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The Recognition System

Awards & Recognition

A clear progression of awards — from the moment we discover something special, to the restaurants we cannot stop returning to, to the finest plates and tables we have ever experienced.

Tier 1
Best of the Best badge

Best of the Best

The highest restaurant recognition The Culinary Duo gives.

★★★★★+++
Tier 2
Favorite Tables Around Town badge

Favorite Tables Around Town

Restaurants we intentionally return to — exclusive to Stroll Magazine features.

★★★★★++
Tier 3
Best of the Best Dish badge

Best of the Best Dish

Recognition for extraordinary individual menu items.

★★★★★+
Tier 4
Hidden Gem badge

Hidden Gem

Under-the-radar places worth going out of your way for.

★★★★★
Tier 5
Unexpected Find badge

Unexpected Find

Recognition for places that surprised and impressed us.

★★★★
Recognition Awards

A clear progression every reader can trust.

Each award has a specific purpose. None are purchased, forced, or automatically assigned. They are given when a restaurant, dish, or experience genuinely stands out.

Tier 1
Best of the Best badge

Best of the Best

★★★★★+++

Purpose

The highest restaurant recognition The Culinary Duo gives.

One of the finest restaurants we have ever reviewed.

Ideal For

  • Destination dining
  • Tasting menus
  • Iconic regional kitchens
  • Fine dining rooms

Criteria

  • Exceptional food
  • Exceptional service
  • Exceptional atmosphere
  • Exceptional consistency
Tier 2
Favorite Tables Around Town badge

Favorite Tables Around Town

★★★★★++

Purpose

Restaurants we intentionally return to — exclusive to Stroll Magazine features.

This is a restaurant we actively seek out and return to.

Ideal For

  • Restaurants we revisit
  • Special occasion spots
  • Date night destinations
  • Local favorites

Criteria

  • 5-star experience
  • Proven repeatability
  • Personal connection
Tier 3
Best of the Best Dish badge

Best of the Best Dish

★★★★★+

Purpose

Recognition for extraordinary individual menu items.

One of the finest examples of this dish we have experienced.

Ideal For

  • Signature dishes
  • Standout desserts
  • Iconic regional plates
  • Chef specialties

Criteria

  • Truly memorable
  • Stands above competitors
  • Rarely awarded
Tier 4
Hidden Gem badge

Hidden Gem

★★★★★

Purpose

Under-the-radar places worth going out of your way for.

A quiet standout most people have not discovered yet.

Ideal For

  • Neighborhood kitchens
  • Family-run restaurants
  • Off-the-beaten-path spots
  • Quiet local favorites

Criteria

  • Consistently great food
  • Little mainstream attention
  • Worth the trip
Tier 5
Unexpected Find badge

Unexpected Find

★★★★

Purpose

Recognition for places that surprised and impressed us.

This place exceeded our expectations and deserves attention.

Ideal For

  • Food trucks
  • Pizza counters
  • Takeout & coffee
  • Bakeries & BBQ stands
  • Small local eateries

Criteria

  • Great food
  • Strong value
  • Memorable experience
  • Not necessarily full service
Editorial Categories

Features, not awards.

These categories sit alongside our awards — editorial coverage of the places we travel to and the experiences we are invited into.

On the Road with The Culinary Duo

Travel destination features from cities we explore.

DallasCharlestonNashvilleSavannah

On the Guest List

Invited experiences — chef's tables, openings, exclusive tastings.

Chef's TablesMedia EventsGrand OpeningsExclusive Tastings

How The Culinary Duo Awards Work

Every award is based on a real dining experience by The Culinary Duo. Awards are not purchased, forced, or automatically assigned — they are earned when a restaurant, dish, or experience genuinely stands out.