance for the guests are soft lighting, ambient music, and appealing interior design that will impress anyone at first sight.
The restaurant setup is also very important, like the seating plan and the distance between tables, the color of the linen, and the overall interior design. A good atmosphere also means a good smell, which is the first thing we notice upon entering a restaurant. How these elements and factors are balanced can have a major impact on the overall dining experience.
3. Excellent service and hospitality
When people visit respected restaurants, they expect top-notch service and friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable staff. The staff in these restaurants are well trained, and they know that great service and a positive mood is key for an enjoyable dining experience.
Food and atmosphere aside, it’s the staff that build a good relationship with guests and provide excellent service. Staff in top-rated restaurants in Melbourne are efficient and capable, whether it’s to help the guests make a menu decision, serve their food in a timely way, or get their bill without a struggle.
Undoubtedly, happy and friendly staff is what keeps guests coming back to the restaurant.
4. Good location
Though there are a few hidden gems, most fancy dining spots in Melbourne are easy to see and even easier to get to. Like any business, location plays a major role in attracting customers. A high-traffic area like the center or tourist spots and busy roads are the most desired location for a restaurant.
If the restaurant is in a remote location but still remains top-of-the-range, it either excels in all the other qualities, or the location is easily accessible from anywhere in the city, whether one is traveling by public transport or car.
5. Quality drinks list
The Australian culinary capital is also home to some of the best bars in the world. The most popular restaurants in Melbourne are known not only for their food trends but their extensive and quality drinks list too.
Beverages offered at a restaurant are so important that they influence people’s where-to-dine decisions. A lot of diners expect the restaurant to have a good wine to pair their meal with or a cocktail to round off their dinner. The selection and quality of drinks in Melbourne’s top-rated restaurants are impressive, which makes people want to return.
6. Decor
Decor can have a huge impact on the mood and affects decision-making, which is why top-rated restaurants in Melbourne carefully design their spaces. From the color schemes, flooring, furniture design, and materials to lighting fixtures, plants, and art on the wall, the decor is what sets the mood for an all-encompassing experience.
7. Cleanliness and hygiene
While eating out can be a wonderful experience, we don’t have any control over how our food is prepared and under what conditions. There’s nothing worse than seeing a piece of long dark hair in your meal or a fly in your drink. Not to mention spotting a cockroach under the table or stinky toilets. Nothing damages a restaurant’s reputation more than poor hygiene.
This is not an issue with top-rated restaurants in Melbourne. A successful restaurant keeps high levels of hygiene, and each corner is spotlessly clean. Their restrooms smell like perfume. There are no rust marks or watermarks on the cutlery or stains on the linen, and their food is prepared in the most hygienic way possible. The staff is also well-trained to follow food safety standards to the maximum.
8. Overall value and a great experience
It doesn’t take a lot to keep a customer satisfied, but there are a lot of factors restaurants take into account. A top-notch restaurant continuously makes sure their guests have an excellent overall experience by prioritizing quality and service.
Popular dining spots in Melbourne are known for their excellent value, high-quality food and drinks, superb service, and high level of cleanliness. Not to underestimate are other factors that Melbourne hot spots have in common such as technology, online ordering, and delivery.
When customers are happy with the overall value and experience, they are likely to come back and spread the word about the lovely place they had dinner at.
The restaurant in Melbourne that ticks all the boxes
Are you planning a birthday party or an important business meeting soon? Looking to impress your friends, family, or significant other? Head down to Saros Bar + Dining for the ultimate dining experience in Melbourne.