A recent study conducted by MyPlace has unveiled that artificial intelligence (AI) systems prioritize the sheer volume of restaurant reviews over star ratings when making recommendations. Published on February 8, 2026, the research assessed the performance of popular AI assistants, including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity, revealing that AI-suggested restaurants boast an impressive average of 3,424 Google reviews, significantly outpacing the mere 955 reviews for similar non-recommended establishments—an astounding 3.6 times difference.
According to Peadar Gormley, founder of MyPlace, “While many restaurant owners aim for five-star ratings, our findings indicate that once a rating exceeds approximately 4.4 stars, the number of reviews becomes the decisive factor for AI recommendations, rather than focusing solely on minor rating differences.” This hints at a pivotal shift in the marketing dynamics for the restaurant industry.
Key findings from the study include:
– AI-recommended restaurants typically receive an average of 3,424 Google reviews compared to just 955 for those that are not recommended.
– Star ratings exceeding 4.4 do not significantly influence the likelihood of being chosen by AI.
– Restaurants lacking at least 1,000 reviews are seldom featured in AI recommendations.
– Achieving at least 2,000 reviews appears to be a crucial benchmark for enhanced visibility in AI-driven suggestions.
These insights are crucial for restaurant operators as consumer habits increasingly shift towards AI-guided dining decisions, replacing traditional search methods. “This creates a new digital divide in the hospitality industry,” Gormley emphasized. “Establishments that cultivate reviews will gain visibility in AI recommendations, while those that fall short will not be recognized, regardless of the quality of their offerings.”
For further details on the research, please visit MyPlace’s website at https://myplace.app/ai-ranking-factors-for-restaurants-research-2026/.
