Poor Hygiene: Visible dirt, unclean tables, or untidy staff can indicate a lack of attention to cleanliness, which might extend to the kitchen and food handling practices.
Unpleasant Odors: A bad smell in or around the restaurant can be a sign of poor cleanliness or sanitation issues.
Empty Dining Area: If the restaurant is empty during peak dining hours, it could suggest that the local clientele does not favor it, possibly due to poor food quality or service.
Rude or Indifferent Staff: If the staff seems uninterested, unprofessional, or rude when you arrive, it's often a reflection of the overall management and service quality.
Overly Extensive Menu: A menu that tries to cover too many cuisines or dishes can be a sign that the restaurant does not specialize in anything particular, potentially compromising the quality of all dishes.
Lack of Fresh Ingredients: Menus that don't feature seasonal or fresh ingredients might rely heavily on frozen or processed foods.
Poor Online Reviews: While not every review can be taken at face value, a pattern of negative feedback regarding food quality, service, or cleanliness can be a strong indicator.
Unclear Food Descriptions: Menus with vague descriptions or an over-reliance on buzzwords without clear explanations of dishes can indicate a lack of focus on the actual food quality.
Bad Food Presentation: If you notice meals being served to other customers that look sloppy or unappetizing, it's often a reflection of the kitchen's attention to detail and quality.
No License or Rating Display: In regions where health ratings or licenses are required to be displayed and you don't see them, it could be a sign of regulatory issues.