How to Win the Google Reviews Game in 2025

2025 is almost here, and one thing is clear for every restaurant owner. Google reviews have grown into a massive force for consumers and play a key role in restaurant success.

Gone are the days when Google reviews were just a few enthusiastic Local Guides writing lengthy comments on your (often abandoned) Google profile. Today, Google reviews have become a massive deciding factor for customers, who are now more likely than ever to leave their own feedback.But here’s the twist: a good star rating isn’t enough anymore. In many cities, restaurants need thousands of reviews to even be considered by customers.

This new reality has made reviews central to your restaurant’s visibility, trustworthiness and revenue. Reviews are a key to ensuring new customers keep walking through your doors and legions of SEO experts are focused on ranking your website higher on Google Search Results and becoming Local SEOs to rank your Restaurant higher on Google Maps. Smart owners will seize on this opportunity and use reviews as a powerful tool to fill their dining rooms and online ordering queues. 

The Rise of Google as Reputation King

Two key forces have propelled Google to the throne as the king of reviews.

First, overwhelmed by ads and overly polished social media content, customers now see reviews as a reliable and authentic source of truth. A recent survey from BrightLocal found that 84 percent of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Second, Google has quietly edged out platforms like Yelp and Tripadvisor* to dominate the review space for local business. Why? Consumers already trust Google for search results and rely heavily on Google Maps for recommendations. Add to that the fact that business owners can’t delete reviews (making them inherently more trustworthy) and you have the perfect storm for Google to emerge as the go-to for restaurant reviews.

The very thing that feels like a double-edged sword for many restaurants is also what creates unparalleled trust. And if you’re strategic about it, this trust can work to your advantage.

How to Excel at Google Reviews in 2025

In this landscape, waiting for good reviews to appear organically is no longer enough. You need to actively manage your reviews as a cornerstone of your business strategy. Here’s how:

1. Track reviews and know where you stand

Business owners are used to tracking expenses, suppliers, rankings, visits, and calls, but many don’t know that they can track Google reviews too. Understanding trends, your real rating, and knowing exactly how many reviews you need to reach the next star rating isn’t just about controlling your reputation. It’s also a tool to empower and motivate your team and introduce bonuses or incentives for achieving certain rating milestones. This not only improves your customer experience but also reinforces a culture of accountability and excellence within your restaurant.

2. Train your staff to ask for reviews in the right way

If you’re not actively asking for reviews, you’re missing out. Really.

Most customers won’t leave a review unless they’re prompted, even if they’ve had a great experience. Train and reward your staff to encourage honest reviews after a positive interaction without being pushy and avoiding review gating. 

Make the process seamless, honest, and your review count will grow.

3. Respond to every review, from human to human

In 2024, responding to reviews has been non-negotiable, but in 2025 that won’t be enough and only restaurants who respond to reviews properly will stand out among loyal customers.

With the rise of AI many owners have switched on the autopilot on reviews response. This is a mistake that you can’t afford to make in 2025. You are not only deceiving a human who took five minutes of his life to say good things about you, but missing out on feedback crucial for your success.

About negative reviews, respond with empathy and a solution. The trick is not to confront the user and allow them to be wrong. Everyone has a different opinion. Thoughtful responses show both the unhappy customer and future ones that you care about them.

4. Turn reviews into valuable content

Don’t let great reviews sit idle on Google. Use them! Highlight glowing feedback on social media, your website, and even your in-house materials. For instance, a five-star review praising your “cozy atmosphere and incredible Sunday brunch” makes for a fantastic Instagram post that will activate your fan base and show them that reviews can be amplified too.

5. Keep your menu up to date

Some experts like Claudia Tomina have been informing how Google is enhancing the menu section of Business Profile. As an example Google now highlights specific dishes and keywords mentioned in reviews, so it’s crucial to keep your menu updated online. If customers consistently rave about a particular dish, make sure it’s front and center on your profile.

Don’t Let this Market Trend Pass

In 2025, reviews are more than just a measure of your reputation, they’re a marker of your relevance. As Google gets smarter and customers grow savvier, the restaurants that invest in review management will be the ones that thrive. And that’s what we have technology, to make this job easy and, why not, even fun, for us.

But this isn’t just about technology. Reviews are a direct line to your customers. They reveal what your diners love, what they want, and where you can improve. By listening, responding, and acting on this feedback, you’re not just boosting your online presence, you’re also building a better restaurant.

So as you prepare for the year ahead, ask yourself: Are you treating reviews as an afterthought, or as the foundation of your success? If it’s the latter, you’re already one step ahead of the game.