Replies for the Google reviews restaurants actually get, from a server praised by name to a guest who says they got sick. Swap in your details, keep the specifics, and sign with your own name.
Free plan: 15 AI replies in total, no credit card required.
Thank them for the specific thing they loved. Mentioning the dish or the server by name shows a real person read the review.
Example review
“The short rib was incredible and the portion was huge. Already planning our next visit.”
Reply
Thank you, [Name]! The short rib is [Chef]'s favorite to make, so I'll make sure the kitchen hears this. See you on your next visit. [Your name], [Restaurant]
Example review
“Jess was our server and she was amazing. Great recommendations and so attentive.”
Reply
Thank you for the kind words about Jess, [Name]! I've passed them on, and they made her day. We hope to have you back soon. [Your name], [Restaurant]
Example review
“Celebrated our anniversary here. Lovely evening, thank you!”
Reply
Happy anniversary, [Name]! Thank you for spending it with us. We'd love to be part of the next celebration too. [Your name], [Restaurant]
Example review
“(5 stars, no comment)”
Reply
Thanks for the 5 stars, [Name]! We appreciate it. [Your name], [Restaurant]
Thank them for what went well, take the criticism seriously, and say what you are doing about it. Mixed reviews are read closely because they feel honest.
Example review
“Food was excellent but we waited 40 minutes for mains and had to flag someone down for the bill.”
Reply
Thank you, [Name]. I'm glad the food was worth it, but a 40-minute wait for mains and chasing the bill isn't the evening we want for anyone. We've added a second runner on [busy night] to fix exactly this. I hope you'll give us another try. [Your name], [Restaurant]
Example review
“Really good but a bit expensive for the portion size.”
Reply
Thanks for the honest feedback, [Name]. We cook with [local or specific ingredient], which costs more, but value matters to us and we're reviewing portion sizes on a few dishes. Our [weekday lunch / set menu] is a good way to try more of the menu for less. [Your name], [Restaurant]
Apologize for the experience, name the problem, and give a named person and a direct way to reach them. Keep refunds and offers out of the public reply.
Example review
“My pasta came out lukewarm. Sent it back and the second one was barely better.”
Reply
[Name], I'm sorry. Lukewarm pasta, twice, is not acceptable. I've gone over plating and pass times with the kitchen so dishes go out the moment they're ready. I'd like to make this right; please reach me at [phone or email]. [Your name], [Role], [Restaurant]
Example review
“Got home and half the order was missing. Called and nobody picked up.”
Reply
[Name], I'm sorry. Getting home to a short order, then not reaching anyone, is really frustrating. We now check every takeout bag against the ticket before it leaves, and we've added a second line for pickup calls at peak times. Please contact me at [phone or email] so I can sort out what was missing. [Your name], [Role], [Restaurant]
Example review
“The host was rude when we asked about our reservation and made us feel unwelcome.”
Reply
[Name], thank you for telling us, and I'm sorry. Everyone should feel welcome from the moment they walk in. I'm handling this with the team directly. I'd like to hear more about your evening; please reach me at [phone or email]. [Your name], [Role], [Restaurant]
Example review
“Both of us were sick the night after eating here.”
Reply
[Name], I'm sorry you both felt unwell, and I'm glad you let us know. We take this seriously and want to look into it properly. Please contact me directly at [phone or email] with the date of your visit and what you ordered. [Your name], [Role], [Restaurant]
Example review
“Told the server about my nut allergy and my dessert came with a nut garnish. Luckily I noticed.”
Reply
[Name], I'm very sorry, and relieved you noticed. An allergy noted at the table has to reach the kitchen every time. We've changed how allergy notes are marked on tickets and gone over it with every server. Please reach me at [phone or email]; I'd like to talk this through with you. [Your name], [Role], [Restaurant]
Example review
“Had a reservation for 7 and still waited 35 minutes for a table.”
Reply
[Name], I'm sorry. A booking is a promise, and 35 minutes past it isn't good enough. We've changed how we pace tables on busy nights so bookings are held. I'd like to make it up to you; please contact me at [phone or email]. [Your name], [Role], [Restaurant]
Some reviews are not really about your food or service. Stay polite and factual. Readers judge the reply.
Example review
“Wouldn't let us split the bill six ways. Ridiculous in 2026.”
Reply
Thanks for the feedback, [Name]. Sorry this was a hassle. We limit split bills on large tables to [policy] to keep service moving on busy nights, but we hear you and are looking at whether we can make it easier. [Your name], [Restaurant]
Example review
“Terrible pizza, cold and soggy.”
Reply
Hi [Name], we're sorry to hear about your meal, but we don't serve pizza, so we think this review may be meant for another restaurant. If we've got that wrong, please reach me at [phone or email]. [Your name], [Restaurant]
Templates are a starting point. Every review is slightly different, and the best replies mention exactly what the guest said. MagicReply for restaurants drafts a reply to each Google review in your voice, so you can edit and post between services. With auto-reply rules you can post thank-yous to 5-star reviews automatically and keep every complaint for yourself.
For more on complaints, read how to respond to negative reviews. For other kinds of business, see the general review response templates, or paste a review into the free reply generator.
Connect your Google Business Profile, and MagicReply drafts a reply for each review that you can edit and post in a click.