We get it, running a restaurant is tough. Chefs are perfecting recipes. Service staff are on their feet all day. Owners are juggling costs, bookings, marketing, delivery apps, and everything in between.

But after all that hard work, there’s one place where things fall flat, your photos.

Here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud, if your food looks mediocre online, most people won’t even give it a chance.

We’re not saying you need to hire us. In fact, we’ll say the opposite, get your own photographers. Build a content bank that does justice to your cuisine, your ambience, your vibe. And if you need help figuring it out, we’re always happy to consult.

But PLEASE, stop letting great food go unnoticed because it doesn’t look great online.

A True Story: Our Korean Food Hunt in Dubai

A while back, we were craving Korean food. Like most people trying a new cuisine, we wanted to start with a place that looked exciting, authentic, the kind of spot that could set the benchmark.

Korean food, especially BBQ, is warm, fiery, and dramatic. Think sizzling grills, glowing coals, bubbling stews, and endless side dishes, the kind of setup you see in K-dramas or anime. IKYK 😉 That’s the expectation. It’s part of the experience.

But when we searched online, what we saw was disappointing.
Some restaurants had lots of followers, but the visuals? They were dark, greasy, uninviting. One popular spot had food shot on a plain white plate, over a white background, no “vibe”, no warmth, no grill, no fire.

We debated trying it, but skipped it. Not because we thought the food was bad. But because the presentation didn’t match what we were looking for. It didn’t feel like the Korean BBQ we imagined. And that’s how restaurants lose first-time customers, not because of quality, but because the visuals don’t match the promise.

Here’s What You Should Know

Dubai is full of people looking to try new cuisines.
You don’t have to be expensive, but you do have to look like you care.
If your visuals aren’t showcasing the heart of your cuisine, you’re not just missing orders, you’re missing trust.
And this isn’t just about Instagram. Your content needs to shine across:

– Google listings
– Food delivery apps
– Review platforms
– Digital menus
– WhatsApp and email campaigns

If your food looks flat, dry, or lifeless, no amount of hashtags will save it.

Few of the amazing pages we saw (and will try for sure):

Hoe Lee Kow 
Akira Back 
Hanu 

Also good pages:

Sonamu 
Wawa Dining 

We also love the approach of Mukbang-style shows with user-friendly content showing different nationalities trying their food and collaborating with them. It’s a fun and relatable way to showcase portions, flavors, and reactions in real-time. Again there is a strategy. Also, if we’ve missed any good names please feel free to comment below! (We’ll also write a blog on why SEO is important for restaurants soon!)

It’s NOT about perfection. It’s about feeling.

People want to feel what the food is about, whether it’s the heat of the grill, the richness of a curry, or the comfort of your ambience. Show that.

Update your photos. Ask guests to review. Be part of the conversation. No one is perfect, but people remember restaurants that listen, learn, and evolve.

Need help building your brand’s visual story?
kimberly@social-savoir.com
+971 52 994 0577
IG: @socialsavoir_fnb