Ratings and Rankings

Method and concept of
how the ratings are calculated

• How the ratings are determined

  User influence

  The ratings on Tabelog are not simply an average of the users’ respective ratings.
  The user’s level of influence is set to calculate the ratings.
  For Tabelog users who post regularly, the degree of influence is calculated based on various criteria, primarily to amplify the impact of those with extensive dining experience. Therefore, the level of influence varies from user to user.

  

  Factors that determine the influence level

  Expertise by categoryEach user’s level of influence is set by category. For example, if a person has rarely posted reviews about places that serve desserts, their influence in the dessert category may be low, even if they have a significant influence in the ramen category.

  Adjustment of influence level according to the user statusUsers identified who are engaging in stealth marketing or fraudulent activities will not influence the ratings.
  To ensure fair and unbiased user ratings, individuals with specific affiliations, such as the restaurant industry, food celebrities, and people related to Tabelog, will not be able to influence ratings.

  Reviews and user ratings

  Ratings will not increase if restaurants do not attract user ratings

  To accurately reflect user views and serve as a helpful indicator, the system is designed to increase ratings as it gathers better user ratings from influential users. For instance, a restaurant that has a high rating but only a few reviews may not receive a high rating due to insufficient user ratings.

  Restaurants that can or may fail to attract reviews

  Some restaurants easily attract reviews, while others may fail to do so due to various reasons. For instance, a restaurant in a secluded neighborhood, a restaurant with few seats or a restaurant with short hours, etc. will get fewer reviews because of their small customer base. As such, some factors that are correlated with the ease of attracting reviews may be considered as variables in the rating calculation algorithm.

  Reviews subject to user ratings

  Reviews related to menus that deviate from typical restaurant offerings and those with outdated information may not be factored into the ratings.

  

  Rating variations

  The ratings on Tabelog fluctuate based on the influence determined for each user’s category and the user ratings for reviews given by the user. The user influence level is subject to change and may increase or decrease. Since the user can change their user ratings for every review, the user ratings may change arbitrarily. As such, the ratings may fluctuate based on the status, even without new reviews.

  

  Example of changes in ratings

  

  Reviewer A had a significant impact on the ramen category, but her influence waned due to changes in how influence is measured in the category.
  As a result, Ramen Shop B, where Reviewer A had previously posted a review, saw a drop in ratings despite no changes in the menu or the number of reviews.

• Countermeasures against illicit acts

  The method of calculating the ratings shown on this page is only a part of the process.
  The full details of the calculation method are not disclosed and are subject to further periodic review. The measures are designed to prevent malicious individuals from intentionally manipulating restaurant ratings by fraudulently obtaining or abusing influence levels. This could include posting a large number of reviews that are not based on actual dining experiences.

  

• Ratings updates

  In principle, the ratings are updated twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays*.
  In addition to reflecting the newly submitted user ratings, the ratings are updated to consider all re-evaluations of the influence levels for every user and improvements to the calculation process as a whole. As a result, ratings may change even if no new user ratings have been submitted.The schedule may change if it falls on a public holiday, at the end or beginning of the year, or during system maintenance.An update is performed by conducting thorough verification using data from slightly prior to the update date. Therefore, the review data from just before the update may be incorporated into the next update.

  

• Interpreting the ratings

  Please use the following three ranges as a guide, with the rating only as a reference.

  • Approx. Over 4.00In top approx. 0.07%

    A restaurant that has garnered numerous high user ratings from experienced Tabelog users eating out. A restaurant that is highly likely to satisfy the diner.

  • Approx. Over 3.50, Under 4.00In top approx. 3%

    A restaurant that is popular with many Tabelog users. A restaurant that is likely to satisfy the diner.

  • Approx. Under 3.50In approx. 97%

    A restaurant that has not attracted enough user ratings. A recently opened restaurant, a restaurant only known to the well-informed people, etc. are also included.