THE EXCLUSIVE LABEL
Certificate for Excellence: Recognizing Outstanding Establishments
At The Gastro Label SELECTION, excellence is not just acknowledged; it's celebrated. Each year, we proudly bestow our prestigious award to a select few restaurants, travel companies, and hotels that have stood out in the preceding year. Our meticulous process ensures that every recipient truly deserves this honor.
BY GASTRO LABEL SELECTION
WHAT IS THE GASTRO LABEL AWARD?
The Gastro Label Award is a prestigious recognition granted to restaurants that demonstrate culinary excellence, measured by a rigorous points system. Each restaurant is evaluated on ten critical aspects of its food, and to qualify for the award, it must achieve at least 7 out of 10 points. This ensures that only the most deserving establishments receive this honor.
GASTRO LABEL SELECTION Criteria:
Nomination: Businesses are nominated by visitors or proprietors who recognize their exceptional quality.
Magazine Alignment: In the initial phase, The Gastro Label team assesses whether the nominated establishment aligns with the magazine's values and merits consideration for the award.
Online Evaluation: We dive into the digital realm, scrutinizing online reports, social media presence, websites, and reviews on various platforms to make an informed shortlist.
On-site Evaluation: In cases where a definitive decision proves elusive, The Gastro Label Team takes an extra step. Unannounced and anonymously, a team of five individuals visits the establishment. Convincing three out of five team members seals the deal for the award.
The Award:
The chosen ones receive a framed certificate, an emblem of their commitment to excellence. For those who stand out even further, an accolade in the form of a labeled award complements the certificate.
Symbol of Trust:
Our seal and recognition signify not just quality but the highest standards. Backed by The Gastro Label's extensive reach—boasting over 250k people and several thousand readers of the online magazine—our award instills confidence in customers. It's more than an accolade; it's a testament to unparalleled excellence that resonates far beyond the immediate establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the criteria for the Gastro Label Award?
Our panel evaluates restaurants based on the following 10-point system:
Our panel evaluates restaurants based on the following 10-point system:
1. Food Quality: The primary criterion is the quality of the food. It must meet high standards in taste, preparation, and execution.
2. Ingredient Selection: The choice of ingredients is crucial. Restaurants using artificial additives such as MSG or flavor enhancers lose points. Fresh, natural, and ethically sourced ingredients are key.
3. Creativity and Originality: We look for innovative ideas and unique flavor combinations that make the menu stand out. Does the restaurant offer something special or innovative? New culinary techniques, rare ingredients, or modern twists on traditional dishes can make a big impact.
4. Ambiance: The overall atmosphere of the restaurant must enhance the dining experience. Whether casual or formal, the ambiance should align with the type of cuisine served.
5. Service: Excellent service is essential. Staff should be attentive, knowledgeable, and contribute to a positive dining experience.
6. Interior Design: The decor must reflect the spirit of the restaurant. It doesn’t have to be luxurious, but it should match the character of the food. A high-end restaurant should feel sophisticated, while a top-tier street food joint should retain its authentic vibe.
7. Public Image & Social Media: How the restaurant presents itself to the public, particularly on social media, plays a role. Unique or creative marketing and engagement can earn extra points here.
8. Sustainability Practices: Restaurants that emphasize sustainability, such as minimizing food waste, using eco-friendly packaging, or supporting local farmers, can earn extra recognition.
9. Cleanliness & Hygiene: Beyond food quality, the cleanliness of both the dining area and the kitchen is non-negotiable. A well-maintained and hygienic space is critical.
10. Community Engagement: Restaurants that engage with their local community, whether through supporting local initiatives or hosting events, can stand out. This criterion reflects a restaurant's broader impact beyond just food.
2. Ingredient Selection: The choice of ingredients is crucial. Restaurants using artificial additives such as MSG or flavor enhancers lose points. Fresh, natural, and ethically sourced ingredients are key.
3. Creativity and Originality: We look for innovative ideas and unique flavor combinations that make the menu stand out. Does the restaurant offer something special or innovative? New culinary techniques, rare ingredients, or modern twists on traditional dishes can make a big impact.
4. Ambiance: The overall atmosphere of the restaurant must enhance the dining experience. Whether casual or formal, the ambiance should align with the type of cuisine served.
5. Service: Excellent service is essential. Staff should be attentive, knowledgeable, and contribute to a positive dining experience.
6. Interior Design: The decor must reflect the spirit of the restaurant. It doesn’t have to be luxurious, but it should match the character of the food. A high-end restaurant should feel sophisticated, while a top-tier street food joint should retain its authentic vibe.
7. Public Image & Social Media: How the restaurant presents itself to the public, particularly on social media, plays a role. Unique or creative marketing and engagement can earn extra points here.
8. Sustainability Practices: Restaurants that emphasize sustainability, such as minimizing food waste, using eco-friendly packaging, or supporting local farmers, can earn extra recognition.
9. Cleanliness & Hygiene: Beyond food quality, the cleanliness of both the dining area and the kitchen is non-negotiable. A well-maintained and hygienic space is critical.
10. Community Engagement: Restaurants that engage with their local community, whether through supporting local initiatives or hosting events, can stand out. This criterion reflects a restaurant's broader impact beyond just food.
Why the Gastro Label Award Uses a 10-Point System?
The Gastro Label Award is not about absolute perfection, but rather about celebrating creativity, innovation, and the unique identity of restaurants. In the world of gastronomy, change and fresh ideas are essential—each restaurant tells its own story, serving diverse audiences with varying tastes and expectations. This is why the Gastro Label Award doesn’t aim to only recognize fine dining or Michelin-starred establishments; it is open to all types of restaurateurs.
The award focuses on finding special places with exceptional food and atmosphere that leave a lasting impression on their guests. From hidden gems and family-owned eateries to trendy food spots, the focus is on finding remarkable experiences rather than flawless execution. The 10-point system allows flexibility and fairness by acknowledging that every restaurant excels in different areas. A restaurant does not need to achieve all 10 points for excellence but must reach at least 7 out of 10 to qualify for the award. This ensures that restaurants with different styles and approaches have a fair chance of being recognized, even if they cater to different target audiences.
This approach reflects Gastro Label’s belief that success in the culinary world is not one-dimensional. By rewarding creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to create memorable dining experiences, the Gastro Label Award allows restaurants to shine in their own unique ways. Whether it’s exceptional service, creative use of local ingredients, or a distinctive atmosphere, the award aims to honor diversity in the global dining scene.
In summary, the 10-point system allows for flexibility and fairness, ensuring that restaurants from various culinary backgrounds can achieve recognition by excelling in the areas that matter most to them and their guests.
Are Gastro Label Awards given annually?
No, the Gastro Label Award is presented only once. We do not operate on an annual
No, the Gastro Label Award is presented only once. We do not operate on an annual
Who decides who receives the awards?
The awards are determined by a panel of five industry experts. This diverse jury includes restaurateurs, food editors, and ordinary epicures and gourmets. This broad representation ensures a well-rounded and fair decision-making process.
The awards are determined by a panel of five industry experts. This diverse jury includes restaurateurs, food editors, and ordinary epicures and gourmets. This broad representation ensures a well-rounded and fair decision-making process.
How many visits does it take before deciding to grant an award?
Typically, the jury visits a restaurant only once before making their decision to maintain anonymity. However, exceptions may occur. Since our jury includes restaurateurs, there may be instances where something observed during the initial visit warrants a second review. In such cases, the jury will visit the restaurant a second time to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation.
Typically, the jury visits a restaurant only once before making their decision to maintain anonymity. However, exceptions may occur. Since our jury includes restaurateurs, there may be instances where something observed during the initial visit warrants a second review. In such cases, the jury will visit the restaurant a second time to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation.
What do you order during your visits?
The jury aims to sample a broad selection from the menu to gain a comprehensive understanding of the restaurant’s offerings. This approach allows them to evaluate the overall quality and consistency of the dishes.
The jury aims to sample a broad selection from the menu to gain a comprehensive understanding of the restaurant’s offerings. This approach allows them to evaluate the overall quality and consistency of the dishes.
How important is international experience for inspectors?
It is very important. All inspectors are sent around the world. The range of countries and restaurants is extensive, ensuring that all inspectors apply the same standards and evaluate based on the same criteria—a Gastro Label Award has the same meaning and value anywhere in the world.
It is very important. All inspectors are sent around the world. The range of countries and restaurants is extensive, ensuring that all inspectors apply the same standards and evaluate based on the same criteria—a Gastro Label Award has the same meaning and value anywhere in the world.
Can any restaurant qualify for a Gastro Label Award?
Yes, any restaurant, regardless of style or cuisine, can qualify for a Gastro Label Award.
Yes, any restaurant, regardless of style or cuisine, can qualify for a Gastro Label Award.
Do restaurants need to apply for the Gastro Label Award?
Yes, restaurants need to apply for the Gastro Label Award. While we often receive suggestions from our social media followers and readers of our online articles, restaurateurs can also nominate their own establishments anonymously through our website. This ensures a wide range of worthy candidates for consideration.
Yes, restaurants need to apply for the Gastro Label Award. While we often receive suggestions from our social media followers and readers of our online articles, restaurateurs can also nominate their own establishments anonymously through our website. This ensures a wide range of worthy candidates for consideration.
What does being awarded the Gastro Label Award mean?
It is a mark of excellence. The award is given only to those establishments that have met our high standards and have been carefully evaluated by our team. Winning the Gastro Label Award places a restaurant among a select group of culinary hotspots recognized for their outstanding quality and service.
It is a mark of excellence. The award is given only to those establishments that have met our high standards and have been carefully evaluated by our team. Winning the Gastro Label Award places a restaurant among a select group of culinary hotspots recognized for their outstanding quality and service.
What benefits does the Gastro Label Award provide?
They are numerous. Award recipients receive a high-quality glass award and a print-ready certificate to display in their establishment. Additionally, they are featured on our online platforms, including a dedicated article on gastro-label.com and promotions across our social media channels, reaching over 250,000 people. This exposure helps attract new customers and enhances the restaurant's reputation.
They are numerous. Award recipients receive a high-quality glass award and a print-ready certificate to display in their establishment. Additionally, they are featured on our online platforms, including a dedicated article on gastro-label.com and promotions across our social media channels, reaching over 250,000 people. This exposure helps attract new customers and enhances the restaurant's reputation.
Can the Gastro Label Award be purchased?
No! We receive daily inquiries from restaurateurs and restaurants eager to pay for the award, sometimes even thousands of euros. However, the Gastro Label Award cannot be bought. It is awarded solely based on exceptional performance and merit.
No! We receive daily inquiries from restaurateurs and restaurants eager to pay for the award, sometimes even thousands of euros. However, the Gastro Label Award cannot be bought. It is awarded solely based on exceptional performance and merit.
If a restaurant qualifies for the Gastro Label Award and receives the distinction, there is a fee for the usage rights of the Gastro Label seal. This fee includes a high-quality glass award, a certificate, a dedicated feature article on our website, and the shipping of these items to your restaurant. It also covers social media promotions across all our channels, reaching over 250,000 followers for one year, and the usage rights for the award seal across all global platforms (except TV, which requires a separate agreement). Additionally, an emblem for display on your website is included.
The usage rights for the Gastro Label seal are valid for one year, allowing you to showcase this prestigious recognition globally on all social media and online platforms, significantly boosting your restaurant's reputation and visibility.
The gold award and certificate, as well as all logos and emblems, can be used indefinitely and remain with the restaurant.
What happens if a nomination does not lead to an award?
Nothing negative is mentioned. If a nominated company does not meet the standards required for the award, this is kept confidential. We only publish positive reviews, and no information about the companies that were not awarded is shared. Our focus is on celebrating excellence, not criticizing those who do not meet our criteria. In addition, the restaurant can reapply for the Gastro Label Award after 12 months.
Nothing negative is mentioned. If a nominated company does not meet the standards required for the award, this is kept confidential. We only publish positive reviews, and no information about the companies that were not awarded is shared. Our focus is on celebrating excellence, not criticizing those who do not meet our criteria. In addition, the restaurant can reapply for the Gastro Label Award after 12 months.
You can submit your nominations here:
Thank you!
