Here's a step-by-step guide to create and configure a Google Maps Platform API Key from the Google Cloud Console so you can access Place Details (including reviews):

✅ STEP 1: Sign in to Google Cloud Console

✅ STEP 2: Create a New Project

  1. In the top-left dropdown, click "Select a project" > "New Project".
  2. Enter a name (e.g., MyGoogleReviewsProject) and click "Create".
  3. Wait for it to finish, then click the notification to go to your new project.

✅ STEP 3: Enable the "Places API"

  1. In the left sidebar, go to “APIs & Services” > “Library”.
  2. Search for “Places API”.
  3. Click it and then click “Enable”.

You may also enable Maps JavaScript API and Geocoding API if your app needs them.

✅ STEP 4: Create an API Key

  1. Go to “APIs & Services” > “Credentials”.
  2. Click “+ Create Credentials” > “API key”.
  3. A key will be generated — copy this key.

✅ STEP 5: Restrict the API Key (Important for Security)

  1. On the same credentials page, click your newly created API key to edit it.
  2. Under "Application restrictions", choose:
    • "IP addresses" for backend usage — enter your server IP(s).
    • OR "None" for testing (not recommended for production).
  3. Under "API restrictions", choose:
    • "Restrict key"
    • Check ✅ “Places API”
  4. Click "Save"

✅ STEP 6: Use the API Key in Your .env File 

GOOGLE_API_KEY=your_real_api_key_here
PLACE_ID=your_place_id_here

Get your PLACE_ID using:

✅ STEP 7: Make the API Call in Your Backend 

const response = await fetch(
  `https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/place/details/json?place_id=${PLACE_ID}&fields=reviews,rating&key=${GOOGLE_API_KEY}`
);

⚠️ Notes:

  • Reviews will only appear if the business has public reviews on Google.
  • Google may limit the number of reviews returned (typically 5).
  • You may need to add billing to your Google Cloud account, even for free tier usage.