6 Instagram Content Ideas for Restaurants

Are you a restaurant owner looking to spice up your Instagram content but don’t know where to start?

No worries, you've come to the right place!

It’s no secret that Instagram is a powerful marketing tool for up-and-coming restaurants. About 82% of restaurants in the United States use social media as part of their marketing strategies.

A captivating and trendy feed could set your restaurant apart from the others, attracting foodies from all over.

So, we’re here to share some creative Instagram content ideas for restaurants hoping to add some heat to their online presence.

Let’s dig in.

#1 Showcase Your Popular Menu Items With Instagram Reels

Let's kick things off with Instagram Reels. Reels are a fantastic way to show off your mouthwatering menu items in action.

Whether it's a sizzling steak being grilled to perfection or a decadent dessert being drizzled with chocolate sauce, Reels allow you to capture the essence of your dishes in a fun and engaging way.

One of our favorite Instagram content ideas for restaurants is to showcase your popular menu items with Reels, like in this example with Hush Public House and Cocina Madrigal.

This Reel from North Scottsdale’s Hush Public House features one of their signature dishes, grilled oysters, in a cinematic way. From the slow-mo shots from the grill to the sprinkling of the cheese, it’s a seafood lover's dream.

Special shoutout to Cocina Madrigal in Phoenix for this captivating Reel of their mouthwatering enchiladas.

I’m not drooling. You are.

#2 Styled Photoshoots for New Menu Items

Got some new menu items that you’re ready to announce? Professionally styled photoshoots featuring your latest culinary creations are a great way to get people talking (or, better yet, eating).

Experiment with different angles, lighting, and props to create visually stunning images that will leave your followers in awe.

One of our favorite Instagram content ideas for restaurants is styled photoshoots for new menu items like in this example featuring Maple & Ash, a great Scottsdale social media account.

Maple and Ash, an innovative steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ absolutely slayed in this styled photoshoot showcasing their Slow Roasted Seabass.

#3 Chef Spotlight

Give your followers a behind-the-scenes look into the kitchen with Reels showcasing your talented chefs in action.

Highlighting your chefs' personalities and passion for cooking will humanize your brand and further connect with your audience on a personal level.

One of our favorite Instagram content ideas for restaurants is doing a chef spotlight, a concept well executed by Monroe's Hot Chicken.

Monroe’s Hot Chicken brought the heat with their unique cinematic angles in this Reel of their chef serving up their iconic hot chicken sandwich.

#4 Customer Interviews

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If you ever watched Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri, you know that an integral part of the show is the interaction with the customers. Nothing beats real people sharing their real experiences.

Invite regulars to share their favorite dishes, dining memories, and why they keep coming back for more!

These authentic testimonials not only add credibility to your brand but also help foster a sense of community and belonging among your followers.

#5 Influencer Reviews

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Listen, It’s time to stop DMing Keith Lee to come try your restaurant (although there is no shame in trying).

There are hundreds of foodie influencers who would be more than happy to generate buzz and excitement around your restaurant! (Check out our article on how to find them).

Invite them to dine at your establishment and share their honest reviews and experiences with their followers. This will bring engagement to your page, and you’ll also be able to repost their content to your page.

That’s what we call a “win-win” scenario.

#6 Memes

Meme content is a great way to show your business’ relatable side.

Add some humor to your Instagram feed with content about the joys and challenges of working in the food industry.

One of our favorite Instagram content ideas for restaurants is to use memes. JL Patisserie is a great example of this, as well as Solid State Coffee, a great NYC social media account to follow (also our client!).

JL Patisserie, a bakery + cafe in Arizona, does meme content on their Instagram SO well. Their humor is definitely something to take note of!

Shoutout to our client, Solid State Coffee in New York, for mastering the art humor on their Instagram, as well!

Want More Instagram Content Ideas for Restaurants?

At Scott Social, we've seen these strategies work wonders for restaurants like Solid State Coffee, helping them increase their Instagram engagement by over 64% in just 30 days.

If you're ready to take your restaurant's Instagram content ideas to the next level, we’d love to work with you!

As a boutique social media marketing agency based in Phoenix, Arizona, we specialize in creating beautiful content and fostering meaningful connections with your audience. Let's elevate your brand together!

Bon appétit!