Social media graphic design for restaurants

Food photography style

Food sells itself when it is photographed well: natural light, a consistent table or surface, a similar angle across dishes and plates styled as they are actually served. A short style guide lets kitchen or front-of-house staff take matching photos on a phone. Photograph what customers will receive; a dish styled very differently from the real plate can disappoint.

Templates for routine posts

Fast enough for daily use

Specials change daily and staff are busy. Templates should take a minute: drop in a photo, type the dish name, export. Keep editable areas few and lock the brand elements. A template that takes ten minutes will be abandoned during service. Keep a folder of current dish photos so staff can find them quickly.

Menu graphics

Posting a menu as an image is convenient, but it goes out of date and is hard to read for people using screen readers. Keep menu graphics simple, include the date or season, and link to a text menu on your website. When prices or dishes change, replace old menu images rather than leaving them pinned.

Allergens and dietary details

Allergen information is the restaurant's responsibility and must be accurate. Social graphics should not try to list allergens for dishes; instead, invite customers to ask staff about allergens and dietary needs. Avoid labelling dishes as suitable for a diet on social posts unless your kitchen records confirm it, and check your approach with whoever advises you on food rules.

A posting week

1. 01

   Monday

   Week's opening hours and events.

   Output: Hours post

2. 02

   Daily

   Specials from the template.

   Output: Specials

3. 03

   Midweek

   Behind the scenes or new dish.

   Output: Story post

4. 04

   Before weekend

   Booking reminder.

   Output: Booking post

Example: graphics for a neighbourhood bistro

Before posting

Events

Event graphics need the date, time, what is happening and how to book, all readable on a phone. Use the same event template each time so regulars recognise it, and post a reminder closer to the date. Remove or update event posts if the event changes or is cancelled.

Staff and guests

Behind-the-scenes posts featuring chefs and staff can show personality. Get each person's agreement, and do not photograph guests without asking.

Opening hours and changes

Opening hours posts are useful, especially around holidays. Use a clear template with days and times in large text, and post changes well in advance. Make sure your website and online listings show the same hours; a graphic that disagrees with your listing causes confusion at the door.

Reviews and quotes

Guest quotes can be powerful, but use only genuine ones with the person's permission, quoted accurately. Screenshots of reviews may contain the reviewer's name and photo, so ask before sharing them.

Formats

Specials and events can suit vertical story formats as well as feed posts. Build each template in the shapes you use, checking each platform's current help, and keep dish names clear of crop edges.

Accessible posts

Write alt text naming the dish, keep text on images large and high in contrast, and put prices and booking details in the caption as well, so everyone can read them.