If you're into steak, try this grilled rib-eye steak with Béarnaise sauce at Mac's Chop House on Trinidad Terrace, New Kingston. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

"What restaurant would you recommend?" A familiar query we hear again and again, but how does one start to answer this?

You might want to ask yourself:

1. What type of cuisine do you feel for? Bear in mind the tastes of those with whom you are dining.

2. Within what price range are you and the other diners looking?

3. Do you want somewhere quiet or bustling with TV sports or music?

4. Would you prefer to dine outside or indoors?

5. Does anyone in your party have allergies to certain foods, like shellfish?

6. Are you feeling for a light meal, like salad, or something more substantial?

7. Are you a smoker? If not, would it bother you to eat somewhere that allows smoking?

8. Would you like to have the option of wireless Internet service?

9. Would you like to enjoy a drink at the bar before sitting down at your table?

10. Is there live entertainment during or just after dinner?

If you want to try something new, then Habibi Latino in Market Place on Constant Spring Road offers a Lebanese fare like this falafel. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Restaurant suggestions can be very subjective, but I am going to ask you to have a little confidence in my opinions, just for now!

At the very least, especially for those who do not go out very often to eat, these answers should give you a head start:

1. Cuisine: Indian: Jewel of India; Lebanese: Habibi Latino; Jamaican: Kabana, melting pot; Cuddy'z; French/Italian, Café Aubergine; Japanese: East Japanese; Steaks: Mac's Chop House; Sandwiches: Susie's Bakery; Seafood: Gloria's; Afternoon Tea: Terra Nova.

2. High price: Mac's Chop House; mid-high price: Jewel of India; mid-price: Habibi Latino

Low price: Prendy's.

3. Quiet: Kabana, Jewel of India, Mac's Chop House. Noisy: Cuddyz, Acropolis.

4. Indoor dining: Jewel of India, Mac's Chop House, East Japanese, Rib Kage (Braemar Ave). Outdoor dining: Guilt Trip, Kabana.

5. Call the restaurant two days in advance and speak to the manager about the allergies.

Call again on the day of your reservation and speak to the manager and the chef if possible. When you arrive, make sure the waiter writes down exactly what the allergy is, and, if possible, speak to the manager again.

6. Light meal: East Japanese, Heavy meal: Rib Kage, Cuddy'z, Jewel of India

7. Smoking: Acropolis, Cuddy'z, the Terrace at Market Place, Kabana; Non-smoking: Most restaurants do not allow smoking inside - phone to ask.

8. Restaurants with wireless Internet: Cuddy'z, TGI Friday's.

9. Restaurants with bars: Mac's Chop House, Café Aubergine, Jewel of India, Kabana, Cuddy'z, Red Bones.

10. Live Entertainment: Grog Shoppe, Red Bones.