Guides / Google guides
Google Business Profile for restaurants: the 2026 guide
A Google Business Profile is the free listing that shows your restaurant on Google Search and Maps, with hours, menu, photos, reviews and an order button. To get the most from it, verify it, complete every field, set holiday hours, reply to reviews, and post and add photos regularly. Google uses this information to decide when to show you.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is your restaurant's listing on Google Search and Google Maps. It shows your hours, address, phone, menu, photos, reviews and links to order or reserve. For many guests it replaces your website as the first impression.
The restaurant setup checklist
- Verify the profile. Google ranks verified, complete profiles higher.
- Pick the most specific primary category, such as "Mexican restaurant" instead of "Restaurant". Add secondary categories for what you really serve.
- Use your real business name. Adding keywords like "Best Tacos Denver" to the name breaks Google's guidelines and is a common reason profiles get suspended.
- Fill in hours, phone, website and menu link, and keep them identical to your website and other listings.
- Add attributes such as outdoor seating, delivery, takeout and accessibility.
- Upload real photos of dishes, the dining room and the storefront.
How do holiday and special hours work?
Google recommends special hours when you change hours for a short time, so your regular hours stay intact. Special hours cover changes of up to 6 days in a row. For a closure of 7 days or more, mark the business as temporarily closed instead. Google also suggests confirming hours for official holidays even when they don't change.
Should restaurants reply to every review?
Yes. Google lists responding to reviews among its tips for improving local ranking, and says replies show customers you are responsive. Keep replies short, specific and professional. See our guide to replying to negative reviews.
What about posts and photos?
Posts let you share specials, events and new dishes directly on your profile. Write posts around dishes people actually search for in your area, and attach a real photo. Weekly posting keeps your profile current, and fresh photos help guests choose you.
Watch out for suggested edits
Anyone can suggest changes to your profile, and Google sometimes applies them. Hours, phone numbers and website links can change without notice. Check your profile regularly, or use a tool that alerts you when something changes.
Questions owners ask
How do I add a menu to my Google Business Profile?
Add a menu link to your own menu page in the profile, and keep the menu items current. A menu Google can read helps you appear for dish searches.
Can I change my restaurant's name on Google to include keywords?
No. Your profile name must match your real-world name. Adding keywords can lead to a suspension.
How many photos should a restaurant have?
There is no official number. Cover dishes, the dining room, the storefront and the menu, and add new photos regularly.
Can someone else manage my profile without my password?
Yes. With Forkrado you don't need to add us as manager on your profile. You just sign in with Google and connect your profile. You stay the owner and can disconnect at any time.
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