Restaurant review sites and apps aren’t new in the food service industry.
In this article, we’ll cover the 10 best restaurant review sites and apps your restaurant should be on to attract more clients and earn more restaurant revenue.
Key Takeaways
- Restaurant review sites: Crucial tools for attracting new customers and building a positive reputation.
- Customer decisions: Almost half of restaurant patrons are inclined to order from restaurants following positive online reviews.(PYMNTS‘)
- Key platforms: Google My Business, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other restaurant review sites offer reviews, ratings, and profile management.
- Customer engagement: Nearly 90% of diners prefer businesses that respond to reviews, with 80% expecting personalized replies. (Restaurant Dive)
- Consider diverse review factors: Customers take into account many factors when writing reviews – not just the food quality and restaurant customer service.
- Benefits: Using review sites improves visibility, enhances customer engagement, and provides valuable customer feedback to help restaurants refine their services.
What is a restaurant review site?
Restaurant review sites and apps allow users to share ratings, reviews, and feedback on food service businesses.
Diners can search for restaurants by reviews, cuisine, and location, and after dining, they provide feedback through reviews or restaurant survey questions on factors such as food quality, service, atmosphere, menu pricing, and cleanliness.
Best restaurant review sites
As a restaurant owner, listing your business on multiple sites with restaurant reviews is essential to maximize visibility and effectively reach your restaurant target audience.
Below, we’ve highlighted the top 10 restaurant review websites where your business should be featured to ensure customers can easily find you when searching for their next dining experience.
1. Google My Business
Google My Business is a free online tool provided by Google that allows businesses to create and manage their online presence on Google and earn Google reviews.
It is also one of the top restaurant review sites that help businesses enhance their visibility on Google Search and Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find and connect with them.
Customers may rate and leave Google restaurant reviews directly on Google My Business profiles; however, you need to claim your restaurant page to respond to them.
In addition, these online Google restaurant reviews may impact other potential clients and enhance the restaurant’s online reputation in general.
Learn more about Google Business Profile for Restaurants.
- Large User Base
- Integrated with Google Search & Maps
- Trustworthy Reviews
- Review Management
- Local Guides
- Limited Filtering and Moderation
- Negative Reviews Impact
- Limited Review Length
- Less Niche Focus
2. Yelp
Yelp is a well-known restaurant review site that helps users find local dining options and leave reviews based on their experiences.
It offers services across many different businesses, but its restaurant evaluations helped it become renowned.
Yelp marketing, restaurant reviews, impressions, and customer recommendations help local restaurants stand out from the competition and guide potential customers in deciding where to dine.
- Large User Base on The Site
- Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Business Profile and Information
- User Engagement
- Integration with Other Platforms
- Review Authenticity and Bias
- Highly-Impactful Negative Reviews
- Limited Control
- Advertising Pressure
- Competitor Ads
3. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a popular online resource for travel and restaurant reviews, offering extensive user-generated content on hotels, dining, and attractions.
Travelers can access valuable information and customer feedback to plan and book their trips effectively, benefiting from shared experiences and informed recommendations.
- Extensive User Base on The Site
- Trusted Reviews and Ratings
- Global Reach
- Business Listing Features
- Interactive Features
- Traveler's Choice Awards Recipient
- Review Authenticity and Bias
- Highly-Impactful Negative Reviews
- Limited Control
- Advertising Pressure
- Competitor Ads
4. OpenTable
OpenTable is an online restaurant reservation platform that allows diners to book reservations at participating restaurants.
OpenTable’s platform allows users to make online reservations with local businesses and leave online restaurant reviews and ratings, which helps to boost the restaurant listing.
In addition, everyday customers, food bloggers, and food critics can share feedback on their dining encounters to assist would-be restaurant goers in making knowledgeable restaurant selections.
- Reservation Management
- Increased Reservation Bookings
- Table Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- User Reviews and Ratings
- Promotions and Special Offers
- Integration with Other Platforms
- Subscription and Usage Fees
- Competing Restaurants
- Reliance on Technology
- Limited Customer Data Access
- Less Personalized Experience
5. Zomato
Zomato is a website and mobile application that offers details, opinions, and suggestions on restaurants, cafes, pubs, and other eating venues.
It allows users to review restaurants and leave star ratings, share their dining experiences, offer feedback, and find information on the restaurant business.
In addition, users can browse reviews left by other customers, which can assist them when choosing the right restaurant to dine at.
- Extensive Restaurant Database
- User Reviews and Ratings
- Detailed Restaurant Information
- Multiple Search and Filter Options
- Restaurant Collections and Recommendations
- Social Features and Engagement
- Review Authenticity and Bias
- Inconsistent Review Quality
- Regional Availability
- Advertising and Promotions
- Limited Control for Restaurant Owners
6. Foursquare
Foursquare is a location-based platform that helps users discover local bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
It combines geographical data with user-generated reviews, tips, and recommendations to offer personalized advice.
Users can read reviews, post feedback, and share experiences, helping others find hidden gems and make informed decisions.
- Location-Based Recommendations
- User Reviews and Tips
- Personalized Suggestions
- Check-ins and Badges
- Restaurant Lists and Collections
- Social Features and Friend Recommendations
- Review Authenticity and Bias
- Limited User Base
- Competing Platforms
- Incomplete Information
- Limited Control for Restaurant Owners
7. Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is a prestigious publication that rates top-quality restaurants globally, similar to Zagat.
It is highly regarded by food critics for identifying the best restaurants worldwide.
Michelin inspectors anonymously rate eateries on a scale of one to three stars, with three stars representing exceptional and consistent cuisine, making the star rating system a significant honor in the culinary world.
- High Prestige and Reputation
- Expert Assessment
- Global Recognition
- Credibility and Trust
- Benchmark for Culinary Excellence
- Limited Coverage
- Subjectivity and Personal Preferences
- Emphasis on Fine Dining
- Exclusivity and Pressure
- Cost and Accessibility
8. Eater
Eater is a digital media platform offering articles on restaurants, culinary culture, and food trends.
It features restaurant reviews, recommendations, and highlights unique dining experiences, often focusing on specific cities or regions.
Local experts provide insights into the best restaurants, showcasing both popular and hidden gems in the dining scene.
- Curated Content
- Eater employs professional food writers, critics, and editors who have expertise in the culinary industry
- Local Focus
- In-Depth Reporting
- Diverse Content Formats
- Community Engagement
- Subjectivity of Reviews
- Limited Geographic Coverage
- Lack of User-Generated Content
- Advertising Influence
- Limited Interactivity
9. HappyCow
HappyCow is a website and mobile application that offers resources and information to vegetarians, vegans, or looking for plant-based food options and allergy-friendly restaurants.
In addition, it acts as a resource for anyone searching for vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, cafes, and other eating places worldwide.
HappyCow lets users post comments, ratings, and reviews regarding their dining encounters.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Focus
- Global Coverage
- User-Generated Content
- Filters and Search Options
- Community Engagement
- Mobile App
- Limited Scope (focuses specifically on vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based dining options)
- User-Generated Content Reliability
- Limited Coverage in Some Areas
- Lack of Standardization
- Exclusivity: (focus on vegan and vegetarian dining options)
10. UpMenu
Although it’s not a typical restaurant review website, UpMenu is a food ordering system that allows restaurant owners to collect customer reviews and feedback via the restaurant feedback system.
Additionally, UpMenu’s marketing tools help you reach customers and encourage them to provide feedback, allowing you to gather more insights, improve your restaurant’s offer, respond to reviews, and so much more.
- Send review requests automatically via SMS or email
- Built-in guest feedback survey
- Respond to reviews with just a click
- Monitor reviews from one spot
- Feedback incentive options
- Mobile app and desktop feedback system
- Share reviews from UpMenu on your website
- No built-in marketplace for comparing your restaurant to others
Why do restaurant ratings websites matter?
- Restaurant review sites are essential. Why? Many potential customers use them to check reviews before visiting a restaurant or placing an order online.
Addressing bad restaurant reviews and improving ratings is key to attracting more diners. Responding to restaurant complaints—both positive and negative—demonstrates professionalism.
- Since online reviews are inevitable, it’s important to focus on building a strong online reputation.
Key benefits of restaurant rating websites
- Restaurants gain exposure to potential customers through food review sites.
- Positive reviews and high ratings enhance a restaurant’s credibility.
- Reviews and comments offer valuable insights into customer preferences and areas for improvement.
- Managing reviews and complaints helps maintain a positive online reputation.
- Monitoring competitors on restaurants review sites helps restaurants differentiate themselves and capitalize on strengths.
- Utilizing review sites and apps as restaurant marketing tools helps restaurants reach a wider audience with their menu offerings.
How can I encourage customers to leave reviews?
Encouraging customers to submit reviews about your restaurant can benefit your online reputation and attract new customers. Here are some strategies to encourage customers to leave reviews:
- Deliver Outstanding Customer Service: Consistency encourages positive feedback.
- Ask for Reviews: Teach your staff to invite diners to post a review if they had a good experience at the restaurant. Encourage them to highlight any particular review sites, like Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor for restaurants, where you’d like to boost your visibility.
- Display Review Prompts: Place signs or table tents directing customers to leave reviews at the cash register.
- SMS and Email Marketing: After a consumer visits, use email marketing or SMS marketing campaigns to follow up with them, thanking them for choosing your restaurant and politely asking for a review.
- Offer Incentives: Consider small rewards like dessert coupons for reviewers, ensuring compliance with review site policies.
- Introduce a Loyalty Program: Reward customers with points for each review, redeemable for restaurant discounts or free meals.
Learn more: How to get customer feedback in a restaurant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best review site?
The best review sites include the following:
- Google My Business
- Yelp
- TripAdvisor
- OpenTable
- Zomato
- Foursquare
- Michelin Guide
- Eater
- HappyCow
- UpMenu
What role do review sites play in restaurant SEO and marketing?
Restaurant review sites play a crucial role in restaurant SEO by improving search rankings, particularly in local searches, as platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and TripAdvisor are heavily indexed by search engines. Positive reviews and higher ratings increase a restaurant’s online visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find.
For restaurant marketing, these sites serve as powerful tools to build credibility, attract new customers, and engage with existing ones through responses and promotions, effectively expanding the restaurant’s reach and boosting reputation.
Learn more about how to attract new customers to your restaurant.
