The RestaurantRater Methodology

A restaurant’s Critic’s Rating is calculated based on a weighted average of reviews from leading published critics and established national players (Zagat, Gayot) and incorporates a select group of local online reviewers and bloggers.

Reviews are weighted based on their comprehensiveness and the pedigree of the source. When the original review contains a numerical rating, such as stars or points, we convert those into our 100-point system. When no numerical rating exists, we use our best interpretive judgment to assign one.

A restaurant can earn up to five extra “Buzz” points for recent inclusion in local “best of” compilations or other published recommendations that don’t reach the threshold of a review.

Each time a new review of an existing restaurant is published, we factor it into our algorithm and adjust our rating.

See all Twin Cities restaurants with Critics' Ratings now!