Methodology
One signal, no scoring theater.
Star ratings collapse 1,000 conflicting voices into a single number. Signal Index does the opposite. It tells you whether the right voices, the ones that actually read the menu and revisit, agree on this place.
How it works
We cross-reference every signal we trust.
Every place we cover is read first. We pull mentions from independent press, expert guides, and authority social accounts. Each source is weighted by editorial track record, recency, and contextual fit.
Press & guides
Authority social
Google reviews
The seven tiers
From must-visit to undiscovered.
Every place falls into one of seven Signal tiers. The color tells you where it sits at a glance.
- Must-visit
Consensus across every meaningful source. This is what you cross town for.
- Safe bet
Praised by multiple trusted sources. You won't be disappointed.
- Notable
On the radar of at least one authoritative voice. Worth a try if you're nearby.
- On the radar
Recent buzz that hasn't yet earned editorial weight. Watch this space.
- Crowd pick
Liked broadly but without the expert backing. Often touristy.
- Tourist trap
High visibility but flagged by the people who know better.
- Undiscovered
Too little signal yet to rank. Could be a hidden gem, or just new.
What we won't do
No paid placements. Ever.
We don't sell rankings. No place pays to be listed, surfaced, or ranked higher.
We don't show a number. A 87/100 score is theater. What matters is the consensus, not the decimal.
Every signal is sourced. Click any place and you can see exactly which guides, press, and accounts mentioned it.
Try it
Browse places ranked by signal.
The best way to understand Signal Index is to use it. Start with Paris or Lille.