The way diners discover restaurants is changing. Search engines are no longer just showing a list of links — they’re generating answers.
Whether it’s Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), ChatGPT, or Perplexity, guests are increasingly asking AI-powered platforms questions like:
“Where’s the best Italian restaurant in Soho for a first date?”
“What’s the top vegan brunch spot in Manchester?”
“Which restaurants near me have live music on Friday night?”
The answers are generated on the spot — pulling from multiple online sources, reviews, and content. For restaurants, this shift makes GEO: Generative Engine Optimisation essential.
What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation)?
GEO is the practice of optimising your restaurant’s online presence so generative AI engines can understand, include, and recommend you in their answers.
It’s different from SEO in one big way:
SEO optimised for rankings in search results.
GEO optimises for inclusion inside AI-generated responses.
When a diner asks a generative engine a question, you don’t want to just “rank” — you want your restaurant to be featured in the answer itself.
Why GEO Matters for Restaurants
AI-generated answers reduce clicks
Guests no longer scroll through 10 search results. Instead, they trust the curated AI-generated answer. If your restaurant isn’t included, you’re invisible.Hyper-specific queries dominate
Diners are asking complex, conversational questions. GEO ensures your menu, features, and reviews match those queries.Fewer winners, higher stakes
Traditional SEO gave multiple chances to show up. Generative answers highlight only a handful of restaurants — making optimisation critical.Local intent drives bookings
Most restaurant searches are local and time-sensitive. GEO ensures your brand is surfaced when intent is highest.
How Restaurants Can Optimise for GEO
Publish content that answers diner-style questions
Write web content, blog posts, and FAQs in natural language, mirroring how people ask AI assistants for recommendations.Use structured data and schema
Implement schema markup for menus, reviews, hours, pricing, and dietary labels. This gives generative engines clean data to pull from.Keep listings accurate everywhere
Google Business Profile, TripAdvisor, Yelp, and delivery apps all feed AI models. Consistency across platforms boosts trust.Optimise menus for detail
Use clear descriptions and highlight unique selling points: “vegan-friendly,” “rooftop dining,” “locally sourced seafood.”Encourage review-rich content
Generative engines mine reviews to inform answers. Guests should mention specific dishes, atmosphere, and experiences.Test AI platforms yourself
Ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google SGE about restaurants in your area. See if your restaurant appears, and adjust accordingly.
Examples of GEO in Action
A diner asks, “Where can I find gluten-free pizza in Shoreditch?” — and your restaurant appears in the AI-generated list because your menu and reviews highlight gluten-free options.
Someone searches, “Best date night restaurants in Brighton with a sea view” — your restaurant is included because your website and reviews describe exactly that experience.
A user queries, “Family-friendly Italian restaurants near Covent Garden” — and your listing is pulled into the generative summary thanks to accurate schema markup and consistent local SEO.
GEO + Human Hospitality
Generative AI will never replace the warmth of service, the aroma of a kitchen, or the buzz of a full dining room. But it will shape how diners decide where to go.
By investing in GEO now, restaurant brands can ensure they remain discoverable, desirable, and chosen in a world where AI-generated answers guide the guest journey.
Final Thoughts
For restaurant brands, GEO isn’t just the future of SEO — it’s a new frontier of digital visibility. The restaurants that act early will dominate AI-powered recommendations and capture more bookings.
At Snack London, we help restaurants stay ahead of the curve — from SEO to GEO and beyond. If you’d like your restaurant to show up in tomorrow’s AI-generated answers, let’s talk.