This guide covers everything specific to setting up and optimising a Google Business Profile for restaurants. For general GBP optimisation principles, see the main GBP optimisation page. For SEO beyond GBP, see SEO for Restaurants.
The Right Categories
Primary: Restaurant (or specific type like Italian Restaurant, Sushi Restaurant). Secondary: add relevant subcategories like Bar, Catering, Takeaway Restaurant if applicable. See the full categories guide for more detail on how categories work.
Services to List
Your services section should include: dine-in, takeaway, delivery, catering, private dining, event hosting — each with descriptions that include your cuisine type and location.
Photos
For restaurants, the most impactful photos are: food photos showing your dishes beautifully plated, interior and exterior shots of your restaurant, photos of your team, kitchen action shots
Review Strategy
Encourage diners to mention specific dishes in their reviews. Reviews that say “best paella in Marbella” or “amazing sushi in Estepona” directly help you rank for those food-specific searches. See the full review strategy guide.
Posting Strategy
Post daily specials, new menu items, seasonal dishes, behind-the-scenes kitchen content, and event announcements. Restaurant GBP posts with food photos get significantly higher engagement. See the posting strategy guide for general posting advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best primary GBP category for restaurants?
The most effective primary category for restaurants is typically “Restaurant.” The right choice depends on your specific focus — contact me for a personalised recommendation based on your business and competition.
How many photos should a restaurants GBP have?
Aim for at least 20-30 photos across all categories. Add new photos regularly — at least monthly. For restaurants, quality visual content is especially important for attracting customers.
How often should restaurants post on their Google Business Profile?
At least once per week. Regular posts signal to Google that your business is active and engaged. For restaurants, I recommend a mix of offers, updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Each post should include relevant keywords naturally.
Can GBP optimisation help restaurants get into the Google 3-Pack?
Absolutely. The Google 3-Pack is the most visible position in local search and gets the majority of clicks. A fully optimised GBP with the right categories, complete services, regular posts, strong reviews, and geotagged photos gives restaurants the best chance of appearing in those top three positions.
Do restaurants need reviews to rank on Google Maps?
Reviews are one of the strongest ranking signals for the Google 3-Pack. Both the number of reviews and the average rating matter. For restaurants, I implement a review strategy that encourages satisfied customers to leave feedback, which builds trust with both Google and potential customers.