Module 11

Restaurants

This quick-start guide covers Google Business Profile optimisation for restaurants of all types. Whether you're a fine dining establishment or a casual eatery, here's how to attract more diners through local search.

Your Setup Priorities

What to do

Focus on these elements first for restaurants.

Step by step

  1. Photos drive decisions. Customers choose restaurants based on how the food looks. Professional-quality food photography is essential.
  2. Reviews are critical. Restaurant choice is heavily influenced by ratings and reviews. This is your top priority.
  3. Accurate hours and reservation info. Customers need to know when you're open and how to book.
  4. Category precision. The right categories help you appear for the right searches (Italian, Indian, Seafood, etc.).
  5. Menu accessibility. Customers want to see prices and options before committing.

Recommended Categories

What to do

Choose your primary category carefully — it defines your main search visibility.

Step by step

  1. Primary category = Your cuisine type. Italian Restaurant, Indian Restaurant, Chinese Restaurant, Thai Restaurant, etc.
  2. British/European: Restaurant, British Restaurant, European Restaurant, Fine Dining Restaurant, Gastropub.
  3. Casual dining: Family Restaurant, Casual Dining Restaurant, Fast Food Restaurant.
  4. Secondary categories: Add Restaurant as secondary if your cuisine type is primary. Add meal types like Breakfast Restaurant, Brunch Restaurant if relevant.
  5. Special features: Seafood Restaurant, Vegetarian Restaurant, Vegan Restaurant, Steakhouse, Pizza Restaurant.
  6. Be specific. "Thai Restaurant" ranks better for Thai food searches than just "Restaurant".

Photos That Work for Restaurants

What to do

Make customers hungry and eager to visit.

Step by step

  1. Signature dishes. Your best, most photogenic dishes. What you want to be known for.
  2. Variety of menu items. Starters, mains, desserts. Show the range.
  3. Drinks and cocktails. If you have a bar or notable drinks menu, show it off.
  4. Atmosphere and ambience. The dining room, lighting, table settings. The experience, not just the food.
  5. Exterior and entrance. Help customers recognise you when they arrive.
  6. Kitchen or chef (if appropriate). Open kitchens, chef at work — adds authenticity.
  7. Special occasions. Birthday setups, decorated tables, special events.
  8. Professional photography recommended. For restaurants, investing in professional food photography often pays off.

Menu and Pricing

What to do

Make your menu accessible and informative.

Step by step

  1. Use GBP's menu feature. Add your menu items with descriptions and prices directly to your listing.
  2. Link to website menu. Add your menu URL. Keep the website menu updated.
  3. Include price range. Set your price level attribute (£, ££, £££). Helps customers filter.
  4. Update seasonally. If your menu changes, update your GBP menu to match.
  5. Feature specials via posts. Use posts for daily specials, seasonal menus, or tasting events.

Reservations and Booking

What to do

Make it easy for customers to book.

Step by step

  1. Add reservation link. If you use OpenTable, Bookatable, Resy, or your own system, add the link to your listing.
  2. Set up "Reserve" button. GBP can integrate with reservation platforms to add a direct booking button.
  3. Mention in Q&A. Seed a question: "Do you take reservations?" with details on how to book.
  4. Phone number for reservations. If you prefer phone bookings, make sure your number is prominent and correct.

Key Attributes to Set

What to do

Enable all relevant attributes.

Step by step

  1. Dining options: Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery (if applicable).
  2. Atmosphere: Good for kids, Good for groups, Romantic, Cosy, Casual.
  3. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible seating.
  4. Offerings: Serves vegetarian food, Serves vegan food, Halal, Kosher (if applicable).
  5. Features: Outdoor seating, Live music, Private dining room, Bar on site.
  6. Payment: Accepts credit cards, Accepts reservations.
  7. Price range: Set appropriately (£, ££, £££, ££££).

Getting Reviews as a Restaurant

What to do

Reviews are paramount for restaurants.

Step by step

  1. Bill presenters. Include a card with QR code when presenting the bill.
  2. Table cards. Small cards on tables with review link/QR code.
  3. Staff training. Train staff to mention reviews when appropriate: "We're so glad you enjoyed it. If you have a moment, we'd love a Google review."
  4. Follow up for special occasions. If you have contact details from a birthday booking, a follow-up email with review link is appropriate.
  5. Respond to all reviews. Restaurants get lots of reviews. Responding shows you care and engage.

Q&A to Seed

What to do

Pre-populate these common questions.

Step by step

  1. "Do you take reservations?" — How to book, how far in advance, walk-ins welcome?
  2. "Do you have vegetarian/vegan options?" — Detail your dietary offerings.
  3. "Is there parking?" — Local parking information.
  4. "Do you cater for allergies?" — Your allergen policy and process.
  5. "Do you have a children's menu?" — Family-friendliness details.
  6. "Do you do private dining?" — If applicable.
  7. "What's your dress code?" — If relevant for your establishment.

Priority Citations for Restaurants

What to do

Get listed on these platforms.

Step by step

  1. TripAdvisor — Essential. Claim and actively manage your listing.
  2. OpenTable/Bookatable — If you take reservations.
  3. Yelp — Important review platform.
  4. SquareMeal — Good for restaurants.
  5. Time Out — If in a major city.
  6. TheFork — Reservation and discovery platform.
  7. Deliveroo/UberEats/JustEat — If you offer delivery.
  8. Local food guides — Your city or region's restaurant guides.

Restaurant GBP checklist: