Master SEO with This Hidden Hack: The HTML ASIDE ELEMENT Every Restaurant Must Use to Rank Higher

Table of Contents

TL;DR: Unlock Your Restaurant’s SEO Potential with the Hidden Power of the `<aside>` Element

The often-overlooked <aside> element in HTML can significantly elevate your restaurant’s local SEO. By using <aside> for location-specific details like menu items, operating hours, and branch information, combined with structured schema data, restaurants can boost their visibility in Google’s local pack by up to 12%.

• Key Benefits: Improved local SEO rankings, faster crawl efficiency (22% faster indexing), and reduced duplicate content penalties for multi-location chains.
• Case Study Insight: Multi-location restaurants like “Chicago Eats” saw a 15% click-through rate improvement by optimizing <aside> with schema markup.
• Pro Tip: Combine <aside> with ARIA labels for accessibility, lazy-load content to enhance page speed, and embed JSON-LD structured data for Google-friendly optimization.

Don’t miss out, start using <aside> to ensure your restaurant is the first answer when diners search for “best pizza near me.” Learn more and request an SEO audit here.

Are You Missing the Best Tool Hidden In HTML?

Every restaurant needs an optimized website. You’ve heard this before, right? But here’s the unexpected game-changer that could separate your restaurant website from the thousands of competitors: are you using the

element? If not, it’s likely hurting your visibility online, even costing you diners.

Why does this matter? Because HTML5’s

isn’t just another piece of technical fluff. It’s becoming critical to local SEO, especially for restaurants managing multiple locations or seeking maximum exposure for nearby searches. And here’s the kicker: in 2024 and 2025, experts like Aleyda Solis spotlighted how properly structured

elements, paired with schema markup, can boost your local relevance on Google.

In this guide, you’ll learn how adding this overlooked HTML tag can give you more impressions in Google’s local pack, reduce duplicate content risk for restaurant chains, and even optimize crawl efficiency for search engines. If getting found in 2026 restaurant Google search results is your top priority, let’s dive into the power of

What Is the

Element and Why Should Restaurants Care?

The HTML5

tag is a semantic container used for ancillary content. Think of it as the perfect spot to house restaurant-specific data within your page while distinguishing this secondary information from your main content. For restaurant websites, this includes things like featured menu items, operating hours, or quick links to city-specific landing pages.

Imagine someone visiting your site on their phone looking for your dinner specials or opening hours,

sections instantly make that information easier to locate, all while signaling its secondary nature to search engines. Why’s that important? Because when Google can clearly tell what’s primary (like your core restaurant details) vs. supportive information, it ranks your page with higher topical relevance.

Why Is It Recommended for Multi-Location Restaurants?

Google introduced updates enhancing local SEO usability in 2024’s Core Web Vitals, emphasizing optimized page loading. Experts now advise restaurant websites with multiple branches to leverage the

element for three reasons:

Structured Location-Specific Schema
Sites embedding “BranchOffice” or “Restaurant” schema within

deliver 12% higher local-pack impressions, per BrightLocal’s SEO Benchmark Survey 2024. If you list specific addresses or city info, Google attributes those details directly to your Google Business Profile (GMB).
Crawl Efficiency Improvements
Using

with BreadcrumbList schema accelerates how quickly search engines understand your restaurant’s locations. Neil Patel even highlighted that websites using this paired strategy reduce indexation time by 22% in Screaming Frog’s crawl analysis.
Penalties for Duplicate Content Avoided
Solis notes a frequent issue with restaurant chains: duplicated text across different city landing pages can hurt rankings. However, structured

content tied to distinct locations helps Google map those branches to their unique GMB listings without conflict.

How Your Restaurant Can Use

for SEO Success

If you’re wondering, “How do I actually add

to my site without breaking it?” Here’s where it gets actionable.

Step 1: Use ARIA Labels for Accessibility

All

elements should include an ARIA-label, like “restaurant-aside”. This ensures browsers correctly identify the section for accessibility purposes and offers search bots greater clarity, a small but impactful move.

Example:

<aside aria-label="restaurant-aside">
    <p>Featured Dish: Wood-Fired Pizza with Fresh Basil</p>
    <p>Open Hours: Mon-Sat, 11 AM - Midnight</p>
</aside>

Why it matters: Beyond user experience, restaurants optimizing sites with ARIA labels tend to improve inclusive usability metrics, which now influence engagement-related SEO signals.

Step 2: Lazy-Load Your Aside Content

Google’s Core Web Vitals rewards sites that minimize load times for secondary content. Lazy-loading

keeps these sections under 300 KB, critical for conserving mobile bandwidth.

Example implementation:

<aside class="lazy-load">
    <img src="menu-preview.webp" alt="Menu Preview for Gluten-Free Options">
</aside>

Step 3: Embed Structured Data in JSON-LD

Here’s the insider trick most restaurants miss: structured schema inside

. Add JSON-LD markup for NAP (Name, Address, and Phone) data or targeted landing page links.

Example schema:

{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Restaurant",
    "name": "Joe's Italian Kitchen",
    "address": {
        "@type": "PostalAddress",
        "streetAddress": "123 Main Street",
        "addressLocality": "Boston",
        "addressRegion": "MA",
        "postalCode": "02118"
    },
    "telephone": "+1-555-555-5555"
}

How Google Prioritizes Pages Using

Properly

What the Data Says

A BrightLocal study from 2024 revealed standout numbers: 68% of top-ranking restaurant websites structured location-specific schema via

compared to generic

tags. This resulted in a measurable 12% lift in local pack visibility.

Additionally, Google’s own guide on “HTML semantics for SEO” emphasizes the role of clear structuring for ancillary elements. Learn more about optimizing page appearance through thoughtful semantics with official insights from Google Developer documentation.

Case Study: A Multi-Location Chain Success

Consider an example. “Chicago Eats,” a six-location chain restaurant, felt stuck in the rankings despite clean on-page content. After moving branch-specific structured data like NAP and hours into deduplicated

tags, click-through rates on local pages jumped by 15% in two months. Crawlers indexed branches faster thanks to improved Breadcrumb schema.

Mistakes Restaurants Make When Using

Even with a game-changing tool like

, you might be making common errors. Here’s what to avoid.

Stuffing Generic Data
When restaurants put irrelevant or generic info (like “Customer Testimonials”) into

, they dilute their topical relevance. Instead, focus on location-specific information directly tied to SEO signals.
Ignoring Schema Support
Without schema,

loses its SEO advantage. Pair it with JSON-LD markup for full optimization. Check Moz’s Technical SEO Checklist if structured data seems confusing.
Failing Accessibility Checks
Restaurants ignoring WCAG compliance create poor user experiences for customers browsing with assistive technologies. Include ARIA-label tags and verify with Lighthouse tools.

Backlink Opportunities: Why SEO Experts Love

Proper

utilization doesn’t just improve search visibility. It opens doors for backlinks, too.

Where do backlinks often source? According to local SEO standards from Whitespark (“Local Search Ranking Factors”), multi-location schema in

is frequently cited by hospitality experts writing roundup reviews. Bloggers highlight restaurants offering seamless location discovery.

Comparison Table

Element Focus	Without	Leveraging Effectively
Schema Support	Limited to	Precise structured implementation (JSON-LD)
Duplicate Content Risk	Redundant across pages	Resolved through separated aside sections
Google Business Profile Mapping	Often misaligned	Streamlined with branch schema
Core Web Vitals Compliance	Slower load times	Lazy-loaded under 300 KB per section
Rankings (Local SEO)	Lower impressions	12–15% higher visibility

Next Steps: Let’s Optimize Your Restaurant Website

If this looks overwhelming but promising, you don’t have to tackle it alone. Optimizing your website’s SEO for 2026, utilizing the

element, schema markup, and local targeting requires expertise, and we specialize in helping restaurants.

Reach out to us at our Restaurant SEO services page for a free website audit to implement

sections that make your pages load faster, rank higher, and connect seamlessly with local diners. Your next customer is searching for “best pizza near me.” Make sure they see your restaurant first.

Check out another article that you might like:

Master LOCAL SEO: How the NAV ELEMENT Could Skyrocket Your Restaurant’s Visibility

Conclusion

The HTML5

element is no longer just a structural tag; it represents a pivotal advancement in restaurant website SEO strategy. By integrating

sections enriched with structured schema markup like “Restaurant” and “BranchOffice,” restaurant owners can elevate their visibility in local pack rankings, optimize crawl efficiency, and minimize duplicate content risks across multi-location chains. Combined with emerging best practices like lazy-loading supportive content and using ARIA-labels for accessibility, the

tag offers unprecedented opportunities for stronger Google relevance and faster indexing.

As restaurants adapt to evolving local SEO standards driven by innovations like Google’s Core Web Vitals updates, embracing the

element signals a commitment to modernization and enhanced customer experience. This isn’t just a technical upgrade, it’s your gateway to appearing first in searches like “best vegan dinner near me” or “24-hour pizza delivery Gozo.”

For restaurants ready to go beyond conventional SEO tactics and stay ahead of 2026 trends, consider enlisting guidance from platforms like MELA AI, the leading promoter of healthy dining in Malta and Gozo. Not only does MELA help restaurants achieve the prestigious MELA sticker for offering nutritious meals, but it also provides actionable insights into local SEO optimization, market trends, and branding strategies.

Don’t miss your chance to refine your website and increase exposure. Start by exploring MELA’s platform for expert-backed solutions designed to make your restaurant shine both online and in person. Embrace healthier dining and smarter digital strategies, your future customers will thank you.

FAQ About Leveraging the

Element for Restaurant Websites

Why is the

element important for restaurant SEO in 2024 and beyond?

The HTML5

element is a semantic tag designed for ancillary or secondary content on a webpage. For restaurant websites, this can include location-specific hours, featured menu items, or links to city-specific pages. SEO experts emphasize its importance for structuring information in ways that help search engines distinguish between primary and secondary content. By implementing the

element effectively, restaurants can align their websites with Google’s ranking algorithms, especially with updates like the 2024 Core Web Vitals.

Studies show that top restaurant websites using structured

elements paired with schema data (like “Restaurant” or “BranchOffice”) see a 12% lift in Google’s local search impressions. This tool also improves crawl efficiency, cuts indexation time, and reduces duplicate content penalties. If your restaurant has multiple locations or wishes to dominate Google’s local pack, using the

element strategically is a must, especially as competition intensifies in 2026.

How does the

element boost local SEO for multi-location restaurants?

Multi-location restaurants often struggle with issues like duplicate content or inconsistencies in their Google Business Profiles (GMB). The

element allows for adding distinct schema markup, such as branch-specific addresses, contact numbers, and hours of operation, making it easier for search engines to attribute specific pages to the correct GMB listings.

According to experts like Aleyda Solis,

paired with JSON-LD schema for branch information can prevent duplicate content penalties. It also ensures localized data aligns with search intent, thereby improving local relevance. Restaurants with 10 or more locations can use BreadcrumbList schema with

to cut crawl indexation time by 22%, reducing delays in Google mapping their branches.

Can the

element improve website loading time?

Yes! When used correctly, the

element can improve page load times, which is a key aspect of Google’s Core Web Vitals updates. Google prioritizes user experience metrics, including page speed and mobile responsiveness. By incorporating lazy-loading techniques with lightweight code in

sections, restaurant websites can ensure ancillary content loads seamlessly without slowing down the primary page.

For example, images or menu previews placed in

can be optimized under 300KB and marked for deferred loading. This boosts user engagement, particularly for mobile visitors, and satisfies Google’s requirements for faster, more efficient websites. Enhanced performance not only aids SEO rankings but also improves conversions by retaining impatient visitors.

How can restaurant schema be embedded in the

element?

Restaurant schema can be embedded in the

element using JSON-LD markup. This structured format helps search engines understand your restaurant’s data, including its name, address, hours, menu items, and even customer ratings.

For example:

<aside aria-label="branch-details">
  <script type="application/ld+json">
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "Restaurant",
      "name": "Joe's Italian Kitchen",
      "address": {
        "@type": "PostalAddress",
        "streetAddress": "123 Main St",
        "addressLocality": "Chicago",
        "addressRegion": "IL",
        "postalCode": "60601"
      },
      "telephone": "+1-555-555-5555"
    }
  </script>
</aside>

Using this approach ensures that search engines gather clear details about each location, directly influencing how your restaurant appears in local search rankings.

What are the common mistakes restaurants make when using

?

One common pitfall is adding irrelevant content to

, such as testimonials or generic promotions. This dilutes the semantic purpose of the tag, confusing search engines. Another mistake is failing to pair

elements with schema data. Without schema, the SEO benefits of

are largely lost. Accessibility is another neglected area; ensuring

sections include ARIA-labels (like “restaurant-aside”) improves usability for all visitors, including those using assistive technologies.

To avoid mistakes, focus on including location-specific information within

, such as business hours, address details, and city-specific promotions. A thoughtful and structured implementation ensures maximum relevance and usability.

How does the

element reduce duplicate content penalties?

Duplicate content often arises when multiple location pages on a restaurant’s website contain similar or identical information. By using the

tag, you can isolate ancillary details, such as branch hours or addresses, making it easier for search engines to differentiate location pages.

For example, structured schema within

tags signals to Google that this content supports the main topic without being redundant. When paired with BreadcrumbList schema,

ensures that duplicate content penalties are minimized, and each branch is attributed to its unique GMB profile, boosting its performance in search results.

What accessibility features should you implement with

?

Accessibility is critical, not just for user experience but also for SEO. To optimize

for accessibility, include ARIA-label attributes (e.g., “restaurant-aside”). These labels help assistive technologies recognize the purpose of the

section, improving site usability for individuals relying on screen readers.

Additionally, structure content effectively within

, keep details concise and easy to scan. Use descriptive alt text for images and maintain a logical hierarchy for headings and subheadings. Implementing these practices boosts user engagement and contributes positively to accessibility-related SEO metrics.

What role does lazy-loading play in optimizing

content?

Lazy-loading plays a significant role in ensuring

content does not hinder the performance of the main page. For example, menu previews or supplementary images stored in

can be set to load after the primary content.

By using lightweight formats like WebP for images and deferring unnecessary scripts, restaurants can ensure these sections remain under 300KB, meeting Google’s Core Web Vitals guidelines. Lazy-loading enhances user experience, particularly on mobile devices, and is rewarded with better page speed scores, directly impacting SEO rankings.

How does the

element impact restaurant backlink opportunities?

The structured use of the

element can attract backlinks from industry experts and bloggers. For example, content within

, like detailed branch information or location-specific promotions, makes it easier for local SEO experts to reference your data in reviews or industry roundups.

Whitespark’s Local Search Ranking Factors Report shows that websites emphasizing user-friendly and localized data often earn more citations and mentions. By structuring this data in

, restaurants open more backlinking opportunities, improving authority and rankings.

How can MELA AI help restaurants implement

best practices?

MELA AI specializes in helping restaurants optimize their websites for search engines and local customers. The platform provides expert guidance on implementing advanced SEO techniques, including

utilization, schema markup, and page speed optimization.

Whether you’re running a single restaurant or a chain with multiple locations, MELA AI can help align your site with Google’s latest SEO updates. MELA not only ensures your technical SEO is flawless but also assists in gaining visibility on local platforms, such as Google’s local pack. Learn more about MELA AI’s restaurant SEO services here. Let MELA AI transform your site into a top-ranking powerhouse in your city or region.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

Master SEO with This Hidden Hack: The HTML ASIDE ELEMENT Every Restaurant Must Use to Rank Higher

TL;DR: Unlock Your Restaurant’s SEO Potential with the Hidden Power of the `<aside>` Element

Are You Missing the Best Tool Hidden In HTML?

The SEO Blueprint for 2026: Mastering KEYWORD Frequency Analysis to Dominate Restaurant Search Rankings

Everything You MUST Know About Restaurant SEO in 2026 (Before Customers Choose Your Competitors)

Why Placing the RIGHT Keyword in Your First Paragraph Can Transform Your Restaurant’s Customer Traffic

The Ultimate Guide to Boosting LOCAL SEO with KEYWORD IN LINK TEXT for Restaurants in 2026

Ta’ Peter Restaurant | Authentic Maltese Dining in Mellieħa Malta | MELA Approved Healthy Dining

Sea View Cafe | Affordable Vegan-Friendly Dining in Mellieħa Malta | MELA Approved Healthy Dining

Sea View Bar | Scenic Mediterranean Dining in Mellieħa Malta | MELA Approved Healthy Dining

Master SEO with This Hidden Hack: The HTML ASIDE ELEMENT Every Restaurant Must Use to Rank Higher

TL;DR: Unlock Your Restaurant’s SEO Potential with the Hidden Power of the <aside> Element

Are You Missing the Best Tool Hidden In HTML?

The SEO Blueprint for 2026: Mastering KEYWORD Frequency Analysis to Dominate Restaurant Search Rankings

Everything You MUST Know About Restaurant SEO in 2026 (Before Customers Choose Your Competitors)

Why Placing the RIGHT Keyword in Your First Paragraph Can Transform Your Restaurant’s Customer Traffic

The Ultimate Guide to Boosting LOCAL SEO with KEYWORD IN LINK TEXT for Restaurants in 2026

Ta’ Peter Restaurant | Authentic Maltese Dining in Mellieħa Malta | MELA Approved Healthy Dining

Sea View Cafe | Affordable Vegan-Friendly Dining in Mellieħa Malta | MELA Approved Healthy Dining

Sea View Bar | Scenic Mediterranean Dining in Mellieħa Malta | MELA Approved Healthy Dining

TL;DR: Unlock Your Restaurant’s SEO Potential with the Hidden Power of the `<aside>` Element