He thought he was rescuing a sheep—but it turned out to be something else
This bizarre French customer habit is driving shop owners crazy
An Ipsos survey reveals that only a small fraction of French people rely on the famous red guide to find a good restaurant. Over half prefer a different site…
When it’s time to dine out, you’re always ready. But choosing the place is a whole different story… Walking down the street, you’ll see restaurants flaunting their accolades from the Guide du Routard, while others boast badges from TripAdvisor, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo. This overflow of awards doesn’t make the decision any easier when you’re undecided. So, how do others decide where to eat out? Ipsos, a market and opinion research specialist, puts numbers on the dining habits of the French through a survey published on March 31, 2025. And the findings are quite telling…
Are culinary guides still the go-to? Not as much as before… While they remain a reference for some respondents, other sites are casting a shadow. Out of 1000 respondents (who could provide multiple answers), 5% consult Gault & Millau. The Guide du Routard and the Michelin Guide are neck and neck. 14% of those surveyed say they trust Michelin for their dining choices. The same percentage applies to the well-known Routard. Why is this? Perhaps because these guides are missing something crucial…
That little extra soul? It’s the reviews left by everyday people. Indeed, word of mouth still convinces 42%, while TripAdvisor is consulted by 45% of respondents. Yes, this online booking site has become a true benchmark. While some chefs may lament this, the opinions of culinary novices significantly shape a restaurant’s reputation. Descriptions of dishes, the restaurant’s atmosphere, the quality of service, and supportive photos matter far more to customers than any single gourmet critic’s opinion, no matter how esteemed. But the site that completely overshadows traditional culinary guides is… Google Maps! 53% of respondents turn to it. “Google reviews and the like are the primary source of opinions cited by the French when choosing a restaurant,” according to Ipsos’ website. “For a large majority of them (62%), checking reviews before choosing a restaurant is a necessity.”
There’s no denying it: these comments are undoubtedly a source of stress for restaurateurs. However, they also allow some eateries to gain recognition very quickly. What about you? Do you prefer to scour Google reviews of restaurants, carefully note recommendations from friends, or consult specialized guides?
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Felix Marlowe manages Belles and Gals’ vibrant social media platforms. With expertise in social engagement and viral marketing, Felix creates content that sparks conversation and keeps followers coming back for more. From celebrity news to trending challenges, Felix makes sure our social media stays at the forefront of pop culture.
