The Scoring System
Every dish on Goldpan receives a transparency level based on how clearly the restaurant communicates what is in that dish. Here is exactly what each level means — and how we determine it.
The restaurant names the dish but provides limited detail about what is actually in it. Core proteins or main components may be listed, but sauces, dressings, preparation methods, and potential allergens are largely undisclosed.
The restaurant names the key ingredients and identifies the major sauces or dressings. Some preparation detail is present. Allergens may be implied by ingredient names even if not explicitly called out. A meaningful step forward.
The restaurant provides comprehensive disclosure across all four dimensions: every significant ingredient is named, sauces and dressings are fully identified, common allergens are explicitly stated, and preparation methods are clear. This is what excellent menu communication looks like.
Do scores reflect food quality or taste?
No. Goldpan scores only measure how clearly a restaurant communicates what is in a dish. A restaurant can have excellent food and a Building transparency score, or mediocre food and a High transparency score. The score is purely about information disclosure.
Where does the information come from?
Every dish is assessed directly from the restaurant's published menu — their website, printed menu, or in-restaurant display. We do not call restaurants or rely on third-party data. What you see on Goldpan is what the restaurant publicly discloses.
How often are dishes re-assessed?
We review menus regularly and update scores when restaurants change their descriptions. Each dish panel shows a "Last canvassed" date so you know when it was last reviewed. Restaurants frequently update menus — always confirm directly with the restaurant for the most current information.
Can a restaurant improve its score?
Yes — by updating their menu to include more detail. When a restaurant adds clear ingredient descriptions, names their sauces, or explicitly calls out allergens, their score improves on the next canvass cycle. We track this over time.
Is Goldpan a substitute for asking the restaurant directly?
No. Goldpan reflects what restaurants publicly disclose, but menus change and preparation can vary. If you have a severe allergy or strict dietary requirement, always confirm directly with the restaurant before ordering.
Browse Birmingham restaurants and filter dishes by transparency level, dietary tag, or allergen.