,
In the restaurant industry, your online reputation is everything. Review sites like Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor give diners a platform to praise stellar service or vent about a lukewarm steak.
Interestingly, research shows that customers are more inclined to share negative experiences online than positive ones. A study revealed that 49% of consumers shared bad experiences on social media, compared to only 38% for good experiences. This disparity was even more pronounced on online review sites, with 46% sharing negative reviews versus 27% for positive ones.
Given this tendency, actively managing your presence on these high-traffic sites becomes crucial for success.
This article will explore the 12 best restaurant review sites to help you take control of your online reputation management (ORM). The list included both user-generated content (UGC) platforms and critically acclaimed food reviews’ sites.
We’ll also offer pro tips to respond to reviews, encourage happy customers to share their experiences, and provide perspective on how different sites can impact your business.
Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur or just flipped the “Open” sign for the first time, this guide will help you make the grade online and have patrons lining up for a table.
Listing Cost: Free
Pros:
Cons:
This NYSE-listed tech giant is the big kahuna of restaurant reviews. It’s where foodies flock to share their experiences. With over 178 million unique visitors per month, Yelp is a powerhouse for restaurant visibility.
Yelp’s user base is a mix of diverse age demographics with about 27% of its users aged between 18 – 34, and this figure is expected to increase in the future. These tech-savvy diners love sharing opinions. For restaurants, this means a chance to engage with a vocal, influential crowd.
It lets you showcase your menu and hours, and even accept reservations. Plus, you can respond to reviews and show customers you care. It’s like having a direct line to your diners’ hearts (and stomachs).
According to a study, an increase of one star on Yelp leads to a 5-9 percent increase in restaurant revenue. This underscores the incredible impact online reviews can have.
Furthermore, another research shows that an extra half-star rating on Yelp can increase the likelihood of a restaurant selling out by 19 percentage points, particularly when other information is limited.
The takeaway? Online review platforms like Yelp give customers immense power over a restaurant’s success. Staying on top of your reviews and reputation is critical.”
A bonus pointer is Yelp has Spotlight ads to enable brands to reach consumers using video through Yelp’s Home screen. The new ad format gives businesses an opportunity to tell their brand story and showcase products in a visually compelling way.
What more can you ask for?
Listing Cost: Free
Pros:
Cons:
TripAdvisor isn’t just for tourists anymore. It’s become a go-to for locals too. With 463 million monthly active users, it’s a force to be reckoned with.
It boasts an impressive presence with over 7 million businesses listed globally and an astonishing 500 million reviews and counting. Moreover, as a publicly-traded company listed on NASDAQ, this restaurant review site has solidified its position as an influential force in the industry.
TripAdvisor’s demographic is diverse, but it tends to attract more mature users. These folks are often looking for higher-end dining experiences. If that’s your niche, you’re in luck.
Why?
Because, according to a survey, 77% of users rely on TripAdvisor when making decisions about their dining destinations.
This underscores the importance of maintaining a strong online presence for restaurants seeking to attract customers.
Now, listing your restaurant on the platform is free. They also offer paid options, like sponsored placements, starting at around $500 per month.
Is it worth it? That depends on your location and competition.
Listing Cost: Free
Pros:
Cons:
Given Google’s dominance in online search with a search engine market share of over 80%, restaurants need to establish a Google Business Profile. This is particularly crucial considering a significant portion of all Google searches have local intent.
This free profile displays your key information across Google Search and Maps to help you get found.
Optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) can drive foot traffic from searchers and map users. It lets you manage your online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. You can post updates, respond to reviews, and even add your menu.
Furthermore, since there are no paid options on the platform, it levels the playing field for small businesses. This is valuable since 64% of consumers have used Google My Business to find contact details for a local business in the past year.
Additionally, businesses with complete and accurate information on their GBP are 2.7 times more likely to be considered reputable by customers.
So, if you haven’t already, take the time to claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. It’s a simple way to improve your online visibility and attract more customers to your restaurant.
Listing Cost: Starts At $149/month
Pros:
Cons:
OpenTable is not just a review site – it’s a reservation system, a marketing tool, and a data goldmine all rolled into one.
OpenTable’s users tend to be more affluent and food-savvy. They’re the type who plan their meals in advance and aren’t afraid to splurge on a good dining experience.
Unlike the others, OpenTable isn’t free. They charge a monthly fee plus a per-reservation fee. But for many restaurants, the benefits outweigh the costs. Why? Because OpenTable allows you to streamline your reservation process, track diner preferences, and even target specific customer segments with promotions.
It’s like having a personal concierge for your dining room.
Listing Cost: 12.95/month
Pros:
Cons:
AllergyEats attracts a dedicated following of health-conscious individuals. They’re not just looking for good food; they’re looking for safe food. That’s where you come in.
For restaurants, AllergyEats is a chance to showcase your allergy-friendly offerings. You can list your menu items with detailed allergen information. Got a killer gluten-free pizza? This is where you want to shout about it.
The platform also allows you to highlight your allergy protocols, giving peace of mind to cautious diners.
AllergyEats claims a potential 25% boost in profits for eateries that prioritize allergy-friendly options. Additionally, diners with food allergies tend to show about 40% greater loyalty to their preferred restaurants compared to those without allergies.
So, is the $12.95 monthly cost worth it? Most allergy-friendly restaurants would say “YES!”
Listing Cost: Free
Pros:
Cons:
Remember when Foursquare was all about becoming the “Mayor” of your local coffee shop? Well, times have changed, and so has Foursquare.
Foursquare’s user base is tech-savvy and mobile-first. They’re typically urban dwellers aged 25-44 who love exploring new places.
Sounds like your target audience?
Thought so.
For restaurants, Foursquare offers a unique opportunity. When a hungry user is nearby, Foursquare can point them your way.
The basic listing is free, but promoted listings start at $100 per month. These can boost your visibility to nearby users. Make sure to add mouth-watering photos and keep your info current. You never know when the next “mayor” might stop by!
Listing Cost: NA
Pros:
Cons:
World of Mouth caters to about 90,000 passionate food lovers every month. These users value authentic experiences and are looking for a story.
Can your restaurant provide one?
For restaurants, World of Mouth offers a fresh approach to reviews. It’s all about genuine, unfiltered opinions by culinary experts. No paid ads, no sponsored content – just food connoisseurs sharing real experiences. These aren’t your average “I had the burger” reviewers. They’re the ones who can tell you about the subtle notes of truffle in your risotto.
The catch is that World of Mouth operates on a unique principle: no self-listings allowed. Their discerning experts scout and review restaurants organically, ensuring authenticity.
The only direct route to their attention? Reach out personally.
This exclusivity guarantees that World of Mouth reviews carry genuine weight, setting them apart in the crowded restaurant review space. Remember, earning their notice means you’re already doing something extraordinary in the culinary world.
Listing Cost: Starts At $49.00/month
Pros:
Cons:
HappyCow’s user base is a dedicated bunch of herbivores and flexitarians. They’re always on the hunt for new veggie-friendly spots. So, if you’re serving up plant-based delights, these are your people!
The platform’s engagement is pretty solid, with about 295,804 active members who regularly update listings and leave reviews.
For restaurants, HappyCow is a direct line to your target audience. It’s like having a billboard in a vegan convention. Plus, the mobile app makes it easy for travelers to find you.
HappyCow also offers a Partner Program that’ll make your listing pop like a ripe cherry tomato. Starting at $49 a month, you can get premium placement, respond to reviews, and even post announcements
Ready to join the green team? Your lentil loaf could be the next big hit on HappyCow!
Listing Cost: Free | Paid Advertising: Varies (starting from $5/day)
Pros:
Cons:
Social media is the Wild West of restaurant marketing! It’s where food pics reign supreme and hashtags are your best friends.
Each platform has its own flavor. Facebook’s the all-rounder, Instagram’s the pretty one, and TikTok’s the cool kid on the block. And then there are others like Snapchat, Pinterest, and X (formerly Twitter).
Engagement here is off the charts. People love, comment, and share content that connects with them.
For restaurants, social media is your chance to be a showoff (in a good way). Post mouth-watering food pics on Instagram, share behind-the-scenes kitchen antics on TikTok, and use Facebook to keep your regulars in the loop about specials and events.
Getting started is easy and free. Paid advertising options start from as little as $5 a day.
Get Listed Here:
Listing Cost: NA
Pros:
Cons:
With a focus on major cities, The Infatuation caters to urban food lovers who want the inside scoop on the hottest spots. Their reviews are written by pros, not your average Joe. This means you’re getting some seriously legit critiques.
The Infatuation’s audience is young, trendy, and always on the hunt for the next big thing. If that sounds like your vibe, you’ll fit right in. Plus, their city guides are gold for tourists looking for local eats.
However, you can not get listed on The Infatuation. It’s an independent review site with a team of food connoisseurs who decide what to review (and mostly anonymously).
So, if you’re being featured on their platform, it gives you credibility and visibility among food enthusiasts and tourists alike. With that said, if they choose to review your restaurant, it’s a stamp of approval that can elevate your reputation in the culinary world.
Listing Cost: NA
Pros:
Cons:
Gayot has evaluated restaurants for 50 years using its unique 20-point scale. This French legacy brand carries prestige. A high Gayot score signals quality.
With detailed critique across categories like decor, service, and wine, Gayot paints a complete picture. It appeals to affluent diners looking for a luxury experience and millions of readers turn to it for expert reviews.
Getting listed on Gayot isn’t a DIY job. Their professional critics decide what to review. But if you’re doing something special, you might catch their eye by requesting them to review your restaurant.
And trust us, a good Gayot review is worth its weight in truffles!
Listing Cost: NA
Pros:
Cons:
Earning Michelin stars is the pinnacle for restaurants. The guide is highly influential, with a history dating back to 1900, and its inspectors are known for their rigorous and anonymous evaluation process.
Michelin reviewers dine anonymously and cover 32 countries. Listed restaurants meet 5 criteria including quality ingredients and mastery of flavors.
Restaurants with Michelin stars often see a substantial increase in customer interest and reservations. Research indicates that Michelin-starred restaurants are not only profitable but become increasingly so with each additional star.
This profitability is driven by heightened demand and the ability to command higher prices, as diners are willing to pay a premium for the perceived quality and exclusivity associated with Michelin recognition.
Getting listed in the Michelin Guide? It’s not something you can apply for. Their inspectors decide who makes the cut.
But if you do get that coveted star (or three!), prepare for your reservations to explode!
Getting those shiny 5-star reviews is like striking gold in the restaurant biz. But how do you turn those “meh” 3-stars into glowing praise on UGC restaurant review sites? Below we’ll spill the beans on scoring top marks across the review board.
You have to respond to those reviews like your restaurant’s life depends on it (because, well, it sort of does).
Consider replying with a thoughtful message like “We’re thrilled you enjoyed your meal! Thanks so much for the kind words.” to positive reviews.
For negative reviews, resist the urge to get defensive. Calmly address any specific issues mentioned.
For disappointed diners, see if you can offer them a reason to give you another try, perhaps with a special offer.
Aim to respond within 72 hours so reviewers feel heard.
Want more reviews? Try these moves:
Slip a little card with the check that says something cute like, “Loved your meal? Spread the love online!” Include QR codes to your favorite review sites for extra points.
Run a contest! “Post a pic of your meal on Yelp and tag us for a chance to win a free appetizer!” People love free food.
If you’re using a reservation system, set up an automatic follow-up email asking for feedback. Make it easy with direct links to review sites.
Get on those review sites that let people book directly through them. TripAdvisor and OpenTable are goldmines for this. The easier you make it to book and review, the more likely people are to do both.
Staying on top of your reviews is like playing whack-a-mole, but way more important. Here’s how to keep your finger on the pulse:
Set up Google Alerts for your restaurant name. It’s free and catches mentions across the web.
Use a review management tool like ReviewTrackers or Reputation.com. They’ll compile all your reviews in one place and send you notifications. It’s like having a personal review assistant (minus the attitude).
Don’t forget about social media! People love to rant or rave on Twitter and Facebook. Keep an eye on those platforms too.
Make it someone’s job to check reviews daily. Put it in their job description because review monitoring matters.
Bad reviews sting more than jellyfish at high tide. But, the one thing you should NOT do when it comes to managing your restaurant’s online reputation is putting out fake positive reviews to counter the bad ones.
Not only do they damage your credibility, but they can also lead to legal issues. A study by FIPE found that fake reviews can cost up to 30% of revenue for a restaurant without a loyal customer base.
Moreover, people can smell a fake review from a mile away – it reeks of desperation and deceit. All it takes is one observant customer to catch onto the scheme, snap a screenshot, and blast it all over social media. Next thing you know, your restaurant’s credibility goes down with the Titanic.
So, resist the temptation to create fake reviews or incentivize customers to leave fake ones. Focus on providing great experiences so you earn more positive reviews organically.
It isn’t easy, but over time authenticity pays off big time. Fake it ’til you make it doesn’t apply here!
Restaurant review sites have become integral for driving brand awareness and recognition. As consumers increasingly turn to sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor to inform dining decisions, managing your online presence is no longer optional.
Looking ahead, review platforms will continue to shape the restaurant landscape. Emerging technologies like AI may allow sites to offer more personalized recommendations. Meanwhile, the broader shift toward conversational commerce could see messaging apps incorporate review features.
At Restaurant Growth, our multi-channel digital marketing services help restaurants maximize reach and engagement across top sites. We also offer coaching to improve ratings and response rates.
What’s better? We craft holistic strategies spanning search, social, and email marketing to build comprehensive brand awareness that drives revenue growth.
Want to unlock the full potential of review platforms?
Leverage positive reviews by sharing them on your website and social media. Address negative feedback promptly and professionally to show you value customer input. Analyze common themes in reviews to identify areas for improvement. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on popular restaurant rating sites to boost your online reputation and attract new diners.
Top restaurant review sites employ various methods to ensure review authenticity. They use algorithms to detect suspicious patterns and remove fake reviews.
Some require users to sign in through verified accounts or provide proof of visit. However, no system is foolproof, so take reviews on these restaurant ratings websites with a grain of salt.
Restaurant review websites serve as a valuable search engine for restaurants. They provide detailed information, photos, and diner opinions to help users make informed decisions. Many offer filters for cuisine, price, location, and amenities. By reading reviews on these food reviews sites, diners can gauge the overall experience and quality of local restaurants.
Regularly monitor your restaurant’s presence on popular online reviews for restaurants. Check at least once a week, if not daily, for new reviews. Respond to both positive and negative feedback within 24-48 hours. This shows you value customer opinions and are proactive about addressing concerns. Consistency is key to maintaining a strong reputation on restaurant ratings websites.
From strategic marketing planning to seamless execution, we’ve got you covered!
