What is the ReliaBite rating?
Our global score is based on feedback from our community, collected through a review form that we carefully designed with the help of experienced allergists. The questions in this form were thoughtfully chosen in collaboration with these experts to focus on the most important aspects of how a restaurant handles food restrictions.
This careful selection ensures that our standardized rating system accurately reflects both a restaurant's ability to accommodate guests with food allergies or specific dietary needs and its track record of doing so.
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We then, calculate a global score by weighing the answers to certain questions on the form.
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This approach allows us to provide a consistent and reliable assessment, helping you make safe and informed dining choices.
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Our goal is not only to offer a useful tool for individuals managing food allergies but also to encourage restaurants to maintain high standards of care and transparency. By providing a trustworthy measure of how well a restaurant responds to food restrictions, we aim to promote safer and more inclusive dining experiences for everyone.
What do our ratings mean?
At ReliaBite, our ratings provide a consistent and reliable measure of how well a restaurant handles food restrictions. Each rating on our site is standardized, ensuring that a 5-star rating reflects the same level of care and attention to food restrictions across all restaurants on our platform.
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Our ratings are based on feedback from the community, with diners like you filling out a specific questionnaire about their experiences at various restaurants. This questionnaire was carefully crafted with input from allergists and food restriction experts to identify the key factors that make a restaurant safe and reliable for those with specific dietary needs. Keys aspects are considered to give you an accurate picture of what to expect.​​
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5-star rating: This is the highest rating possible. This means that the restaurant has an almost perfect track record of going above and beyond in handling food restrictions. Almost all customers with food restrictions were extremely satisfied with their experience, and all of them would return to the restaurant or recommend it to a friend with dietary restrictions.
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4-star rating: This is a strong rating. It means that the restaurant has a solid track record in handling food restrictions well, although it may not consistently go "above and beyond." Most customers with food restrictions were satisfied with their experience and would return to the restaurant.
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3-star rating: This is a mediocre rating. It means that the restaurant does not have a consistent track record in prioritizing the needs of customers with food restrictions. While the restaurant isn't necessarily bad, we recommend taking extra precautions when dining there or considering dining at an alternative restaurant with a 4 or 5-star rating for a more reliable experience.
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2-star rating: This is a bad rating. It means that, according to our data, the restaurant does not prioritize their customers with food restrictions. We would recommend finding an alternative restaurant with a 4 or 5-star rating for a more reliable experience.
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1-star rating: This is the lowest rating on our platform. It means that, according to our data, multiple customers have had bad experiences and we would not recommend dining here. We would recommend finding an alternative restaurant with a 4 or 5-star rating for a more reliable experience.
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Half stars: This indicates that the restaurant falls between two ratings. It means the restaurant partially meets the criteria of both the higher and lower ratings.
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Understanding ReliaBite’s ratings will empower you to choose restaurants that prioritize your safety and dietary needs, helping you enjoy your dining experiences with peace of mind.
What should I do before dining out?
Preparation is key to a safe dining experience, especially for individuals with food restrictions. Before deciding on a restaurant, it is essential to take several precautionary steps to ensure your meal will be safe.
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Start by researching the culture of the cuisine you are interested in, as some culinary traditions may heavily feature ingredients that you are allergic to or need to avoid. If you find that your allergens are commonly used in that cuisine, it may be safer to choose a different type of restaurant where your dietary restrictions can be more easily accommodated.
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Next, review the restaurant's menu and allergy policies online. Many restaurants provide detailed information about their dishes, including common allergens. This can help you identify any potential risks before you even step through the door. However, menus alone may not provide the full picture, so it is also important to call ahead. When you contact the restaurant, ask about their ability to accommodate your specific allergies and inquire about the precautions they take to prevent cross-contamination.
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Finally, check the ReliaBite rating on the restaurants page and ensure that the restaurant does not recommend against dining there if you have specific food restrictions.
This advance planning is crucial in avoiding risky situations and finding restaurants that are more likely to provide a safe meal. Once you have selected a restaurant and confirmed they can meet your needs, you can dine out with greater confidence. However, even with thorough preparation, it is still important to communicate clearly with the staff when you arrive, ensuring they understand the severity of your condition and the exact ingredients you need to avoid.
How can I communicate my allergies to restaurant staff effectively?
1. Inform the Server:
As soon as you are seated, clearly inform your server about your specific allergies. Be direct about the foods you need to avoid and the severity of your condition.
2. Speak to the Chef or Manager:
If possible, request to speak directly with the chef or manager. This allows you to explain your allergies in detail and ensures they fully understand your needs.
3. Use Clear Language:
When discussing your allergies, use simple and specific language. Avoid technical terms and clearly identify the allergens, such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, or dairy.
4. Ask About Cross-Contamination:
Inquire about the restaurant’s practices to prevent cross-contamination. Ask if they use separate preparation areas, utensils, and equipment for allergen-free meals.
5. Be Prepared to Choose Another Option: If the staff seems uncertain or unable to accommodate your needs confidently, it may be safer to dine elsewhere.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable dining experience.
Good meal choices
When selecting dishes while dining out with dietary restrictions, follow these steps for a safer experience:
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Choose Simple Preparations: Opt for grilled, baked, or steamed foods, which are less likely to contain hidden ingredients that conflict with your dietary needs.
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Avoid Sauces and Dressings: These often include restricted ingredients, so it is safer to skip them or ask for them on the side.
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Focus on Plain Foods: Select plain meats, vegetables, and salads as they are generally safer choices, but still require confirmation.
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Confirm Ingredients and Preparation: Always ask the staff about the ingredients and how the dish is prepared to ensure it aligns with your restrictions.
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Request Adjustments or Substitutions: Be prepared to ask for modifications to the dish to ensure it meets your dietary requirements.
By following these steps, you can better manage your dietary restrictions and enjoy a safer dining experience.