The Prudential Eat Out Restaurant Awards are proudly brought to you by Prudential Portfolio Managers.

How did 2009's Prudential Eat Out Award winners and Top 10 restaurants make the grade? Here's the low-down on the judging process.

The process
Each year the judges, convened by Eat Out editor Abigail Donnelly, get together to draw up a countrywide list of 20 nominees. This list is compiled from our reviewers' suggestions and our judges' expertise and knowledge of what's happening in the restaurant industry. Each nominee must comply with the following guidelines:

For the next four months, Eat Out's three dedicated judges eat at each of the 20 nominated restaurants. They rate them on food, service and ambience, taking into account the multitude of aspects that make the eating out experience a memorable one.

The scoring
Each restaurant is scored on these criteria. Together the criteria add up to a total of 100.

FOOD {70}

Menu composition, seasonality and sustainability
The judges look for balance - on the menu, in the dishes, and in cooking styles, techniques and ingredients - and an awareness of different dietary requirements. They appreciate the use of local, seasonal produce, ethically sourced animal products and sustainable fish species. {15}

Food presentation
Does the food look appealing? Is the dish plated beautifully? Does it fit the menu description? {15}

Taste
The judges consider the execution of the dishes, the balance of flavours and textures. {25}

Price value
What is delivered on the plate and how is it served? Do you get value for money taking into consideration what you get and where you are? {5}

Wine choice
The variety on offer, wine-and-food pairings, the sommelier and staff's knowledge, and good value are important. {10}

SERVICE {20}
From making the reservation to settling the bill, service is an all-important ingredient to a pleasant experience. Our judges look at the attitude of the staff, their knowledge of the menu, specials and wine pairing, and their willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate special requests.

AMBIENCE {10}
This encompasses the spirit of a restaurant and the overall feeling it creates. Do you feel comfortable? Did thought go into the interior decoration? Are the linen, cutlery and glasses spotless? Is the music pleasant and the bathroom sparkling?