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         MICHELIN AND AA AWARDS

 

To assist in your restaurant selection, DESIGNRESTAURANTS uses the trusted and comprehensive rating system of The Michelin star and AA Rosette Guides. Ratings are accredited by anonymous inspectors who regularly visit listed restaurant across the country and awarded 'stars' and 'Rosettes' are purely based on the quality of the cuisine.

THE MICHELIN GUIDE

THE AA GUIDE

Michelin 3 Star

Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey - One always eats here extremely well, sometimes superbly. Distinctive dishes precisely executed, using superlative ingredients.

Michelin 2 Star

Excellent cooking, worth a detour - skilfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality.

Michelin 1 Star

A very good restaurant in its category - A place offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard.

When awarding stars Michelin Inspectors consider the following criteria:

  • The quality of the produce used
  • The technical skills and flair with which the dishes are prepared
  • The clarity of the flavours
  • The compatibility of the ingredients used
  • The consistency of the culinary standards
  • The quality of the wine list
  • The value for money

AA 5 Rosettes

The supreme accolade is awarded only when cooking is at the very pinnacle of achievement. Flavours, combinations and textures show a faultless sense of balance, giving each dish an extra dimension.

AA 4 Rosettes

At this level, not only should all technical skill be exemplary, but there should also be daring ideas and they must work. There is no room for disappointment. Flavours should be accurate and vibrant.

AA 3 Rosettes

This award takes a restaurant into the big league. Expectations of the kitchen are high: exact technique, flair and imagination must come through in every dish, and balance and depth of flavour are all-important.

AA 2 Rosettes

Innovation, greater technical skill and more consistency and judgement in combining and balancing ingredients are all needed at this level.

AA 1 Rosette

Chefs should display a mastery of basic techniques and be able to produce dishes of sound quality and clarity of flavours, using good fresh ingredients.