Discrepancies Between Michelin Guide Awards and Google Restaurant Reviews: A Case Study of the Capital City of Prague

This study aimed to find out to what extent the restaurant reviews available in Google Maps reflect the expert evaluation of Michelin inspectors in the example of Prague City. We analyzed 5755 Google Reviews of 26 restaurants included in the Michelin Guide for Prague. First, quantitative statistical analysis of online Google Reviews showed a strong relationship between overall quality evaluation and food quality evaluation. Michelin Guide declares their inspectors award only the quality of the cuisine. The crucial role of food quality was confirmed also for regular guests. Regarding price analysis, the frequency of Google Reviews decreases with increasing meal prices. However, the increasing price level surprisingly decreases the overall satisfaction of regular guests with restaurant facilities. Second, quantitative statistical analysis incorporating Michelin Guide awards showed that a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand award does not mean increased price levels. From the point of view of regular guests, visiting such awarded restaurants means more frequent publication of online reviews. Paradoxically, visiting awarded restaurants does not result in greater satisfaction with the food or higher overall satisfaction when compared with non-awarded restaurants. Such a result indicates an apparent discrepancy between the evaluation of experts and ordinary consumers. Our study also concluded that consumers visiting an awarded restaurant perceive its atmosphere slightly worse compared with a non-awarded restaurant.