Zagat
Zagat Survey is the world's leading provider ofconsumer survey-based restaurant, nightlife,travel and leisure information, with more than 250,000 voters participating worldwide.
Zagat.com's reviews are similar in format to the print version, with no enticing food photos or location shots. You'll never confuse an ad on the site for one of the listings.
Zagat.com distinguishes between unregistered users, registered users and subscribers. The first two options are free. Unregistered users can do a simple search only, and information provided is limited to the restaurant name, address, cross street and phone number; it's pretty much for those who already have a specific restaurant in mind. Registered users get the same information but can also become a Zagateer, adding their vote on locations. Subscribers to Zagat.com access full listings, with options for advanced search and Top Lists (top-rated restaurants in categories such as Outdoor, Hamburgers or Power Lunch). Plus there are mapping tools, lists of attractions and destinations near your chosen restaurant, a saved and recent locations index, favorites, and -- perhaps the coolest bonus feature -- a diary option for would-be Ruth Reichls to record their experiences. A year-long subscription for full access to restaurant listings runs $19.95 ($3.95 for 30 days).
Zagat.com subscribers see the cost of an average meal included with restaurant listings and can use cost as one of the advanced search features. Out of 1,874 Manhattan listings, for example, 41 popped up with meals under $10.
For digestible information, ease of use, streamlined presentation and opinions presented with a just-the-facts-ma'am attitude, Zagat.com remains the master of the online restaurant listing. But is it worth the $19.95 for a year's subscription? For foodies and frequent travelers who like their road food with ratings on the side, we'd say yes.