Restaurants today rely more than ever on restaurant review sites to attract customers. The majority of people check reviews before visiting or ordering from a new restaurant, making online reviews an important marketing tool. Online reviews also play an important role in improving restaurants' local SEO, helping them appear in more local search results.
But with so many restaurant reviews sites out there, it can be daunting deciding where to list a restaurant business to gather more reviews. So we've put together this guide to some of the best restaurant review sites to focus on collecting reviews for maximum impact.
What Makes a Site with Restaurant Reviews Worthwhile?
When choosing a restaurant review site to list your business on, it's essential to focus on platforms that offer high traffic, a solid reputation, and rank well in local search results. The best restaurant review sites will have an active user base, regularly appear at the top of search engine results, and are trusted by customers seeking new dining experiences.
If all your competitors are listed on a specific site, it's a good sign that you should be there too, as a presence on key review platforms helps improve your local SEO and attract more customers to your restaurant, ultimately helping you compete more effectively in your local food scene.
11 of the Best Restaurant Review Sites To Gather Feedback On
- Google Business Profile (Google Maps)
- Apple Business Connect (Apple Maps)
- Yelp
- Tripadvisor
- OpenTable
- Zomato
- Zagat
- Foursquare
- UpMenu
- HappyCow
1. Google Business Profile (Google Maps)
As the most important review platform for any local business, Google Business Profile, or GBP, is a must-have review site for restaurants. Not only does it have unparalleled traffic, but it also helps restaurants rank higher in local search results.
Reviews left on a restaurant's Google Business Profile appear both on Google Maps and in Google Search, playing a major role in the restaurant's visibility and attracting nearby customers.
Google Business Profile reviews are also a direct ranking factor for local search results, so optimizing your restaurant's GBP with positive reviews can drive significant foot traffic and online orders.
2. Apple Business Connect (Apple Maps)
With the recent launch of Apple Maps on the web, the platform's importance as a review site is growing; it's no longer just for iOS users who prefer Apple Maps to Google Maps.
While it may not have the same reach as Google, Apple Maps is still widely used by iPhone users, especially those looking for directions to nearby businesses, which makes it a valuable platform for restaurants.
Optimizing your Apple Business Connect listing by getting reviews from Apple Maps users ensures you capture a broader audience, especially with Apple clearly making moves to compete more effectively with Google in the local search space.
3. Yelp
Founded in 2004, Yelp remains one of the most trusted restaurant review sites. Many potential customers rely on it for detailed reviews and photos from other diners.
Yelp's high traffic and strong presence in local search results make it a top choice for restaurants. Being active on Yelp can also help boost your restaurant's overall local SEO, as Yelp has high authority and can provide you with a valuable local citation.
4. Tripadvisor
Although primarily known for travel-related reviews, such as those for hotels and tourist attractions, Tripadvisor is also a key review site for restaurants, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Travelers often search for dining recommendations on Tripadvisor, so being listed here helps attract out-of-town visitors looking for the best places to eat in your area.
Tripadvisor results are often near the top of organic local search results, too, which means it can help drive even more foot traffic to your restaurant.
5. OpenTable
For restaurants that offer reservations, OpenTable is a powerful platform. It not only allows customers to book a table directly, but also to leave reviews about their dining experience.
Restaurants listed on OpenTable benefit from both the reservation system and the review platform, which helps drive more business.
6. Facebook
Facebook is a social media giant, but it's also another valuable review site for restaurants. Many customers leave reviews on restaurants' Facebook pages, and these reviews can influence new diners.
Facebook also offers its own local search features, making it a key player in local SEO efforts, so engaging with reviews and maintaining a strong presence here is important for restaurants.
7. Zomato
Popular in many parts of the world, Zomato is a go-to restaurant review site that offers a blend of restaurant reviews, photos, and menus. For restaurants looking to expand their customer base, Zomato is a solid choice, especially in markets where it is widely used for both dining reviews and delivery options.
8. Zagat
Known for its high-quality, editorial-style reviews, Zagat has long been a trusted name in restaurant reviews. While it's more niche, being featured on Zagat can lend prestige to a restaurant and help attract discerning diners who trust Zagat's detailed recommendations.
9. Foursquare
Though Foursquare isn't as prominent as it once was, it still has a dedicated user base that leaves reviews and recommendations. For restaurants, maintaining an updated profile on Foursquare can help attract a tech-savvy audience and boost visibility in local searches, especially in urban areas.
10. UpMenu
UpMenu is a platform designed for restaurants that want more control over their online presence. It allows restaurants to manage their own online ordering system while also gathering reviews from customers. This makes it a unique option for those looking to combine reviews with direct orders, bypassing third-party delivery apps.
11. HappyCow
HappyCow is a niche restaurant review site focused on vegan and vegetarian restaurants. If your restaurant caters to this demographic, listing it on HappyCow is essential. The platform has a loyal and engaged user base that seeks out plant-based dining options, making it ideal for attracting the right kind of customers!
A Word on Managing Feedback on Restaurant Review Sites
Collecting restaurant reviews on multiple platforms is just the first step, and actively engaging with customers through responses to their feedback wherever possible, and especially on Google Business Profile, is equally important.
Responding to positive reviews can reinforce customer loyalty, while addressing negative feedback professionally demonstrates that you care about the customer experience.
This engagement not only fosters stronger customer relationships but also helps signal to potential diners that you take feedback seriously. Make sure to monitor your listings regularly and address any concerns promptly.
Addressing a customer's negative experience to resolve an issue can even get them to change their review from bad to good.
At the very least, you can use insights from feedback to improve your restaurant's food or service, leading to more positive reviews, stronger local SEO, and better business down the road!
Your Takeaway
The restaurant industry is incredibly competitive, both on and offline, and online reviews can make or break a restaurant's reputation and local SEO. By listing your restaurant on the right restaurant review sites and optimizing your profiles, you can attract more customers, improve your local SEO, and gain valuable insights into customer preferences.
Start by focusing on key platforms like Google Business Profile and Yelp, but don't forget to explore niche sites like Zomato or HappyCow if your restaurant serves a specific audience or area! A strong presence on multiple review sites helps build trust, increase visibility, and ultimately drive more business.
