Hey, think about the last time you wanted to try a new restaurant or café in Dubai. Did you just pick a random spot off a list? Probably not. Most of us do what everyone else is doing, we check Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook first. We look at photos, watch reels, read reviews, and sometimes even check hashtags like #DubaiFoodie or #DubaiBrunch before deciding.
Social media isn’t just a fun way to pass the time, it’s basically the modern-day guidebook for food lovers in the UAE. And if you’re running a restaurant or café, it’s changing the way you reach your diners. You’re not just selling food anymore; you’re selling experiences, stories, and a vibe people want to be a part of.
Why 70% of UAE Diners Trust Social Media Before Dining Out?
Here’s a number that might surprise you: about 70% of diners in the UAE rely on social media when choosing where to eat. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. When people see beautiful dishes, read honest reviews, or watch videos of food being prepared, it gives them confidence to try something new.
Think about it, if a friend posts a reel of a gorgeous avocado toast at a Dubai Marina café or a creamy dessert at Jumeirah, wouldn’t you feel tempted to go there too? That’s exactly why social proof works so well. People trust what other people recommend, especially in Dubai, where the F&B scene is huge and ever-changing.
Social media isn’t just about pretty pictures, it’s about connecting with your audience, building trust, and inspiring people to take action.
The Power of Food Photography
Here’s something every restaurant owner in Dubai needs to understand: a single mouth-watering photo can stop someone mid-scroll. One great shot of your signature dish can do more than ten ads ever could.
But here’s the key, good food photography is not just about making a dish look pretty. It’s about telling a story. When people see a vibrant, fresh, and perfectly plated meal, they imagine themselves tasting it. They imagine the smell, the texture, the experience. That’s when they decide to book a table or place an online order.
For instance, imagine a brunch spread at your Downtown Dubai café. A photo of colorful croissants, avocado toast, and latte art doesn’t just look good, it creates a craving, an anticipation, and a reason for people to visit your café instead of another.
Here’s how we capture dishes through Food Photography Watch how we bring flavors to life with Food Videography and check what we created for Gully Kitchen, with passion! For More Click Here.
Engaging Content Builds Connection
Now, let’s be honest, social media is not just about Food Photography. It’s about connection. Posting behind-the-scenes moments, sharing tips, or even funny kitchen bloopers can make your audience feel part of your story.
People want more than food, they want the vibe, the experience, the authenticity. Imagine posting a reel of your barista crafting the perfect latte art, or a short clip of your chef putting the final touches on a dessert platter. Your audience isn’t just looking, they’re feeling your brand. And that connection keeps them coming back.
Check out the BTS VS Final shot for a campaign we did – Spooky Pumpkin Latte.
Why Restaurants Can’t Ignore Social Media
Here’s the deal, if your restaurant or café isn’t active on social media, you’re missing out. Dubai and the wider UAE have a highly digital-savvy audience, and diners are constantly searching online for new experiences. Whether it’s a hidden brunch spot in Jumeirah, a rooftop dinner in Downtown Dubai, or the latest dessert trend in DIFC, people are looking online first.
Every Instagram reel, TikTok video, or Facebook post is a chance to showcase your menu, connect with diners, and boost online orders. Social media isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential.
And it’s not just about visibility, it’s about credibility too. Seeing consistent, high-quality posts builds trust. Customers feel like they “know” you before they even walk in. When they see others enjoying your space or commenting positively on your food, they’re more likely to book a table or place an order online. Social media gives you an opportunity to show that your café or restaurant is lively, popular, and worth visiting.
Check out the Instagram video we did for OMA Bakery Cookies and Cakes, and for Pristino Coffee,
Also, Check out our the BTS and Final video we did for Wakamae Dessert Trolley.
Tips for Restaurants and Cafes to Stand Out Online
Here are some simple but effective ways to make your social media work harder for you:
- Show, don’t just tell: Post high-quality Food Photography and videos of your dishes. Let the visuals do the talking.
- Engage your audience: Ask questions, run polls, feature user-generated content, and respond to comments. People love interaction.
- Share your story: Introduce your chefs, your kitchen, and the inspiration behind your signature dishes. People love stories behind food.
- Be consistent: Regular posts keep your audience engaged and remind them to visit or order.
- Use trends wisely: Leverage trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges to make your content discoverable across Dubai and the UAE.
Look, social media isn’t just a trend, it’s where diners across Dubai and the UAE are deciding what and where to eat. If you want people to notice your dishes, get excited, and keep coming back, you’ve got to be visible online.
And here’s the thing, if you’re running a restaurant or café and want to make your social media shine, attract more customers, and show off your food in the best way, Food on Focus Media is here to help. We’ll create content that grabs attention, tells your story, and makes people stop scrolling and start craving what you serve.
Well, if you’ve reached the end of this blog, what are you waiting for? Let us make your restaurant or café the one everyone’s talking about, from Dubai Marina to Downtown, from Jumeirah to DIFC, and from Bur Dubai and Karama to Deira. Your dishes deserve to be seen, your café/restaurant deserves to be experienced, and we’re here to make it happen.
