- Facebook ads expand your restaurant’s reach with precise targeting and engaging visuals.
- High-quality images and videos of menu items entice potential diners.
- Using clear calls-to-action like “Order Now” boosts conversions and engagement.
- Targeted ads increase relevance by focusing on specific demographics or behaviors.
- Timely promotions and retargeting help maximize ad performance and ROI.
- Regularly monitoring ad metrics like CTR and CPC allows for continuous improvement.
Are you looking to grow your restaurant's customer base and boost sales? If so, Facebook ads offer an easy and effective way to reach new audiences and showcase your mouthwatering menu to potential diners.
With over 3.07 billion monthly active users, Facebook provides an excellent opportunity to connect with potential customers in your area and beyond.
Using Facebook’s advanced targeting options and engaging ad formats, you can effectively promote your restaurant and drive more traffic to your doors or online ordering platform.
However, you might be short on ideas, which is exactly what this guide is here to help with: to provide you with examples of the best Facebook ads for restaurants so you can find inspiration and create your ad campaign that will lure in diners from far and wide.
Let’s learn how to run Facebook ads for restaurants, starting with a breakdown of why it is a good idea.
Why use Facebook ads for restaurants?
Facebook ads offer numerous benefits for restaurants, from expanding their reach to showcasing their menus with eye-catching visuals. They allow them to target specific audiences, drive online engagement, and optimize for better ROI.
Below, we break down the key benefits of Facebook ads as a powerful marketing tool for your restaurant.
Expanding your reach to new audiences
Facebook ads allow you to introduce your restaurant to a whole new audience of potential diners who may not have discovered you otherwise.
By targeting them based on location, demographics, and interests, you ensure your message reaches the right people.
For instance, you can target food enthusiasts within a specific radius of your restaurant, increasing the likelihood of visits from nearby diners.
Showcasing your menu with eye-catching visuals
One of the most compelling features of Facebook ads is their ability to display your menu items and specials appealingly.
High-quality photos and videos of your signature dishes or seasonal specials can grab attention and entice viewers.
You can also offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of your kitchen to create a personal connection with your audience.
Driving online engagement and orders
Facebook ads can be a direct channel to your website or online ordering platform.
By including clear calls-to-action (CTAs) such as "Order Now" or "View Menu," you make it simple for users to take action.
This is especially beneficial for restaurants offering online ordering or delivery services, as customers can place orders with just a few clicks.
Optimizing performance with data-driven insights
Facebook ads provide detailed analytics and insights, allowing you to measure performance and make informed decisions.
Metrics such as reach, engagement, and conversions help you understand how your ads perform.
Regular monitoring enables you to refine your targeting, improve ad creatives, and allocate your budget more effectively, ensuring a better return on investment (ROI).
The below Facebook ad for a restaurant is an excellent example of effective advertising that takes advantage of the benefits listed above.
The vibrant, high-quality image of sushi immediately grabs attention, appealing to food lovers with its colorful and detailed presentation. The wording, “Let’s Yuzu on Sunday!” is catchy and playful, adding a fun, inviting tone.
The offer, "30 PCS | $33," is prominently displayed, making the value clear at a glance. The call to action, “Enjoy Now,” is bold and direct, encouraging immediate engagement.
This ad's combination of enticing visuals, concise text, and a strong call to action makes it ideal for capturing attention and driving sales.
Types of Facebook ads for restaurants
Facebook offers various ad formats, including image, video, and carousel ads, that can effectively showcase your restaurant and engage potential customers. Each type has unique advantages and can be tailored to your specific marketing goals.
Here are the most effective Facebook ads for local restaurants by ad format:
Image ads
Image ads are a simple yet powerful way to grab attention and highlight your restaurant's best features.
Use high-quality photos of your most popular dishes, your inviting dining room, or satisfied customers enjoying their meals. Make sure the images are visually appealing and accurately represent your brand.
This Facebook ad for SushiArt is highly effective due to its clean and vibrant design. The bold gradient background grabs attention immediately, while the playful heading, "Happy Sushi Night," conveys a positive, fun vibe.
The use of enticing phrases like "Endless Rolling" and "Open Sushi Night" highlights the experience being offered, appealing to sushi enthusiasts.
The price point (AED 149) is clear and prominently displayed, making it easy for viewers to gauge the value.
The hand holding a sushi piece adds a personal touch, visually connecting with the audience. Lastly, the hashtags and details about timing and locations encourage engagement and action.
Video ads
We then have highly engaging video ads that can effectively convey your restaurant's atmosphere, food quality, and customer experience in a dynamic and memorable way.
Create short, captivating videos showcasing your chefs in action, your signature dishes being plated, or happy customers sharing their dining experiences to evoke emotions and draw viewers in. Videos allow you to tell a story about your restaurant, making it more relatable and appealing.
Moreover, video ads can be tailored to highlight special events, seasonal promotions, or limited-time offers, creating urgency and encouraging immediate action. Facebook's autoplay feature grabs attention instantly, increasing the likelihood of user engagement.
The video ad for Goldbelly below showcases a woman talking about how easy it is to have local restaurant fare delivered to your home.
The quick-cut visuals of various vibrant and tasty-looking dishes are highly appealing and showcase the diverse offerings available.
Carousel ads
Carousel ads allow you to display multiple images or videos within a single ad, showcasing different aspects of your restaurant in a visually engaging and interactive way.
Use this format to feature various menu items, highlight promotions, or tell a story about your brand's unique offerings and atmosphere.
For instance, you can showcase your appetizers, entrées, desserts, and drinks in one seamless experience or guide users through a "day in the life" at your restaurant.
The swipeable format encourages users to actively engage with the content, making them more likely to remember your ad and take action.
This Facebook carousel ad stands out for showcasing the restaurant's burger selection in a visually captivating and highly interactive format. Each image highlights a different, mouthwatering burger, photographed up close to emphasize fresh ingredients and irresistible textures.
The visuals alone are enough to grab attention and entice viewers. At the same time, the accompanying text, “Our burgers are ready for their close-up. Which one’s at the top of your list?” adds a playful, engaging tone that encourages interaction.
The carousel format allows potential customers to swipe through the images, giving each burger its moment to shine and keeping viewers engaged longer.
This is a great way to showcase variety while prompting the audience to consider their personal favorite. Combined with its visually appealing design and interactive nature, this ad effectively creates both desire and engagement, making it an ideal choice for Facebook.
To view all of the ads the competition uses, use Foreplay’s Discovery tool.
Restaurant Facebook ad examples
Now that you understand the different types of Facebook ads available, let's explore some real-world examples of successful restaurant ads.
Here are some of the best Facebook ads for restaurants:
Example 1: Promoting family-friendly menu options
When promoting family-friendly menu options, restaurants can create a welcoming and accessible appeal for parents and kids alike.
Bluey’s Family Kitchen nails this approach by inviting families to a “family dinner” through a visually tempting image of a hand dipping a crispy chicken piece into sauce.
The playful visual and tagline, “You are invited to Bluey’s family dinner,” make it feel like a special occasion that’s easy to share with loved ones.
In the ad’s description, Bluey’s highlights their affordable and tasty Family Kitchen range, with prices starting at just £2.99.
By emphasizing “family-friendly, speedy, and veg-packed options,” Bluey’s taps into what busy parents value most: convenience, nutrition, and flavor that appeals to kids and adults alike.
They even bring creativity to their dishes with names like “Pizza Girls Margarita” and “King Prawn Curry Quest,” turning meal choices into fun, memorable family experiences.
This thoughtful blend of affordability, quality, and playfulness makes Bluey’s Family Kitchen an attractive option for a wholesome and enjoyable family meal.
Example 2: Promoting a special event
This Facebook ad from Clay’s Bar features a captivating image of a woman enjoying a drink, highlighting the vibrant experience awaiting new customers.
The ad text, “Birmingham bookings are open! Spaces are already filling up fast so pull the trigger and book now to be among the first to experience Clay’s Birmingham,” combines elements that drive viewers to act quickly by creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
The choice of phrases like “spaces are filling up fast” instills a fear of missing out (FOMO), encouraging immediate booking.
Furthermore, mentioning “Birmingham” connects directly with a local audience, increasing relevance and appeal for those nearby, making it one of the best Facebook ads for local restaurants.
The call-to-action, “Book Now,” is clear and action-oriented, guiding viewers to take the next step without hesitation.
This ad is a strong example of how restaurants can promote events effectively by using visuals that depict the experience and targeted language that emphasizes exclusivity, urgency, and local relevance to engage potential customers and drive bookings.
Example 3: Showcasing seasonal menu variety
Gail’s Christmas menu ad captures the magic of the holiday season by focusing on the simple, cherished moments that make this time of year special. The warm visual of candles, cinnamon rolls, and cozy touches sets the tone for the ad, evoking feelings of comfort and celebration.
The ad description goes beyond the menu itself, appealing to the season's emotions.
Gail’s invites us to savor “those small, in-between moments” with offerings like “the first turkey sandwich of the year” or “a Christmas bun, just because it’s Tuesday.”
These phrases resonate with the spontaneity of holiday indulgences, reminding customers that Gail’s menu is there to make any moment feel festive.
This seasonal ad's focus on quality and simplicity makes it effective. Gail’s assures customers that with a few high-quality items, they can elevate any meal, from a casual brunch to a leftover-inspired supper, into a memorable gathering.
This idea of effortless elegance appeals to those looking to bring warmth and joy to everyday meals during the busy holiday season. The menu’s versatility makes it ideal for impromptu celebrations, cozy gatherings, and thoughtful last-minute gifting.
Example 4: Encouraging online ordering
Fresh Chef’s ad provides a prime example of how to encourage online ordering by highlighting both quality and convenience.
The enticing image of two beautifully plated dishes draws viewers in, while the overlay text “Free Shipping on your first order” and “Subscribe to our sample box” offers a compelling incentive to explore the service.
The ad description reinforces Fresh Chef’s appeal by inviting customers to “fill your freezer with restaurant-quality meals made of premium NZ ingredients cooked by real chefs.”
This reassurance of high standards positions Fresh Chef’s meals as a premium home experience crafted with care by real chefs.
By focusing on flavor and nutrition, with phrases like “yummy, nutritious meals for your family,” the ad appeals to customers who want convenience without sacrificing taste or health.
The clear call to action, “Click below to check out our fantastic range”, guides viewers to explore the menu, making online ordering feel simple and rewarding.
Fresh Chef’s approach effectively combines appealing incentives with the promise of quality meals, making online ordering an easy and attractive choice for customers looking to enjoy great food with minimal effort.
Use Foreplay’s Swipe File to neatly organize these and all of your other favorite ads in one convenient location.
Key elements of successful restaurant Facebook ads
When creating Facebook ads for your restaurant, focus on strong visuals, compelling ad copy, a defined audience, and an encouraging call to action to maximize their impact and effectiveness.
Here are the key elements of successful Facebook restaurant ads:
Mouthwatering visuals
High-quality, delicious images or videos of your food and drinks are the foundation of successful restaurant Facebook ads.
Showcase your most visually appealing dishes, beautifully plated and well-lit, to entice potential customers.
Consider hiring a professional food photographer or investing in quality equipment to capture the true essence of your culinary creations.
Albeit simple, the below ad showcases a strong visual of a latte and a breakfast sandwich, which have been photographed and touched up to make them as visually appealing as possible.
This is accompanied by dynamic wording that moves around the video ad, grabbing the viewer's attention.
Compelling ad copy
Craft attention-grabbing headlines and descriptions that highlight your restaurant's unique selling points.
Whether it's your farm-to-table ingredients, signature dishes, or exceptional service, make sure your ad copy communicates what sets you apart from the competition.
Use persuasive language that evokes emotions and creates a sense of urgency, encouraging users to take action.
This Facebook ad from Buffalo Wild Wings effectively grabs attention and entices viewers to take action. The visual is bold and mouthwatering, showcasing a close-up of saucy, perfectly cooked wings alongside fresh vegetables and dipping sauce.
This high-quality image immediately appeals to the viewer's appetite and makes the product the star of the ad.
The headline, "What we bring to the table (playoffs edition)," cleverly ties the product to the excitement of playoff season, making the ad timely and relatable. The accompanying text, “Sometimes it's better to show than tell.
Order takeout or delivery and watch the playoffs at home with your favorite wings,” builds a strong connection between the wings and the audience's game-day experience, emphasizing convenience and indulgence.
The "Order Now" call-to-action is prominently displayed in bold yellow, creating a sense of urgency and making it easy for viewers to take the next step. This ad perfectly combines visual appeal, clear messaging, and strong calls to action.
Clear call-to-action (CTA)
Include a prominent CTA button in your Facebook ads, such as "Order Now," "View Menu," or "Make a Reservation." A clear CTA guides users toward the desired action, whether placing an online order, exploring your menu, or booking a table.
Ensure your CTA stands out visually and aligns with your ad's objective.
Although extremely simple and short, the Chick-fil-A ad showcased here is a perfect example of an effective CTA, as it reads, “order now.”
Targeted audience
Define your target audience based on location, age, interests, and behaviors to ensure your ads reach the right people.
Facebook's advanced targeting options allow you to narrow down your audience based on specific criteria, such as foodies, residents, or people who have recently visited your area.
By targeting the right audience, you increase the likelihood of your ads resonating with potential customers and driving conversions.
In the Domino’s Pizza advertisement displayed here, the mention of pizzas costing only a certain amount on weekdays appeals to two demographics: those who want affordable pizzas and those who want something quick and easy on a weeknight after a busy day of work.
Timely promotions
Promote seasonal specials, limited-time offers, or upcoming events in your Facebook ads to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action.
Whether it's a summer menu launch, a Mother's Day brunch special, or a live music event, timely promotions can effectively attract customers and boost sales during specific periods.
Make sure to highlight the exclusive nature of these offers and clearly communicate any deadlines or restrictions.
This Facebook ad for Popeyes’ Cajun-Style Turkey is a masterful example of effective promotion. The visuals are rich and delicious, showcasing the golden-brown, perfectly seasoned turkey on a vibrant and festive table setting.
The high-quality imagery instantly draws attention and creates a sense of indulgence, making viewers envision this turkey as the centerpiece of their holiday meal.
The headline, “Skip the labor, get all the flavor,” effectively communicates the promotion's core benefit: a pre-cooked turkey that saves time while delivering incredible taste.
This is reinforced by the accompanying copy: “We’ve perfected our pre-cooked Turkey, so all you have to do is thaw, heat, and serve, giving you more time to enjoy and celebrate. " This emphasizes convenience and celebration, appealing to busy families during the holiday season.
The “Order Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey” call-to-action is clear and direct, ensuring potential customers know exactly how to act. This ad brilliantly combines mouthwatering visuals, compelling copy, and a stress-free solution to holiday cooking, making it a standout promotional piece.
How to create a Facebook ad campaign for your restaurant
Creating a Facebook ad campaign for your restaurant involves several key steps to ensure your ads effectively reach and engage your target audience. These include setting clear objectives, defining your target audience, determining the ad placement, and creating ad content.
Here’s how to create a Facebook ad campaign for your restaurant:
Set campaign objectives
Begin by setting clear objectives for your Facebook ad campaign. Common objectives for restaurants include increasing brand awareness, driving traffic to your website or online ordering platform, or generating conversions such as reservations or online orders. Aligning your ad campaign with specific goals helps guide your strategy and measure success.
Define target audience
Next, define your target audience using Facebook's advanced targeting options. Select demographics such as age, gender, and location to reach potential customers in your area.
Consider targeting people based on their interests, such as food and dining, or behaviors like frequent restaurant visits.
Narrowing your audience ensures your ads are shown to people most likely to be interested in your restaurant.
Determine ad placement
Choose where your ads will appear across Facebook's apps and services. In addition to the main Facebook feed, you can place ads on Instagram, Stories, and the Audience Network. When selecting placements, consider your target audience's preferences and your ad format to maximize visibility and engagement.
Create ad content
Design visually appealing ad content that showcases your restaurant's best features. Use high-quality images or videos of your dishes, dining room, or happy customers to grab attention and entice users to learn more.
Write compelling ad copy highlighting your unique selling points, such as signature menu items, special promotions, or exceptional service.
Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) to guide users towards the desired action, whether it's visiting your website, placing an order, or making a reservation.
Set budget and schedule
Determine your ad campaign budget and schedule based on your marketing goals and available resources. You can set a daily or lifetime budget for your campaign, allowing you to control your advertising spend.
Choose the start and end dates for your ad run, and consider aligning your schedule with specific promotions, events, or peak business hours to maximize impact.
Monitor and optimize
Once your ad campaign is live, regularly monitor its performance using Facebook's Ads Manager.
Track key metrics such as reach, engagement, and conversions to gauge the effectiveness of your ads. Analyze the data to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed.
This may involve refining your targeting, updating your ad creative, or adjusting your budget allocation to optimize your campaign's performance and achieve your desired results.
Let’s now discuss how you can measure the success of your Facebook restaurant ads.
Measuring the success of your restaurant’s Facebook ads
Tracking the performance of your restaurant's Facebook ads is vital to ensure you're getting the most out of your advertising budget. By monitoring key metrics such as impressions, clicks, CTR, and CPC, you can gain valuable insights into what's working and what needs improvement, allowing you to optimize your campaigns for better results.
Here’s how to measure the success of your Facebook ads for local businesses, starting with the key metrics you need to track:
Key metrics to track
When evaluating the success of your Facebook ads, focus on, here are the essential metrics to focus on:
- Impressions: The number of times your ad is displayed, regardless of whether it's clicked. This metric helps you understand your ad's reach and visibility.
- Clicks: The total number of clicks your ad receives. This indicates how well your ad is capturing users' attention and encouraging them to take action.
- Click-through rate (CTR): The percentage of people who clicked on your ad after seeing it. A high CTR suggests that your ad is relevant and compelling to your target audience.
- Cost per click (CPC): The average amount you pay for each click on your ad. Monitoring CPC helps you assess the cost-effectiveness of your campaigns and adjust your bidding strategy accordingly.
- Conversion rate: The percentage of users who complete a desired action, such as placing an online order or making a reservation, after clicking on your ad. This metric directly reflects the success of your ads in driving meaningful results for your restaurant.
To see how your ads are performing in relation to your competition, use the Foreplay Spyder Ad Spy tool.
Set up conversion tracking
To measure the true impact of your Facebook ads on your restaurant's success, it’s essential to set up conversion tracking. This involves installing the Facebook Pixel on your website, a small snippet of code that collects valuable data on user behavior.
With the Facebook Pixel, you can track users' actions after interacting with your ads, such as online orders, reservations, or loyalty program sign-ups.
Enabling conversion tracking will give you clear insights into how your Facebook ad campaigns directly contribute to these valuable outcomes, allowing you to gauge their effectiveness accurately.
Analyze and optimize
Consistently analyzing your ad performance is crucial for improving your restaurant's Facebook advertising strategy. Review metrics like engagement, clicks, and conversions regularly to identify which ads are delivering the best results.
Compare different ad formats, targeting strategies, and creative elements to discover what resonates most with your audience.
Use these insights to make informed decisions about allocating your budget and refining your campaigns for greater impact.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh visuals, new ad formats, or updated copy to keep your ads engaging and relevant. By continuously testing and optimizing, you’ll stay ahead of the competition and ensure your Facebook ads deliver the highest possible return on investment.
Before we wrap things up, let’s cover some essential tips to maximize your restaurant ad ROI.
Tips for maximizing your restaurant’s Facebook ad ROI
Achieving a strong return on investment (ROI) from your restaurant's Facebook ads requires continuous optimization and a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you maximize the impact of your ad spend:
Test multiple ad variations
Don't settle for a single ad creative. Test different combinations of visuals, ad copy, and targeting options to identify the top-performing variations.
This iterative process allows you to refine your ads and allocate your budget to the most effective elements, ultimately improving your ROI.
Utilize retargeting
Take advantage of Facebook's retargeting capabilities to reach people who have previously interacted with your restaurant's website or Facebook page.
These individuals have already shown an interest in your brand, making them more likely to convert when exposed to your ads. Retargeting helps you stay top-of-mind and encourages repeat business from existing customers.
Take advantage of Facebook offers
Facebook Offers are a powerful tool for driving conversions and boosting ROI. Create exclusive offers or discounts specifically for Facebook users, such as a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree or a percentage off their total bill.
These enticing incentives can motivate potential customers to visit your restaurant and take advantage of the special deal.
Integrate with other marketing channels
Integrate your Facebook ads with your other marketing channels to maximize their reach and impact. Cross-promote your ads through email marketing campaigns, featuring them in your restaurant's newsletter or promotional emails.
Display in-store signage or table tents highlighting your Facebook offers and encouraging customers to follow your page. Use other social media platforms to share your Facebook ads and expand their visibility.
Continuously monitor and refine
Monitoring and analyzing your Facebook ad performance is key to optimizing your ROI. Set aside time to review the metrics and insights from Facebook Ads Manager, paying close attention to click-through rates, conversion rates, and cost per acquisition.
Use this data to make informed decisions about ad targeting, creative elements, and budget allocation. Continuously refine your ads based on performance insights to ensure you get the most value from your advertising efforts.
Final thoughts on the best Facebook ads for restaurants
Facebook ads offer restaurants an unparalleled opportunity to engage with targeted audiences, showcase their menu, and drive both in-store and online traffic. By using strong visuals, compelling ad copy, and strategic calls-to-action, you can create campaigns that attract attention and convert viewers into loyal customers.
Tracking performance metrics and refining your approach ensures your ad spend yields the best possible ROI. Whether promoting special events, seasonal menus, or online ordering, the examples and tips provided in this guide will help you craft ads that resonate with your audience.
Start using Facebook ads today to grow your restaurant's customer base and boost sales effectively. Take advantage of Foreplay’s suite of tools to get your campaign off the ground!
Frequently asked questions
What are the best visuals to use in restaurant Facebook ads?
High-quality images or videos of your most popular dishes, seasonal specials, or dining ambiance work best. Make sure they are well-lit and showcase your restaurant's unique style.
How can I make my Facebook ads stand out to local customers?
Use location-based targeting to focus on nearby diners. Highlight locally relevant details like neighborhood events or regional menu specialties to connect with your audience.
What’s the best way to encourage repeat orders through Facebook ads?
Leverage retargeting campaigns to reach past customers. Offer exclusive deals like loyalty discounts or promotions on popular items to encourage repeat visits.
How do I know if my Facebook ad campaign is successful?
Track metrics like impressions, click-through rates, and conversions. Use tools like Facebook Pixel to measure actions such as online orders or reservations to gauge the campaign's direct impact.
