Professional food critics beware — you have some competition.

With online review sites such as Metromix and Yelp, the freedom for anyone to voice an opinion on their dining experience is just a mouse click away.

The popularity and power of these review sites do not go unnoticed said Paul Devitt, general manager at Topaz Cafe, 780 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge.

Topaz’s head chef, Giusette Scurato, checks Metromix every couple of days to read new reviews.

“He likes to see that people like his food and like the place,” said Devitt.

Devitt, who uses feedback on these sites to improve service at the restaurant, is less reliant on these sites than his co-worker.

“We do take the reviews seriously, but I’m not tied to them,” said Devitt.

Online review sites allow readers to share an insider’s perspective on restaurants through posted comments and a rating system in different areas. Each site has a different system but the concept is the same. Personal opinion, however, can be deceptive, said Devitt. While working at another restaurant, Devitt said the general managers would go on review Web sites, create fake names and give their restaurant five stars.

With no way to separate the honest and fake reviews, Internet information should be read with a grain of salt, he said.

“I worked there and it was not a five star restaurant, I know that for a fact. On those sites people can say whatever they want,” said Devitt. “Sometimes the things I read are gratifying, sometimes it scares me.”

While restaurants may be aware of their status on these sites, Lynn Martyka of The Patio, 7440 S. Kingery Highway, Darien, relies more on the restaurant’s own Web site for feedback instead of looking to a site like Yelp.

“Occasionally, we have read Web reviews. Most were favorable, but they probably did not boost business. We receive comments via our Web site and we take those very seriously,” she said.

Despite popularity of these sites, Martyka will not personally rely on recommendations found online before making a reservation.

“I would think that these sites will be more influential for the restaurant business in the future but I only look online about a restaurant when I know for sure I have plans to attend,” she said. “I don't shop online for restaurants.”