Understanding Australia's Restaurant Scoring Systems: AGFG Scores vs SMH Good Food Guide Hats Explained

Two Forks Decide

Apr 29

4 min read

When choosing a restaurant in Australia, many diners look for trusted ratings to guide their decision. Two of the most respected systems are the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) scores and the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) Good Food Guide hats. Both offer valuable insights but work differently and mean different things for your dining experience. Understanding these systems helps you pick the right spot for your next meal, whether you want a casual night out or a special occasion.

What Are AGFG Scores?

The Australian Good Food Guide has been a staple in the local dining scene for decades. It rates restaurants across Australia using a numerical scoring system that ranges from 1 to 20. This score reflects the overall quality of the restaurant, including food, service, atmosphere, and value.

Scores 15 and above indicate a very good restaurant.
Scores 17 and above suggest excellent dining.
Scores 19 or 20 are reserved for the best restaurants in the country.

AGFG scores are based on anonymous visits by professional reviewers who assess every aspect of the dining experience. The guide updates annually, so scores can change as restaurants improve or decline.

How AGFG Scores Affect Your Choice

If you want a reliable, broad overview of a restaurant’s quality, AGFG scores are a great place to start. They give you a clear number to compare different venues. For example, a restaurant with a score of 18 is likely to offer a more refined experience than one with a 14. However, the score alone doesn’t tell you the style of cuisine or the atmosphere, so it’s best to read reviews alongside the score.

What Are SMH Good Food Guide Hats?

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide uses a different approach. Instead of numbers, it awards “hats” to restaurants, similar to Michelin stars in Europe. Hats range from one to three, with three hats being the highest honour.

One hat means a restaurant is very good.
Two hats indicate excellent quality and consistency.
Three hats are reserved for the best restaurants in Australia, showcasing exceptional food, service, and atmosphere.

The SMH guide focuses heavily on the dining experience and innovation. It’s known for highlighting restaurants that push culinary boundaries or offer unique dining concepts.

How SMH Hats Influence Your Dining Decisions

Hats are a quick visual cue for quality and prestige. If you see a restaurant with two or three hats, you can expect a memorable meal, often with creative dishes and top-notch service. One hat restaurants are also excellent but may be more approachable or casual. The SMH guide is especially useful if you want to explore Australia’s fine dining scene or try something new and exciting.

Key Differences Between AGFG Scores and SMH Hats

Feature	AGFG Scores	SMH Good Food Guide Hats
Rating Style	Numerical (1-20)	Symbolic (1-3 hats)
Focus	Overall quality and value	Culinary innovation and experience
Geographic Coverage	Nationwide	Mainly major cities, especially Sydney
Frequency of Updates	Annual	Annual
Usefulness	Comparing broad range of restaurants	Identifying top-tier fine dining

The AGFG score gives a detailed, quantitative measure, while the SMH hats offer a qualitative badge of honour. Both are based on anonymous reviews but highlight different aspects of dining.

Examples of Restaurants with AGFG Scores and SMH Hats

To illustrate, here are some examples of well-known Australian restaurants and their ratings:

Quay (Sydney)

AGFG Score: 19

SMH Hats: 3

Known for its innovative dishes and stunning harbour views, Quay consistently ranks among Australia’s best.

Attica (Melbourne)

AGFG Score: 20

SMH Hats: 3

Attica is famous for its creative use of native Australian ingredients and exceptional service.

The Apollo (Sydney)

AGFG Score: 17

SMH Hats: 1

A popular spot for modern Greek cuisine with a lively atmosphere.

These examples show how the two systems can align but also offer different perspectives. A restaurant might have a high AGFG score but fewer hats if it focuses more on value and consistency than innovation.

How to Use These Ratings When Choosing a Restaurant

Here are some tips for using AGFG scores and SMH hats to find your next meal:

For special occasions, look for restaurants with two or three SMH hats or AGFG scores above 18. These places offer exceptional experiences worth celebrating.
For casual dining, restaurants with AGFG scores between 15 and 17 or one SMH hat provide quality meals without the formality.
Check recent reviews alongside scores or hats to get current insights, as restaurants can change over time.
Consider your preferences: If you want to try cutting-edge cuisine, SMH hats might guide you better. For reliable, well-rounded options, AGFG scores work well.

Why These Systems Matter for Australian Diners

Australia’s food scene is diverse and growing. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose where to eat. These scoring systems help diners navigate the choices by providing trusted, expert opinions. They also encourage restaurants to maintain high standards and innovate, which benefits everyone.

Both AGFG scores and SMH hats have their place. Understanding what each means helps you make informed decisions and enjoy meals that match your expectations.