When it comes to online reviews, Google and Yelp are the two biggest names restaurant owners think of. But with limited time and resources, where should your focus be in 2025?
The answer isn’t just about where people leave reviews — it’s about which platform actually drives traffic, trust, and sales.
Let’s break down the key differences between Google Reviews and Yelp, and where smart restaurants are investing their energy this year.
Google Reviews: The SEO Powerhouse
Why Google dominates in 2025:
- Built-in exposure: Google Reviews are embedded directly into Google Search and Google Maps — where 9 out of 10 customers begin their search.
- Local SEO impact: The quantity, quality, and freshness of your Google reviews affect how your restaurant ranks in local search results.
- High intent traffic: When someone searches “best Thai restaurant near me,” the top results are influenced by Google reviews — not Yelp.
In other words: Google reviews don’t just build trust — they build visibility.
Yelp Reviews: Still Relevant, But Losing Ground
Yelp is still useful in some cases:
- It’s popular in certain U.S. cities like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York
- Yelp’s review culture encourages detailed, long-form feedback
- Some loyal users rely heavily on Yelp to avoid “tourist traps”
However, Yelp’s influence has dropped compared to Google due to:
- Limited visibility in Google Search
- Ads cluttering the platform
- Lower consumer trust due to filtered or “not recommended” reviews
A more complex experience for business owners managing their page
The Numbers Say It All
As of 2025:
- Over 90% of mobile local searches happen on Google
- Google has over 5x the review volume of Yelp in most regions
- Restaurants with more Google reviews see higher CTR and foot traffic from Maps
Yelp may still matter in niche markets, but Google is where the majority of customers are looking — and deciding.
How to Win on Google Reviews — Without Extra Work
If Google is where the visibility is, how do you maximize your presence there?
That’s where Foodcus steps in.
Foodcus helps restaurants:
- Automate review collection after dine-in or delivery
- Prompt customers to mention specific dishes (great for keywords)
- Auto-respond to reviews with tone-matched, brand-friendly replies
- Keep your Google Business Profile updated to boost ranking and trust
Instead of manually managing reviews or worrying about what to say, Foodcus takes care of it — so you can focus on running your kitchen.
Verdict: Focus on Google in 2025
If you have to choose one platform to prioritize this year, the answer is clear:
✅ Google Reviews = Visibility + Trust + Traffic
❌ Yelp = Niche relevance + Limited SEO impact
That doesn’t mean you should ignore Yelp entirely — but your time, energy, and tools should revolve around Google, where your customers are already searching.
Ready to Boost Your Google Presence?
Don’t let outdated listings or missed reviews hold you back.
✅ Use Foodcus to automate your Google review strategy, improve local rankings, and turn happy diners into your biggest promoters.
👉 Try Foodcus today and own your restaurant’s reputation — where it matters most.