<P> Restaurant ratings identify restaurants according to their quality, using notations such as stars or other symbols, or numbers . Stars are a familiar and popular symbol, with scales of one to three or five stars commonly used . Ratings appear in guide books as well as in the media, typically in newspapers, lifestyle magazines and webzines . Websites featuring consumer - written reviews and ratings are increasingly popular, but are far less reliable . </P> <P> In addition, there are ratings given by public health agencies rating the level of sanitation practiced by an establishment . </P> <P> One of the most Well known guides is the Michelin series which award one to three stars to restaurants they perceive to be of high culinary merit . One star indicates a "very good restaurant"; two stars indicate a place "worth a detour"; three stars means "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey". </P> <P> Several bigger newspapers employ restaurant critics and publish online dining guides for the cities they serve, such as the Irish Independent for Irish restaurants . </P>

How many michelin stars can a restaurant get