Guide · Restaurants and cafes
Google Reviews for Restaurants and Cafes: Getting More, and Replying Well
Restaurants get more reviews than almost any other business, and are judged on them more too. Diners decide between two places on the same street by the last few reviews. Here is how restaurants and cafes can get a steady flow, without breaking Google's rules.
Short answerAsk after the meal, when the bill arrives, with a QR code on the table or bill folder. Encourage diners to mention what they ate. Reply to every review, especially complaints about food or waiting time. Never offer a dessert or discount for a review.
When and where to ask
- With the bill. A table tent or a QR code on the bill folder catches diners at the end of the meal, phone already out to pay.
- Not mid-meal. Asking while people are eating interrupts them, and a half-finished meal isn't a finished experience.
- Takeaway counters. A counter standee while people wait for parcels.
- Cafes with laptops and long stays can put the QR code on the table: there's no rush, and regulars review too.
What makes a restaurant review useful
The most useful restaurant reviews name the dish ("the Kolhapuri misal", "filter coffee"), mention the occasion (family lunch, office order) and say something about waiting time or service. Those details also match what people search for. Encourage diners to mention what they ate, but don't tell them what to say; Google prohibits asking for specific content.
Delivery orders
Customers who order through delivery apps usually rate the order inside the app. For your own delivery, a small card in the bag with your review QR code works well. Never add "leave a review for 10% off next time"; incentives are against Google's policy even for honest reviews.
Replying as a restaurant
Good review: "Thank you! Glad the paneer tikka was a hit with the family. Our chef will be happy to hear it."
Complaint about waiting: "We're sorry about the long wait on Saturday night. We were short-staffed and it showed. We've added a person on weekend evenings. Hope you'll give us another chance."
Hygiene or food-safety complaint: take it seriously and offline quickly: "This is serious and we want to look into it properly. Please call us on [phone] today." Don't argue in public.
Need a start? Try the free reply generator, or print a table poster with your QR code.
Frequently asked questions
How can a restaurant get more Google reviews?
Put your Google review QR code on tables or bill folders, ask at the end of the meal, make it take under a minute, and reply to every review. Ask every diner the same way, not only happy ones.
Can a restaurant offer a free dessert for a Google review?
No. Google prohibits offering free items, discounts or any incentive in exchange for reviews, even honest ones.
How many Google reviews should a restaurant get each month?
Busy restaurants can aim for 10 to 20 or more a month. More important than the number is never going quiet: diners look at how recent the latest reviews are.
Should I reply to bad restaurant reviews?
Yes, calmly and quickly. Apologise, mention the specific problem, and move the conversation to phone. Diners reading later judge you by the reply as much as the complaint.
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Sources: Google Business Profile Help: Tips to get more reviews · Google Maps user-contributed content policy: Prohibited and restricted content · ReplyOnTheFly: How many Google reviews do you need?