20 Best Restaurant Instagram Post Ideas for Your Restaurant Instagram Marketing

Want to make your restaurant stand out on Instagram? You’ve come to the right place. We know that customers want to see more than just menus – they crave engaging content on Instagram. By posting pictures of your food, sharing video content, and showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, you can turn your Instagram profile page into a bustling restaurant social media hub.

Your restaurant marketing plan should include a variety of restaurant social media content ideas to keep your followers intrigued. Whether it’s a giveaway, pictures of your dishes, or video content, there are endless ways to increase engagement with restaurant posts. A good mix of 15 restaurant Instagram posts and stories can do wonders. Show your followers what your restaurant is all about without leaving Instagram.

We’ll discuss 20 killer ideas for your restaurant’s Instagram profile. Get ready to boost your presence on Instagram and attract more customers through innovative restaurant posts!

In this article, you’ll:

• Discover 20 creative Instagram post ideas for your restaurant social media
• Learn tips to promote your restaurant effectively on Instagram
• Understand the importance of social media for restaurant sales
• Get insights on writing engaging Instagram posts for your restaurant
• Explore ways to use your Instagram account to build a loyal customer base

Tips to Promote Your Restaurant on Instagram

Before diving into specific post ideas, let’s explore some general tips to enhance your restaurant’s Instagram presence:

1. Optimize Your Bio

Your restaurant’s Instagram bio is a mini, digital billboard of your establishment. It should succinctly convey who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. Don’t forget to add essential info like location, contact details, and operating hours. Check out our guide on writing a killer restaurant Instagram bios for more tips.

Your Instagram bio is the perfect place to link to your restaurant’s website. This site should serve as a one-stop hub for everything a customer might need. From viewing your digital menu, locating the restaurant, to making a reservation, and more. By adding this link in your instagram bio, you make it easy for your customers to discover and engage with your restaurant through a single, convenient link.

You can easily set up a restaurant website like these for Free with Menubly Website Builder. Interested? Click here to claim your free website.

2. Consistency is Key

Maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your social media followers engaged and attract new ones. Consider using a social media content calendar to plan your posts in advance.

3. Use Relevant Hashtags

Research and use popular restaurant hashtags to increase your content’s visibility. Create a unique hashtag for your restaurant to encourage user-generated content.

4. Engage With Your Audience

Respond to comments, like and share user-generated content, and create a community around your restaurant. This engagement helps build trust and loyalty among your Instagram users.

5. Leverage Instagram Stories

Use this feature to share time-sensitive content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interactive elements like polls or questions. Stories are a great way to show the day-to-day operations of your restaurant.

6. Utilize Instagram’s Business Account Features

Switch to a business account to access insights and analytics about your followers and post performance. This can help you determine the best time to post and what type of content resonates most with your audience.

7. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms

Share your Instagram content on other social media platforms and your restaurant website to maximize reach and engagement.

Menubly – a game changer for restaurants

With Menubly, you can create a free restaurant website with built-in online menu, and a hub for all your essential links like table reservations, social profiles, location, promotions, and more.

Try for Free
Learn More

20 Instagram Post Ideas for Your Restaurant

In this section, we’ll explore 20 creative and engaging Instagram post ideas to boost your restaurant’s social media marketing. Each idea is designed to help you showcase your restaurant’s unique offerings, engage with your audience, and attract new customers.

1. Update Your Profile with New Menus and Promotions

Keeping your Instagram profile fresh and up-to-date is crucial for maintaining audience interest and driving engagement. Here’s how to make the most of this strategy:

• Regularly update your Instagram profile with new menu items, seasonal specials, and ongoing promotions.
• Use the “Highlights” feature to categorize and showcase different aspects of your offerings, such as “Lunch Specials,” “Happy Hour,” or “Seasonal Menu.”
• Create visually appealing graphics or short video clips to announce new menu items or promotions.
• Consider using Instagram’s “Guides” feature to create curated collections of your menu items or themed dining experiences.

By consistently updating your profile, you give followers a reason to check back regularly and stay informed about your restaurant’s latest offerings.

2. Use Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories offer a dynamic way to share timely content and engage with your audience. Here are some ideas for leveraging this feature:

• Share daily specials, limited-time offers, or behind-the-scenes content.
• Create interactive polls or quizzes to engage your followers. For example, “Which dish should we feature next week?”
• Use story highlights to keep popular content visible on your profile page for longer periods.
• Experiment with Instagram’s various story stickers, such as the “Questions” sticker, to encourage audience participation.
• Share user-generated content in your stories, tagging the original creators to show appreciation.

Stories are an excellent way to show the day-to-day operations of your restaurant and create a more personal connection with your audience.

3. Go Behind the Scenes

Giving your followers a peek behind the curtain can help build trust and create a stronger connection with your brand. Consider these ideas:

• Show your kitchen in action during a busy service.
• Highlight food preparation processes, showcasing the skill and care that goes into each dish.
• Feature staff training sessions or team meetings to demonstrate your commitment to quality.
• Share the story of how a popular dish is made, from ingredient selection to plating.
• Introduce your suppliers or showcase where you source your ingredients.

Posting behind-the-scenes content humanizes your brand and creates a deeper connection with your audience, helping to build loyalty and trust.

4. Use User-Generated Content

Leveraging content created by your customers can be a powerful way to build community and showcase authentic experiences. Here’s how to make the most of user-generated content:

• Create a branded hashtag and encourage customers to use it when sharing photos of their dining experience.
• Regularly search for and engage with posts that tag your restaurant or use your hashtag.
• Repost the best user-generated content with proper credit, perhaps as part of a weekly feature.
• Consider running a contest where customers can submit their best photos for a chance to win a prize.
• Use user-generated content to showcase different aspects of your restaurant, from food presentation to ambiance.

This strategy not only provides you with a steady stream of authentic content but also encourages more customers to share their experiences, increasing your reach and engagement.

5. Re-share User-Generated Content

Building on the previous point, creating a dedicated series for re-sharing user-generated content can be an effective engagement strategy:

• Develop a “Customer Spotlights” series featuring the best user-shared content.
• Create a consistent format for these posts, perhaps including a brief caption about the customer’s experience.
• Use this as an opportunity to engage with the featured customers in the comments.
• Encourage more sharing by highlighting the types of content you’re looking for.
• Consider creating a gallery highlight on your profile showcasing these customer spotlights.

This approach builds community, encourages more content creation from your customers, and shows potential diners authentic experiences at your restaurant.

6. Menu Teasers

Building anticipation for new menu items or specials can drive interest and foot traffic. Here’s how to create effective menu teasers:

• Post close-up shots or short videos of new menu items to build anticipation.
• Include brief descriptions or ask followers to guess the ingredients.
• Create a series of posts leading up to the launch of a new menu, revealing a little more each day.
• Use Instagram’s countdown sticker in stories to build excitement for new menu launches.
• Consider doing a live reveal of new menu items, allowing followers to ask questions in real-time.

These teasers can create buzz around new offerings and entice followers to visit your restaurant to try the featured dishes.

7. Polls and Questions

Interactive content can significantly boost engagement and provide valuable insights. Here’s how to use polls and questions effectively:

• Use Instagram’s poll and question stickers to gather feedback on potential new menu items.
• Ask followers about their favorite dishes or dining preferences.
• Create fun, themed polls related to food and dining. For example, “Pancakes or Waffles?”
• Use the questions sticker to host an “Ask Me Anything” session with your head chef.
• Share the results of polls and how you’re using the feedback to improve your offerings.

This interactive content increases engagement and provides valuable insights into customer preferences, helping you make informed decisions about your menu and operations.

8. Share Customer Testimonials

Social proof is a powerful marketing tool. Here’s how to effectively share customer testimonials:

• Post positive reviews or testimonials from satisfied customers.
• Include photos of the dishes mentioned in the testimonials.
• Create visually appealing graphics that combine the testimonial text with imagery.
• Consider doing video testimonials for a more personal touch.
• Respond to the testimonials in the comments, thanking the customers for their feedback.

Customer testimonials serve as social proof and can help attract new customers to your restaurant by showcasing real experiences from satisfied diners.

9. Ingredient Spotlight

Highlighting the quality and uniqueness of your ingredients can set you apart from competitors. Here’s how to create engaging ingredient spotlights:

• Highlight unique or locally-sourced ingredients used in your dishes.
• Share interesting facts about the ingredients or their origins.
• Create a series of posts tracing an ingredient from farm to table.
• Show how different ingredients are prepared or transformed in your kitchen.
• Pair ingredient spotlights with recipe tips or serving suggestions.

This educational content adds value for your followers and showcases your commitment to quality, positioning your restaurant as knowledgeable and passionate about food.

10. Highlight the People on Your Team

Showcasing the humans behind your restaurant can create a more personal connection with your audience. Consider these ideas:

• Introduce your staff members, including chefs, servers, and managers.
• Share their stories, passions, and contributions to your restaurant.
• Create a “Day in the Life” series featuring different team members.
• Highlight employee achievements or milestones.
• Show how your team works together to create a great dining experience.

This approach humanizes your brand and helps customers form a connection with your team, potentially increasing loyalty and repeat visits.

11. Wine Pairing

For restaurants with a wine selection, sharing pairing suggestions can add value for customers and showcase your expertise:

• Suggest wine pairings for popular dishes on your menu.
• Create visually appealing graphics showcasing the pairings.
• Provide brief tasting notes or explanations of why the pairing works well.
• Consider doing a weekly or monthly feature on a specific wine and its ideal food pairings.
• Host virtual wine tasting events on Instagram Live, discussing pairings with your sommelier.

This content adds value for wine enthusiasts and positions your restaurant as knowledgeable about beverages, potentially attracting a wider audience.

12. Chef’s Special

Featuring special dishes can create excitement and showcase your culinary team’s creativity:

• Feature a weekly or monthly “Chef’s Special” dish.
• Share the inspiration behind the dish and its preparation process.
• Create a video of your chef explaining and preparing the special.
• Encourage followers to come in and try the special, perhaps offering a small incentive.
• Use customer feedback on these specials to inform future menu decisions.

This showcases your chef’s creativity and gives followers a reason to visit regularly to try new and exciting dishes.

13. Recipe Sharing

Sharing recipes can engage your audience beyond the restaurant experience:

• Occasionally share simple recipes for popular dishes or cocktails.
• Create step-by-step photo carousels or short video tutorials.
• Encourage followers to try recreating the recipes at home and share their results.
• Consider adapting restaurant favorites for home cooking.
• Use this as an opportunity to highlight key ingredients or techniques used in your kitchen.

This type of content adds value for your audience, keeps your restaurant top-of-mind, and positions you as generous and customer-focused.

14. Collaborate with Other Brands

Partnerships can expand your reach and create exciting content:

• Partner with local food suppliers, wineries, or complementary businesses.
• Create joint posts or takeovers to cross-promote each other.
• Host collaborative events and promote them on Instagram.
• Showcase how you use products from local partners in your dishes.
• Create a series highlighting other local businesses you admire or work with.

Collaborations can help you reach new audiences and build relationships within your community, positioning your restaurant as a supportive local business.

15. Share Pictures of Customers Enjoying Their Food

Showcasing real customers can provide social proof and create a welcoming atmosphere:

• With permission, post photos of happy customers dining at your restaurant.
• Create a hashtag for customers to use when sharing their own photos.
• Feature customer photos in your stories, tagging the original poster.
• Consider creating a photo wall in your restaurant and encouraging customers to take and share photos there.
• Use these posts to highlight the dining experience at your restaurant beyond just the food.

This adds authenticity to your content and helps potential customers envision themselves enjoying your restaurant.

16. Promote Upcoming Restaurant Events

Events can drive foot traffic and create excitement around your brand:

• Announce and build excitement for special events, themed nights, or live performances.
• Create event-specific hashtags to track engagement and encourage sharing.
• Use countdown stickers in stories to build anticipation.
• Share behind-the-scenes content of event preparations.
• Post recap content after events to show followers what they missed and encourage future attendance.

This content can drive foot traffic and create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among your followers.

17. Post Photos of Your Restaurant’s Decor and Atmosphere

Showcasing your ambiance can attract customers looking for a specific dining experience:

• Highlight different seating areas or private dining spaces.
• Showcase your restaurant’s unique decor elements or seasonal decorations.
• Create a virtual tour using Instagram’s carousel feature.
• Share the story behind your restaurant’s design or specific decor pieces.
• Show how your atmosphere changes from day to night or season to season.

These posts give potential customers a feel for your restaurant’s atmosphere before they visit, helping to set expectations and attract your target audience.

18. Post How-To Cooking Tutorials

Sharing your expertise can provide value to your followers and showcase your skills:

• Create short video tutorials demonstrating basic cooking techniques.
• Show how to plate dishes for an elevated dining experience at home.
• Share tips for selecting or storing ingredients.
• Demonstrate how to make simplified versions of popular restaurant dishes.
• Consider a series where your chef answers common cooking questions from followers.

This content adds value for your followers, positions your restaurant as an expert in your cuisine, and keeps your brand top-of-mind for followers cooking at home.

19. Share Interesting Facts or History About Certain Dishes

Educational content can engage food enthusiasts and showcase your knowledge:

• Post trivia or historical information about popular dishes on your menu.
• Create a series exploring the origins of different cuisines you serve.
• Share the evolution of certain dishes over time.
• Highlight regional variations of popular dishes.
• Connect dishes to cultural traditions or celebrations.

This type of content educates your followers and adds depth to your posts, engaging food enthusiasts and showcasing your knowledge of culinary traditions.

20. Celebrate Milestones Like Anniversaries, New Menu Launches

Marking important moments can create a sense of community and give followers a reason to engage:

• Highlight important dates in your restaurant’s history with special posts.
• Offer limited-time promotions or discounts to celebrate with your followers.
• Share throwback photos to show how your restaurant has evolved.
• Create a series counting down to a big milestone or event.
• Use these celebrations as an opportunity to thank your customers and community for their support.

This type of content creates a sense of community and gives followers a reason to engage with your brand, celebrating your successes alongside you.

Why is Social Media Important for Restaurant’s Sales?

Social media, particularly Instagram, plays a crucial role in driving sales for restaurants. Here’s why:

Build Customer Loyalty

Social media isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity for restaurant owners. By taking pictures of your delicious dishes and sharing them on your Instagram page, you can build customer loyalty and attract new diners. When you post on social media, you’re not just posting pictures—you’re creating an interactive experience for your followers.

Showcase Your Unique Offerings

Your restaurant’s social media posts are a great way to showcase what makes you unique. Whether you’re a family restaurant or a trendy new spot, your posts let customers know what your restaurant is all about. Instead of waiting for word-of-mouth, you can instantly show your Instagram community what’s on the menu. Posting on Instagram regularly helps keep people excited about your offerings.

Effective Social Media Management

Social media management doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right mix of these 20 post ideas, you can constantly engage your audience. From food photography to behind-the-scenes shots, your posts can transform casual browsers into loyal customers. Don’t forget to use Google My Business to connect your social media with local searches.

Engage Directly with Followers

Interacting with your followers by responding to comments or sending them a direct message makes your restaurant feel more personable. So, keep that “Instagram section” of your profile lively and updated. Social media is a powerful tool—just a few posts can lead to big changes!

Tips for Writing Instagram Posts for Restaurants

Creating engaging Instagram posts is essential for maximizing the impact of your social media marketing efforts. Here are some tips to help you craft compelling content:

1. Keep It Concise: Instagram captions should be short and to the point. Aim for 125 characters or less for optimal engagement. Use line breaks to make longer captions more readable.
2. Use Emojis: Emojis can add personality and visual appeal to your captions. Use them sparingly and relevantly to enhance your message without overwhelming it.
3. Include a Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage engagement by asking questions, inviting comments, or prompting followers to tag friends. CTAs can increase interaction and expand your post’s reach.
4. Utilize Hashtags: Research and use relevant hashtags to increase your post’s discoverability. Consider creating a branded hashtag for your restaurant and encourage customers to use it when sharing photos.
5. Tell a Story: Share the inspiration behind a dish, the history of your restaurant, or anecdotes about your staff to create emotional connections with your audience.
6. Be Authentic: Let your restaurant’s unique personality shine through in your captions and overall Instagram presence. Authenticity helps build trust and loyalty among your followers.
7. Use Instagram Captions Effectively: Craft captions that complement your visuals and provide additional context or value. Use them to tell a story, share information, or evoke emotions.
8. Incorporate User-Generated Content: Share and credit photos taken by your customers. This not only provides you with free content but also encourages more customers to share their experiences.
9. Highlight Special Offers: Use your captions to promote special deals, happy hours, or limited-time menu items. Make sure to include all relevant details, such as dates and any terms and conditions.
10. Show Personality: Don’t be afraid to use humor or show the human side of your restaurant. This can help create a stronger connection with your audience.
11. Use Geo-Tags: Tag your restaurant’s location in your posts. This makes it easier for local customers to find you and can increase your visibility in location-based searches.
12. Experiment with Different Post Types: Mix up your content with a variety of post types, including single images, carousels, videos, and Reels. This keeps your feed interesting and caters to different content preferences.
13. Cross-Promote: Mention your other social media accounts or your website in your Instagram posts to drive traffic across your online platforms.
14. Respond to Comments: Engage with your followers by responding to their comments. This shows that you value their input and helps build a community around your brand.
15. Use Instagram’s Features: Take advantage of features like Stories, Highlights, and IGTV to share different types of content and keep your followers engaged.

“Great Instagram captions can turn a simple food photo into a story that resonates with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.” – Social Media Strategist

By following these tips, you can create Instagram posts that not only showcase your restaurant’s offerings but also engage your audience and build a loyal following on the platform.

The Bottom Line

In the ever-competitive restaurant industry, standing out is crucial. By using these 20 post ideas, you can shine on social media and show customers what your restaurant has to offer. Whether it’s through engaging Instagram posts or stories, you’ll keep your followers excited and engaged.

When you regularly post on your platform, you create an opportunity for more people to discover your restaurant. Social media offers almost free marketing, making it easy for you to share photos and videos that highlight your unique offerings. Encourage your patrons to post pictures of their food and tag you; it’s a great way to make your followers feel involved.

Stay consistent with these strategies and you’re sure to keep people coming back for more!