What Distinguishes DiRōNA from other restaurant guides and inspection programs?

• DiRōNA’s Fine Dining Guarantee
  • Other independent restaurant inspection programs may claim to rate restaurants via anonymous inspection, but DiRōNA is the only anonymous inspection program in North America backed by a money-back, fine dining guarantee. 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.
• DiRōNA’s Inspection Process
  • While other guides offer statistics gathered from public surveys and reviews, DiRōNA inspects each restaurant according to an extensive evaluation. To ensure integrity and independence in the inspection process, DiRōNA established a Quality Assurance Committee, which manages DiRōNA’s independently contracted inspection firm and the Distinguished Dining Advisory Council. The Council is comprised of key media who are responsible for recommending restaurants for inspection and reviewing inspection requests. 
  • Unlike those that rate only a restaurant’s cuisine, DiRōNA evaluates the entire dining experience, taking into consideration things like quality of the physical property, environment, décor of the establishment and service.
• DiRōNA’s Reach
  • DiRōNA’s inspectors visit and bestow the Award of Excellence upon restaurants throughout North America – including the 50 United States of America, Canada and Mexico. Our guide is not restricted to specific cities within the U.S., or limited to only contiguous states.
  • Unlike other guides that target the American and/or European road traveler or offer ratings for restaurants with little discrimination, DiRōNA selectively evaluates restaurants based upon reputation, awards history and recommendation from key industry experts. Our focus is on quality, not quantity.
• Number of DiRōNA Restaurants
  • More than merely a rating system, DiRōNA offers truly outstanding restaurants to the public.  One indication of the discerning taste with which DiRōNA offers its prestigious accreditation: there are currently fewer than 800 restaurants that have received the coveted DiRōNA Award. We are proud to have more restaurants join the ranks of DiRōNA award winners each year, but unlike guides that provide ratings for thousands of establishments, we award only those that have an exceptional presence in the culinary world.
• DiRōNA’s Mission
  • DiRōNA is a non-profit organization founded on the desire to recognize and promote excellence in dining.  So much more than simply a traveler’s resource, DiRōNA prides itself on being the premier authority and resource on the art of creating, recognizing and educating the public about the fine dining experience. DiRōNA is a community of connoisseurs, experts and restaurateurs brought together by a passion for fine food.

*For more details about what makes DiRōNA unique, contact: Cara Clinton at (212) 297-2109

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