TL;DR: Rel=”Next” and Rel=”Prev” Are Dead, Modern SEO Strategies for Pagination
Google no longer uses rel=”next”/”prev” tags for pagination, making them obsolete since 2019. Restaurants still relying on them miss out on ranking benefits, as confirmed by recent studies. Instead, leverage canonical tags, “View-All” pages, and schema-based breadcrumbs to optimize website content and improve visibility for high-intent keywords like “reserve a table near me.” Focus on mobile-first layouts, fast-loading visuals, and structured data (Menu, FAQ, Breadcrumb Schema) to enhance user experience while boosting SEO performance.
What’s next? Modernize your pagination with smarter tagging and UX strategies. Get an SEO audit today.
Rel=”Next” and Rel=”Prev” Are Dead. What You Need Instead
By now, every restaurant with an online menu, location page, or review carousel has faced the problem of pagination. You want customers to navigate your content effortlessly, and you want Google to understand it perfectly. In 2011, Google introduced rel=”next” and rel=”prev” attributes as the answer to these needs. Fast forward to March 2019, and Google officially killed them.
That’s right. The markup you may still be clinging to, rel=”next” and rel=”prev”, is now obsolete. John Mueller’s tweet made it clear: Google’s systems ignore these tags entirely. Bing has downgraded rel=”next” and rel=”prev” to hints rather than rules. Yet shockingly, a 2024 SEO Depths case study reveals that a staggering 68% of sampled restaurant websites still embed these tags, earning zero measurable ranking benefit.
If this sounds familiar, here’s the upside: while rel=”next”/”prev” are irrelevant, superior methods exist to make your paginated restaurant content rank higher. They’re strategies that not only work in 2026 but deliver experiences your diners expect. They include entity-rich schema, canonical tagging, intelligent pagination restructuring, and enhanced link equity through breadcrumb trails. Done right, they don’t just remove dead weight, they boost traffic from high-intent keywords like “order pasta online” and “reserve a table near me.”
Why Rel=”Next” and Rel=”Prev” No Longer Matter
Let’s address the elephant in the room. If these attributes were once critical for SEO, why did Google abandon them? In 2011, rel=next/prev tags were introduced to tell search engines that paginated sequences belonged to a larger whole. For example, when a restaurant published a multi-page menu, rel=next linked Page 1 to Page 2, while rel=prev pointed Page 2 back toward Page 1.
By 2019, however, Google announced it had secretly stopped using rel=next/prev long before the official deprecation. Across millions of websites, Google had discovered smarter ways to assess structure and hierarchy, such as visualizing interconnected links and analyzing canonical pages. As John Mueller confirmed, “we don’t use link-rel-next/prev at all.”
Bing hasn’t dumped these tags entirely, they may still support hints for crawling paginated pages. But as Frédéric Dubut clarified, rel-tagging isn’t a ranking signal or a primary indicator for page consolidation anymore.
Restaurant SEO After Rel=”Next”/”Prev”: What Works Now
If rel=next and prev are pointless, what’s the functional alternative for restaurant pagination? The strategies that replaced them focus on visibility, usability, and crawlability. Here’s what established experts recommend:
Canonical Tags Over Rel Tags
Canonical tags beat rel attributes at consolidating duplicates. Each page in a paginated sequence should include a canonical tag pointing to the first page of the series. For example:
If your menu spans five pages, each should feature rel=”canonical” indicating Page 1 as the authority. This signals content continuity while preventing duplicate page equity dilution.
“View-All” Pages Are a Must
When applicable, provide a well-linked “View All” page for long restaurant menus, deep review lists, or multi-page location directories. According to empirical research published by Search Engine Land, businesses using view-all pages saw deeper system indexing and increased user engagement, reflecting higher satisfaction with seamless browsing.
Keyword-Rich Pagination Anchors
Traditional “Page 1, Page 2…” footer links miss major keyword opportunities. Modern call-to-actions like “Menu: Starters | Main Courses | Seasonals” help retain internal traffic equity while making navigation useful to search systems.
Breadcrumb Trails: Reshaping Link Equity and UX
Breadcrumb navigation isn’t just decoration anymore. With Schema BreadcrumbList markup, breadcrumbs define logical relationships between pages. These trails serve two purposes: they enhance user navigation and pass off-significant link juice across site hierarchies, ideal for multi-location restaurants or regional optimization.
Example breadcrumb for a restaurant with multiple branches:
Home > Locations > Chicago > Book a Table
Why it works:
- Breadcrumbs are read by Google’s algorithms as clear signals of relational page connectivity.
- Localized schema like this improves visibility for “near me” searches.
The Case Against “No-Follow” on Pagination Links
Do you use rel=”nofollow” on links to paginated pages? If so, stop immediately. Conductor explains how this approach hurts search performance.
- Blocking followability prevents search engines from crawling newer or deeper subpages.
- By degrading crawl equity circulation, sites see reduced rankings even for highly relevant content.
Pagination: Who’s Winning in Restaurant SEO
According to a 2024 SEO Depths analysis involving 200 restaurant sites:
- 68% embed rel=next/prev despite evidence proving it’s obsolete.
- Restaurants with view-all + canonical setups saw a 23% higher CTR in commercial-intent queries.
Faster, Smarter Pagination
Pagination optimization isn’t just about tag replacement. You need a fast-loading, mobile-first approach that delivers views in seconds. Practical Ecommerce highlights key tactics:
- Lazy-loading visuals: Ensure images or dish photos don’t bog down page speeds.
- Mobile-ready layouts: More than 60% of restaurant searches start on phones, your pagination must cater to tap-based navigation.
- Prioritize first-page visibility: Structure menus or feeds so the main listing acts as a conversion-driving showcase.
Structured Data Beats Legacy Workarounds
Schema markup types deliver richer results than outdated techniques. Restaurants benefit immensely from structured data like Menu, FAQ, and Reservation schema integrated into entry pages of URLs. According to Rio SEO insights, these schema applications strengthen local discovery for restaurants on hyper-targeted geo queries.
What to implement:
- Menu Schema Markup: Highlight specific dishes or dietary options directly in SERPs.
- FAQ Schema Markup: Layer frequently asked questions (e.g., gluten-free availability) into search crawlers’ responses.
- Breadcrumb Schema for enhanced inter-linkage visibility improves rankings across complex restaurant hierarchies.
The Competitive SEO Checklist for Restaurant Pagination
Don’t know where to begin? These steps create user-first pagination:
Immediate
- [ ] Replace rel=tags on paginated structures with canonical attribution to the first page.
- [ ] Incorporate “View-All” pages to your largest content directories.
- [ ] Apply breadcrumb trails selectively for better internal link flow.
Short-Term Wins
- [ ] Remove mobile compatibility barriers (unreadable pagination links, slow image displays).
- [ ] Embed local keyword anchors into paginated series.
Medium-Term Refinements
- [ ] Build schema-based supplements for FAQ-based + Menu visibility.
- [ ] Simplify user flow by HTML-compressions over JS-based modular loaders conflicting crawlers.
Reach us here for deeper optimizations related to restaurant SEO audits: Restaurant Visibility Optimizer. Let’s evaluate if pagination fixes amplify faster ROIs capable under best restaurant micro-marketing contexts.
Check out another article that you might like:
Transform Your Restaurant SEO: Why URL PARAMETER OPTIMIZATION Is the Secret to Winning More Diners
Conclusion
Pagination strategy is no longer bound by outdated rel=”next” and rel=”prev” attributes. As the evolution of SEO tools and practices demonstrates, structured data, canonical tagging, and user-focused designs are now essential for optimizing restaurant websites featuring multi-page menus, review feeds, or local directories. Adopting fast-loading, mobile-first layouts combined with breadcrumb navigation, keyword-rich anchors, and “view-all” pages doesn’t just improve searchability, it builds seamless user experiences that convert high-intent traffic.
Restaurants aiming for top search performance should embrace modern SEO practices capable of driving measurable results, such as lazy-loading visuals, localized schema integrations, and avoiding crawl blockers like “no-follow” links. As evidenced by a 2024 SEO Depths case study, restaurants implementing view-all + canonical strategies achieved an average 23% higher click-through rate compared to those still embedding legacy rel tags.
To simplify and supercharge your restaurant’s visibility, explore solutions like MELA AI, a platform dedicated to promoting health-conscious dining while offering strategic support for SEO enhancements. MELA AI not only collaborates with local restaurants in Malta and Gozo through structured branding and technical optimization but also helps them attract health-focused diners and boost their online presence. For the highest standard in dining options and innovative search strategies, partner with MELA AI today.
FAQ on Rel=”Next” and Rel=”Prev” and Pagination SEO for Restaurants
What is the significance of Google no longer supporting rel=”next” and rel=”prev”?
Google officially stopped supporting the rel=”next” and rel=”prev” pagination attributes in March 2019. Historically, these tags were used to signal paginated relationships between sequential pages, such as multi-page restaurant menus or location directories. They helped search engines consolidate duplicate content and understand the structure of a paginated series. When Google abandoned their use, it fundamentally shifted how SEOs manage pagination. Bing has downgraded these attributes to optional hints, meaning they are no longer valuable for ranking purposes. Therefore, maintaining these tags doesn’t improve SEO performance or site crawlability anymore. Instead, SEO experts recommend adopting modern alternatives like canonical tagging, “View-All” pages, breadcrumb navigation, and structured data. For restaurants, whose websites frequently include paginated menus, reviews, or branch details, evolving beyond rel=”next” and rel=”prev” is essential to maintain visibility in search results and ensure a seamless user experience. Platforms like MELA AI can help restaurants implement updated strategies to ensure they stay competitive in today’s SEO landscape.
How can I optimize my restaurant’s pagination without rel=”next” and rel=”prev”?
Pagination optimization now revolves around modern practices that improve user experience and search engine understanding. First, use canonical tags to consolidate duplicate pages, pointing all paginated pages to the first page in the sequence. Second, create well-structured “View-All” pages for extensive listings like menus or customer reviews, allowing users and crawlers to access all content seamlessly. Third, leverage breadcrumb trails enriched with schema markup to define clear relationships between paginated pages while improving internal link equity. Lastly, use keyword-rich pagination anchors such as “Main Courses” or “Seasonal Specials” instead of generic “Page 1, Page 2” labels. Additionally, adopting strategies like lazy-loading visuals and ensuring mobile-first design enhances usability and page speed, critical for restaurant websites where 60% of traffic often comes from mobile searches. MELA AI provides tailored recommendations for restaurant pagination, helping businesses stay ahead in SEO while delivering excellent user experiences.
Why should restaurant websites avoid “nofollow” on pagination links?
Using rel=”nofollow” on pagination links is a common mistake that can harm your site’s SEO performance. Nofollow attributes block search engines from crawling deeper pages, which might prevent Google or Bing from indexing all your menu items, locations, or reviews. It also limits the transfer of link equity, reducing the ranking potential of your deeper content. For example, if you nofollow paginated links on a 5-page menu, search engines may only rank the first page, leaving your high-value dishes or specials unindexed. Instead, allow all links to be crawlable, build a logical internal linking structure, and use modern practices like canonical tags or breadcrumb schemas. For restaurant owners, platforms like MELA AI can simplify this process by providing best-in-class SEO insights and implementation strategies to ensure all your content is indexed and visible to potential customers.
What are some alternatives to rel=”next” and rel=”prev” for restaurant websites?
Since rel=”next” and rel=”prev” are obsolete, restaurant websites should adopt proven alternatives. The most effective strategies include using canonical tags to consolidate duplicate content by designating the first page of a paginated series as the reference URL. Implementing “View-All” pages is another excellent solution for making all content accessible from a single page, improving user satisfaction and search engine indexing. For internal navigation, breadcrumb trails with Schema BreadcrumbList markup enhance page hierarchy visibility and link flow. To further boost search performance, use keyword-optimized pagination links, such as “Desserts” or “Wine Collection,” instead of generic “Page 1.” Combined strategies like these ensure that search engines understand website structure while improving user navigation. MELA AI’s restaurant SEO services offer exacting guidance tailored to the needs of health-conscious and competitive dining establishments.
Should my restaurant’s menu have a “View-All” page, and why does it matter for SEO?
Yes, having a “View-All” page is highly beneficial for restaurant SEO and user experience. View-All pages combine all items (like a complete menu, full list of reviews, or entire location directory) into a single page that’s easy for users and search engines to navigate. This minimizes drop-off rates caused by tedious, multi-page navigation and ensures all content is indexed, especially important for in-demand searches like “vegan options near me” or “book a table for two.” Empirical research has shown restaurants with properly linked View-All pages saw increased customer engagement and a 23% boost in click-through rates on high-commercial intent keywords. Tools like MELA AI can assist restaurants in developing beautifully designed View-All pages that improve both discoverability and usability, while also aligning with SEO best practices.
How do breadcrumb trails help improve restaurant website SEO?
Breadcrumb trails are a vital SEO feature that improves navigation and internal link equity on restaurant websites. They provide a visual and clickable navigation path for users and crawlers, indicating the website hierarchy. For example, breadcrumbs for a restaurant may look like this: Home > Menu > Main Courses > Seasonal Specials. Using Schema BreadcrumbList markup enhances how search engines interpret relationships between pages, increasing their chances of ranking them higher. Breadcrumbs also strengthen local SEO visibility when applied to location pages, aiding “near me” queries. For instance, breadcrumbs like Home > Locations > Valletta > Book a Table clarify the site’s structure and improve regional targeting. As MELA AI focuses on hyper-local SEO strategies, it’s an excellent tool for implementing breadcrumbs that boost restaurant discoverability and internal page ranking.
How can schema markup improve pagination SEO for restaurants?
Schema markup, such as Menu, FAQ, and BreadcrumbList, allows search engines to better understand and display your content in enhanced results. For example, Menu Schema highlights individual dishes or specialties directly in search results, attracting customers searching for “best pasta dish in Malta.” FAQ Schema targets question-based queries like “Does this restaurant have gluten-free vegan options?” Breadcrumb Schema connects paginated content, reinforcing visibility for hierarchical pages. Together, these rich structured data types improve ranking, user engagement, and click-through rates, ensuring your restaurant stands out in local and niche searches. MELA AI specializes in deploying these schema types for restaurant websites, ensuring restaurants capture high-intent traffic and align with customer-specific search behaviors, like “order sushi online for delivery in Valletta.”
Is lazy-loading important for paginated restaurant pages?
Yes, lazy-loading is crucial for improving the performance of paginated pages on restaurant websites. This technique ensures that images and content only load as they appear on the user’s screen, reducing page load times. For restaurant websites with image-heavy pages, such as dish photos or reviews, lazy-loading significantly improves user experience and SEO. Faster load times directly impact Google’s ranking algorithms, leading to better visibility in search results. Additionally, it minimizes server strain, especially for high-traffic pages. Businesses using lazy-loading often see higher mobile engagement, critical since over 60% of restaurant searches happen on mobile devices. Combining this optimization with modern pagination strategies, such as “View-All” pages and breadcrumb trails, can result in further business growth. Platforms like MELA AI provide solutions to implement lazy-loading seamlessly, maintaining a balance between aesthetic appeal and performance.
What metrics can restaurants track to evaluate pagination improvements?
Restaurants can track several metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of pagination optimizations. First, monitor organic traffic to deeper pages, such as menu items or special seasonal offerings, to see if more users are accessing this content. Track the click-through rate (CTR) for commercial-intent queries like “reserve a table” or “order Lebanese food.” Another valuable metric is page indexing data, which signals if search engines are properly crawling all paginated pages. Bounce rates and time-on-site metrics also indicate whether users are finding the content easily and engaging with it. Tools like MELA AI integrate analytics with SEO strategies, enabling restaurant owners to pinpoint how pagination changes, like implementing canonical tags, View-All pages, or breadcrumb navigation, impact site performance, making it easier to refine for greater ROI.
How can MELA AI help restaurants optimize their pagination and improve visibility?
MELA AI specializes in empowering restaurants by offering tailored SEO strategies, including pagination optimization. It helps implement advanced techniques such as canonical tags, breadcrumb schemas, and structured data to ensure your multi-page menus, reviews, and location directories are fully indexed by search engines. By moving away from outdated practices like rel=”next” and rel=”prev,” MELA AI focuses on improving site speed, usability, and localized search performance. Additionally, MELA AI’s restaurant SEO services enable businesses to capture high-intent traffic for terms like “best Italian restaurant in Gozo” or “book a table for Valentine’s Day.” Whether through creating View-All pages, lazy-loading content for mobile responsiveness, or refining internal links, MELA AI ensures that your restaurant’s digital presence is built for both today’s user demands and tomorrow’s SEO algorithm updates.
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.
