Bloxodes

All 36 Rating Factors in Restaurant Tycoon 3

Updated on (13 days ago)

The five-star rating is arithmetic, not vibes: every factor on this list adds a fixed slice to its category, and the categories sum to the stars over your door. Chasing five stars is a checklist problem, and this is the checklist.

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section

Service

10 items

Staff and workflow factors that also make the restaurant run better.

Waiter Tray Upgrade

Waiter Tray is a small Service gain. It is one of the first upgrade purchases that feeds the Service bar.

Category rating
0.25
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.05
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Waiter Tray upgrade.

Waiter Cart Upgrade

Waiter Cart matches Waiter Tray as a small Service gain. Buy it after the tray if staff still cannot keep plates moving.

Category rating
0.25
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.05
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Waiter Cart upgrade.

Card Payments Upgrade

Card Payments is a mid-size Service requirement. It is an upgrade purchase, not a staffing or speed check.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Card Payments upgrade.

Customers Seated Quickly

This Service check is about seating speed, not a named upgrade. Enough servers and a clear path to tables help more than extra decor.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Service speed
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Workers
How to complete
Seat arriving customers promptly. The official wiki does not list a time in seconds.

Customer Orders taken Quickly

Order speed is a Service-bar check. Staff who can greet and take orders without a pile-up are what this row is watching.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Service speed
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Workers
How to complete
Take customer orders promptly after they sit down. The official wiki does not list a time in seconds.

Food Given to Customers Quickly

This Service check is about food reaching the table. Chefs, servers, and a short kitchen-to-seat path all support it.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Service speed
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Workers
How to complete
Get cooked food to tables promptly. The official wiki does not list a time in seconds.

Have 8 Chefs

The Service bar wants a full kitchen staff of 8 chefs. This is a headcount check, not a chef level check.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Staff
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Workers
How to complete
Hire 8 chefs. That is the chef hiring cap.

Have 8 Waiters

The Service bar wants 8 waiters. The rating table uses Waiters, while the staff menu uses Servers for the same role.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Staff
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Workers
How to complete
Hire 8 waiters. The Workers page calls this role Servers, with the same 8-person cap.

Chef Average Level is 5

This Service row looks at chef levels, not how many chefs you hired. Average level 5 means the kitchen staff is fully upgraded.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Staff
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Workers
How to complete
Raise chefs until their average level is 5. Worker levels cap at 5.

Server Average Level is 5

Server average level 5 is the largest Service-bar gain. It is worth more than the chef-level row and more than any single Service upgrade.

Category rating
1.0
Type
Staff
Total rating
0.2
Related system
Workers
How to complete
Raise servers until their average level is 5. Worker levels cap at 5.
NameDescriptionCategory ratingTypeTotal ratingRelated systemHow to complete
Waiter Tray UpgradeWaiter Tray is a small Service gain. It is one of the first upgrade purchases that feeds the Service bar.0.25Upgrade0.05UpgradesBuy the Waiter Tray upgrade.
Waiter Cart UpgradeWaiter Cart matches Waiter Tray as a small Service gain. Buy it after the tray if staff still cannot keep plates moving.0.25Upgrade0.05UpgradesBuy the Waiter Cart upgrade.
Card Payments UpgradeCard Payments is a mid-size Service requirement. It is an upgrade purchase, not a staffing or speed check.0.5Upgrade0.1UpgradesBuy the Card Payments upgrade.
Customers Seated QuicklyThis Service check is about seating speed, not a named upgrade. Enough servers and a clear path to tables help more than extra decor.0.5Service speed0.1WorkersSeat arriving customers promptly. The official wiki does not list a time in seconds.
Customer Orders taken QuicklyOrder speed is a Service-bar check. Staff who can greet and take orders without a pile-up are what this row is watching.0.5Service speed0.1WorkersTake customer orders promptly after they sit down. The official wiki does not list a time in seconds.
Food Given to Customers QuicklyThis Service check is about food reaching the table. Chefs, servers, and a short kitchen-to-seat path all support it.0.5Service speed0.1WorkersGet cooked food to tables promptly. The official wiki does not list a time in seconds.
Have 8 ChefsThe Service bar wants a full kitchen staff of 8 chefs. This is a headcount check, not a chef level check.0.5Staff0.1WorkersHire 8 chefs. That is the chef hiring cap.
Have 8 WaitersThe Service bar wants 8 waiters. The rating table uses Waiters, while the staff menu uses Servers for the same role.0.5Staff0.1WorkersHire 8 waiters. The Workers page calls this role Servers, with the same 8-person cap.
Chef Average Level is 5This Service row looks at chef levels, not how many chefs you hired. Average level 5 means the kitchen staff is fully upgraded.0.5Staff0.1WorkersRaise chefs until their average level is 5. Worker levels cap at 5.
Server Average Level is 5Server average level 5 is the largest Service-bar gain. It is worth more than the chef-level row and more than any single Service upgrade.1.0Staff0.2WorkersRaise servers until their average level is 5. Worker levels cap at 5.

section

Food

7 items

Level 2 Kitchens Upgrade

Level 2 Kitchens is a Food-bar upgrade. It is the first kitchen-tier purchase that feeds rating.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Level 2 Kitchens upgrade.

Level 3 Kitchens Upgrade

Level 3 Kitchens matches Level 2 as a Food-bar upgrade. Level 4 Kitchens exists as an upgrade, but it is not a Food rating row.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Level 3 Kitchens upgrade.

Unlock 200 Foods

Unlocking 200 foods is a Food-bar milestone. It counts dishes you have unlocked, not the 10/20/10 live-menu checks.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Menu
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Food
How to complete
Unlock 200 food dishes. This is unlock progress, not the number of dishes currently on the menu.

At least 10 Starters on Menu

The Food bar wants 10 starters available to order. Unlocked starters sitting off the menu do not count.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Menu
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Food
How to complete
Keep at least 10 starter dishes on the current menu.

At least 10 Desserts on Menu

The Food bar wants 10 desserts on the live menu. This is a course-count check, separate from unlocking 200 foods.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Menu
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Food
How to complete
Keep at least 10 dessert dishes on the current menu.

At least 20 Mains on Menu

Twenty mains on the menu is the bigger Food course check. It is worth twice as much total rating as the starter or dessert rows.

Category rating
1.0
Type
Menu
Total rating
0.2
Related system
Food
How to complete
Keep at least 20 main dishes on the current menu.

2 Order Counters, 6 Ovens and 6 Kitchen Counters on plot

This combined kitchen setup is the largest Food-bar gain. All three counts have to be on the plot at the same time.

Category rating
1.5
Type
Kitchen equipment
Total rating
0.3
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 2 order counters, 6 ovens, and 6 kitchen counters on the plot.
NameDescriptionCategory ratingTypeTotal ratingRelated systemHow to complete
Level 2 Kitchens UpgradeLevel 2 Kitchens is a Food-bar upgrade. It is the first kitchen-tier purchase that feeds rating.0.5Upgrade0.1UpgradesBuy the Level 2 Kitchens upgrade.
Level 3 Kitchens UpgradeLevel 3 Kitchens matches Level 2 as a Food-bar upgrade. Level 4 Kitchens exists as an upgrade, but it is not a Food rating row.0.5Upgrade0.1UpgradesBuy the Level 3 Kitchens upgrade.
Unlock 200 FoodsUnlocking 200 foods is a Food-bar milestone. It counts dishes you have unlocked, not the 10/20/10 live-menu checks.0.5Menu0.1FoodUnlock 200 food dishes. This is unlock progress, not the number of dishes currently on the menu.
At least 10 Starters on MenuThe Food bar wants 10 starters available to order. Unlocked starters sitting off the menu do not count.0.5Menu0.1FoodKeep at least 10 starter dishes on the current menu.
At least 10 Desserts on MenuThe Food bar wants 10 desserts on the live menu. This is a course-count check, separate from unlocking 200 foods.0.5Menu0.1FoodKeep at least 10 dessert dishes on the current menu.
At least 20 Mains on MenuTwenty mains on the menu is the bigger Food course check. It is worth twice as much total rating as the starter or dessert rows.1.0Menu0.2FoodKeep at least 20 main dishes on the current menu.
2 Order Counters, 6 Ovens and 6 Kitchen Counters on plotThis combined kitchen setup is the largest Food-bar gain. All three counts have to be on the plot at the same time.1.5Kitchen equipment0.3Build itemsPlace 2 order counters, 6 ovens, and 6 kitchen counters on the plot.

section

Atmosphere

8 items

Music Playing in Restaurant

Atmosphere starts with music actually playing. Owning extra genres is a separate row from having a track on.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Music
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Music
How to complete
Play any music in the restaurant.

5 Music Genres Owned

This Atmosphere row counts owned music genres, not whether a track is currently playing. Two genres are already unlocked when you join.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Music
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Music
How to complete
Own 5 music genres.

5 Roofs

Five roofs is a small Atmosphere build check. It is a placed-item count, not a music or art requirement.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Build count
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 5 roof pieces on the plot.

20 Art Items on Plot

The Atmosphere bar wants 20 Art items placed. This is an Art-category count, not a general decoration total.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Build count
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 20 Art category items on the plot.

15 Electronic Items on Plot

Fifteen Electronic items fill another Atmosphere slot. The rating table says Electronic, and Build Mode files the same items under Electronics.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Build count
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 15 Electronic items on the plot. Build Mode lists this category as Electronics.

15 Fun Items on Plot

Fifteen Fun items is another Atmosphere placement check. It is separate from Art, Outdoor, and Nature counts.

Category rating
0.5
Type
Build count
Total rating
0.1
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 15 Fun category items on the plot.

15 Outdoor Items on Plot

Outdoor items are worth more Atmosphere rating than Art, Fun, or Electronic counts. Fifteen Outdoor pieces add 1.0 to the category bar.

Category rating
1.0
Type
Build count
Total rating
0.2
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 15 Outdoor category items on the plot.

20 Nature Items on Plot

Twenty Nature items is the largest Atmosphere gain. If the Atmosphere bar is the leftover gap, this is the highest-value placement row.

Category rating
1.5
Type
Build count
Total rating
0.3
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 20 Nature category items on the plot.
NameDescriptionCategory ratingTypeTotal ratingRelated systemHow to complete
Music Playing in RestaurantAtmosphere starts with music actually playing. Owning extra genres is a separate row from having a track on.0.5Music0.1MusicPlay any music in the restaurant.
5 Music Genres OwnedThis Atmosphere row counts owned music genres, not whether a track is currently playing. Two genres are already unlocked when you join.0.5Music0.1MusicOwn 5 music genres.
5 RoofsFive roofs is a small Atmosphere build check. It is a placed-item count, not a music or art requirement.0.5Build count0.1Build itemsPlace 5 roof pieces on the plot.
20 Art Items on PlotThe Atmosphere bar wants 20 Art items placed. This is an Art-category count, not a general decoration total.0.5Build count0.1Build itemsPlace 20 Art category items on the plot.
15 Electronic Items on PlotFifteen Electronic items fill another Atmosphere slot. The rating table says Electronic, and Build Mode files the same items under Electronics.0.5Build count0.1Build itemsPlace 15 Electronic items on the plot. Build Mode lists this category as Electronics.
15 Fun Items on PlotFifteen Fun items is another Atmosphere placement check. It is separate from Art, Outdoor, and Nature counts.0.5Build count0.1Build itemsPlace 15 Fun category items on the plot.
15 Outdoor Items on PlotOutdoor items are worth more Atmosphere rating than Art, Fun, or Electronic counts. Fifteen Outdoor pieces add 1.0 to the category bar.1.0Build count0.2Build itemsPlace 15 Outdoor category items on the plot.
20 Nature Items on PlotTwenty Nature items is the largest Atmosphere gain. If the Atmosphere bar is the leftover gap, this is the highest-value placement row.1.5Build count0.3Build itemsPlace 20 Nature category items on the plot.

section

Expansions

8 items

The expensive category: floor space priced per rating point.

Basic Advertising Upgrade

Basic Advertising is a small Expansions-bar upgrade. Advertising rows sit on Expansions even though they also affect customer flow.

Category rating
0.25
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.05
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Basic Advertising upgrade.

Print Advertising Upgrade

Print Advertising is the second small advertising row on the Expansions bar. Buy it after Basic Advertising.

Category rating
0.25
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.05
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Print Advertising upgrade.

Billboard Advertising Upgrade

Billboard Advertising is another 0.25 Expansions gain. It is one of four advertising upgrades on this bar.

Category rating
0.25
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.05
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Billboard Advertising upgrade.

Media Advertising Upgrade

Media Advertising finishes the four advertising rows. Together they add 1.0 to the Expansions category.

Category rating
0.25
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.05
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Media Advertising upgrade.

Purchase all Restaurant Expansions

Buying every plot expansion is the largest Expansions-bar gain. Floor upgrades, advertising, value, and seats are separate rows.

Category rating
2
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.5
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy every restaurant plot expansion. The Upgrades page lists eight expansion purchases.

Floor 2 Upgrade

Floor 2 is a small Expansions gain. The rating table names Floor 2, which matches the Second Floor upgrade.

Category rating
0.25
Type
Upgrade
Total rating
0.05
Related system
Upgrades
How to complete
Buy the Second Floor upgrade. Third Floor exists as an upgrade, but it is not an official rating row.

Restaurant Value is at least 200k

A 200k restaurant value is a large Expansions check. Value comes from what you have built and bought, not from advertising alone.

Category rating
1.0
Type
Restaurant progress
Total rating
0.2
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Raise restaurant value to at least 200k. The info sign shows restaurant value.

100 Seats for Customers

One hundred seats is the other large Expansions progress check. Tables and chairs have to add up to that capacity.

Category rating
1.0
Type
Build count
Total rating
0.2
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place seating for at least 100 customers.
NameDescriptionCategory ratingTypeTotal ratingRelated systemHow to complete
Basic Advertising UpgradeBasic Advertising is a small Expansions-bar upgrade. Advertising rows sit on Expansions even though they also affect customer flow.0.25Upgrade0.05UpgradesBuy the Basic Advertising upgrade.
Print Advertising UpgradePrint Advertising is the second small advertising row on the Expansions bar. Buy it after Basic Advertising.0.25Upgrade0.05UpgradesBuy the Print Advertising upgrade.
Billboard Advertising UpgradeBillboard Advertising is another 0.25 Expansions gain. It is one of four advertising upgrades on this bar.0.25Upgrade0.05UpgradesBuy the Billboard Advertising upgrade.
Media Advertising UpgradeMedia Advertising finishes the four advertising rows. Together they add 1.0 to the Expansions category.0.25Upgrade0.05UpgradesBuy the Media Advertising upgrade.
Purchase all Restaurant ExpansionsBuying every plot expansion is the largest Expansions-bar gain. Floor upgrades, advertising, value, and seats are separate rows.2Upgrade0.5UpgradesBuy every restaurant plot expansion. The Upgrades page lists eight expansion purchases.
Floor 2 UpgradeFloor 2 is a small Expansions gain. The rating table names Floor 2, which matches the Second Floor upgrade.0.25Upgrade0.05UpgradesBuy the Second Floor upgrade. Third Floor exists as an upgrade, but it is not an official rating row.
Restaurant Value is at least 200kA 200k restaurant value is a large Expansions check. Value comes from what you have built and bought, not from advertising alone.1.0Restaurant progress0.2Build itemsRaise restaurant value to at least 200k. The info sign shows restaurant value.
100 Seats for CustomersOne hundred seats is the other large Expansions progress check. Tables and chairs have to add up to that capacity.1.0Build count0.2Build itemsPlace seating for at least 100 customers.

section

Hygiene

3 items

The cheapest category to finish and the worst one to skip.

12 Other Types of Bathroom items on Plot

Twelve extra bathroom items is one of the two biggest Hygiene gains. Toilets and sinks are counted on their own rows.

Category rating
2.0
Type
Hygiene
Total rating
0.4
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 12 bathroom items that are not toilets or sinks. Bathroom pieces are decorative.

3 Toilets on Plot

Three toilets match the extra-bathroom row as a 2.0 Hygiene gain. Sinks are a separate count.

Category rating
2.0
Type
Hygiene
Total rating
0.4
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 3 toilets on the plot.

3 Sinks on Plot

Three sinks finish the Hygiene bar. This row is a little smaller than the toilet and extra-bathroom checks, but it is still a large total-rating gain.

Category rating
1.5
Type
Hygiene
Total rating
0.3
Related system
Build items
How to complete
Place 3 sinks on the plot.
NameDescriptionCategory ratingTypeTotal ratingRelated systemHow to complete
12 Other Types of Bathroom items on PlotTwelve extra bathroom items is one of the two biggest Hygiene gains. Toilets and sinks are counted on their own rows.2.0Hygiene0.4Build itemsPlace 12 bathroom items that are not toilets or sinks. Bathroom pieces are decorative.
3 Toilets on PlotThree toilets match the extra-bathroom row as a 2.0 Hygiene gain. Sinks are a separate count.2.0Hygiene0.4Build itemsPlace 3 toilets on the plot.
3 Sinks on PlotThree sinks finish the Hygiene bar. This row is a little smaller than the toilet and extra-bathroom checks, but it is still a large total-rating gain.1.5Hygiene0.3Build itemsPlace 3 sinks on the plot.

How the math works

Each factor contributes its listed value to a category score, and categories roll up into the total star rating. That structure rewards breadth: maxing one category while ignoring hygiene caps your stars harder than spreading effort. The cheap factors are deliberately front-loaded, so early stars come fast and the last half-star costs the most.

An efficient route to five stars

  • Sweep the one-purchase factors first: single upgrades that pay their rating slice instantly.
  • Service factors compound, since better-served customers also tip and return.
  • Hygiene is the easiest category to complete and the most embarrassing to fail.
  • Expansion factors cost the most cash per rating point; schedule them last unless you need the floor space anyway.

FAQ

Q.

How is the star rating calculated?

Each factor adds its listed value to a category, and the categories sum to your stars. It is a fixed checklist, not a hidden judgment.

Q.

What is the fastest way to raise my rating?

Buy the single-purchase upgrade factors first, then finish hygiene. Both pay rating instantly for little cash.

Q.

Why are my stars stuck?

Almost always an ignored category. Check which category is furthest from complete; the total caps when one lags.

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