What diners look at
- The newest reviews, more than the overall rating.
- Photos other diners posted, especially of dishes they're thinking of ordering.
- The review topics Google shows as chips, like "tacos" or "wait time".
- Whether the owner replies, and how.
Asking without making it weird
Servers are the best askers because they know which tables had a good night. A QR code on the check presenter or receipt does the rest. Don't offer a free dessert for a review; Google removes incentivized reviews and can restrict the profile.
Answering the bad ones
Keep it short, name the specific problem, and say what changed. "The fries shouldn't have come out cold. We've moved the fry station closer to the pass" reads better than an apology template, and future diners are the audience, not the reviewer.
Questions
Can I remove a bad restaurant review?
Only if it breaks Google's policies, like fake or off-topic reviews. You can flag those.
Do delivery app reviews count on Google?
No. Google only shows reviews left on Google.
Should I add my menu to Google?
Yes. A current menu link and dish photos help diners decide.
About the author
Jason Murphy, Founder
Jason has spent two decades building sites, search programs, and digital products for businesses. At Lehvel, he leads product and strategy.
Jason Murphy on LinkedIn