Eating out is not what it used to be. Increasingly it seems dining is not just about the food, but it’s about the experience, values and expectation. When choosing your meal out, what ranks as the most important factors for you in choosing your restaurant or cafe?

Healthy Options

The health benefits of our food are often a major factor in our dining selection. Whilst there are some foods that we know we ought to avoid, whether it be a burger and chips saturated in Trans Fat, to cereals or sodas containing Corn Syrup, or anything containing artificial sweeter; the question of – what is healthy or best? – is not as simple as it seems.

Today we are inundated with any number of ideas about what is and what is not a healthy meal. Low carb or low sugar? Holistic or all natural? Many buzz words tell us something about our foods, however, unfortunately not everything. Yet, what is clear is that diners want meal options which include healthy choices on their menu.

Local

For many diners, the idea of healthy is not the only factor. Increasingly, diners are concerned about whether food is locally sourced and produced. This can include preference for seasonal products, regional seafood or craft beer. It may also include knowing something of the suppliers and supply chains of the food we are served.

Cuisine

The menu matters. Most diners are not looking for the food they could cook at home. Craving for ethnic cuisine or innovative meals factor highly in dining choice. It may include trying a meal with the latest superfood, or a modern twist on a classic.

Technology

Then there is the question of how the restaurant rates on Trip Advisor, Yelp, Zomato, WOMO, or Beanhunter? This is particularly important for younger generations, although older diners are growing in their use of these sites.

Eating out is not as simple as it used to be. What’s most important in your meal choice is ultimately your judgement call. Does locally sourced and produced trump innovation or client reviews? Perhaps it is simply about the taste and ambiance of the restaurant or cafe.

At Sage Cafe Restaurant we pride ourselves on great food, however we also understand that your meal out is so much more. Join us for lunch or dinner for a great dining experience.