Particularly in the current climate restaurants have to make us want to go there whether for a quick lunch dinner with friends or a special occasion meal. But what makes one better than the other? Do you follow the recommendations ( or otherwise) of food critics reviews or food guides? Personally I go for personall recommendations from friends and colleagues but if I in a strang town or abroad I generally choose a place that busy - especially if it full of locals always a good sign that the food is freshly perpared and will taste good. what I find off-putting is drab tired decor ear-splitting background music and tables packed too tightly in a small space some restaurants are so keen to squeeze in as many diners as possible that on occasions I ve sat so close to the next table I could have joined in their conversation!