7 methods to increase reviews in your restaurant
I have left hundreds of reviews over the last couple of years and have partnered with a handful of restaurants that used some of these techniques to boost their reviews, so these are proven methods that you can implement in your restaurant as soon as today.
Online reviews are one of the strongest drivers of restaurant discovery. Guests rely on them to decide where to eat, what to order, and whether a place is worth visiting at all. Yet many restaurants struggle to grow reviews consistently — even when guests leave happy.
The key is understanding that reviews don’t come from asking more often. They come from memorable experiences, emotional moments, and removing friction after the visit.
1. Create “Wow” Moments Worth Remembering
Guests leave reviews when something stands out. This can include: exceptional food preparation and serving method; attention to allergies, clients needs (they may have kids, elderly people who need special attention); thoughtful service timing like pouring water on time, removing the plates; warm, human interaction instead of scripted service.
Restaurants that train servers to notice details — not just take orders — consistently outperform others in review volume. Regular team meetings that would be focused on:
pacing
reading tables
anticipating needs
2. Tailor the Experience for Celebrations
The way you could do it is by making your waiter or a host ask a couple of simple questions when bringing them to a table. If you hear they are here for:
An anniversary you can get them a small flower or a handwritten note
A birthday celebration can be accompanied by a candle on a complimentary dessert or scoop of ice cream
A family reunion might fancy a group photo moment or thoughtful seating setup
The key is to tailor gestures to your cuisine and theme. Whether it’s Mexican, American, Mediterranean — all have different cultural touchpoints that could bring guests to awe by your deep knowledge in their culture.
3. Make Leaving Reviews Easy
When guests decide to leave a review, every extra step between intent and submission reduces the chance they’ll follow through. UX research consistently shows that added friction — such as multiple clicks or navigation steps — leads to significant drop-off in completion rates.
Instead add QR-codes to your checks at the end of the meal with some complimentary candy to make the experience of paying more satisfying;
Branded takeaway card (wallet-sized);
Guest photography takeaway - a complimentary printed branded photo that you can explore with VibrantUSA at no cost to you! We will take care of all the costs.
4. Use Visual Memory Triggers
One of the most effective non-solicited review drivers is memory reinforcement.
Guests who leave with:
a photo
a keepsake
or a shared moment
are far more likely to remember the restaurant days later — when they’re at home, relaxed, and more likely to leave a review from their own device.
This is why some restaurants use in-restaurant guest photography services. When done respectfully, photography doesn’t ask for reviews — it creates a reminder that naturally leads guests back to the restaurant later. Services like VibrantUSA focus on capturing real guest moments inside the restaurant and providing guests with a photo from their visit, which reinforces the experience after they leave.
Timing matters. Because the reminder happens later — not on-site — this approach aligns far better with Yelp and Google’s review-filtering systems and reduces the risk of reviews being flagged as solicited. It doesn’t cost a restaurant anything and all the photographers are professionally trained by our most experienced team of coaches.
5. Collaborate With Small Content Creators (Yes, Small Ones)
Large influencers are expensive and unpredictable. Smaller local content creators are often far more effective because their audiences are local, engaged, and more trusting. These creators influence real dining decisions, not just views.
It’s also important to understand the downside of mishandling these relationships. Even national media has covered how dismissive or hostile interactions with creators can seriously harm restaurants.
For example, Fox News reported on a case titled:
“Restaurant shuts down after chef insults TikTok influencer, prompting outrage: ‘Still shaking’”
(Link: Fox News article here)
The incident shows how quickly negative sentiment can spread when a restaurant underestimates the impact of even a smaller creator. What might feel insignificant in the moment can escalate into widespread backlash, lost trust, and long-term reputational damage.
Collaboration does not mean giving away free meals indiscriminately. It means:
Treating creators with respect
Setting clear expectations
Focusing on authentic experiences rather than scripted promotions
Handled correctly, small creators can drive meaningful exposure, social sharing, and long-term reviews. Handled poorly, the consequences can be severe.
6. Drive Exposure Through In-Person Engagement
Something that would also help restaurants see spikes in brand searches, social mentions, and reviews are these interactions that feel organic and personal, which makes guests more likely to talk about them online. These interactions usually happen at:
food festivals
neighborhood events
pop-ups
community exhibits
7. Get their contact information to opt in your messages
You can’t lose a person who comes in your door and then never see them again. It’s frustrating isn’t it? The way you could keep communicating with them is by getting their contact information whether it’s an email, phone number or both. You can offer them to opt in on your website, socials, etc. to never lose them again. If it comes hard you can also offer them a small discount or a free appetizer that for their next visit.
Final Thought
Increasing restaurant reviews isn’t about chasing feedback. It’s about creating memorable experiences and making it easy for guests to share them later.
When guests leave impressed, appreciated, and remembered, reviews happen naturally.