5 Photo Ideas Every Restaurant Should Have on Their Website
When someone Googles your restaurant, your website needs to do more than just list your hours — it should feel like walking through the door. Thoughtfully chosen photos help your guests know what to expect, crave your food, and make a reservation on the spot.
If you’re still using iPhone pics from 2017… this one’s for you.
Whether your space is giving moody dive bar energy or coastal fine dining, here are five must-have photo types that every restaurant website should feature:
The Hero Shot (Homepage Banner)
This is the first photo people see, so it better set the mood. Whether it’s your signature dish, your bar lit up at golden hour, or a cozy corner of the dining room — this image should make someone say “Ooh, let’s go here.”
Big visual impact. No clutter. Just something that captures your vibe in one frame.
2. Menu Favorites (Flatlays or Close-Ups)
These photos sell your food before anyone reads a word of the menu. Highlight your best-sellers — like that perfectly toasted smash burger or your signature cocktail with the spicy rim.
Need inspo? Think top-down brunch shots, dramatic pours, gooey cheese pulls, or a spread that makes someone say “Wait, where is this? I want this.”
3. Interior & Ambience Shots
People want to know what the vibe is before they show up. Show them the dim lighting, the mismatched vintage chairs, the bar stools that fill up first.
These shots help guests decide: is it a date night spot? A brunch-with-friends kinda place? The cool bar locals never shut up about?
4. People in the Space (Candid Lifestyle Moments)
Give your website life. A group laughing over drinks, a cheers caught mid-clink, someone leaning over the table for that first bite. These moments make your restaurant feel warm, real, and worth showing up for.
And yes — your staff counts here too. Bartenders pouring, servers smiling, chefs cooking. That’s your brand, baby.
5. Behind-the-Scenes Magic
This is the part most people skip, but it builds major trust. Show your team doing what they do best — chopping, stirring, plating, pouring. These are the moments your regulars don’t see but would love to.
They also remind potential guests (and investors, collaborators, food bloggers…) that you care about the craft.
Ready for a Refresh?
The best restaurant websites tell a story before you ever read a word. If you’re ready to give your online presence a glow-up, let’s make it happen.
I work with restaurants and bars all across the PNW to create photo galleries that feel true to your space — cozy, quirky, moody, lively, whatever makes your brand shine.
➜ Click here to book a session or learn more
➜ Or check out recent restaurant work on my Instagram