Google appears to be testing a new AI-powered feature for local restaurant listings in both Google Search and Google Maps: automatically generated summaries of a restaurant’s menu. When users tap the “Menu” tab in Google Maps or Search—particularly on mobile—they may now see an AI-generated overview at the top of the menu section. These summaries highlight key categories such as starters, salads, and entrées, including:

• A sample of dish types
• The number of items offered
• Price ranges
• Related photos from users or the business

Why It Matters for Local Restaurants

• Faster Decision-Making: Customers can quickly get a sense of pricing and food categories without digging through extensive menus.
• Improved Engagement: Eye-catching visuals and concise summaries may increase time spent on a listing—and possibly conversions.
• More Exposure for Key Dishes: Highlighted items in the AI summary could attract new attention to your best sellers.

What Restaurants Should Do

• Keep Your Menu Updated: Ensure your Google Business Profile includes current menu items and pricing.
• Upload High-Quality Food Photos: These images may be pulled into the summary—make sure they represent your brand well.
• Monitor the Experience: Check your listing on mobile regularly to see how your menu is being displayed.