A few weeks back I wrote about the star rating system for hotels. Today, I want to look at the star rating system of restaurants.

The reason why I am writing about the rating system for restaurant’s is I want to know and I want you to know what to expect when you walk into a restaurant. Are you getting your monies worth in terms of food and service?

A quick search at Google.com revealed the Mobil Star Rating system. It is recommended because to get a rating form Mobil the restaurant has to pass a rigorous inspection and service evaluation. This includes cuisine, service, décor, and presentation.

The Mobil rating system was started in 1958. The ratings were given by anonymous, paid staff members. A star ratings were to be from one to five stars, with no half-stars or zero stars. These star were to be based on objective criteria. A four or five-star rating was a considerable honor, with only a very few getting the top rating. Today it is managed by the same people who manages Forbes Magazine.

I found a detailed explanation of  the Mobil Star rating system at ForbesTravelGuide.com. Below is where I summarized those star rating the criteria. Let it be noted that I took out many of the elite words, because I believe the dining experience should not be a rigid formal experience.

Mobil One-Star restaurants provides a local experience through the food they serve and atmosphere. The food is good. Service may be limited to buffet or pick up your own. Here you will find places like local barbecue places, snack shacks, pizza parlors, and mom & pop operations. McDonald’s and Burger Kings don’t get a rating.

Mobil Two-Star establishment serves freshly prepared food along with a polite servers. The place is clean and well-maintained. These are usually cater to families. Mobil Two-Star restaurants usually showcase a distinct cuisine like Japanese, French, or American.

Mobil Three-Star offers skillfully prepared food with a focus on a specific style or cuisine. Dining room staff provides warm and professional service. The whole look and feel says quality in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mobil Four-Star Restaurants are exceptional in the food they feature. Staff in the kitchen and dinning room are highly trained.  To get a Mobil Four-Star the restaurant must provide a style of refined dining .

Mobil Five-Star Restaurants is an elite group. To get a five star rating the restaurant must deliver a flawless dining experience. The food that would make even Chef Ramsey from Hell’s Kitchen smile. Only a very few restaurants are even considered for the five star rating.

Bottom-line: I know I should not say it, but I am going to say it anyway. The higher the star the more money you are going to pay. I have eaten at 4 star restaurants before and enjoyed the whole experience. However, I am such a cheap person, I prefer, when I do eat out, to eat at 1 and 2 star places. I find the atmosphere more relaxed, I can laugh and joke out loud.

Tags: Forbes Magazine, Gordon Ramsey, Hell's Kitchen, Mobil Rating, restaurants