A fraudulent OpenTable review can drag down your rating. Here is how to tell a fake from a fair complaint, flag it correctly, and escalate if OpenTable says no.
A single fake review on OpenTable can pull your rating down and reach customers who never hear your side. OpenTable does remove reviews that break its rules, but only when you flag them correctly and make the right case. Acting fast and accurately matters more than acting loudly.
Under OpenTable's review guidelines, a harsh review from a real customer is allowed, even when you disagree with it. OpenTable reviews come only from diners who booked and showed up, so outright fakes are rare. A review can still break the rules if it is abusive, off-topic, or clearly not about your restaurant, and you can report those to OpenTable.
OpenTable upholds many reviews on first pass, so a rejection is common. Reply to the decision with any evidence that the review is fraudulent and name the specific guideline it breaks. While the review stands, post a calm, factual public response so future readers see a measured owner rather than an unanswered claim.
Most fake reviews are spotted too late, after they have already cost you customers. Speed matters because a review flagged while it is fresh is easier to act on. Saint Aura notifies you whenever a new review lands, so you can review and report a fake right away. It also gives unhappy customers a private feedback path so your team hears about service concerns directly — helping reduce the chance they escalate into a public review.
Saint Aura makes it easier for customers to share their real experience — through a QR-based guided flow, in their own language, with an AI-assisted draft they can edit before posting.
