5 TikTok restaurant marketing tips

TikTok is increasingly shaping how consumers discover places to eat, drink, and socialise. For Out of Home venues, it offers direct access to highly engaged local audiences. According to hospitality marketing specialists SideDish Media, TikTok, which has more than one billion monthly active users globally and over 23 million in the UK, presents significant brand-building and customer acquisition potential. By being smart and using the platform consistently, TikTok can help Out of Home venues convert visibility into footfall.

1. Optimise for search

Google has reported that around 40% of Gen Z users turn to TikTok or Instagram for search. Ensure your bio clearly states your location, venue type and key offerings, and use descriptive captions to improve discoverability

2. Show the real experience

TikTok engagement is driven by watch time. Short videos of busy services, event set-ups or signature dishes help audiences visualise their visit and encourage booking consideration.

3. Put people on camera

Authentic content featuring chefs, bartenders or front-of-house staff often performs well. TikTok favours native, personality-led videos over highly polished adverts.

4. Use location signals

Location-based hashtags such as #ManchesterFood or #LondonBrunch help make content findable for nearby users and improve local reach.