Guides / Reviews
How to get more Google reviews for your restaurant
Ask every guest, not only happy ones, a few hours after their visit, with a direct link to your review form. Never offer discounts or rewards for reviews, and never ask only satisfied guests. Both break Google's policy. Reply to every review, so guests can see that you read them.
What Google allows and prohibits
Google's policy allows businesses to encourage reviews that reflect a genuine experience. It prohibits offering incentives such as payment, discounts or free items in exchange for reviews. It also prohibits review gating: discouraging negative reviews or asking only satisfied customers.
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| "How was your meal? We'd love an honest review." | "Leave 5 stars and get 10% off." |
| A review link on receipts and order texts | Sending the link only to guests who rated you highly |
| A QR code on the table or bag | Asking staff, friends or family to post reviews |
What changed in 2026
Industry reports on Google's April 2026 review changes describe more weight on signals around how a review was posted. Reviews written at the business location, many reviews from the same Wi-Fi network, or scripted wording that repeats staff names may be filtered. Reviews posted a few hours after a visit, from a guest's own phone, look most natural.
A simple review routine that works
- Put the link where guests already are: the pickup text, the email receipt and a small card in to-go bags.
- Send it a few hours later, not at checkout.
- Ask everyone with the same neutral wording.
- Reply to every review so guests see their words matter.
- Fix what reviews repeat. If three people mention wait time, that's your next improvement.
Where referral rewards fit
Rewarding guests for referring friends is different from rewarding reviews. Forkrado's upcoming Ripple program rewards referrals only, never reviews, so your profile stays within Google's policy.
Questions owners ask
Can I give a discount for a Google review?
No. Google prohibits discounts, free items or payment in exchange for reviews.
Can I ask only happy customers?
No. Asking only satisfied customers is review gating, which Google prohibits. Ask everyone.
Why did some of my reviews disappear?
Google filters reviews that look like fake engagement, such as many reviews from one network or reviews tied to incentives.
Is a QR code in the restaurant OK?
Yes, as long as it asks for honest reviews. Many guests will still post later from home, which is fine.
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