A few year ago my wife and I decided to look up all the restaurants we regularly go to, and we were surprised to find that pretty much all of them rated 3.5 stars on yelp. Perhaps that rating helps ensure we won’t have to wait for tables. Works for us.
But more to your point, I’ve noticed that when friends/family refer to “5 star restaurants” these days, they’re almost always referring to 5 stars on yelp. To them, it goes without saying that they’re using yelp as the measuring tool.
My experience is that the places that rate 4.5 or five stars on yelp deserve it. Every once in a while, I do discover one that I would consider excellent that has 3 1/2 or four.
But more to your point, I’ve noticed that when friends/family refer to “5 star restaurants” these days, they’re almost always referring to 5 stars on yelp. To them, it goes without saying that they’re using yelp as the measuring tool.