I suppose that there are exceptions. Some restaurants offer only a table d hote type of menu. Others offer such a wide selection of daily specials that they become known for their excellence in these. But most restaurants do not fall into these categories. I would suggest that most patrons select which establishment they want to visit that day or evening by the type of food, or even the particular dish, they feel like having at the time.
Most people go on to select their favourite restaurant in that category.
Then, they select their favourite dish virtually every time they visit that spot. I know an experienced hotelier who, when asked what his favourite restaurant is, responded with the name of a place in Bermuda. I asked if he visited the restaurant regularly. He said yes. Well, twice every vacation we have in Bermuda .