Google has just turned on a nifty location feature in search. Now, you can refine search results with a “Nearby” button, which will filter your results that cater to your location. So if you do a Google search for Italian restaurants, you can click the “Show Options” button to access a “nearby” filter to see results for Italian restaurants in the city/area you live in. You’ll also be given local business results as well.

via Google Enhances Local Search With “Nearby” Filter.

What it means: Google is now officially a “local” search engine, with every search being a possible local search. One more step towards the Local Wide Web!