7 red flags to avoid a bad restaurant

Here are seven red flags that food critics and seasoned diners agree can signal a restaurant worth avoiding:

1. Empty at Peak Hours
- A near-empty dining room on a Friday night suggests locals are steering clear.
- While exceptions exist (new opening, odd location), consistent emptiness is a major warning.

2. Rude or Aggressive Service
- A cold welcome or dismissive attitude from staff can ruin even a great meal.
- If issues like wrong orders or billing mistakes are met with hostility, it reflects poor management.

3. Questionable Hygiene
- Sticky floors, dirty restrooms, and grimy tables are visible signs of neglect.
- If the front-of-house is dirty, imagine the kitchen. Always check hygiene ratings or reviews.

4. Overworked or Unhappy Staff
- Stressed, disorganized, or visibly unhappy servers often point to mistreatment or lack of training.
- A well-run restaurant treats its team well—and it shows in the service and food.

5. Overly Long or Incoherent Menu
- A menu offering sushi, burgers, pad thai, and fondue? That’s a red flag.
- A focused, seasonal menu usually means fresh ingredients and culinary expertise.

6. Over-the-Top Instagram Decor
- Neon signs, artificial flowers, and gold chairs may look good online but often mask mediocre food.
- When aesthetics trump taste, expect style over substance.

7. Influencer Overload
- If every review is tagged #ad or “free meal,” be skeptical.
- Heavy reliance on influencer marketing can mean the food doesn’t speak for itself.