On Google’s revamped Zagat.com, restaurant reviews available to all

Google this week rolled out new versions of the Zagat website and mobile apps while also making the restaurant reviews and ratings service available to all, without requiring registration.

The Mountain View, Calif., company said the renovated Zagat.com covers restaurants and nightlife in nine cities. Google plans to expand its coverage to 50 more cities in the coming months. It also plans to add reviews and rating for more types of locations, including shops and hotels.

The nine cities covered by the new Zagat are Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington and Austin, Texas.

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Before this week’s relaunch, Zagat required that users register for a membership in order to access content.

Google said users can rely on Zagat, which is also tied into the latest version of Google Maps, to decide where they want to eat.

“These days, the challenge in deciding where to go is not about about a lack of information or user reviews, but finding accurate information and trusted opinions so you can quickly make informed decisions,” the company said in a blog post announcing the new Zagat.

“You can rely on Zagat’s curated lists and summary reviews to cut through the clutter so you can find the perfect spot,” Google said.

Google acquired Zagat in 2011.

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