Ask, simply
The first reason a customer does not leave a review is that nobody offered, or that it was complicated. Google says you can ask customers to click a Google link or scan a QR code (Google Help, “Tips to get more reviews”).
In practice: a direct link to your review page, a QR code on the bill or the table, or an NFC card that opens that page.
Ask everyone
Offering the review to all your customers, not only to those who seem satisfied, gives a rating that looks like your restaurant. A rating that is too perfect and too regular also inspires distrust.
Reply to reviews
Google recommends replying to reviews to show customers their comments matter. A few pointers:
- Thank a positive review in one or two personal sentences.
- For a critical review, stay calm and factual: acknowledge what is justified, offer to continue in private if needed.
- Never accuse the customer. Future customers read your replies too.
What not to do
- Offer something in exchange for a review. Google considers incentives (free or discounted products or services) offered in exchange for a review as fake engagement, strictly prohibited. This also applies to changing or removing a negative review.
- Buy or write fake reviews.
- Ask only satisfied customers for a review.
These rules apply to games and draws: a reward conditioned on a review is an incentive. If you liven up your room with a prize wheel, its steps must respect these rules.
Tools that help
A short link or QR code makes the request instant. A card on the table replaces the sentence “feel free to leave us a review” that nobody remembers. But no tool replaces a good welcome, and none guarantees a number of reviews or a rating.
Source cited: Google Business Profile Help, “Tips to get more reviews”, consulted on 25 October 2026. Google's rules may change: check the page before acting.