What makes a restaurant a Delmarvalous Delight for you?

October 1, 2021

Here on Delmarvalous Delights, I try to highlight a number of different types of local businesses, but of course it’s pretty natural that restaurants are the top category because I like to eat 😉

I try to explain why a restaurant works for me, but I want to know: What makes a restaurant stand out as excellent to you? What do you have to experience during your meal there (or from there) that will make you think it was an amazing experience and want to recommend it? So often on Shop Local Delmarva, someone will ask for a recommendation and people will give just the business/restaurant name but won’t say why they’re recommending it, what makes it stand out. That can make it difficult to know which recommendation to take, because without context, it’s just a name on page.

So tell me, what makes a restaurant stand out as good enough for you to return or recommend?

Here’s my answer!

The food has to be above average, meaning it's something that I would remember eating or remember as better than other places. For example, I had a poke bowl a year ago from OC Poke that I still think about. If I think about something long after I’ve had it, that’s above average food and someplace I’m going to recommend.

The service/customer service has to do its job. I just want to know that I'll be able to ask for ketchup or a drink refill and not hunt a server down, because they're going to check on how we're doing, ask if we need anything, and just touch base every so often. I don't need a server to camp at my table, just be available. I also do gauge how a manager is handling customer service issues, whether it’s something I experienced, or customers around me. A great manager can elevate their staff and the customer’s experience to a whole new level.

Cleanliness. First in the bathrooms. Dirty bathrooms in a restaurant are kind of a turn off for me. Also, I’m usually looking to see if tables are being bussed or pre-bussed (as in the staff doesn’t let dirty dishes and glasses pile up on your table around you). I don’t expect them to clear instantly, especially in staffing shortages, but some attention to bussing is nice!

Consistency: If I keep going back to a restaurant and know I can expect the same quality of experience in food, service, atmosphere time after time, that makes a restaurant stand out.

I think those are the top things that resonate with me and make a restaurant memorable and recommendable.

What are yours? Tell me on the Facebook group! 

Angela James is a resident of Salisbury, MD and active in the Delmarva community through volunteer work for organizations such as National Folk Festival, Humane Society of Wicomico, Salisbury Pride Parade and more. A fiction editor, author career consultant and public speaker, she’s a small business owner who understands the power of word of mouth and customer reviews.

Delmarvalous Delights highlights the best of Delmarva, along with hidden gems, and shines a spotlight on those businesses that stand out consistently as Delmarvalous Delights.

If you’d like to invite Angela to visit your business, or try your products, please email angie@delmarvalousdelights.com