It's Zagat time again. The Zagat Survey — that little red book of restaurant reviews — has named its 2010 America's Top Restaurants.
The guide lists top eateries in 45 major markets. It's based on the opinions of more than 145,000 diners on food, decor and service.
The Salt Lake market has only 20 listings, and they haven't changed much since the 2009 survey. The top two restaurants are Takashi in downtown Salt Lake City and The Mariposa in Deer Valley, which ranked at the top of the 2009 book. Each received a composite score of 27 out of 30 possible points.
The next four restaurants all earned 26 points: Red Iguana, Cucina Toscana and Mazza, all in Salt Lake City; and Shabu in Park City.
Four more restaurants that each earned 25 points are Metropolitan in Salt Lake City, Tree Room at Sundance Resort, and the Seafood Buffet and Glitretind, both in Deer Valley.
Other places listed are Bambara, Fresco, Log Haven, Lugano, Market Street Grill, Martine, New Yorker and Pago, all in Salt Lake City; and Wahso and Jean Louis, both in Park City.
Since 1979, founders Tim and Nina Zagat have asked consumers to rate restaurants on food, decor and service. Lest you think that these voters are all on expense accounts, the surveyors say only 15 percent of their meals are business related.
If your favorite restaurant didn't make the list, go to Zagat.com and try to rectify that for next time. Really, I can think of so many good places that should be contenders.
Although Salt Lake City's top restaurants didn't change much, America's dining habits did.
Of those surveyed, 43 percent say they're eating out less, 41 percent are more price-sensitive and 36 percent are eating in less pricey places.
Also, 22 percent are skipping appetizers or desserts and 19 percent are cutting back on alcohol. Other cost cutters: 10 percent go to expensive places for lunch in lieu of dinner and 7 percent are less likely to try new places.
Also, 44 percent say they're cooking more and enjoying it. And then there's the lucky 26 percent who say the economy has had no effect on their dining habits.
And despite the cost-cutting efforts, 61 percent of surveyors around the country say they're willing to pay more for "green" products and menu items, up 5 percent from last year.
When it comes to health, 69 percent consider low-carb, low-fat, heart-healthy menu items to be important, while 65 percent say trans fats should be banned.
Restaurants have responded to the economy with different specials and promotions to lure in customers, and diners say they're taking advantage. Of those surveyed 54 percent say they are finding better deals at restaurants, 40 percent feel their patronage is more appreciated.
Although 22 percent say that service has improved, 68 percent name it as their top complaint when eating out. Yet, Salt Lake patrons say they continue to leave a 19.1 percent tip, on average. The highest tippers are in St. Louis and Philadelphia, with a 19.6 percent tip; the lowest are Hawaii and Seattle with 18.4 percent. Also, Las Vegas has the highest per-meal average at $44.44. Say what? What about all those all-you-can eat buffets?
e-mail: vphillips@desnews.com