Lately, I've eaten at a few restaurants, including Milu and Chiko, which feel like restaurants I'd make if I could. I've drawn out some common personally attractive features:

1. Elevated, not pretentious - someone (actually probably many people) put in the effort, and you can actually taste the difference (rather than politely claim to taste a difference)
2. Chinese American - the variety and history of the first and the abundance and experimentation of the latter (also close to home)
3. Focused (specialized) menu - I do love (and mostly prefer) when someone does a few products super well

On “if I could” - I'd want exit money before pursuing an industry with infamously low margins.