How To Get More Google Restaurant Reviews From Customers In 2025

When customers are looking for a new place to eat, one of the first steps in that journey is checking reviews. 

We all do it. 

It’s to protect our time, our wallets, and our tastebuds. After reading this article, you will realize that reviews are your most valuable online asset, and leaving them unattended is unthinkable. 

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why you have to make Google reviews a part of daily operations
• Different tactics to start collecting hundreds more reviews
• Review response strategies that encourage new customer reviews   

Why Google Restaurant Reviews Matter

If you want to stay competitive and have new customers find your restaurant, you MUST manage, maintain, and promote your Google restaurant reviews. 

This isn’t a suggestion or helpful tip—it’s a must-do in 2025. 

It’s as crucial as getting the grease trap and hood system cleaned. Ignoring it, over time, will have devastating consequences.

There are two reasons Google reviews matter:

1. The power of social proof.

Reviews give your restaurant the credibility it needs to attract new customers on a daily basis. They show that your restaurant is who you say you are, it’s safe, and that hundreds, if not thousands, of other people have been there and loved it. 

Collecting direct feedback from customers and sharing it with the world is pivotal to growing your business year after year. 

2. To rank higher on a Google search engine results page (SERP).

Google’s algorithm prioritizes businesses with high ratings and frequent reviews, meaning restaurants with numerous reviews on their profiles are more likely to appear at the top of the local search results and Google Maps.

With 83% of consumers checking Google reviews before choosing a restaurant, having a robust system for collecting and managing feedback should be a top priority.

7 Ways You Can Get More Google Reviews for Your Restaurant

1. Make it Super Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews

The easier it is for customers to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it. 

Most satisfied guests would be willing to leave a review, but if it’s at all inconvenient, they won’t follow through. The last thing you want is for a happy customer to think—”I’ll do it later”—because, more than likely, they’ll forget. 

You need to remove as many steps as possible by giving them quick, convenient ways to leave feedback right away. You can start by using QR codes—they’re a frictionless way for customers to leave reviews with minimal effort. 

You can place QR codes on:

• Menus – A small QR code at the bottom of your menu encourages feedback while guests wait for their meal.
• Receipts – A scannable link on printed or digital receipts lets customers leave a review right after dining.
• Table Tents – A tabletop card with a simple message like “Loved your meal? Leave us a review!” makes it easy for guests to scan and share their thoughts.

Here’s a link to a Free QR code generator to get you started. 

Next, add a “Leave a Review” button on your website that directly links to your Google review page. Make sure it’s prominently placed so customers don’t have to hunt for it.

Last, send review requests through email or SMS (text messaging). A quick, friendly message thanking customers for their visit and including a direct link to leave a review can significantly boost response rates. 

By removing barriers and making the review process as simple as possible, you’ll increase the odds of getting more Google reviews and building your restaurant’s online reputation.

2. Deliver Remarkable Customer Experiences to Encourage Word of Mouth

When customers have an outstanding dining experience—whether it’s because of exceptional food, friendly service, or a great vibe in the dining room—they’re naturally more inclined to leave a glowing review.

Start by training staff to go beyond basic service—a warm greeting, personalized recommendations, and small, thoughtful gestures (like remembering a regular’s favorite drink) go a long way in leaving a good impression. 

It’s also okay to politely remind happy guests to leave a review. For example, if a table compliments their meal, a server might say:

“That’s so great to hear! We love hearing feedback like this. If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate a quick review on Google—it helps us a lot!”

That’s when staff can share the nifty new QR code you just implemented into your operations. A simple, friendly request at the right moment can make a huge difference when collecting Google reviews. 

3. Leverage Technology to Encourage Reviews

Trying to manage all of your reviews manually would be impossible, or at least require you to shell out money for a full-time salary to keep up with the volume and response, that’s why you should have technology do the heavy lifting for you. 

We’ve already talked about QR codes, so you’re covered there, but many technology platforms offer automated follow-up messages via email or SMS. 

After a dine-in experience or an online order, you can send friendly messages asking customers for feedback. For example:

• Email follow-up: “Thanks for visiting! We’d love to hear about your experience—leave a review here.”
• SMS request: “Hope you enjoyed your meal! Click here to leave a quick review.”

Next, you’ll want to use reputation management tools to track and respond to reviews. These tools allow you to:

• Monitor new reviews in real-time.
• Respond quickly and professionally to both positive and negative feedback.
• Identify trends in customer sentiment to improve operations.

Check out Marqii, it’s a great review management tool that will help you monitor and respond to customer reviews not just on Google but other platforms like Yelp, Facebook, OpenTable, etc.

4. Motivate Guests to Leave Reviews (Without Violating Google Policies)

Sometimes, guests need a little incentive to leave a review, but you have to do it in a way that doesn’t violate Google’s ethics policy. The policy is simple, though, and makes sense because it protects consumers from having a bad experience. 

It’s totally okay to offer customers incentives, but the key is to focus on participation, not outcomes. 

For example, you can say:

“If you leave a review after your next visit, we’ll give you 20% off your next time in.”

What CAN NOT say is:

“If you leave a positive review after your next visit, we’ll give you 20% off your next visit..”

One word difference—huge difference in outcome. 

Every review serves a purpose, and the more feedback you receive, the better. Each one helps build credibility and provides valuable insights. 

Get creative with your customer incentives—guest reviews can count as an entry to a giveaway at the end of the month or a discount for a future visit.

5. Respond to Reviews Promptly and Professionally 

We mentioned that all reviews serve a purpose, and it’s true—great reviews tell you what’s working, subpar reviews tell you what you need to improve, and bad reviews show what needs a major overhaul.

It doesn’t matter what customers say; you need to respond in a relatively short period of time, and always be professional, no matter how ugly the comments might get. 

It sounds strange, but responding to reviews on platforms outside of Google helps your performance on Google. It’s because Google sees your guest interactions on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor and classifies them as high-quality, relevant content related to your restaurant. 

To get the most out of these reviews, it helps to register your business on all major review platforms, including Google Business Profile, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and social media. This ensures you have control over your restaurant’s online presence and can engage directly with customers.

When customers see that you’re actively responding to reviews, they’ll be more encouraged to leave their own, knowing their input is valued. A strong review response strategy not only builds trust but also improves your restaurant’s reputation over time.

6. Ask the Right Way at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to asking for reviews. The best moments to request feedback are when customers are at their happiest—right after a great meal, a successful event, or a particularly positive interaction with your staff. 

When guests leave on a high note, they’re more likely to take a few moments to share their experience. 

Here are some polite, customer-focused ways to ask for reviews:

In-Person Requests:

• After a compliment: “We’re so glad you enjoyed your meal! If you have a moment, we’d love for you to share your experience in a quick Google review—it really helps us out.”
• At the end of service: “We appreciate you dining with us today! If you had a great time, we’d be grateful if you left us a review on Google. It helps others discover our restaurant.”

Digital Requests:

• Via email or SMS after a visit: “Thanks for dining with us! We’d love to hear your thoughts—your feedback helps us improve and lets others know what to expect. If you have a moment, please leave us a review [insert direct link]. We truly appreciate it!”
• On a receipt or follow-up message: “Loved your meal? Let us know! Scan the QR code to leave a quick review and share your thoughts.”

The key is to be authentic and non-intrusive. A friendly, natural request works far better than a pushy one. By asking at the right time and in the right way, you’ll encourage more guests to leave honest, thoughtful reviews that help build your restaurant’s reputation.

7. Handle Negative Reviews with Grace

People can get downright nasty in reviews—sometimes, it’s the restaurant’s fault, but other times, it could be that the customer is just having a very bad day. 

A good adage to remember is, “Cooler heads prevail.”  

Meaning don’t let their comments get to you personally. If handled calmly and professionally, you can often turn the experience around for the customer, making it a win.  

Here are four approaches to handling negative feedback effectively:

1. Acknowledge the Feedback – Start by recognizing the customer’s experience. Even if you don’t fully agree with their perspective, showing that you’re listening is key.
2. Apologize Sincerely – A genuine apology goes a long way. Keep it short and focused on the customer’s feelings rather than defending your restaurant.
3. Offer to Resolve the Issue – Show your commitment to making things right. Whether it’s inviting them back for a better experience or addressing a specific concern, offer a solution.
4. Encourage Updated Feedback – If you successfully resolve the issue, guests may be willing to update their review. While you can’t ask directly, a great experience, the second time around might naturally lead to a revised rating.

By responding to negative reviews professionally, empathically, and sincerely, you will show customers that your priority is their happiness. 

The compassion and understanding you show in your response will be seen by more people than just the customer. A whopping 97% of people who read reviews pay attention to the company’s responses. 

Potential guests reading your feedback will see you take customer feedback seriously, earning their respect and making it more likely they’ll come in to try your restaurant.

Build a Strong Reputation with Authentic Reviews

Like everything in our industry, consistency is key—customers need to know you’re there, listening, and willing to make things right when they need it, and there to celebrate when everyone has a great time. 

Every review—positive or negative—is an opportunity to engage with your guests and show that their opinions matter.