10 Video Ideas You Can Film at Your Restaurant This Week

If you're running a restaurant and not creating video content yet, you're missing out on a golden opportunity to connect with your audience, build your brand, and get more eyes (and feet!) on your business. The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or a big production team. You just need a phone, some creativity, and a little consistency.

Here are 10 easy video ideas you can film at your restaurant this week—no stress, no fluff, just solid content that helps drive traffic and engagement.

1. Behind-the-Scenes in the Kitchen

People love seeing how their food is made. Give your audience a sneak peek behind the scenes—show how your team preps a signature dish, bakes your fresh bread, or plates your famous appetizer. It builds transparency and trust.

Pro Tip: Keep it short and engaging. A 30-second montage with music works great for Instagram or TikTok.

2. Meet the Team

Put faces to the names behind your brand. Introduce your chefs, servers, bartenders, or the owner. Ask them a few fun questions (e.g., favorite dish, secret talent, why they love working there).

People connect with people. This type of content humanizes your business and builds loyalty.

3. Dish of the Week Highlight

Choose one dish and create a spotlight video. Showcase the ingredients, preparation, and final result. End with someone tasting it and reacting.

This is a great opportunity to push high-margin menu items or seasonal specials.

4. Time-Lapse of a Busy Day

Set up your phone in a discreet corner and capture a time-lapse of your lunch or dinner rush. It shows your restaurant in action and creates a cool visual effect.

Bonus: It shows new customers that people love eating at your place.

5. Customer Testimonials

Ask happy diners if they’d be willing to say a few words on camera. Keep it casual and genuine. A 10-15 second testimonial can be more powerful than a polished ad.

Offer a small discount or free dessert as a thank-you.

6. Drink or Cocktail Tutorial

If you have a bar or specialty drinks, film your bartender making one of them. Add a voiceover or captions with the steps and ingredients.

This kind of content often goes viral and is highly shareable, especially on Reels or TikTok.

7. User-Generated Content Reactions

React to or repost videos or photos that your customers tag you in. Add commentary, shout them out, or stitch their TikTok with your own reaction.

This shows your community love and encourages more people to tag you in the future.

8. Upcoming Events or Promotions

Got live music on Friday? Taco Tuesday deal? Seasonal menu? Record a quick video promo and post it a few days in advance. Even better—go live and talk about what’s coming up this week.

Keep it informal and personal. Think: “Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know…”

9. Answer FAQs

What’s your most asked question? Is it about reservations, vegan options, parking, or wait times? Answer those questions on video—fast, helpful, and to the point.

Title it something like: “Can You Bring Kids to Our Restaurant? (FAQ Answer)

10. Staff Picks: What We’re Eating

Ask your team what they’re ordering for lunch today and film their answer with the dish. It feels authentic and makes people want to “order like the staff.”

This doubles as a low-key dish recommendation and human interest post.

You don’t need to overthink it. Today’s restaurant marketing is all about showing up, being real, and sharing moments that feel authentic. If you can film one or two of these each day, you’ll build a library of content that keeps your audience engaged and hungry for more.

So grab your phone, hit record, and start showing the world what makes your restaurant worth visiting.

Need help filming or planning your content calendar? Reach out—we’re happy to help local restaurants grow through great content.