What’s the first thing you do when considering a new restaurant? You probably Google it and then check out the latest reviews and star ratings to gauge real customer experiences. People are doing the same with your restaurant, and those online reviews can make or break your business.
Here are some additional reasons why reviews are so important for your restaurant and simple, actionable ways to get more of them (without sounding desperate).
Why Online Reviews Are Crucial for Your Restaurant’s Success
Reviews build trust: Customers trust other customers. In fact, over 90% of diners read reviews before choosing where to eat. A strong review profile can tell people that your place is worth their time and money.
Reviews help with local SEO: The more (and better) your reviews, the more likely your restaurant will appear on Google Maps, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other search results. Google uses reviews as a ranking signal; more reviews get you more visibility. Local SEO is so important, especially for restaurants. Here’s how to do it right.
Reviews provide valuable feedback: While glowing reviews are great, even the occasional complaint gives you insight into where your team can improve. Think of reviews as free market research.
Reviews drive more bookings and orders: A four-star restaurant gets more than double the business of a three-star spot.
How to Get More Reviews Without Being Pushy
Ok, so you know you need restaurant reviews. Here’s how to encourage more of them organically.
1. Ask At the Right Time
Timing is everything. The best time to ask for a review is after a positive experience, while the customer is still raving about the dessert or complimenting the service.
Train your staff to respond with something like, “We’re so glad you enjoyed your meal. If you have a minute later, we’d love it if you left us a review on Google or Yelp, it really helps us out!”
2. Use QR Codes on Tables or Receipts
This makes it super easy for your guests to rave about their experience. Add a QR code that links directly to your review page on receipts, table tents, or even your menu. Include a quick callout like, “Loved your meal? Tell others!”
3. Follow Up with Online Orders or Reservations
If your restaurant uses an online ordering system or takes reservations through OpenTable or Toast, set up an automated email or text follow-up asking for feedback and linking directly to your review profiles.
4. Respond to Every Restaurant Review, the Good and Bad
When people see that you care enough to respond, they’re more likely to be more understanding of negative reviews. Plus, Google rewards active engagement with higher search rankings.
Thank those who leave good reviews by name and mention something personal. In the case of a bad review, stay calm, apologize for their experience, and offer to make it right.
5. Run a “Leave a Review” Campaign
You don’t need to go overboard, but sometimes a little incentive to leave a review for your restaurant can help. For example, host a Review Week, when every review gets entered into a raffle for a gift card. Or a social media contest, asking customers to post a photo of a dish with a review for a chance to win a free appetizer, drink, etc.
6. Highlight Reviews on Social Media
User-generated content is gold for restaurants. Show off your fans and your business by turning great reviews into graphics for Instagram or stories. Tag the customer (with permission). This not only encourages more reviews, but it also builds your brand.
P.S. Don’t Try to Game the System
Avoid buying fake reviews or asking friends to leave vague five-star ones. Platforms like Google and Yelp can spot suspicious activity. Genuine, specific reviews are always your best bet.
There are several places to focus your review efforts. The platforms that matter most for restaurants are Google (for SEO and search), Yelp (especially in urban areas), TripAdvisor (for tourists), Facebook (for locals and events), and OpenTable/Resy (if you use reservations). Pick 1–2 to prioritize based on your audience.
Getting more reviews is all about creating an experience that people want to talk about. Combine that with smart systems that make it easy to share feedback, and you’ll build a steady stream of social proof that keeps your tables full. Need additional help dialing in your website or boosting local SEO? Get in touch with our team! We’d love to chat about your restaurant’s goals.
