DiRōNA FAQ's

What is DiRōNA?
The Distinguished Restaurants of North America was founded in 1990 as a non-profit organization to serve as the authority for recognizing and promoting excellence in fine dining. The DiRōNA Award of Excellence, established in 1992, recognizes restaurants that exemplify the highest quality dining experience—from ambiance to the quality of food, wine and service. DiRōNA has gained recognition and respect within the restaurant community, and recently turned its efforts toward a broader consumer-marketing program.

How does the DiRōNA Awards program differ from other restaurant awards programs?
The DiRōNA Awards program is the only independent, anonymous restaurant inspection program in North America backed by a fine dining guarantee. To qualify for the award, restaurants must pass a rigorous 75-point evaluation, conducted by a specially trained independent panel of industry professionals and distinguished dining connoisseurs.

What is DiRōNA’s Fine Dining Guarantee?
DiRōNA stands behind its award qualifications and inspection process, and guarantees that diners will have an exceptional dining experience at all DiRōNA restaurants. If a consumer is unsatisfied with an experience at a DiRōNA restaurant, and the restaurant does not remedy the complaint in a timely manner, he/she can apply to be reimbursed for up to $200 of the bill. 

How do you define distinguished dining?
A distinguished restaurant is one that stands apart from all others. It is characterized by excellence in all facets of the dining experience—food, beverages, service and environment. It consistently provides high quality, value for the dollar and a memorable experience.

How does a restaurant get on the list of potential restaurants to be visited?
Prospective restaurants are identified through DiRōNA’s Distinguished Dining Advisory Council, evaluation and criteria, restaurant critics, guidebooks, magazines and recommendations of individuals knowledgeable in the area of distinguished dining. The Distinguished Dining Advisory Council – a committee composed of key food savvy media - makes recommendations as to which restaurants will be inspected by DiRōNA’s independently contracted inspection firm.

Can a restaurant be re-inspected if it doesn’t pass the first time?
Yes, if the Quality Assurance Committee feels the first evaluation did not yield clear-cut results a restaurant may be re-inspected.

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