Restaurants last year reported an increase of 10 per cent in turnover, reversing a 2010 decline of three per cent, the first Deloitte Restaurant Survey, commissioned by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, has found.

The survey, among 31 restaurants which together have an annual turnover of more than €22 million, was presented to the media during a seminar this morning.

A total 83 per cent of participants reported an increase in turnover in 2011.

The higher sales continued in the first eight months of this year but growth slowed down to two per cent.

Restaurants reported growth in six out of the first eight months with 57 per cent registering improved turnover.

Growth sales this year were primarily driven by restaurants in the St Julian’s region, which reported a six per cent growth.

Good sales were mostly reported by restaurants were customers spent an average of €10 to €20 per head. The top end restaurants did not do so well, registering either negative or very minimal growth.

The major complaints of restaurateurs were water and electricity rates and the proliferation of unauthorised eateries, providing unfair competition.

Asked about their outlook for the rest of this year, 50 per cent said they felt they would be doing better, 50 per cent reported a stable or worse outlook.

A Malta Tourism Authority survey on customer satisfaction was also launched during the seminar.

Generally, the overall experience with restaurants was positive both among tourists and Maltese customers.

However, there were a number of issues that were flagged, namely timeliness of service, consistency in quality, the lack of awareness on food intolerances, questions of accessibility and child friendliness.

Pricing was a particular issue with Maltese customers with a number saying they did not afford to eat out.