AI is Changing Search Behavior—Here’s How Restaurants Can Keep Up

Nadine De La Fuente -

Search engines aren’t what they used to be.

While Google still dominates how people discover restaurants online, AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini are quickly changing how guests search—and how they decide where to eat.

So what does that mean for you as a restaurant operator?

It means that optimizing your digital presence now requires thinking beyond traditional search engines. But don’t worry—you don’t need to rebuild everything. You just need to understand how both types of search work and what they’re looking for.

Here’s what you need to know—and what you can do right now.

How AI Search Is Changing Guest Behavior

AI tools are built for answers, not links. Instead of giving a list of websites like Google does, AI search tools summarize information from multiple sources to provide a more complete answer.

For example, a potential guest might ask:

  • “What’s the best gluten-free pizza spot in Chicago?”
  • “What’s a good restaurant for a first date near me?”
  • “What restaurants have vegan brunch and also take reservations?”

Traditional search engines would serve up a list of websites to click through. But AI search tools answer the question directly. If your restaurant isn’t mentioned in that answer, you’re not even part of the decision-making process.

That’s why it’s time to optimize for both.

Traditional Search vs. AI Search—What’s the Difference?

Feature

Traditional Search (e.g., Google, Bing)

AI Search (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini)

Returns

List of links to websites

Direct answers with citations

Ranking Factors

Keywords, relevance, distance, reviews

Structure data, mentions, context

Visibility

Controlled by your SEO and listing info

Influenced by what’s said about you across the web

Traditional SEO is still essential. Here’s how to make sure your restaurant stays visible:

  • Keep your listings up to date: Google Business Profile, Yelp, TripAdvisor, OpenTable—your info needs to be accurate everywhere. Marqii helps you update your hours, links, photos, and menus across 80+ listings from one dashboard. Learn how it works.
  • Use relevant keywords on your website: Think like your guests. Are people searching for “dog-friendly patios in Nashville” or “best takeout sushi in Seattle”? Make sure those phrases show up on your site, especially on your homepage and menu pages.
  • Add alt text to your images: Google indexes images, but it needs help understanding what they show. Add simple descriptions like “Spicy Tuna Roll with Avocado” or “Outdoor Dining Patio at Sunset.” This is especially important if you have your menu listed on your website.
  • Respond to reviews: Restaurants that respond to reviews see a 30% increase in average star rating. Plus, Google uses review response activity as a ranking signal. Marqii makes this easier by centralizing reviews and even offering Suggested Responses powered by AI.

How to Optimize for AI Search Tools

AI tools pull information from all over the web—including your website, your listings, your reviews, and anything others have written about you.

Here’s how to show up in those AI-generated answers:

  • Make sure your info is structured and accessible: Menus, hours, and location should be clearly listed on your site as plain text—not just inside images or downloadable PDFs. Tools like Marqii let you keep your menu up to date across your website and everywhere else it appears online.
  • Get mentioned on trusted sources: AI search tools love content from reputable sources. If you’ve been featured in a local food blog, have glowing Yelp reviews, or are listed on places like Google and TripAdvisor, those mentions help you show up in AI search results.
  •  Use schema markup: Schema is behind-the-scenes code that helps machines understand your website. It tells search engines what kind of content is on your site—menus, location, hours, reservation links, and more. Don’t worry—your web developer or digital partner can help with this. (Or talk to us at Marqii about how we can help!)
  •  Be clear, not clever: You may love your pun-filled brunch menu (and we do too), but make sure your website clearly says you offer vegan options, gluten-free dishes, or kid-friendly seating. AI tools need straightforward language to include you in relevant searches.

A Quick Recap—What Restaurant Operators Should Focus On

  1. Keep your listings and menus up to date
  2. Use keywords your guests are likely to search for
  3. Encourage and respond to reviews
  4. Get mentioned in trusted sources and listing sites
  5. Make your site easy for humans and machines to read

Final Thoughts

AI search isn’t replacing traditional search—yet. But it’s already shaping how people discover new places to eat.

By optimizing your digital presence for both, you’ll show up whether someone is Googling “best breakfast tacos in Austin” or asking ChatGPT, “Where should I eat tonight?”

And that means more guests finding you, no matter how they’re searching.

Need Help Getting Discovered?

Marqii helps restaurants manage their listings, menus, and reviews across the web, so you show up where it matters—whether it's Google, Yelp, or the latest AI tool.

Schedule a demo to learn more today!