What type of survey compiles consumer comments instead of relying solely on professional critics?

The Zagat survey traditionally focuses on compiling consumer reviews rather than relying exclusively on the evaluations of professional critics. This grassroots approach allows for a broad representation of consumer experiences and preferences, providing insights based on actual diners' opinions and experiences.

In contrast, platforms like Yelp, OpenTable, and TripAdvisor also gather consumer feedback, but the Zagat survey has a distinct reputation for its systematic methodology of aggregating responses to provide averaged ratings across different categories such as food, service, and atmosphere. This makes Zagat a prominent and recognizable tool in the restaurant industry for gauging public opinion and sentiment among diners.

Yelp and TripAdvisor are user-driven platforms that heavily rely on consumer-generated content, but they do not carry the same historical weight or specialized format as the Zagat survey. OpenTable primarily functions as a reservation system that allows for feedback but does not provide a comprehensive rating system like Zagat. Thus, the unique focus on consumer comments within the specific framework of the Zagat survey distinguishes it as the correct answer.