Customer reviews are now a key factor in a restaurant’s online visibility.

In 2025, more than 90% of diners read online reviews before choosing where to eat, and about 94% say those reviews directly influence their decision.
Restaurants that appear first on Google are almost always the ones with the most and best reviews.

For restaurant owners, having a clear strategy to encourage customers to leave Google reviews is no longer optional, it’s essential.

This guide breaks down the most practical, proven methods to collect more reviews, boost your local SEO, and build a strong, trustworthy reputation.

1. Ask for reviews face-to-face — with tact and consistency

The most effective way to get reviews is still the simplest: ask your customers in person at the end of their meal.
That’s when they’re happiest — and most likely to remember their experience.

How to do it right:

• Choose the right moment: ask right after the meal, when the guest looks satisfied.

• Keep it natural: “Thank you so much for visiting! If you enjoyed your meal, leaving us a quick Google review would mean a lot.”

• Make it easy: hand them a QR code that takes them directly to your Google review page — on the receipt, on a small card, or directly on the table.

• Train your team: a kind, genuine ask from a waiter who just received a compliment works wonders.

Guests are often happy to help a restaurant they like — as long as it’s easy and doesn’t feel forced.

2. Ask for reviews at the right time

Timing is everything.
If you ask too early, the customer hasn’t finished the experience.
If you ask too late, they’ve already forgotten about it.

The best time: within a few hours after the meal.
The ideal approach is a quick thank-you SMS or email 6–12 hours later — when the memory is still fresh.

Example message:

“Hi Sarah, thank you for visiting Bistro Nova yesterday! If you enjoyed your experience, we’d love for you to share a quick Google review — it really helps us.”

A short, personal follow-up is much more effective than a generic mass message.

3. Use the right tools to make leaving a review effortless

The golden rule: make it as simple as possible.
The fewer steps a customer has to take, the more likely they’ll leave a review.

a) The QR code — a simple but powerful tool

QR codes are now everywhere in restaurants — for menus, payments… and now, for reviews.
You can create a QR code that links directly to your Google review page.

How to use it:

• Place QR codes on tables (small stand, sticker, or printed card).

• Add them to receipts or takeout bags.

• Display one at the entrance or cash register.

• Include it in delivery packaging for Uber Eats or Deliveroo.

You can generate your QR code directly from your Google Business Profile or using a free online generator.
Always test it yourself before printing to make sure it opens your review page instantly.

Pro tip: If you use a dynamic QR code, you can track how many people scan it, when, and where.
That way, you’ll know which placements work best — on tables, receipts, or packaging — and can keep improving your strategy.

b) SMS campaigns — fast, personal, and highly effective

SMS is by far the most effective channel for collecting reviews.
It’s direct, personal, and has a 90%+ open rate — usually within minutes.

Example message:

“Hey Alex, thanks for stopping by today! Your feedback means a lot. Share your experience here 👉 [Google link].”

Why it works:

• Immediate delivery.

• Opens directly on the phone’s Google review window.

• Simple, frictionless, and human.

Tips:

• Always warn the customer first (“You’ll get a small thank-you text with a link to leave a review”).

• Send the SMS within two hours after the meal.

• If there’s no response after 48 hours, a gentle reminder works:
  “Hi Alex, just a friendly reminder from Bistro Nova — if you haven’t had a chance to leave your review yet, here’s the link 😊 [Link].”

Avoid spamming — one reminder is plenty.

c) Email follow-ups — less instant, but still useful

Email is a great complement to SMS, especially for repeat customers or those who book online.

Best practices:

• Personalize the message: mention their name, visit date, or favorite dish.

• Use a strong subject line: “Sarah, how was your dinner at Bistro Nova?”

• Keep it short: thank them for their visit, explain why their review matters, and include a clear “Leave a review” button.

• Offer examples: some customers don’t know what to write — you can include ideas like “What did you enjoy most? The food, the service, the atmosphere?”

• Say thank you — both in the email and by replying publicly when they post their review.

Email gives you more flexibility — you can even let them choose where to review (Google, TripAdvisor, Facebook, etc.).

4. What to know before asking for reviews

Before launching your review strategy, make sure you know Google’s rules and what really works.

a) Don’t buy or reward reviews

Buying reviews or offering discounts, gifts, or contests in exchange for a positive review is strictly forbidden by Google.
Doing so can get your reviews deleted or your Business Profile suspended.

Be transparent — authentic reviews are worth far more than fake ones.

b) Don’t filter out negative reviews

A few bad reviews won’t hurt you — in fact, they make your profile look more trustworthy.
Customers care more about how you respond to criticism than the rating itself.

Always reply calmly and professionally:

“Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry your experience didn’t meet expectations — we’ve taken note and will do better.”

This shows maturity and attention to service — qualities that attract more customers in the long run.

c) Focus on quality and consistency

Not all reviews are created equal.
A short “Great place” doesn’t carry the same weight as a detailed, descriptive comment.

Encourage guests to describe their experience — favorite dishes, atmosphere, staff friendliness, etc.
Detailed reviews contain natural keywords that help your restaurant appear in local searches.

And remember: freshness matters.
A few new reviews every week are more powerful than dozens all at once.
Google prioritizes recent, consistent activity when ranking local businesses.

5. The winning strategy for restaurant reviews

1. Ask satisfied customers for reviews regularly — right after the meal.

2. Make it easy with QR codes and direct links.

3. Send personalized SMS follow-ups within hours of the visit.

4. Use email as a complementary channel.

5. Respond to all reviews — even negative ones — with empathy and professionalism.

6. Stay consistent: steady reviews are better than sudden bursts.

Conclusion

Getting more Google reviews doesn’t happen by chance — it’s the result of daily habits and a smart system.
Each review is a vote of confidence for your restaurant, a magnet for new guests, and a signal to Google that your business is active and appreciated.

So don’t leave your reputation to luck.
Start today: ask, simplify, and thank.
You’ll soon see the difference — in your online ranking, and in your dining room.