If you’ve ever seen influencers posing at trendy restaurants, you know just how powerful a great-looking space can be. Nowadays, it’s not just about good food—people love sharing experiences. Influencers and bloggers are always searching for photogenic spots, and getting them to talk about your restaurant can bring serious business. So, how do you design a restaurant that catches their eye? In this post, we’ll walk you through some easy and effective ways to turn your venue into an influencer magnet.
1. Create Eye-Catching Corners
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your restaurant look amazing. Influencers love spaces with personality—think statement walls, funky furniture, or vibrant art. It’s all about creating those little corners that beg for a photo.
It could be a neon sign with a cheeky quote, a colourful mural, or a plant-filled nook. The goal is to offer multiple ‘Instagrammable’ spots where people can snap pictures. The more photogenic your space, the more likely it will end up on social feeds.
Tip: Stick to a theme that matches your restaurant’s vibe. For example, if you’re aiming for a win at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, why not highlight some subtle cultural touches? Modern Asian décor or fusion design with a traditional twist can make your venue memorable and camera-ready.
2. Nail the Lighting—It’s a Game-Changer
Good lighting makes all the difference, especially for influencers trying to capture the perfect shot. Natural light is always a winner, so think about adding big windows or skylights to let in as much sunlight as possible.
For evenings, warm lighting works wonders—it makes the space feel cosy and makes food look delicious. You could even get playful with neon lights or fancy chandeliers to create a talking point. Bonus: Cool lighting doubles as décor!
3. Set Up Spaces for Events and Pop-Ups
Influencers love exclusive events. If you have a spot that can host pop-up experiences or special events, you’ll attract both bloggers and their followers. Think build-your-own-taco stations, dessert bars, or cocktail-making nights.
And here’s the kicker—any event you host becomes free promotion when influencers post about it. If your restaurant has snagged any restaurant awards or is in the running for the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, shout about it! Influencers love visiting award-winning venues, so make sure they know your place has been recognised for excellence.
4. Make It Tech-Friendly
Let’s be real—most influencers live on their phones. So, having reliable, fast Wi-Fi is a must if you want them to upload photos and videos on the spot.
QR code menus are also a great touch—they’re trendy, easy to use, and speed things up for both your team and your guests. If your restaurant works with an online food ordering system, mention it! Influencers love to highlight smooth, modern dining experiences, and seamless tech solutions can give them something positive to post about.
5. Flaunt Your Achievements
If your restaurant has won awards or has been featured in the media, don’t keep it a secret. Display those restaurant awards proudly in your space! You could create a ‘Wall of Fame’ near the entrance or add plaques and framed certificates on the walls.
When influencers see that your venue has earned recognition, they’re more likely to visit—and share it with their followers. Award-winning spots come with a built-in reputation, and that’s precisely the kind of content bloggers love to show off.
6. Add Fun, Interactive Elements
People love hands-on experiences. Consider incorporating playful or interactive design elements into your space, such as a selfie wall, swings, or a photo booth. Even quirky little touches, like colourful menus or a message board where customers can leave notes, go a long way.
When influencers have something fun to engage with, they’re more likely to take photos, stay longer, and share their experience with followers. The more unique the experience, the better the chances of standing out online.
7. Let Your Brand’s Story Shine
Influencers love a good story, so make sure your restaurant tells one through its décor and menu. Whether you’re channelling a coastal vibe, retro charm, or Asian-inspired design, everything should reflect your brand’s identity.
For example, if you’re competing in the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, a modern take on traditional Asian elements can make a real impact. Avoid clichés, though—get creative! A well-told story through your space makes it easier for influencers to connect with your restaurant and share it meaningfully.
8. Make Your Menu a Visual Delight
Your food is already a star—but make sure it shines even before it reaches the table. A beautifully displayed menu at the entrance can tempt people to walk in, while stylish digital menu boards or chalkboards keep things fresh and dynamic.
Spacious tables are also a plus, especially for influencers who love overhead ‘flat-lay’ shots. Give them room to style their dishes and capture the perfect food photo. These little things make your space irresistible to bloggers and content creators.
9. Blend the Physical with the Digital
Your restaurant shouldn’t just look good in person—it needs to shine online, too. Encourage diners to post their experiences with branded hashtags or run small competitions where they can win freebies by sharing their visit.
Hosting influencer tasting nights or launching seasonal menus gives them something exciting to post about. And if you’re using an online food ordering system, get them to promote it in their posts. This boosts your digital presence and drives traffic to your delivery platform.
10. Build Relationships with Influencers
Creating an influencer-friendly space is more than just design—it’s about building connections. Offer them a complimentary drink or dessert, or invite them to be part of an exclusive event. If they feel welcome, they’ll naturally share more about your restaurant.
You could also collaborate on giveaways or special promotions. Influencers love working with venues that make partnerships easy, and the exposure they provide can help you attract even more guests.
Wrapping It Up
Designing a restaurant space that attracts influencers and bloggers doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on creating experiences that people will want to share—whether it’s through unique décor, standout lighting, or playful elements. Make sure your achievements, like restaurant awards or features in the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, are on display. And don’t forget to integrate tech-friendly touches, like a solid online food ordering system, to keep things running smoothly.
With the right design and a little creativity, your restaurant could become the next must-visit spot for influencers and bloggers. Who knows—your space might just become the star of their next viral post!
