Google is now the first stop for most diners in the UK when deciding where to eat. Whether someone searches "restaurants near me", "Italian restaurant in Brighton", or your restaurant name directly — your Google Business Profile is the first thing they see. This guide walks you through exactly what to do to make that first impression count and turn searches into real bookings.
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is the free listing that appears in search results and Google Maps when someone searches for your restaurant. It shows:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Opening hours
- Photos and videos
- Reviews and your responses (this is the most important one)
- Menu highlights
- Booking button (if connected)
Google gives significantly more visibility to businesses with complete, active profiles — meaning restaurants that keep theirs up to date consistently appear higher in local search results.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Profile
If you haven't already, go to business.google.com and claim your listing. Google will verify you're the owner, usually by postcard, phone call, or email.
If your restaurant already has a listing someone else created, you can request ownership through the same process.
This step is non-negotiable. An unclaimed profile can be edited by anyone — including competitors who might change your opening hours or contact details.
Step 2: Complete Every Section
Google rewards completeness. Fill in:
- Business name (exactly as it appears on your signage and website)
- Category (choose "Restaurant" as your primary category, then add relevant secondary categories like "Italian restaurant" or "Seafood restaurant")
- Address (confirm it pins correctly on the map — your customers will navigate directly to this location)
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Opening hours (keep these updated for bank holidays too — your customers will thank you for it)
- Description — up to 750 characters; use natural language that reflects how guests talk about you
- Attributes — tick what applies: outdoor seating, takeaway, accessible entrance, pet-friendly, etc.
Step 3: Add a Booking Button
Google allows you to add a direct reservation link to your profile. If you use a reservation platform, this connects searchers directly to your booking page — without them needing to visit your website first.
In your profile dashboard, look for "Bookings" or "Reserve a table" and follow the integration steps for your booking provider.
The easier you make the booking process, the more bookings you will get. It really is that simple.
Step 4: Upload High-Quality Photos Regularly
Listings with photos receive significantly more clicks than those without. Add:
- Interior shots — show the ambience, table layout, and lighting
- Exterior shots — help guests recognise the entrance, especially important for locations that are hard to spot
- Food photos — your best-looking dishes, properly lit
- Team photos (optional) — builds warmth and personality
Aim for at least 10–15 photos to start, and add new ones monthly. Google gives more visibility to active profiles.
Avoid stock photography. Guests can tell, and it undermines trust.
Step 5: Manage and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are one of the most powerful ranking signals for local search. A restaurant with 200 reviews averaging 4.5 stars will almost always outrank one with 50 reviews averaging 4.8.
- Actively encourage guests to leave reviews
- Respond to every review — thank positive ones, and address negative ones calmly and professionally. If a customer raises a genuine shortcoming, acknowledge it, explain what you're doing to improve, and invite them back.
- Never respond defensively in public. Even if the guest is wrong, a composed response builds far more trust than a heated one.
Step 6: Post Updates Regularly
Google lets you post updates to your profile — similar to social media posts, but attached directly to your search result. Use these for:
- Weekly specials or new menu items
- Events (quiz nights, live music, themed evenings)
- Seasonal promotions
- Holiday hours
Posts appear on your profile for seven days before expiring (offers last longer). Regular posting signals to Google that your business is active, which positively affects your ranking.
Step 7: Keep Your Information Accurate
A small thing with big consequences: if your opening hours are wrong, guests will show up and find you closed. One bad experience, one bad review. Check your profile regularly, and always update it:
- Before bank holidays
- When you change your hours for any reason
- When you add a new phone number or change your website URL
Note: Google allows anyone to suggest edits to your profile. You will receive an email notification — act on it promptly to prevent incorrect information going live.
Quick Checklist
- Profile claimed and verified
- All sections complete (name, category, address, phone, hours, description)
- Booking button connected
- At least 10 quality photos uploaded
- Responding to all new reviews
- Posting at least one update per week
- Special hours updated for upcoming bank holidays
How Tablemap Works With Google
Tablemap's booking widget makes the reservation process effortless for your customers — guests searching for your restaurant can find you more easily and complete their booking in under two minutes.
