Is my phone listening to me? I've recently received a Nexus 5, which touts very tight Google Now integration. This weekend I've been visiting my parents. We had a discussion about a local restaurant which they went to last night. I just flicked over to Google Now and it's got a card about that restaurant, and only that restaurant. (we're in a big town, there are many restaurants, and it's by no means the nearest. I've never been there before). Is this a crazy coincidence or is Google Now listening to me?

 

We've had nothing mention of the restaurant in email's or texts, only a face to face conversation this afternoon while I had my phone out (but not explicitly listening).
It is possible that maybe your parents  (or your friends) searched for it, or +1d it, or checked into it, and they are in your Circles! Google regularly gives you suggestions based on what people in your Circles like.

Take a look at http://www.google.com/policies/terms/changes/


  Feedback from people you know can save you time and improve results
  for you and your friends across all Google services, including Search,
  Maps, Play and in advertising. For example, your friends might see
  that you rated an album 4 stars on the band’s Google Play page. And
  the +1 you gave your favorite local bakery could be included in an ad
  that the bakery runs through Google. We call these recommendations
  shared endorsements and you can learn more about them here.


Hope I helped!