Example replies
Example replies to restaurant reviews on Google
These are examples, not templates. The reviews are made up. Change names, dishes and details to match what really happened before you post anything. Want one written for your actual review? Try the free reply generator.
Tone
A few habits before the examples.
- Name the dish or the person they mentioned. It's proof you read it.
- On a bad night, own the specific thing in one sentence. Skip "sorry for any inconvenience".
- Never argue the facts in public. Give a name and a way to reach you.
- Don't offer a free meal in a reply. Sort out goodwill privately.
- Two to four sentences is plenty.
5, 3 and 1 star
Restaurants: reviews and replies.
5-starA happy regular
Review (example)
Third time here and the lamb ragù is still the best thing I've eaten this year. Marco remembered our usual table. Feels like a neighbourhood place should.
Example reply
Third time and Marco already knows your table, that's exactly the kind of place we want to be. So glad the ragù is still hitting the spot; we'll keep it on the menu as long as you keep coming. See you at the corner table soon.
Why it works: Echoes the dish and the staff member, keeps it short, invites them back without a sales pitch.
5-starA special occasion
Review (example)
Booked for my mum's 70th. The team brought out a candle with dessert without us even asking. She hasn't stopped talking about it.
Example reply
Happy 70th to your mum! Thank you for choosing us for it. I'll pass this on to the team tonight, they'll be thrilled the candle landed. We'd love to see you both again.
Why it works: Matches their warmth, credits the team, no generic "we value your feedback".
3-starGood food, slow service
Review (example)
Food was really good, especially the gnocchi. But we waited 40 minutes for mains on a Friday and nobody told us why.
Example reply
Thanks for the honest review, and glad the gnocchi was worth it. Forty minutes without a word from us isn't okay; the kitchen fell behind on Friday and we should have come to your table and said so. We're changing how we update tables when that happens. Hope you'll give us another go.
Why it works: Thanks first, names the wait plainly, says what changes. No excuses piled up.
3-starToo pricey for the portion
Review (example)
Nice atmosphere but the steak was small for the price.
Example reply
Thanks for coming in and for saying so. I hear you on the steak; it's a 200g cut from a local farm, and we should make that clearer on the menu so it doesn't surprise anyone. Glad the room felt good.
Why it works: Explains without getting defensive, takes one concrete action, stays brief.
1-starFood arrived cold
Review (example)
Ordered the carbonara and it came out lukewarm. Sent it back and the second one wasn't much better. Disappointing.
Example reply
I'm sorry your carbonara came out lukewarm, twice. That's not the dish we want leaving the kitchen. I'm the owner, and I'd like to hear more about your visit: you can reach me at [email or phone]. Thank you for telling us.
Why it works: Apologises for the exact thing, gives a real contact, doesn't offer freebies in public.
1-starRude staff (you weren't there)
Review (example)
The waiter was rude when I asked to change tables. Won't be back.
Example reply
I'm sorry the table change went badly. Everyone should feel welcome asking for that. I wasn't on the floor that night and I want to understand what happened, so please email me at [email]. Thank you for letting us know.
Why it works: Takes it seriously without blaming staff or the guest in public, moves it offline.
Questions
About replying.
Should I reply to every restaurant review?
Can I copy these replies word for word?
How fast should I reply to a bad review?
Draft replies right on the review page.
The ReplyPlate extension writes a first draft; you read it and post it.