how to describe a restaurant in creative writing

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leostar New Member

Using a real restaurant in a story.

Discussion in ' Setting Development ' started by leostar , Jan 15, 2017 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); Hi - I am a relatively beginner writer, and was looking for a little bit of advice. A character in my short story lives in the Upper East Side of New York. When I write about things happening in a real place/city, I like to explore it in google maps and get a feel for where they live. I have visited New York before so have an idea of the feel, but not the exact area she lives in. I ended up choosing a spot for her apartment, and just by chance found a restaurant that fit with the theme (a small vegan restaurant), and wanted to send my characters there. Since then, I have described the restaurant using pictures and street view, and actually referenced their real menu. I wanted the descriptions to feel authentic. Would it be better for me to just take inspiration from this place, rather than the actual thing, and change the name and give it some key differences? Or do you think it's totally okay to write about that specific place?  

Laurin Kelly Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); I used the names of real restaurants, chefs and menu items in my first novel with no problem. I felt it gave the book a lot more realism, and every time I see one of those places on a food show I get ridiculously excited. Hell's Kitchen featured The Roof on Wilshire on one episode, and I squeeed like a little girl when I recognized it as the same place I set the first cooking challenge in Under the Knife. My current WIP is set in the city I live just on the outskirts of, and I plan on using all real places for that one as well.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); Laurin, did you visit the place that you used in your novel before you wrote it?  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); leostar said: ↑ Laurin, did you visit the place that you used in your novel before you wrote it? Click to expand...

big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); This came up before a couple of months ago, and the general consensus was that its fine to use real places if its innocuous e.g if your characters are just going there for a meal they enjoy or for coffee or whatever. However if you are going to write anything that could be libelous or actionable like unpleasant staff, poor customer service, or finding half a grey hound in the fridge then its better to make it a fictitious establishment  

DueNorth Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); I agree with @Laurin Kelly and @big soft moose that you certainly "can" use a real restaurant for your scene, and perhaps you can even describe it quite adequately from descriptions you find in print or photographs or even videos online without ever actually being there yourself. However, just something to think about, if you choose a setting that is an actual place (this is of course true not just of restaurants) you are bound by the factual truth. You may wish to fabricate elements that, whether flattering or libelous, are simply not true. Truth can be confining, fiction liberating (as relates to novels, not relationships).  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); DueNorth said: ↑ However, just something to think about, if you choose a setting that is an actual place (this is of course true not just of restaurants) you are bound by the factual truth. You may wish to fabricate elements that, whether flattering or libelous, are simply not true. Truth can be confining, fiction liberating (as relates to novels, not relationships). Click to expand...

AgentBen Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); I'd change the name slightly. You don't have to if the business is extremely well-known as for example, nearly every uses an Apple iPhone you could reference that with I presume no consequences. If you character doesn't like the restaurant, I'd keep the negativity to a minimum. However it seems your character likes the restaurant so you might be okay.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); I usually reference American Psycho as the most real life name dropping of places, people and things I've ever seen in a book. It's practically non-stop through the novel, and it didn't seem to do Bret Easton Ellis too much harm.  

Spencer1990 Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); AgentBen said: ↑ I'd change the name slightly. You don't have to if the business is extremely well-known as for example, nearly every uses an Apple iPhone you could reference that with I presume no consequences. If you character doesn't like the restaurant, I'd keep the negativity to a minimum. However it seems your character likes the restaurant so you might be okay. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); I'm not suggesting that the issue is liability--I don't think it is. You have a good deal of latitude in criticizing businesses, and slander is a difficult case to make. I doubt that you'd have any sort of trouble because your fictional character in your made-up story has some pretend incident in your novel in some real restaurant. The point I am making is that when you are describing an actual place--that you have never been to--you had better darn well be describing it accurately because people who have been there (especially who live by it) will love to find fault with your inaccuracies. AND, once you portray your restaurant scene as taking place in a particular, real-life restaurant, you are bound by the truth of that setting. You certainly are free to choose to do it--or not.  

Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); leostar said: ↑ A character in my short story lives in the Upper East Side of New York. Click to expand...

jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); I think using a real place as the setting for or in a story is fine, no matter what kind of a place it is. However, making up stuff ABOUT the real place probably isn't on. If characters use the restaurant to meet up with each other, that should be fine. If your story is about a waitress who works there and has an affair with the boss, better disguise the location with another name for the restaurant and another (fictional) street address.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); DueNorth said: ↑ I'm not suggesting that the issue is liability--I don't think it is. You have a good deal of latitude in criticizing businesses, and slander is a difficult case to make. I doubt that you'd have any sort of trouble because your fictional character in your made-up story has some pretend incident in your novel in some real restaurant. . Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); The so-called "McLibel" case is entirely a "horse of a different color." That was a case where an environmental group published a "fact sheet" the purpose of which was to attack a business and that group did so with clearly erroneous information (and malicious intent). A more direct analogy would be a restaurant reviewer who is critical of a restaurant is not at risk of libel. But, to Jannert's point, if you make up things about implied real people, oh,oh! Once again though, my primary point is not about libel, it is about the disadvantage of using a setting you have not personally seen and experienced and being in a position to accurately portray it to a reader. My bias, obviously--I prefer making things up!  

Steerpike Felis amatus Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_6347989571b669a6034c9b45c4d75f43'); }); Concerns are often more on the trademark side, and in particular with the cost of defense. Well-known authors do use business names, however.  

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Describing a food: The good, the bad, and the ugly

by Kim Kautzer | Jul 30, 2018 | Teaching Homeschool Writing

I love the deliciousness of certain words—the way something as ordinary as chocolate can take on an entire new personality when dressed up with adjectives like warm, rich, thick, gooey, chilled, creamy, or frothy. 

Such descriptive words bring everyday foods to life.

Magazine writers, cookbook editors, food bloggers, and restaurant reviewers are experts at describing a food. They definitely know the value of a well-turned phrase! Using appetizing words like simmering, hearty, robust, browned, and spicy,  they tempt the reader to try a new recipe or visit an out-of-the-way cafe with enticing offerings like these:

The cake looked like a homespun masterpiece.    It was fluffy as a pillow, toasty brown, and shot through with plum-colored swirls.   Serious Eats

This cream of mushroom soup hasn’t lost one jot of its butter-laden, cognac-kissed suavity. “Soup” is too prosaic a term for the pungent, earthy silkiness in every bowlful. Fungi beg for the honor of giving their lives this way. 239 Best Dishes to Eat in Philly

Plump shrimp, sautéed with chile flakes and served with a salad of oyster mushrooms, cucumber and corn, turned out to be everything I wanted on a Saturday morning: fresh, vibrant and crunchy, with just enough spicy zing to wake me up . Salma Abdelnour, Best Restaurant Dishes of 2007

A wild array of textures—the shattering, airy crunch of meringue at the edges, and the softer one of toasted almonds, with rolling bubbles and pockets skittering across the surface. They’re more relaxed than a Florentine, more lightweight than a brittle. And they’re altogether really lovely over a cup of coffee with an old friend.   Food52

I could marinate in these all day. Pun intended.

Ah, but it’s also possible to describe a food—even one you normally like—in a way that totally robs the joy of eating it. Or to describe “iffy” foods like okra, black licorice, or liver and onions that are popular enough with some folks, but we just can’t abide ’em.

“ Yucky Foods Worth a Second Taste ” tells why some people don’t like—among other foods—tomatoes. Given the description, I can understand why! To me, a good tomato is ripe, sweet, and juicy. But as the article explains, the “slimy, jellylike substance around the seeds, thin skin, [and] grainy pulp” send some people running from this salad staple.

Whoa. Almost had the same effect on me.

And last week, a friend’s Facebook status lamented the horrors of a recent fast food experience. She complained:

Just had the worst breakfast [I have] *ever* had. Ever. I love Sausage McMuffins and went for Burger King’s knock off. Imagine an English muffin soaked in artificial butter oil, toasted, assembled with a spongy egg-like substance, cheese whiz or something, and a sausage puck. Now, wait a few hours, microwave until completely indestructible, and serve to an unsuspecting consumer. It was malevolently bad.

Melanie’s description has had its effect. Off to BK, anyone?

And this description of how to eat raw oysters , though intended to set the novice at ease, sure doesn’t inspire me to rush out to my nearest oyster bar!

Stay calm when faced with a half-dozen to a dozen barnacled, irregular and slimy oysters set on your party’s table. If you’re an oyster eating novice, attempt to suppress the look of horror at not only the aesthetics of the shellfish, but how you’re going to manage extracting the oysters from their watery home.

And the Ugly

Then there’s just plain ugly food.  You know the kind I’m talking about: Undercooked. Overcooked. Burned. Mystery meat lurking in an old margarine tub at the back of the fridge. An unnamed vegetable weeping at the bottom of the crisper. The leftover cup of grayish, congealed gravy. Things sprouting fur and fuzz.

The stuff no one wants to—or should ever—eat.

Some people are experts at describing a food that’s ugly. In children’s literature, Shel Silverstein and Roald Dahl pretty much top the list. Silverstein’s poem “ Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out ” contains some of the very best of “worst food” descriptions you’ll find! Adjectives like grisly, gloppy, withered, rubbery, curdled, and moldy perfectly describe a food that, to put it kindly, is beyond its prime. Here’s an excerpt:

. . . Prune pits, peach pits, orange peels, Gloppy glumps of cold oatmeal, Pizza crusts and withered greens, Soggy beans, and tangerines, Crusts of black-burned buttered toast, Grisly bits of beefy roast. The garbage rolled on down the halls, It raised the roof, it broke the walls, I mean, greasy napkins, cookie crumbs, Blobs of gooey bubble gum, Cellophane from old bologna, Rubbery, blubbery macaroni, Peanut butter, caked and dry, Curdled milk, and crusts of pie, Rotting melons, dried-up mustard, Eggshells mixed with lemon custard, Cold French fries and rancid meat, Yellow lumps of Cream of Wheat. . .

It’s a fun poem! Hope you’re inspired to read the whole thing.

So there you have it— the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of describing a food. Have I whetted your appetite for descriptive writing? If so, I challenge you and your kiddos to grab a food from the refrigerator, study it carefully, and come up with a list of words to describe it—for better or for worse. And if you’re brave enough, leave a comment sharing your lists with us. We’re hungry to read them!

If you’re looking for curriculum to help your students write more descriptively, consider WriteShop Primary Book C for grades 2-3, WriteShop Junior Book D for grades 3-4 (or even grade 5) and WriteShop I for grades 6-10. WriteShop I has a great lesson on describing a food, but each of these levels offers several lessons on concrete description that will draw out the best in your young writers and make their writing sparkle with interesting, colorful vocabulary.  

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Website Inspiration: 20 Great Restaurant Description Examples

January 6, 2022

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Now more than ever, it happens on your restaurant's website.

Restaurants know the importance of a strong first impression. It's why they invest in exterior design, decorate their entranceways and train hosts to welcome guests with a warm smile. 

Nowadays, however,  more than 70%  of diners visit a restaurant's website before deciding where to dine, which means the first impression happens long before they set foot on-premises. It happens online. And when it does, the restaurant description plays a pivotal role.

Despite this, many restaurants struggle to write an effective description for their website. Doing so requires a mix of skills not every restaurant has — writing, design and a keen understanding of digital user behavior — but there are tools in place to make the job easier. For example, if you  build your website  with BentoBox, full-service designers can help create your website on a template that is proven to be user-friendly. That takes care of the design and user behavior hurdles.

To help overcome the writing hurdle, we've created the resource below. In addition to defining best practices, we have curated 20 examples of effective restaurant descriptions and analyzed why they work. If you don't know where to start or feel stuck, scroll through these examples and see if they spark new ideas.

Rank High, Earn Big: Restaurant SEO 101

Learn the SEO basics, differences between search & map SEO, and how BentoBox helps restaurants rank higher in searches.

How Do You Write an Online Restaurant Description?

A good restaurant description needs to make a strong first impression on would-be diners. This means the writing should be grammatically sound and typo-free — but it also means the content should make strategic sense for your brand. There are several keys to doing this correctly:

Define your objective.  As you'll see in the examples below, descriptions that work for some restaurants would fall flat for others. A cocktail lounge might want its description to be a call to adventure, while a sandwich shop might simply want to say it has the lowest prices in town. Define the main thing you want your audience to know or feel, then use that as a north star to guide your writing.

Outline key points.  Now that you know your objective, write down all the key messages you want to communicate. Sort them into tiers of importance, and be honest about what is "nice to know" versus what is "need to know." Digital attention spans are short, so if you try to include every selling point — rather than just the essentials — readers will gloss over your description. The more information you ask them to retain, the less they actually will.

Consider the visuals.  As you determine the best way to communicate "need to know" messages, remember that text is not the only way to communicate. Many of the examples below use design and photography to reinforce their key selling points. This reduces how much text you need and helps solve the attention span issue mentioned above, but to do it correctly across devices, you'll need a well-designed website platform .

Edit & ask for feedback. There's a famous saying in the writing industry: "writing is rewriting." In other words, your first draft always needs work, and the real craft of writing comes in making that first draft better. When you have something down, read it over for typos but also play around with different word choices and sentence structures. Ask people you trust for feedback. If you do this well, you'll only have to do it once. It's worth investing a little extra time.

The examples below are designed to help with this process. It may be helpful to bookmark this page and refer to them while you write and edit. Or, you can view them all now and see if any stand out as starting points.

20 Inspiring Restaurant Website Designs

Design inspiration for your restaurant’s digital storefront.

Restaurant Description Examples: With Headlines

The first 10 examples use headlines, or bold text above the main description, in rhetorically interesting ways. Headlines are optional in restaurant descriptions, but when used right they capture attention and reinforce key messages.

1. Bubby's

Description Text

SERVED EVERY DAY SINCE 1990

Bubby’s opened on Thanksgiving Day 1990. Chef / Owner Ron Silver began baking pies and selling them to restaurants and his neighbors out of a small kitchen at the corner of Hudson and North Moore St. in Tribeca. Today, NYC’s beloved restaurant and pie shop celebrates 27 years of classic, made from scratch American cooking.

Why It's Effective

Rather than calling itself a “New York institution” or using the word "reliable," Bubby’s uses its headline to make a specific claim — ”Served every day since 1990” — that demonstrates those ideas. This captures more attention and paints a richer, more vivid picture of its history and role in the community. The rest of the description supports this by adding details to the story of its founding and explaining that even three decades later, its scratch approach to cooking remains the same.

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

Description Text (abridged)

THE OLDEST SALOON IN WASHINGTON

The Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington's oldest saloon, was founded in 1856 when, according to legend, innkeeper William E. Ebbitt bought a boarding house. Today, no one can pinpoint the house’s exact location, but it was most likely on the edge of present-day Chinatown.

As a boarding house, the Ebbitt guest list read like a Who's Who of American History. President McKinley is said to have lived there during his tenure in Congress, and Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Warren Harding supposedly refreshed themselves at its stand-around bar.

Like Bubby's, Old Ebbitt Grill uses its headline to make a specific claim that paints a vivid picture. This claim — "The oldest saloon in Washington" — is even bolder and more eye-catching, especially with the black-and-white photo beside it. The description delivers on the promise of the headline, listing the U.S. presidents who have frequented the famous saloon. Instead of explicitly stating, "Old Ebbitt Grill has a rich history," this approach paints a picture that helps people  feel  the history.

Description Text 

SAY NO TO MEATS ON DRUGS

The fabric of Cutlets was born out of love and respect for these humble deli creations, met with a desire to bring quality ingredients to the table. Simply put, we’re here to bring you a sandwich experience you can feel good about.

This headline — a parody of the 1980s-era  Just Say No campaign  — does three important things simultaneously: 

Captures user attention.

Establishes the brand as fun & playful.

Introduces a key selling point of the restaurant (natural ingredients).

It's rare for one line of copy to accomplish so much so quickly, but when it happens, it's extremely powerful. Cutlets combines this description with a carousel of high-resolution food photography, which rounds out the homepage and leaves a strong impression on future diners.

4. Los Tacos No. 1

lostacos1.com

BIENVENIDOS

Los Tacos No. 1 was created after three close friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California, decided to bring the authentic Mexican taco to the east coast.

The authentic taste comes from family recipes and from fresh, simple and tasteful ingredients straight from home. In every taco from LOS TACOS No. 1 there is a bit of true Mexican culture and flavor.

The headline welcomes guests in Spanish, and then the description switches seamlessly to English. This is a fitting introduction to Los Tacos No. 1, the brainchild of partners from both sides of the Mexican-American border, who brought their authentic recipes to New York City. The illustrations between the headline and description represent the four fillings on their menu — beef, chicken, pork and cactus — and channel the restaurant’s lighthearted character. Click the link above and you’ll see that the icons animate when users scroll past them, one of many cool design features available through the  BentoBox website platform .

5. Ci Siamo

cisiamonyc.com

colloquial phrase; [CHee see-aH-mo]

We’ve made it! We’ve arrived! We’re here! 

Ci Siamo bridges the traditional with the contemporary, bringing live-fire cooking, housemade pasta, and a robust Italian wine list to the heart of Manhattan West.

Ci Siamo begins its description by translating its name into English, mimicking the style of a dictionary. It could have written something straightforward like, "Ci Siamo is Italian for 'We've made it! We've arrived! We're here!,' but the dictionary tactic adds a playful twist on top of that. This is important because Ci Siamo is not a strictly traditional brand; it's a brand that seeks to "bridge the traditional with the contemporary." Thanks to its description, that comes across loud and clear.

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6. Baba's

babashotchicken.com

DELICIOUS, AUTHENTIC NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN

A chicken sandwich is only as good as its ingredients. That's why we import our spices and use top-quality ingredients in each of our Nashville Hot Chicken tenders, as well as our other offerings.

We pride ourselves in following the traditional Hot Chicken seasonings and processes used in Nashville, the birthplace of Hot Chicken. From dry spice to the classic hot oil, our Hot Chicken is as Nashvillian as it gets!

Baba's is a Nashville hot chicken chain that operates across California. In nearly every sentence, the headline and description on its homepage stress that it is  authentic  Nashville hot chicken — not some cheap West Coast imitation. When your restaurant has a well-defined value prop like this, the description is no place for subtlety; you want to hammer it clearly, concisely and continuously. Baba's does this with text and then validates it with loud, in-your-face, food photography.

itsteranga.com

AFRICAN SUPER FOOD

Here, ancient customs and future trends coexist, and the intricacies of African culture blend seamlessly together over an Ethiopian-brewed coffee, or a bowl of Senegalese black-eyed pea stew and a side of spicy Ghanaian plantains.

Inspired by our Co-Founder and Executive Chef Pierre Thiam’s mission to share African culture through food, Teranga reflects the depth, richness, and vibrancy of Africa’s diverse culinary traditions in a modern, fast-casual setting. 

WELCOME HOME.

After capturing attention with the headline, the first sentence of the description gives three examples of menu items, each one using a different African country in the adjective:  Ethiopian-brewed  coffee,  Senegalese  black-eyed pea stew,  Ghanaian  plantains. This is a deft illustration of the menu concept, which blends the diverse tastes of African cuisine into one cohesive experience. The description also ends with an inviting piece of copy, "Welcome Home," that stands out due to colorful text design.

8. PLNT Burger

plntburger.com

CHEF-CRAFTED FAST FOOD FOR THE FUTURE. 

PLNT Burger is dedicated to serving the best burgers on the planet, and for the planet!

Earlier, we mentioned the importance of separating "need to have" messages from "nice to have" messages. No restaurant on this list does that better than PLNT Burger, which communicates its value prop and establishes a cheeky brand voice in two short lines of copy (three if you count its name). Rather than bogging down its homepage with details and specifics, the plant-based fast-food chain shares a simple, compelling message about what it offers and why, along with a clever play on words. If users want to learn more, the  About page  linked in the main navigation has them covered.

9. The Green Room

tgrburbank.com

AN IMMERSIVE AND SEDUCTIVE COCKTAIL LOUNGE HIDDEN IN CASTAWAY BURBANK

The Green Room is fashioned after the green rooms in theaters and studios where performers relax when they are not on stage or camera. Everyone is a star at The Green Room with our immersive cocktail experiences, VIP service and the best views of the city.

The headline leads with descriptive words like "immersive," "seductive" and "hidden," which draw the user in and make them want to learn more. The description then delivers on that intrigue, explaining that the lounge is fashioned after backstage green rooms in theaters and on movie sets. That's a bold claim, but the full-bleed photos of the restaurant's sprawling views, along with the gold trims and fonts throughout the website, help position The Green Room as a place where regular people feel like stars.

10. She Wolf Bakery

shewolfbakery.com

Description Text  WE STARTED BAKING BREAD IN 2009 IN THE WOOD OVEN AT ROMAN'S.

After dinner service, we would make a fire. Early in the morning, our baker Austin Hall would come in, rake out the coals and bake bread for the day. This bread became a part of Roman’s at every service and staff meal. Soon the chefs at Marlow & Sons and Diner wanted to bring the same quality and integrity to the bread they served.

We expanded bread production to our own space in Greenpoint, and now supply the bread served at all of our restaurants and others around the city. You can also purchase loaves to take home at Marlow & Daughters, Stranger Wines, Roman’s, and Achilles Heel, as well as at nine NYC Greenmarkets. Why It's Effective

This description reads like an origin story, and it's written in a way that perfectly suits the brand. The first-person perspective, natural word choice and short, active sentences make it feel like the restaurant's owners are speaking directly to the audience through the screen. This mirrors the underlying theme of the story: that She Wolf Bakery grew through connection and community, and that you can trust every loaf to have a personal, artisan touch.

Restaurant Description Examples: No Headlines

The next 10 examples either don't use headlines or use them in straightforward ways (e.g., "About Us"). This more minimalist approach can still be effective, though it may require visuals to play a larger role capturing user attention.

11. Gramercy Tavern

gramercytavern.com

One of America's most beloved restaurants, Gramercy Tavern has welcomed guests to enjoy its contemporary American cuisine, warm hospitality, and unparalleled service in New York City for over two decades. Chef Michael Anthony's ever-evolving seasonal menu showcases the restaurant's relationships with local farms and purveyors.

Opened in 1994 by restaurateur Danny Meyer in a historic landmark building just north of Union Square, the restaurant has earned nine James Beard Awards, including "Outstanding Restaurant" and "Outstanding Chef in America.”

Upscale restaurants sometimes overwrite their descriptions, using flowery language that sounds posh and sophisticated but doesn't convey a clear point. Gramercy Tavern uses simple adjectives like  contemporary  American cuisine,  warm  hospitality and  unparalleled  service, which paint a clear picture while still projecting confidence and authority. The use of plain language in the first sentence primes readers for the second sentence, where the restaurant mentions its nine James Beard Awards in a way that feels matter-of-fact and informative, rather than arrogant and showy.

12. Big Gay Ice Cream

biggayicecream.com

Beginning as a seasonal food truck in 2009, Big Gay Ice Cream has been named best ice cream parlor—as well as best food truck—in the country, along with numerous other accolades. Now the company has multiple locations in New York City & Philadelphia.

Over the last 10 years, founders Douglas Quint & Bryan Petroff have published a critically acclaimed cookbook; appeared on numerous tv programs; put on Big Gay Ice Cream pop-ups at festivals around the world; collaborated with a variety of international brands; spoken at a variety of conferences & seminars, including giving a TED talk; & taken the ice cream truck on tours across the country.

Although the style — and the business — is very different, Big Gay Ice Cream employs a similar approach to Gramercy Tavern. The first paragraph of its description explains the brand's humble origins as a seasonal food truck, which primes readers for the second paragraph, where it mentions various milestones and accolades. This description approach and the web page design, which resembles a scrapbook with polaroids, positions Big Gay Ice Cream as it wants to be positioned: a global sensation that remembers where it came from.

13. the girl & the fig

thegirlandthefig.com

the girl & the fig is located in the beautiful Sonoma Plaza and features a wonderful antique bar with French aperitifs, unique and traditional cocktails, an award-winning Rhône-Alone wine list, a seasonal menu, cheese & charcuterie platters, outdoor garden patio seating & outdoor parklet seating.

This description is only one sentence, but it's packed with information. The writing is taut and straightforward, and the long list of restaurant features it lists — seven in total — projects a sense of understated confidence. Had the list of features been shorter, a one-sentence description like this might feel sparse. Instead, it feels quite inviting, like the restaurant believes so strongly in its offerings that it doesn't need to dress them in glittery language.

14. Death & Company

deathandcompany.com

It was thought that to drink alcohol was to live a life shadowed by death; that those who drank were keeping company with death. It's taken us nearly a century to restore flavor to the drink and class to the specialty cocktail. In our time, a night to celebrate life's simple pleasures with fine wine, exquisitely crafted cocktails, beautifully prepared food, and impeccable sipping spirits is a rare gift.

To those who shun the night, we tip our hat. To those who shine after dusk, we offer a warm embrace.

Welcome to the new golden age. Welcome to Death & Co.

Death & Company's description reads like a call to adventure. In fact, it also reads like one of the most famous ads of all-time, Apple's " Here's to the Crazy Ones ," which didn't so much sell computers as it sold the brand's DNA. In similar fashion, this description is a brooding ode to alcohol and nightlife; to people who order cabs out instead of in at 1:00 AM. This is an effective approach for a cocktail lounge, which relies more on emotional than logical motivators to get people through the door.

15. The Wilder

intothewilder.com

I am a feeling. Like swimming under a waterfall, biting into a juicy peach, dancing till the sun comes up, holding hands with someone you love, having that third mezcal, eating berries fresh from the vine, watching your favorite film, a blue sky without a cloud in sight. I am everything that makes you remember you are alive and life is beautiful.

Even more than Death & Co., this description uses literary prose to read like a call to adventure. It is extremely avant-garde, framed like a letter from The Wilder to the reader, comparing the upscale lounge to a list of free-spirited actions like "dancing till the sun comes up" and "eating berries fresh from the vine." This approach would fall flat for many restaurants, but for a South Florida nightlife spot that appeals to guests through emotion more than reason, it's spot on. A plain description of the lounge space is the approach that would fall flat.

suerteatx.com

Located in the heart of East Austin, Suerte is an award-winning restaurant driven by a passion for masa, an ingredient at the heart of Mexican cooking. Chef Fermin and his team curate a seasonally driven menu with an emphasis on bringing together traditional Mexican cooking techniques with local Texas ingredients to create a unique and exciting dining experience. 

Our bar offers some of Mexico's most unique agave and succulent spirits state-side, as well as highlighting a rotating selection of natural wines and craft cocktails.

The first sentence of the description clearly outlines something unique about the restaurant: its passion for masa. This establishes the "traditional" component of Suerte's menu, which blends traditional Mexican cooking with local Texas ingredients. The photo beside the description further amplifies this idea, showcasing traditional Mexican art while establishing a bright, exuberant visual style for the brand. When image and text work in harmony like this, it can be extremely powerful.

17. Craigie on Main

craigieonmain.com

“It all starts with ingredients. We’ve been working closely with farmers and fishermen since 2002. They are the first people I talk to each morning!

Many of my culinary values are the same ones you’ll find in 90% of the world’s grandmothers.

That said, you’ll find me on the leading edge of most culinary techniques and ingredients.

I work to match just the right food and wine combinations (sometimes they are unexpected)

I serve nothing that is not in season.

I look forward to hosting you soon."

Craigie on Main's entire description is a quote from chef/owner Tony Maws. Speaking directly to the reader, Maws describes his homestyle cooking approach, explaining that farmers and fishermen are the first people he talks to each morning and comparing his culinary values to "90% of the world's grandmothers." The use of first-person perspective helps the quote come across as sincere and authentic, positioning the brand as a restaurant run by artisans.

18. Rosalie Italian Soul

rosalieitaliansoul.com

“At Rosalie, the world feels like a bubbling Italian Restaurant, with an infinite strand of pasta connecting everything and everyone.”

– Chris Cosentino –

Rather than a long, manifesto-style pull quote, Rosalie's homepage features a short, abstract thought from chef/owner Chris Cosentino. The quote does provide some important information — establishing Rosalie as a "bubbling Italian restaurant" — but more than that, it adds a dash of whimsy to Rosalie's brand. It's a captivating description that makes users want to learn more, which they can do by clicking "About Us" for a longer description or coming in to experience the space firsthand.

19. Crown Shy

crownshy.nyc

Crown Shy is the first solo project of Chef James Kent and Restaurateur Jeff Katz. Inspired by James’ upbringing in downtown New York and his experience leading the city’s most celebrated kitchens, Crown Shy is a neighborhood seasonal restaurant elevated by fine dining training and technique.

Located on the ground floor of Art Deco masterpiece 70 Pine Street, the dining room and bar occupy a series of rooms with floor to 16-foot-ceiling windows leading to an open kitchen.

The food at Crown Shy is rooted in European technique but draws inspiration from around the world, primarily the flavors from our childhoods, traveling, and the diverse cuisine in New York City.

Before users even start reading, the Art Deco-inspired logo and background image establish a refined mood. The description text delivers on that mood with upscale words such as "celebrated," "elevated" and "masterpiece." Supplementing all of this, the page lists more than 20 staff members, including management, kitchen and dining room. This decision — and the decision to use the same text design as the rest of the description — shows that the restaurant's people are central to its identity, which positions the brand as personal and human.

An austere experience, where richness is lived through the purity of ingredients, the combination of extraordinary flavors, and the story of their origin.

From the Imaginarium of Carlos Gaytán, the first Latin American who earned a Michelin Star.

This example is best viewed at the link above, where you can see how it uses scrolling to break up the text. Although readers only see one piece of the description at a time, it reads like one cohesive thought. This unique approach to telling the restaurant's story primes users for what Tzuco promises: an imaginative meal where the story of the food is central to the experience. Describing Chef Gaytán's mind as an "Imaginarium" adds even more whimsy and intrigue. 

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How to Describe Good Food in Writing (21 Tips + Examples)

Capturing the essence of a scrumptious meal in words is like painting a beautiful picture with your vocabulary.

Here’s how to describe good food in writing:

Describe good food in writing by using sensory language, highlighting ingredients, emphasizing texture and taste, and evoking emotions. Combine varied adjectives, metaphors, and similes for vivid, enticing descriptions.

Here’s your ultimate guide on how to describe good food in writing.

21 Elements for Describing Good Food in Writing

Table of Contents

We’ll be focusing on several elements that define a remarkable food description:

• Type of Food
• Presentation
• Flavor Spectrum
• Personal Reaction
• Cultural Context
• Memories Evoked
• Synaesthesia
• Pairing Combinations
• Ingredients
• Cooking Method
• Food’s History
• Seasonality
• Visual Appeal
• Temperature
• Emotional Response
• Time of Day

And now, let’s dig into our 21 tips on describing good food, each served with a fresh example.

1. Identify the Type of Food

Before diving into the description, let your reader know what type of food with which you’re dealing.

Is it a dessert, an appetizer, or a main course? Is it a local dish or a foreign delicacy?

Identifying the food provides a context for the reader and sets the stage for the detailed description.

It prepares the reader for what is to come and enhances their understanding of the food’s role in a meal or event.

Example: The Pad Thai, a staple of Thai cuisine, beckoned enticingly from the center of the table, promising a dance of flavors.

2. Highlight the Ingredients

The ingredients of a dish often determine its flavor profile.

Identifying the ingredients in your description allows your reader to imagine the flavors, even if they’ve never tasted the dish.

It also gives the reader an understanding of the food’s complexity and the effort that goes into preparing it.

Listing the ingredients is not just about naming them, but also about describing their attributes.

Example: The sizzling fajitas were a fiesta of bell peppers, onions, and tender chicken strips, all bathed in a zesty lime marinade.

3. Discuss the Texture

Texture plays a huge role in our enjoyment of food.

It can make the difference between a dish we love and a dish we find unpalatable. Describing the texture—whether crunchy, smooth, chewy, or soft—helps the reader imagine how the food feels in the mouth.

It contributes to the overall sensory experience and can evoke powerful reactions.

Example: The artisanal bread was a delight, its crust crackling satisfyingly under the touch, revealing a soft, airy interior.

4. Describe the Flavor Spectrum

Is the food sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami, or a combination of these tastes?

Describing the flavor spectrum gives your reader a more complete picture of what to expect when tasting the food.

It also reveals the complexity of the dish and the skill that went into balancing the flavors. Remember, a good dish often balances several tastes to create a harmonious whole.

Example: The mango salsa was a playful blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice from the jalapenos.

5. Focus on the Presentation

We eat with our eyes first.

The presentation of the dish can stimulate our appetite and increase our anticipation.

By describing the presentation, you allow the reader to visualize the dish, making it more enticing. This can include the arrangement of the food, the dishware, the garnish, and even the colors in the dish.

Example: The sushi rolls were meticulously arranged in a vibrant rainbow, the pink salmon, the creamy avocado, and the stark white rice creating a feast for the eyes.

6. Convey the Aroma

The aroma of food can trigger powerful memories and emotions.

A certain smell can transport us back to our grandmother’s kitchen or a favorite restaurant. Describing the aroma can make your food writing more engaging and relatable.

It’s not just about identifying the smell but about conveying its intensity and its effect on the eater.

Example: The aroma of the slow-roasted coffee was intoxicating, filling the room with a warm, comforting scent that promised a rich, full-bodied brew.

7. Use Sensory Language

Engage all five senses in your description.

Discuss not only how the food looks, tastes, and smells, but also how it sounds and feels.

Sensory language makes your writing more vivid and engaging. It helps your reader to fully experience the food, even if they can’t taste it.

Example: The caramel popcorn was a sensory delight, the loud crunch, the sweet taste, and the buttery aroma all combining to create an irresistible treat.

8. Share the Cooking Process

The cooking process can add depth to your food description.

Discussing how the food is prepared can reveal the time, skill, and effort that goes into the dish.

It can also explain why the food tastes the way it does.

For instance, a slow-cooked stew might have more intense flavors than a quickly stir-fried dish.

Example: The brisket, slow-cooked over hickory wood for hours, was a testament to patience and skill, its smoky, rich flavors a reward for the wait.

9. Talk About the Temperature

The temperature of the food can influence its taste and texture.

Cold food can be refreshing, while hot food can be comforting. By discussing the temperature, you add another layer to your food description.

It also sets expectations for the reader about how the food should be served and enjoyed.

Example: The chilled gazpacho was a refreshing reprieve from the sweltering summer heat, its coolness amplifying the freshness of the vegetables.

10. Discuss Pairings

Food rarely exists in isolation.

It’s usually paired with other food or drinks, which can enhance or balance its taste.

Discussing pairings allows you to explore these interactions and gives the reader suggestions for how to enjoy the food.

Pairings can also reveal cultural traditions or personal preferences.

Example: The spicy Thai curry was perfectly balanced by the sweet, fragrant jasmine rice, the two dishes creating a harmonious duet.

11. Reflect Cultural Significance

Food is a window into a culture.

It reveals traditions, history, and lifestyle. Reflecting the cultural significance of a dish can give your reader a deeper appreciation of the food.

It’s not just about the food itself, but also about the people who prepare and enjoy it.

This can be particularly relevant when describing ethnic or traditional dishes.

Example: The tagine, a centerpiece of Moroccan cuisine, was a vibrant medley of spices, meat, and vegetables, its slow cooking process a reflection of the country’s unhurried pace of life.

12. Use Comparisons

Comparisons can make your food descriptions more relatable.

By comparing the food to something the reader is familiar with, you make it easier for them to imagine the taste, texture, or aroma.

This can be particularly useful when describing unfamiliar or exotic dishes.

You can use similes or metaphors to make effective comparisons.

Example: The durian, often dubbed the ‘king of fruits’, had a unique taste that was a bizarre blend of sweet custard and pungent onions.

13. Tell a Story

A story can make your food description more engaging.

It adds a personal touch and can evoke emotions. The story could be about how the food was prepared, where it was eaten, or who it was shared with.

This narrative approach can make the food more appealing and memorable.

It makes the reader part of the experience, not just a passive observer.

Example: As we sat around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and crafting gooey s’mores, the simple treat became a symbol of friendship and shared experiences.

14. Evoke Emotions

Food is more than just sustenance—it’s tied to emotions.

A certain dish can bring comfort, joy, nostalgia, or even disappointment. By evoking emotions in your food description, you connect with the reader on a deeper level.

This can make your description more powerful and engaging.

Example: The homemade apple pie, with its sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling and flaky crust, brought a wave of nostalgia, transporting me back to my childhood days at grandma’s house.

15. Play with Language

Don’t be afraid to play with language in your food description.

Use varied adjectives, play with sentence structure, and incorporate figurative language. This can make your description more vibrant and engaging.

It allows you to express your unique voice and creativity.

Example: The burger was a tower of temptation, layers of juicy beef, sharp cheddar, and crisp lettuce sandwiched between two fluffy buns, all conspiring to challenge the eater’s self-control.

16. Show, Don’t Tell

Rather than just telling your reader that the food is delicious, show them why it’s delicious.

Describe the ingredients, the flavors, the presentation, the texture.

This is a more engaging and convincing way to express the food’s appeal. It encourages the reader to reach the same conclusion, rather than simply accepting your opinion.

Example: The artisanal chocolate was a revelation, its rich, dark flavor studded with notes of red berries and a hint of vanilla, its texture smooth and velvety.

17. Describe the Intensity

The intensity of flavors, aromas, or textures can significantly influence the eating experience.

Describing this intensity allows the reader to understand how strong or subtle the food’s characteristics are.

It sets expectations and allows the reader to imagine the sensory experience more accurately.

Example: The wasabi packed a powerful punch, its fiery heat unfurling in the mouth and racing up the nose, a sharp reminder of its presence.

18. Discuss the Freshness

Freshness can greatly influence the quality and taste of food.

Discussing the freshness can give the reader a sense of the food’s quality and appeal. It can also give insights into the food’s preparation.

For instance, fresh seafood at a coastal restaurant can speak volumes about the establishment’s sourcing practices.

Example: The salad was a celebration of freshness, the lettuce crisp and vibrant, the tomatoes juicy and ripe, each ingredient seemingly picked at its prime.

19. Use Sound

The sound of food can enhance the eating experience.

Think of the sizzle of a steak, the crack of a crème brûlée, or the crunch of an apple.

Describing these sounds can make your food writing more dynamic and immersive. It engages another sense and adds depth to the description.

Example: The crackling pork belly lived up to its name, each bite producing a satisfying crunch, an audible testament to its perfectly roasted skin.

20. Touch Upon the Aftertaste

The aftertaste is the flavor that remains in the mouth after swallowing the food.

It can be a subtle echo of the initial taste or a surprise twist.

Describing the aftertaste can add a final note to your food description, leaving the reader with a lasting impression of the dish.

Example: The dark chocolate left a lingering aftertaste, its initial sweetness mellowing into a complex, slightly bitter note that begged for another bite.

21. Evoke the Setting

The setting where the food is enjoyed can influence the eating experience.

Describing this setting—be it a cozy home kitchen, a bustling street market, or a chic high-end restaurant—can add context and atmosphere to your food description.

It can also evoke emotions and associations tied to the place.

Example: The fish tacos tasted even better in the vibrant beachside shack, the salty sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves adding to the feast of flavors.

Here is a video about how to describe good food in writing:

Words to Describe Good Food (30 Words)

When it comes to describing good food, having a well-stocked pantry of words can make your writing more appetizing.

Here are 30 delicious words to savor:

• Scrumptious
• Lip-smacking
• Tantalizing

Phrases to Describe Good Food (30 Phrases)

Now that we’ve whetted your appetite with words, let’s move on to phrases.

Here are 30 phrases to help you describe good food with gusto:

• Bursting with flavor
• Melts in your mouth
• Packs a punch
• Worth every calorie
• Heaven on a plate
• A symphony of flavors
• A feast for the senses
• Like a party in your mouth
• Hits the spot
• A labor of love
• Comfort food at its finest
• Love at first bite
• Sweet and satisfying
• A culinary masterpiece
• As good as it gets
• Sinfully delicious
• Irresistibly mouth-watering
• A flavor explosion
• Comfort in every bite
• A tantalizing taste adventure
• Temptingly tasty
• Perfectly seasoned
• Savory and scrumptious
• Crispy to perfection
• Unforgettably flavorful
• Sweet tooth’s delight
• A treat for the taste buds
• Delectably decadent
• So good, it’s sinful
• A recipe for happiness

With these words and phrases at your disposal, your food writing will leave readers hungry for more.

Tips for Avoiding Common Food Description Clichés

Clichés are phrases that have been overused to the point of losing their original impact.

They can make your food writing sound stale and uninspired.

To avoid them:

• Try to think outside the box
• Vary your vocabulary
• Use your unique sensory experiences and personal reactions

Example of a cliché: The cake was as light as a feather. A fresher take: The cake was so light, it seemed to vanish on my tongue like a sweet, sugary cloud.

Different Styles of Food Writing

Different platforms call for different styles of food writing.

A blog post might be more casual and personal, sharing your experiences, thoughts, and opinions openly.

A novel might weave food descriptions into the narrative, using them to reveal character traits or set the scene. A recipe needs to be clear and precise, focusing on the ingredients and the cooking process.

A restaurant review should be balanced, discussing both the strengths and weaknesses of the food and the dining experience.

Always consider your audience and the purpose of your writing when describing food.

The Art of Writing Negative Food Reviews

Writing negative food reviews is a delicate art.

Here are some tips:

• Be honest but fair
• Focus on the food, not the chef or restaurant staff
• Describe what you didn’t like and why
• Mention any positive aspects.

Constructive criticism can be helpful for both the restaurant and potential customers.

Example: While the steak was unfortunately overcooked and lacked seasoning, the accompanying garlic mashed potatoes were creamy and full of flavor. The service was excellent, making the overall dining experience quite pleasant despite the main dish’s shortcomings.

How to Write About Food You’ve Never Eaten

Writing about food you’ve never eaten can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Research is your best friend here.

Read descriptions and reviews by people who have tried the food. Look at photos to get an idea of the texture and presentation.

Consider the ingredients and cooking methods, and relate them to similar foods you’ve tried.

And finally, take full advantage of your imagination.

Example: While I haven’t had the chance to try the traditional Icelandic dish hákarl (fermented shark), based on my research, it has a strong ammonia-rich smell and a fishy, cheese-like taste that leaves a lingering aftertaste—certainly an acquired taste for the adventurous food lovers.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe Good Food in Writing

One of the best ways to learn how to describe food is to read the menus from luxury restaurants like Le Gavroche in London or Aragawa in Japan.

The more you read, the more you learn.

And the more you learn, the better you become at penning your own food description masterpiece.

Related Posts:

• How to Describe Mountains in Writing (21 Tips & Examples)
• How to Describe a Car Accident in Writing (21 Best Tips)
• How to Describe a City in Writing (100+ Best Examples)
• How to Describe a Sunset in Writing: 100 Best Words & Phrases

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So you’ve decided to begin your journey as a food content writer but often find yourself struggling to find the right restaurant or food-related words .

If you’re wondering how you can write about food , don’t worry. You’re not alone 🫂

Finding the right words to write even a deliciously descriptive food paragraph can be tricky . And it’s for this purpose that I’ve prepared some useful tips to help you in your journey.

In this article, I will first be sharing some useful tips on how you can come up with your own mouth-watering description of food before sharing some of the most useful words and phrases I’ve personally used in my food description s.

Tips on how to describe delicious food

1) learn from the best.

As with learning every other skill, one of the best ways to start improving is to observe and learn from those who have already achieved success in their respective niches.

Read as many articles as you can from some of the best food blogs out there. Follow and learn from some of the best food writers out there. Take note of the words and phrases they use when describing food .

If you have no point of reference of what is considered good food content, how are you going to set your own writing standards?

2) It’s in the phrase “ descriptive food writing ”

Sometimes, the answer is right before our very eyes 👀

If I were to ask you right now to describe what you are wearing, what would you base your description on? What would you tell me?

Your answer would probably go something like this: I’m wearing a red and white striped shirt 👕, blue jeans 👖, and a pair of brown leather shoes 👞

Now, this is not about what you’re actually wearing. But what you’re basing your description on. You are describing to me what you see .

Check out some of these examples:

As you can see, the writers of these paragraphs did not use bombastic vocabulary to wow your tastebuds. All they did was describe what they saw . 

This helps readers visualise the dishes and immerses them in the writing.

3) Avoid using disrespectful adjectives to describe food

Food has a very strong cultural and historical significance . 

It is incredibly disrespectful to undermine and disregard how much the dishes of various cuisines mean to different groups of people. Doing so will have severe consequences 😱

A White-owned “clean Chinese food” restaurant in the US had shut its doors after referring to Chinese dishes as “icky” and that they will make you “bloated”. Talk about being disrespectful.

Here are some words that you should never use in your food content writing ❌❌❌

• Oriental and Occidental
• Generic location-based adjectives like Asian, Western, Arabic, African (be specific)

Best words and phrases to describe food

1) generic words and phrases.

• Sumptuous meal
• Spread of delectable dishes
• A meal fit for the gods
• It was a lavish dining experience
• A gastronomical experience like no other
• Roasted/cooked/steamed/fried to perfection
• Added a whole other dimension
• A delight to eat
• The steak was an absolute winner for me
• Grilled to medium rare perfection
• This dish hit the spot for me

2) Words and phrases to describe taste or flavour

• Symphony of flavours in my mouth
• Left a delicate sweet aftertaste
• Holy trinity of aromatics
• Flavour that packs a punch
• Savoury with hints of citrus and spice 

3) Words and phrases to describe texture

• Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
• Melts in your mouth
• I could see the chocolate filling slowly oozing out as I cut through the layers of crispy, flaky pastry
• The cake was moist, yet was somehow able to avoid becoming soggy
• Fluffy as a pillow

Start describing food like a pro!

Putting together a descriptive piece of writing about food shouldn’t give you a headache 😵

Instead, it should stimulate the taste buds.

As the legendary Coldplay once said, “nobody said it was easy”. It takes time and practice to get to a level of finesse where you can easily pull these words and phrases right off the tip of your tongue.

Give it a shot! Use some of the words and phrases I recommended and keep at it. Soon, you’ll become a great food content writer 😋

To learn more about food content writing, check out the tips and tricks shared by WritingWildly! It has one of the best online blogs for writers out there!

More resources

How to write an awesome & engaging blog post for a business, top 21 finance & investment blogs in singapore, 10 reasons why content writing is important for business & marketing.

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S.J. Siedenburg

An author helping writers with their novels.

How to Describe Food in Fiction Writing

Why It’s Important + 4 Resources to Describe Food Better

I LOVE food + drinks and adore when a writer can describe food in their fiction writing. I mean, food is an important player in our lives. We eat every day and form memories—good and bad—around the presence of food. 

Why then should we not add food into our books? Why not describe a delectable morsel of bread or the disgustingness of a badly prepared drink? 

When I think of the Harry Potter Series , I recall the feasts in the books. The treacle tarts and puddings. The breakfasts and celebration feasts. The food trolley on the train and eating sweets in the Gryffindor common room. 

When I think of the food in The Lord of the Rings , I think of the apples the hobbits eat or the ill-tasting drink the orcs force Merry and Pippin to consume. 

I could go on with the examples, but you’ve got the picture. Food plays an important role in stories—it adds an element of realism and atmosphere. Our readers will engage with our story worlds on a deeper level when we show the food and drink of our characters’ lives.

Food, Food, and More Food

Like I said in the first sentence, I love food. I grew up in a family who appreciated junk food and high-quality food. So, it’s no surprise my thriller novel, The New Dawn , incorporates food. In fact, my protagonist Caterina cherishes well-made Italian food, wine, and espresso. 

Here is a snippet I wrote describing the Italian dish carbonara in Caterina’s point-of-view (POV): 

“Here you go.” He placed a goblet of red wine on the table and handed her the silver fork, then sunk into an upholstered arm chair. Jamison swirled his wine before taking a sip, then nodded.  Unhooking the paper tabs, she stuck her fork in the mound of pasta. A wave of nausea raged, and she froze in mid-fork-twirl. Breathe, Cat.   “Are you okay?”  “Yes. Fine.” She finished scooping the food.  “When did you last eat?”  Taking a bite, warm bacon, cheese, and black pepper burst in her mouth. It should have been delectable, but instead her gut revolted. Chew and swallow. — S.J. Siedenburg, from her novel The New Dawn

In this piece, I tried to contrast the deliciousness of the food and my character’s revulsion to her beloved cuisine because she refrains from eating when she is upset about something. 

I describe many other foods in this novel like cappuccinos with frothy pillows of milk, baby lamb chops with herbs, and sparkling prosecco. For fun, I created a food aesthetic of my book. Take a peek!

Related: The New Dawn novel page .

My Top Tip to Describe Food

Personally, when I describe food I want to add an extra descriptor, something to make the dish or drink pop in the reader’s mind. 

For an example, take a plate of scrambled eggs. Instead of just calling them scrambled eggs, go a step further.

How do the eggs look? Are they yellow or white, clumpy or fluffy? Are they too salty? Bland? Is the texture grainy or silky? Do the eggs appeal to the character or disgust the character?

Of course, don’t go overboard on food description. Saying the eggs are simply salty is better than a paragraph dissecting every detail of the dish—unless your story is about a chef or food is an integral part of the plot.

And take note: Each character’s palate may be different. Someone in your cast may be a culinary artist and another content with spray cheese. This is exciting because whatever your characters eat or refuse is a revelation of their personality and lifestyle. 

This workbook will help you to:

• Understand the key elements of setting a scene.
• Identify the emotional power of effective description.
• Evaluate and edit your descriptions for impact.
• Learn how to create compelling descriptions of settings, characters, and objects.
• Create descriptions that move readers deeper into the story.

By the end of this workbook, you’ll have all the resources you need to create vivid, magical worlds for your readers to get lost in. Get it today for free!

4 Resources to Help You Describe Food

So, how do we learn to describe food our readers will drool or gag over?

Food Competition TV Shows: 

Culinary shows were my jam growing up—well, when I wasn’t watching shows about murder investigations. Honestly, I think this is one of the top reasons describing food is exciting for me.

In fact, I still watch tons of food shows.

So, here is a short list of TV shows to get you started. Remember: Listen up when the judges critique the chef’s food!

For (mostly) Good food: 

• Master Chef
• The Great British Baking Show
• Cutthroat Kitchen
• Zumbo’s Just Desserts

For Bad food:  

• Worst Cooks in America

Yep, books. Read, read, read my writing friends and pay extra attention when food and drinks are involved. 

One book in particular piqued my interest in this idea of capturing a soul of a story world through food description: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stievater. 

Stievater even created her own imaginary food for The Scorpio Races : November Cakes. 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By purchasing from the link above you help me out a bit financially, but no fear: I only recommend things that I actually believe will prove helpful .

Ratatouille

Ever watch the Disney-Pixar movie Ratatouille ? If you ever want to get into the mind of someone who is passionate about food—or need inspiration yourself—check this film out. 

Just watch Remy’s passion for food and the magic of the culinary arts will hit your soul. And I mean, who doesn’t like a story set in the romance of Paris? 

Amazon affiliate link.

Experience Restaurants

The best research of all is probably experience, so next time you eat a meal or go to a restaurant, challenge your palate. Pretend you are a judge on those cooking competitions you’ve been binging and critique the dish. 

How does it look and taste? How is the dish’s texture? Does it leave you feeling light or heavy? Did it burn your mouth or give you a brain freeze? 

If possible, try dishes your characters would eat and discern what they would detect. What elements of the dish would your character like and dislike? Would they even notice the taste or mindlessly eat, distracted by something else? What does this show about them? 

Now It’s Your Turn

How will food impact your story’s atmosphere? What food + drink are you describing in your book? What relationship does your character have with food? 

Yep, it’s time to apply all the knowledge you have learned and describe your own story’s food. Take ten minutes now to jot down some notes on the types of food + drink you might include in your novel.

I can’t wait to read your descriptions! 

Write your story, 

Sarah 

Related Reading:

• How to Write Effective Descriptions and Nail Your Scene’s Setting
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing the Setting of a Story

Whether you’re a beginning fiction writer or looking for resources to help you hone your existing writing skills, join my newsletter for bonus content, updates, special offers, and INSTANT access to the Library of Resources!

We hate spam. Unsubscribe at anytime |  Privacy Policy

Sarah Siedenburg is a blogger, author, freelance proofreader, and copy editor with a passion for stories and helping beginner writers finish novels. In her past life she was hired as Editor for a start-up interior design magazine, although she knew very little about the world of luxury interior design when she began. 

Her blog talks about all things creative writing, and she is the creator of the guidebooks  Character Presentation: The Advanced Guide to Character Description and  Before the First Draft: The Plantster’s Guide to Pre-Writing , as well as the online course “How to Write a Novel: An Email Course for Writers.” Sarah lives amongst the noble evergreens in the northwest corner of Washington state.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

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How to Describe a Bar in a Story

By Isobel Coughlan

If you’re writing a scene where characters in your novel go out for drinks at a bar, this post is for you. Scroll down to learn how to describe a bar in a story through 10 adjectives.

Somewhere that’s full of positive energy, enthusiasm, and life.

“The vibrant bar stirred with optimism. All patrons were ready to drink up and have a fabulous evening.”

“She imagined her first drink in a vibrant bar full of eccentric characters. Turning 21 is going to be amazing!”

How it Adds Description

If you’re creating a positive image of a bar, the word “vibrant” shows your fictional bar is an exciting place to be. This adjective can also extend to the patrons in the bar, showing your reader they’re also fun people to be around. “Vibrant” is a useful word to show your bar is better than others, ideal if you’re creating a contrast between multiple bar locations.

Somewhere that’s dark, dismal, and negative .

“He decided to walk straight past the gloomy bar. He wasn’t desperate enough to drink there.”

“The gloomy bar beckoned patrons in and then sucked them into a depression for the rest of the evening with bad drinks and rude staff.”

Not all bars are happy places, and the word “gloomy” captures this misery well. “Gloomy” showcases what a miserable place your fictional bar is, and you can use this setting to show the dregs of your fictional society.

Somewhere very full of people .

“She tried to squeeze through the crowded bar, but it was no use. She couldn’t find a way out.”

“Being stuck in a crowded bar is my nightmare. I hate busy places and the smell of alcohol.”

Bars can get busy, especially if there’s an event or festive party on. “Crowded” can show how densely populated the fictional bar is, and you can use this adjective to show a character’s distaste for the busy atmosphere.

4. Deafening

Somewhere that’s extremely loud.

“The deafening bar was inescapable. No matter how many types of earplugs she tried, she couldn’t get away from its music or chatter.”

“That’s the last thing we need. Another deafening bar on the street.”

“Deafening” shows how extremely loud a place is, which is ideal if you want to paint an image of a bustling and busy bar. When used in characters’ speech, this shows how much they dislike the extra noise, giving the reader a clearer understanding of their personality. It can also emphasize how unpleasant the noise is, as people are complaining about the sound levels.

5. Daunting

Something that makes people feel worried or afraid .

“She crept past the daunting bar. The frequent drinkers in the dingy establishment scared her.”

“He didn’t want to visit the daunting bar, but he knew he had to make an appearance for the sake of his family.”

The word “daunting” is a powerful way to show a character’s secret feelings about the bar. This word shows they’re not fond of the place, thus letting the reader know about their inner fears and the negative atmosphere of the bar setting. This can also foreshadow future plot points that involve the bar.

6. Sensational

Something that’s remarkable, interesting , or extremely exciting.

“What a night! That bar was sensational, and we must visit again tomorrow!”

“Excuse me, it’s my birthday, and I need to visit a sensational bar. Can you point me to the closest one?”

The word “sensational” evokes feelings of excitement and drama, which is perfect if you want to show the atmosphere of your fictional bar or your character’s personal excitement. This word also can also hint that the bar is one of the best around or especially high-quality, as it’s a very positive adjective.

Something that’s very large .

“The immense bar towered over the other buildings. You couldn’t miss it.”

“She stood on the balcony of the immense bar and watched the world go by. It was peaceful being above the world.”

If you want to show the large size of your bar, “immense” gives your reader a unique image of the building’s stature. This word can also show a character’s feelings about the bar. For example, they might think it’s extremely impressive. “Immense” is generally used as a positive adjective, ideal for fictional bars that are awe-inspiring.

Something that’s too expensive .

“You’re going to the costly bar? Did you win the lottery or something?

“It was a costly bar, but the prices were worth it. Everything was glamorous, from the drinks down to the toilets.”

“Costly” shows a character’s thoughts about the prices of the bar, and this can imply that they don’t like exclusive establishments. The adjective can also hint at how your character doesn’t like spending money, and the bar triggers stressful feelings within them surrounding money.

9. Indecent

Something offensive or shocking.

“I’m a lady! You’d never find me in an offensive bar like that.”

“The offensive bar drove away customers every night. She wished she could give it a makeover, but it wasn’t worth her time.”

Bars are often associated with bad behavior and illegal activities. If you want to emphasize the unruly nature of your bar, the word “indecent” can show how the local society perceives it. This also shows your fictional society has a strong moral code and high ideals.

10. Vintage

Something old but admired and respected.

“She longed to visit the vintage bar. Something about old-timey cocktails and grand interior decor tickled her soul.”

“As he stepped into the vintage bar, he felt like he was transported back in time. It was an incredible feeling.”

“Vintage” shows your bar isn’t from the current period or is decorated to look older. This word can also portray a character’s fondness for the aesthetic, which can further hint at a fondness for times before the present moment. “Vintage” could also hint that the bar is grand and impressive, as the adjective is often associated with high-quality old things.

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How to Describe Coffee in Creative Writing: Tips and Examples

Describing coffee in creative writing can be a challenging task, but it is an essential skill for any writer who wants to create vivid and engaging scenes. Whether you are writing a novel, a short story, or a blog post, the ability to describe the aroma, taste, and texture of a cup of coffee can help you bring your scenes to life and captivate your readers.

One of the best ways to describe coffee is to focus on its aroma. The scent of freshly brewed coffee can be rich and complex, with notes of chocolate, caramel, nuts, and fruit. By using sensory language and vivid imagery, you can transport your readers to a cozy coffee shop or a bustling café and immerse them in the sights, sounds, and smells of your scene.

Another important aspect of describing coffee is its taste and texture. A cup of coffee can be smooth and creamy, with hints of sweetness and bitterness, or bold and robust, with a strong and intense flavor. By paying attention to the nuances of the coffee's taste and texture, you can create a sensory experience that will engage your readers and leave them craving a cup of joe.

Understanding Coffee

History and origin.

Coffee has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when it was first discovered in Ethiopia. The legend goes that a goat herder noticed his goats becoming more energetic after consuming berries from a certain tree. He tried the berries himself and experienced a similar boost in energy. From there, the consumption of coffee spread throughout the Middle East and eventually to Europe and the Americas.

Types of Coffee

There are many different types of coffee, each with its own unique flavor and brewing method. Some popular types include:

• Espresso: A strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
• Latte: A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
• Cappuccino: A coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
• Americano: A coffee drink made by adding hot water to espresso.
• French press: A brewing method that involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in hot water and then pressing them through a mesh filter.

Coffee Economics

Coffee is an important crop for many developing countries, providing employment and income for millions of people. However, the coffee industry is also plagued by issues such as low prices for farmers and environmental concerns. Consumers can make a difference by choosing to buy fair trade coffee and supporting sustainable farming practices. In addition, coffee consumption has a significant impact on the global economy, with the coffee industry estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually.

Overall, coffee is a complex and fascinating subject with a rich history, diverse range of types, and important economic implications.

Describing Coffee

Coffee is a complex drink with a wide range of flavors, aromas, textures, and aftertastes. In creative writing, describing coffee can help create a vivid and sensory experience for the reader. Here are some tips on how to describe coffee in a creative and engaging way.

Taste and Aroma

The taste and aroma of coffee are perhaps the most important aspects of its flavor profile. Coffee can be described using a variety of adjectives and descriptive words, such as:

• Sour: a sharp, acidic taste
• Sweet: a sugary, caramel-like taste
• Bitter: a strong, pungent taste
• Fruity: a taste reminiscent of berries, citrus, or other fruit
• Nutty: a taste reminiscent of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts
• Caramelly: a sweet, caramel-like taste
• Chocolaty: a taste reminiscent of chocolate
• Citrus: a taste reminiscent of lemon, orange, or grapefruit

The aroma of coffee is also an important aspect of its flavor profile. Some common aroma descriptors for coffee include:

• Fragrant: a pleasant, sweet smell
• Floral: a smell reminiscent of flowers
• Resinous: a smell reminiscent of resin or pine
• Spicy: a smell reminiscent of spices, such as cinnamon or cloves
• Enzymatic: a smell resulting from the enzymatic breakdown of coffee compounds

Texture and Body

The texture and body of coffee refer to its physical properties in the mouth. Coffee can be described using a variety of adjectives and descriptive words, such as:

• Creamy: a smooth, velvety texture
• Thin: a watery, insubstantial texture
• Full-bodied: a rich, substantial texture
• Light-bodied: a thin, delicate texture

The aftertaste of coffee refers to the taste that lingers in the mouth after the coffee has been swallowed. Coffee can be described using a variety of adjectives and descriptive words, such as:

• Bitter: a strong, pungent aftertaste
• Sweet: a lingering, sugary aftertaste
• Salty: a taste reminiscent of salt
• Nutty: a lingering taste reminiscent of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts
• Fruity: a lingering taste reminiscent of berries, citrus, or other fruit

Roast Profile

The roast profile of coffee refers to the degree to which the coffee beans have been roasted. Coffee can be described using a variety of adjectives and descriptive words, such as:

• Light roast: a light brown color, with a mild flavor and acidity
• Medium roast: a medium brown color, with a balanced flavor and acidity
• Dark roast: a dark brown color, with a strong, bold flavor and low acidity

In conclusion, describing coffee in creative writing can help create a sensory experience for the reader. By using descriptive words and adjectives to describe the taste, aroma, texture, aftertaste, and roast profile of coffee, writers can create a vivid and engaging experience for their readers.

Coffee Experience

The perfect cup.

Describing the perfect cup of coffee is not an easy task. It can be different for every person, but there are some common characteristics that most people look for. A good cup of coffee should be warm, strong, and smooth. It should have a rich flavor that is not too bitter or too acidic. Some people prefer their coffee black, while others like to add milk and sugar. Caramel, chocolate, and hazelnut are also popular flavorings that can enhance the taste of coffee.

Coffee Shop Ambiance

The ambiance of a coffee shop can greatly affect the coffee experience. A welcoming and cozy atmosphere can make the coffee taste even better. The intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee can be enough to get someone in the door. Good coffee shops should have comfortable seating and a relaxing environment that encourages customers to stay and enjoy their coffee. A well-designed interior with natural lighting and plants can create a pleasant and calming environment.

Morning Ritual

For many people, coffee is an essential part of their morning ritual. The first sip of coffee in the morning can be a moment of pure bliss. It can provide the energy needed to start the day and can be a comforting routine that helps people transition from sleeping to being awake. Coffee is often paired with breakfast, and the combination of coffee and food can be a delightful experience.

In conclusion, describing the coffee experience can be a challenge, but it is worth it. The perfect cup of coffee, the ambiance of a coffee shop, and the morning ritual can all contribute to a memorable coffee experience. Whether it's a quick cup on the go or a leisurely morning at a coffee shop, coffee can be a source of comfort and enjoyment.

Coffee Language

When it comes to describing coffee, there are a variety of terms and phrases that can be used to convey its unique qualities and characteristics. From slang and nicknames to specific descriptors and the coffee flavor wheel, understanding the language of coffee can help you better appreciate and enjoy this beloved beverage.

Coffee Slang and Nicknames

Coffee has a rich history and culture, which has led to the development of a variety of slang terms and nicknames for the drink. Some common examples include:

• Jo: A shortened form of "java," which is another term for coffee.
• Mud: Referring to the thick and rich consistency of certain types of coffee.
• Starbucks: A popular coffee chain that has become synonymous with the drink itself.
• Cop: Another term for "cup of coffee."

Coffee Descriptors

When it comes to describing the taste and aroma of coffee, there are a variety of specific descriptors that can be used. These might include terms like:

• Bright: Referring to a coffee with a high level of acidity and a sharp, tangy flavor.
• Flowery: Describing a coffee with a delicate and floral aroma.
• Nutty: Referring to a coffee with a rich and nutty flavor, often with notes of almond or hazelnut.

By using these and other descriptors, coffee lovers can communicate more effectively about the unique qualities of their favorite brews.

Coffee Flavor Wheel

One useful tool for describing the taste and aroma of coffee is the coffee flavor wheel. This wheel breaks down the various flavors and aromas that can be found in coffee, including fruity, floral, nutty, and chocolatey notes. By using the flavor wheel, coffee drinkers can more accurately describe the specific qualities of their favorite brews, and better understand the nuances of different types of coffee.

Overall, the language of coffee is a rich and complex one, with a variety of terms and phrases that can be used to describe its unique qualities. By understanding this language, coffee lovers can better appreciate and enjoy the many different flavors and aromas that this beloved beverage has to offer.

Author's Perspective

When it comes to describing coffee in creative writing, the author's perspective is crucial. The way the author perceives coffee will influence the way they describe it to their readers. It is important for the author to have a clear understanding of their own taste preferences and to be able to articulate them in a way that is both descriptive and engaging.

From the author's perspective, coffee can be described in many different ways. Some authors may focus on the aroma of the coffee, describing it as rich, earthy, or floral. Others may focus on the taste, describing it as bold, smooth, or bitter. Still, others may focus on the experience of drinking coffee, describing it as comforting, energizing, or even addictive.

It is important for the author to be honest in their description of coffee. They should not exaggerate or make false claims about the taste or quality of the coffee. Instead, they should focus on describing the coffee in a way that is accurate and true to their own experience.

When it comes to describing coffee to a friend, the author's perspective may be different. They may use more casual language and focus on the aspects of the coffee that they think their friend will enjoy. They may also use analogies or comparisons to help their friend understand the taste or experience of the coffee.

If the author is describing coffee in a way that is incorrect or misleading, they may be perceived as being "wrong." It is important for the author to do their research and make sure they are accurately describing the coffee. If they are unsure about a particular aspect of the coffee, they should consult an expert or do more research before including it in their writing.

Questions and Resources

When it comes to describing coffee in creative writing, one might encounter various questions. Here are some of the most common questions that writers may have:

• What are some descriptive words to use when describing coffee?
• How can I describe the aroma of coffee?
• What are some creative ways to describe the taste of coffee?
• How can I describe the texture of coffee?

To answer these questions and more, there are several resources available. One such resource is the Coffee Taster's Flavor Wheel, which provides a visual representation of the various flavors and aromas that can be found in coffee. This can be a helpful tool for writers looking to accurately describe the taste and aroma of coffee.

Another useful resource is the Specialty Coffee Association's Coffee Taster's Flavor Wheel, which provides a more detailed breakdown of the various flavor components found in coffee. This can be especially helpful for writers looking to create more nuanced descriptions of coffee.

In addition to these resources, it can also be helpful to sample different types of coffee and take note of their unique flavors and aromas. This can provide writers with firsthand experience and inspiration for their writing.

Overall, by utilizing these resources and exploring the various questions that arise when describing coffee, writers can create rich and engaging descriptions that truly capture the essence of this beloved beverage.

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How to describe good food in writing?

Food is not just fuel for our bodies; it is a sensory experience that can evoke emotions, memories, and pleasure. Describing good food in writing is an art that requires precision, creativity, and an understanding of the flavors, textures, and aromas that make up a dish. Whether you are a food blogger, a chef, or simply someone who loves to share culinary experiences, knowing how to describe good food in writing can make your descriptions come alive for your readers.

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Thank you! Please keep reading.

One of the most important aspects of describing good food in writing is to engage all the senses: taste, sight, smell, touch, and even sound. By incorporating sensory details into your descriptions, you can create a vivid and immersive experience for your readers.

Another key element in describing good food in writing is to be specific and precise. Instead of simply saying that a dish is “delicious” or “tasty,” try to use adjectives that paint a more detailed picture of the flavors and textures that you are experiencing. For example, instead of saying a chocolate cake is “rich,” you could describe it as “decadent with a velvety smooth texture and a lingering bittersweet finish.”

In this article:

How to Describe Good Food in Writing

**One of the most effective ways to describe good food in writing is to engage all the senses: taste, sight, smell, touch, and even sound. By incorporating sensory details into your descriptions, you can create a vivid and immersive experience for your readers.**

1. How can I describe the taste of food in writing?

You can describe the taste of food by using adjectives like sweet, savory, salty, bitter, spicy, tangy, or umami to convey the flavors present in a dish.

2. How can I describe the texture of food in writing?

You can describe the texture of food by using adjectives like creamy, crunchy, chewy, flaky, tender, crispy, or velvety to convey how the food feels in your mouth.

3. How can I describe the appearance of food in writing?

You can describe the appearance of food by mentioning its color, shape, size, and presentation. Use adjectives like vibrant, glossy, luscious, appetizing, or mouthwatering to convey how the food looks.

4. How can I describe the aroma of food in writing?

You can describe the aroma of food by using adjectives like fragrant, aromatic, pungent, smoky, floral, or spicy to convey the scents that emanate from a dish.

5. How can I describe the sound of food in writing?

You can describe the sound of food by mentioning any noises that the food makes when you bite into it, such as a crispy crackle, a juicy squelch, or a sizzling pop.

6. How can I make my food descriptions more engaging?

You can make your food descriptions more engaging by using storytelling techniques, incorporating personal anecdotes, and evoking emotions or memories related to the dish.

7. How can I avoid cliches and generic descriptions when writing about food?

You can avoid cliches and generic descriptions by challenging yourself to find more unique and specific adjectives, textures, and flavors to describe the food you are writing about.

8. How important is it to use metaphors and similes when describing food?

Using metaphors and similes can add depth and creativity to your food descriptions, but it is important to use them sparingly and only when they truly enhance your description.

9. How can I appeal to readers who have dietary restrictions or allergies when describing food?

You can appeal to readers with dietary restrictions or allergies by including information about ingredients, cooking methods, and potential substitutions in your food descriptions.

10. How can I keep my food descriptions concise and to the point?

You can keep your food descriptions concise by focusing on the most important and distinctive elements of a dish, avoiding unnecessary details or lengthy descriptions.

11. How can I improve my vocabulary and descriptive skills when writing about food?

You can improve your vocabulary and descriptive skills by reading food writing from different authors, trying new foods to expand your palate, and practicing writing food descriptions regularly.

12. How can I use sensory details to create a more immersive food experience for my readers?

You can use sensory details like taste, smell, texture, sight, and sound to create a multi-dimensional and memorable food experience for your readers, allowing them to truly savor the flavors and sensations of the dishes you are describing.

In conclusion, describing good food in writing is a skill that can be honed with practice and creativity. By engaging all the senses, using specific adjectives, and appealing to emotions and memories, you can create mouthwatering descriptions that bring your dishes to life for your readers. So go ahead, pick up your pen or keyboard, and start writing about the delicious culinary experiences that inspire you.

Watch this awesome video to spice up your cooking!

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About Melissa T. Jackson

Melissa loves nothing more than a good dinner party and spends weeks intricately planning her next 'event.' The food must be delicious, the wine and cocktails must be the perfect match, and the decor has to impress without being over the top. It's a wonder that she gets any time to write about her culinary adventures. She particularly loves all types of fusion cooking, mixing the best of different food cultures to make interesting and unique dishes. Melissa lives in New York with her boyfriend Joe and their poodle, Princess.

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How to Write a Great Restaurant Description

The days of finding restaurants just by walking past them are over. Now, people use Google to find places to eat or drink and check the restaurant's descriptions and reviews.

Because of this, having a great restaurant description is more important than ever. A well-written description can help your restaurant stand out and attract more customers.

In this blog, we'll show you how to create the best restaurant description to make a strong impression on Google. We'll share 7 easy tips to help you write a description highlighting what makes your restaurant special and brings in more visitors.

7 best tips for creating a powerful restaurant description

Creating a compelling restaurant description can set you apart from the competition. It's your chance to make a lasting first impression, so here’s how to make it count.

1. Highlight what makes you unique

Start by thinking about what sets your restaurant apart. Do you use fresh, locally sourced ingredients? Do you offer a unique dining experience or a special type of cuisine? Whatever it is, make sure to highlight it.

Your restaurant's unique qualities are what will attract customers. Whether it's your commitment to local ingredients, a distinctive dining experience, or special cuisine, make sure to showcase what makes you stand out.

For example:

"At Farm-to-Table Bistro, we bring you the freshest ingredients straight from local farms to your plate."

"Enjoy a taste of Italy at Bella's, where our authentic recipes and cozy atmosphere make every meal special."

Further reading

• How to Write a Restaurant Business Plan in 2024 (Step by Step Guide with Templates)

2. Add key information

To make your restaurant stand out on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo, your description needs to be optimized with the right keywords.

For your restaurant to show up in local searches, your description must include these three crucial details:

• The name of your restaurant
• The type of cuisine you offer
• Your restaurant's location

To make sure your restaurant shows up in local search results, it's important to include the name of your restaurant, the type of cuisine you offer, and your location. Search engines use this information to direct potential customers to your establishment.

• A Complete Guide to Google My Business for Restaurants

3. Include the right keywords

Keywords are the single words or short phrases that people type into search engines when looking for a restaurant. When coming up with keywords for your restaurant, think about what people type into Google to find a restaurant like yours and you need to be appearing in their searches before your competitors do.

Come up with 2 or 3 words that you think best describe your restaurant. Think specifically and play to your restaurant’s USP (seafront view, secret garden, dog friendly, etc). Your keywords can be related to:

• Specialties or signature dishes
• The ambiance of your restaurant
• Special offers, occasions, or events
• The services you provide

TIP:  Keywords are your key selling points. You can use more than 3 keywords if you want, but keep your text easy and enjoyable to read.

• 4 SEO Strategies to Boost Your Restaurant Website

4. Paint a picture with words

Use descriptive language to create a vivid picture of your restaurant. Describe the ambiance, the décor, and the overall vibe. This helps potential customers imagine themselves dining at your place.

"Step into our rustic dining room adorned with vintage décor, where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air."

"Our modern, chic space features sleek lines and soft lighting, perfect for an intimate dinner or a night out with friends."

5. Focus on the experience

People don't just go to restaurants for the food; they go for the experience. Talk about the overall experience your restaurant offers, from the service to the atmosphere.

"Our friendly staff and warm, inviting atmosphere make every meal feel like a special occasion."

"At Sunset Grill, you can enjoy stunning ocean views while savoring our signature cocktails and delicious dishes."

6. Keep it simple and clear

While it's important to be descriptive, you also want to keep your description clear and to the point. Avoid using overly complicated words or jargon. Keep it simple so that everyone can understand and appreciate what you have to offer.

For writing simple and clear restaurant descriptions, several tips can help:

Be Concise : Keep your description short and to the point. Avoid unnecessary words and stick to the essentials that convey your message effectively​ ( Eat, Drink, and Write Copy ) ​​ ( Website Builder Expert ) ​.

Use Simple Language : Avoid jargon and overly complicated words. Write in a way that anyone can understand, ensuring your description is accessible to a broad audience​ ( Eat, Drink, and Write Copy )

Highlight Key Points : Focus on what makes your restaurant unique, such as special dishes, ambiance, or standout features. Make sure these points are easy to find in the description​ ( Eat, Drink, and Write Copy ) ​​ ( Website Builder Expert ) ​.

Stay Consistent : Maintain a consistent style and tone throughout your descriptions. This helps in creating a cohesive and professional impression​ ( Eat, Drink, and Write Copy ) ​.

Use White Space : Avoid clutter by using white space effectively. This makes the description easier to read and more visually appealing​ ( Website Builder Expert ) ​.

7. Update regularly

Your restaurant can change over time, whether it's the menu, the décor, or the overall concept. Make sure to update your description regularly to reflect any changes and keep it current.

Writing a great restaurant description is all about capturing the essence of your establishment and enticing potential customers. Keep it unique, descriptive, and focused on the experience, and you'll be sure to make a lasting impression.

What is a short restaurant description?

A restaurant is a place where food and drinks are prepared and served to customers. While meals are usually enjoyed on-site, many restaurants also provide take-out and delivery options.

How do you write about your restaurant?

• Use a relaxed or semi-formal tone.
• Your title should capture the main idea or opinion.
• Focus on the essential parts of the experience rather than every detail.
• Make sure to organize your thoughts into paragraphs.
• Share both the positives and negatives to give a balanced perspective.

What are examples of words that describe a restaurant?

Italian, steak and grill house, pizzeria, deli, cafe, cocktail bar, Mexican, steakhouse, burger joint, fine dining, gourmet, homestyle, traditional, authentic, fusion. 

Senior Content Manager at Eat App

Elana Kroon used to work in restaurants before becoming a journalist and expert restaurant industry content creator at Eat App.

Reviewed by

Nezar Kadhem

Co-founder and CEO of Eat App

He is a regular speaker and panelist at industry events, contributing on topics such as digital transformation in the hospitality industry, revenue channel optimization and dine-in experience.

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SLAP HAPPY LARRY

Writing activity: scene in a restaurant, café or eatery.

In this activity you will practice creative writing skills by writing a fictional scene which takes place in some kind of eating establishment: a restaurant, café, milk bar, fast food joint, Saturday morning market, street vendor… Any sort of eatery will do.

Louise at the diner calling Thelma

Annie The Iron Giant

Your first task is to simply imagine a scene. Perhaps the characters and eatery are people from real life. Perhaps this is a work of fan fiction. Cafe and restaurant scenes are so popular with readers that there’s an entire subcategory of fan fiction dedicated to them:

The  Coffee Shop AU  is an  alternate universe   fanfiction   trope  that became popular in  LiveJournal   fandoms , then migrated with fans to other platforms. The trope was originally known as  Barista AU  and is closely-related to the  Bakery AU . In most cases, one half of the main  pairing  is the barista and the other is or becomes their favorite customer; in some stories the whole cast works at a coffee shop. Fanlore Wiki

PRE-WRITING QUESTIONS

Possible scenarios.

just saw a cat try to walk into a cafe. “you can’t come in here!” one of the waitstaff said. “we can’t keep having this conversation!” @tfswebb

In a café, a complete stranger just rushed over and kissed me on the cheek. Him: My God! How are you? Me (puzzled, wracking my brain): Aah … are you …. Matt? Him: No, I’m Steve. Aren’t you Linda? Me: No, I’m not Linda. Him: Oh. Ok. Ha ha. (Awkward silence falls over café). @Juanita_Phillip (TV news presenter at ABC, with a “vaguely familiar face”.)

I helped an old man with his new mobile phone in a cafe I use. Since then we regularly bump into each other and share news and time. @Von2Highlands

bruh it’s raining down hard again… it’s been like this for two months in Colorado. It’s never been like this as long as I’ve been alive… my neighborhood flooded this week and as we speak, I’m stranded in a cafe because it’s hailing and thunder storming @bigd_o_cycler

I remember I tried getting a mocha in a cafe at JFK and they told they’ve never heard of that in their life. That was my last straw @kat_dufie

My friend just said, “You’ve gone full millennial sitting and working in a café.” Yes, yes I have. It’s the best way to sit and plod through the to-do list on a Saturday @MissCatnach

im in a cafe sitting alone in stress bcs of my exam papers and not dressed decently bcs i cant really think on what to wear and theres a couple sits beside me doing their lovey dovey while here i am dating a whole lot journals and books anD MY FREAKING PAPERS on a sat night @rostovaaax

theres a straight couple sitting right across my table in a cafe im in and theyre taking photobooth pics on the girl’s laptop while the guy keeps looking at her as if hes just so in love with her @marjanhol

“she works in a cafe” because her millionaire privileged parents subsidise her living. @darrenjames1987

I was reading this in a cafe and the waitress came up to serve my coffee just as I scrolled down to have my whole screen filled with “he killed her”, so now I am trying to act as normal as possible. @reasonandt

A beautiful woman once stopped me in a cafe in Amsterdam (Netherlands) to tell me that I had the most intense and riveting steel blue eyes she had ever seen. Unfortunately, she said it in front of my girlfriend! Sounds lame, but I have carried that moment for almost 30 years. @lukewestbooks

love working in a cafe w all healthy and organic food but still having coffee and lays bbq chips for lunch.. nothing beats this @Lostmypieces_

I always clear my own table in a cafe. It’s just the right way to be. But I see so much takeout litter along the lanes near our village that I don’t think a lot of people care at all what they do and who has to clean up their mess. @shmergel

What are the most common microaggressions you face as a disabled person? When you’re in a Cafe and they say our selection is written on the Board after clocking that you’re holding a Cane. That and oh it’s over there. @lukesamsowden

Not strictly a mondegreen, buy many years ago I overheard a customer in a cafe ask for a “quicky” She wanted a quiche @RussellEngland

Girls sitting next to me in a cafe are discussing their shock at scorpions’ existence, so I went back to find & feel justified about this 2020 tweet of mine: I might as well admit to the internet that until age 27, I thought scorpions were mythological. @katekaput

sometimes the rim of the china cups are too thick and it affects the taste of the coffee so I have been known to get my coffee in a takeaway cup if I find the china in a cafe dodgy. Equally the quality of the takeaway cups needs to be taken into consideration. @Porsgren

Pisses me off when you have chips in a cafe and they cut the bread in a triangle. Not cut at all is the best way so it can be folded over, same with Sausages. Straight across the middle for sandwiches, but the other way. @barbarossaoz65

my son delights in having his insulin injection in a cafe so that people think he is on heroin or something @JimMonaghan10

always feel very mysterious and sexy when i take a pill in a cafe, even when it’s an antihistamine people peering at me like, what’s he taking? ecstasy? cyanide? either way good for him @macarthurboyd

Really hard to sit in a cafe next to a Daily Mail reader this morning and not shout ‘Have you no self-respect?’ @GDRNorminton

14-year-old reading the Daily Star in a cafe with me: “Mum, what the hell is this?” @IrenaBarker

I’m sitting in a window seat in a cafe, facing directly onto the outside seating area. Not one but *two* couples have sat in front of me to have highly emotional conversations – at least one person crying – and I’m having to pretend like I can’t see them. All a bit awks. @janemccallion

In a Cafe Nero, the girl behind the counter told us that all the different coffees are made from the same basic coffee-ish syrup stuff, which they use less or more of depending on what the customer has chosen. @TerryTyler4

A wee old man in a cafe pointed to my Grá tattoo and went ‘I think that’s the nicest tattoo I’ve ever seen, it’s lovely’ and pointed it out to everyone and went ‘isn’t that just lovely’ @ciara_byrneee

NO a bird shlt on my head and I didn’t realise and I’m just sat in a cafe and the waitress told me @bloodliddell

i’m in a cafe trying to study and at the table next to me there’s a group of writers (?) who are working on a drama (sounds like) and the main character name’s seems to be Yohan cause they keep repeating it @_hukeusia

A nurse I worked with said her husband was in a diner and an ‘undercover guy’ at another table said [XYZ]. Worst undercover guy ever! @annarobin6

Let’s make paper napkin hats for each other while sitting in a diner on a rainy afternoon @LaLa_Lyds

Maybe we can be extras in a diner eating pancakes @KtSweetandSpicy

Eavesdropping on a breakup in a diner like a real New Yorker @reneeautumnray

I’m at a diner that serves “New York potatoes” in New York, it’s just potatoes hurr hurrr @tori__gore

Something about eating fried food basically on cake at 3 am in the morning in a diner hits different @Magnolia_Dryad

A lady in a diner just told me she loves me on tik tok. My ego is reaching insufferable levels @Raynehart22

Sweet little things i appreciate: After knowing you I sat longer in a diner, taking a few minutes to taste little details of flavor of the food that was served in front of me; whether it was the texture of rice, the broth, the seasonings, et cetera. @dolbyaround_

A plate clinks constantly in a diner. The sound is soothing and reassuring, like a friend you know you can count on. It’s a reminder that no matter how bad things might seem, someone is taking care of things. It’s a comforting sound, one that makes you feel at home. @CHRISTIEAL5234

Never goes to church but says a prayer in a diner waiting on a cheeseburger @Romideol

My dad thought that this one lady working at a diner would remember us even though the last time we were there was At least 8 years ago @LifeofPub

We’re at a diner, and this adorable old couple put “Oh, Donna” on the jukebox, and they’re dancing to it right now. My heart. @126Mugs

Country fried steak and eggs are my go to at a diner @Clevbuck

Currently eating breakfast at a diner and my view is a kid getting arrested for riding a motorized scooter. @PeggyHillFeet

I stopped at a diner in Maryland when I was over the road trucking. Food was great, everything had crab in it! @HRakshas

My parents drove through New Jersey once, and they stopped at a diner. Just from that, my mom’s voice went from Soprano to Basso. She even lost her French accent, we thought she was Jimmy Hoffa @universalwrites

I once heard someone at a diner ask for a cup of milk with a cup of ice and non buttered toast like what @cryxbabygirl

My brother in law once ordered at a diner a bacon cheeseburger with grilled cheeses as the buns. @dr_dorkenstein

at a diner with buster and this guy in the booth behind me is talking about shutter island to his date and he’s like “and that other guy is in it” and i said nonchalantly to buster “mark ruffalo” and then i hear the guy behind me say it. you’re welcome @weatherednfaded

Dude at Starbucks just left the crowded store and went “Bye everyone,” and every single person in that store said goodbye I literally just met the main character @dietcokegirl

Food may be a major part of the scene, or else not play much part at all. You might use food to illuminate character, or the food ‘might be a character in its own right’. Or it may be symbolic.

DESCRIBE THE VIEW FROM AN EATERY WINDOW AND THE PERSON SEATED OPPOSITE

It was a typical November day: gray, cold with a bite. We sat in the window of a cute diner-style parlor, eating offensively large chocolate sundaes. It was my father’s favorite place in Gyeryong. He said it reminded him of America-the good parts of it anyway-drive-ins, milkshakes, roller-girls. I couldn’t help but smile and be happy. Despite my age, he still delighted in theatrical gestures of appreciation and celebration. It was his way: an enormous inflatable bouncy castle for my elementary school graduation party, a platinum bracelet for my sixteenth birthday, a new Mercedes for my mother’s fortieth. He cared a great deal about appearances, was proud he could give those gifts. He sat across from me, jaw square, dark brown eyes betraying nothing. My mother always joked that he should play poker for a living. “With that face,” she’d say, “we’d be rich by now.” from When We Fell Apart , a novel by Soon Wiley

DESCRIBE A UNIVERSITY DINING HALL AND INTEGRATE CHARACTERS BY THEIR REACTION TO IT

After their room, the four spent the most time together in the dining hall, so called as though anyone could mistake its vaulted ceilings, tree-length tables, and brassy chandeliers for anything so pedestrian as a cafeteria. Margaret managed, though. Despite being the one most dazzled by the space, she couldn’t call it anything other than the cafeteria. When they entered the hall for their first dinner together, she stopped, the flow of new freshmen tripped up first over the obstruction caused by the four, and then by the scattered double takes at Margaret, whose face and body her own suitemates were also still stealing glances at, wondering why they hadn’t been warned. Margaret had cheekbones that sliced each one of them open in turn: Ji Sun by their architecture; Alice by how smooth and bright they were, scar-free; and Lainey by the desire to touch them, compare their structure to her own, which she’d always considered the best thing about her face. “Wow, we get to eat in here.” Margaret looked around, oblivious to, or unmoved by, the people who turned to look at her-her long, gauzy white skirt and her heart-shaped face made her look like some kind of moon child princess bride, like she trailed glitter, didn’t belong on this planet, let alone in a dining hall, even one with chandeliers. “Didn’t you see it when you visited?” Alice asked, ushering Margaret by the arm toward the tray stand. “Oh, I didn’t visit,” Margaret said, choosing a fork as though it might play a song. “I just got in off the waitlist.” “Oh,” Lainey said, and nodded, tried to think of how best to react. She couldn’t imagine admitting this. She’d been wait-listed at Trinity College and even after being offered acceptance, the sting had manifested as lingering resentment toward all things even nominally Irish. “Wow,” Margaret said again when they’d finished piling their trays and stood, looking for a place to sit. “Just . . . wow!” She held her tray with one arm and used the other to gesture around the room, as though her suitemates couldn’t see it. Her attitude was infectious. Ji Sun, the least impressed by institutional spaces, especially American ones that prided themselves on their “heritage,” did feel now like the room was polished gold, sun dust from the fading day washing the students in honeyed light, glinty little sparks bouncing off the lowest glass facets in the light fixtures. “Yeah, hey, wow,” Ji Sun said, teasing but warm. They settled at a round six-top that they could tell in their bones would be their table, even as they shared it on this first night with two other freshmen, both of whom seemed more in awe of this foursome, somehow already solidified, than of their surroundings. the opening to The Other’s Gold , a 2020 novel by Elizabeth Ames

DESCRIBE THE VIEW FROM A WINDOW AND AN OVERHEARD CONVERSATION

Curtis McCoy was early for his ten o’clock meeting so he carried his coffee to a table by the window, where he could feel the watery April sun. It was a Saturday, Joe Coffee was crowded, and Brooklyn Heights was alive, women in running tights pushing strollers along Hicks Street, dog walkers congregating at the benches on Pineapple Street, families dashing to soccer games, swimming lessons, birthday parties down at Jane’s Carousel. At the next table, a mother sat with her two adult daughters, drinking from blue-and-white paper cups, peering at the same phone. “Oh, here’s one! This guy’s profile says he likes running, making his own kimchi, and ‘dismantling capitalism.’” Curtis tried not to listen but couldn’t help himself. “Darley, he’s twice my age. No. Do you even understand how the app works?” The name Darley rang a bell, but Curtis couldn’t quite place her. Brooklyn Heights was a small neighborhood, she was probably just someone he’d seen in line ordering sandwiches at Lassen, or someone he’d crossed paths with at the gym on Clark Street. “Fine, fine. Okay, this guy says, ‘Cis male vegan seeks fellow steward of the Earth. Never eat anything with a face. Except the rich.’” “You can’t date a vegan. The footwear is ghastly!” the mother interrupted. “Give me that phone! Hmm. The whiffy here is terrible.” “Mom, it’s pronounced ‘wai-fai.’” Curtis risked a quick peek at the table. The three women were dressed in tennis whites, the mother a blonde with gold earrings and a notable array of rings on her fingers, the daughters both brunette, one lanky with straight hair cut to her shoulders, the other softer, with long wavy hair loosely tied in a knot. Curtis ducked his head back down and broke off a crumbly bite of poppyseed scone. “‘Bi and nonmonogamous looking for a Commie Mommy to help me smash the patriarchy. Hit me up to go dancing!’ Am I having a stroke?” the older woman murmured. “I don’t understand a word of this.” Curtis fought back a snicker. the opening to Pineapple Street , a 2023 novel by Jenny Jackson

AN AUSTRALIAN CLUB

If you know any baby boomers who live in regional Australia, they’ve probably taken you to their local pub. (Or if you are a baby boomer who lives in regional Australia…)

Inside the club, the air is cool. There’s a counter, with temporary membership forms and a sign instructing visitors to sign themselves in. Martin complies, tearing off a guest slip. The main room is large, with long windows looking out across the river bend, the trees almost imperceptible in the dusk outside the brightly lit room. There are tables and chairs, but no patrons. Not a soul. The only movement is the lights flashing garishly from poker machines standing beyond a low partition at the far end of the room. A barman is sitting behind the long bar reading a book. He looks up as Martin approaches. ‘G’day there. Get you a beer?’ Scrublands by Chris Hammer 2018

SHORT STORY EXAMPLES

Art inspiration.

One of the most famous paintings of an eatery must be Nighthawks at the Diner by Edward Hopper.

EATING INSIDE

Eating al fresco, pubs and bars, further reading.

Burger Scholar  George Motz  has spent decades researching, writing about, cooking, and eating America’s favorite food: Hamburgers. His documentary film,  Hamburger America , was recognized by the US National Archives as an integral part of American food history. On this episode, he shares the history of the burger and its variations across the country. America’s Burgers with George Motz

This week on  A Taste of the Past , host Linda Pelaccio is joined in the studio by Andrew F. Smith, author of the book  Fast Food: The Good, The Bad and The Hungry . He is also the editor of the  Edible Series , a revolutionary new series of books on food and drink which explores the rich history of man’s consumption. Each book provides an outline for one type of food or drink, revealing its history and culture on a global scale. Tune in to hear them discuss the history of the fast food industry, from the streets to the franchises. Fast Food: The Big, The Bad and The Hungry

Until the mid-19th Century, it was not acceptable–and in some cases not allowed–for women to out and about unescorted. They would not be served even at elite restaurants. But in 1868, a journalist named Jane Cunningham Croly pushed open the doors of restaurants to women with an historic luncheon at Delmonico’s in New York City, and the rest is…history. this luncheon was recreated at the famed Delmonico’s with guest chef/restaurateur Gabrielle Hamilton cooking some classic dishes for an all woman group of diners. Linda gives a first hand report of that event and speaks with those involved. 150th Anniversary of the Feminist Lunch that Broke Boundaries

Americans once sipped coffee and ate pie around communal tables, sharing their struggles and dreams with strangers at Horn & Hardart’s iconic Automat. This week on  A Taste of the Past , host Linda Pelaccio is talking the history of the automat with Marianne Hardart, the great-granddaughter of Automat co-founder Frank Hardart; her father, Augustin, was the last of three generations of Hardarts to manage the Automats. But, what exactly is an Automat? Marianne explains it was a ‘fast food’ restaurant where hot foods and drink were served by coin-operated vending machines that were stocked by actual kitchens making items fresh. Talking about all things Automat, after the break, Linda welcomes Lisa Hurwitz, the Director and Producer of The Automat, The Horn & Hardart Documentary Film (check out the Kickstarter campaign  here ). Adding her thoughts on the topic and sharing why the Automat is an important piece of American culinary history, she relates how more than just entertainment, The Automat is a parable of how we once dined happily together before turning to the isolated and unhappy experience offered by today’s fast food, a bad deal that no amount of advertising can disguise. Automat: The History, Book & Movie

AMERICAN DINER LINGO

David Chase Reveals the Philosophical Meaning of  The Soprano ’s Final Scene (which takes place in a diner) at Open Culture

Header illustration: 1959 Leisurely Lunch Saturday Evening Post art by George Hughes

CONTEMPORARY FICTION SET IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (2023)

On paper, things look fine. Sam Dennon recently inherited significant wealth from his uncle. As a respected architect, Sam spends his days thinking about the family needs and rich lives of his clients. But privately? Even his enduring love of amateur astronomy is on the wane. Sam has built a sustainable-architecture display home for himself but hasn’t yet moved into it, preferring to sleep in his cocoon of a campervan. Although they never announced it publicly, Sam’s wife and business partner ended their marriage years ago due to lack of intimacy, leaving Sam with the sense he is irreparably broken.

Food Writing So Good You Can Taste It by Dianne Jacob

Dianne Jacob

• 22 December 2021

American author Dianne Jacob’s book, Will Write for Food: The Complete Guide to Writing Cookbooks, Blogs, Reviews, Memoir, and More, is an essential reference book for food writers and food bloggers that has won two international awards from the Cordon D’Or and the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. In this piece from the Writing.ie archives, we asked Dianne what the essential ingredients for successful food writing are.

Most food writing is about eating, so your challenge is to express yourself without resorting to cliché or an endless string of adjectives. The successful food writing techniques and practices listed below give you endless ways to describe a dish or the experience of eating. Once you discover a few simple rules of the craft, you’ll feel more confident immediately. So whether you’re looking to get started, improve your skills, or expand the writing you’re already doing, put down your spatula, pull up a chair, and let’s get cooking.

Step 1. Cook up a sensuous feast.

What makes food writing different from other forms of writing is its focus on the senses and the pleasure and enjoyment that ensues. You want readers to see the colors of a ripe peach, feel its fuzzy down, smell its ripeness, hear the tearing crunch when biting into it, and taste its tangy flesh. While it’s easy to focus on taste, when combined with smell, the two senses can produce emotions, feelings of nostalgia, and involuntary memories.

This response has a name. It’s called the Proustian effect, for Marcel Proust’s wistful passage about eating a madeleine in his novel, Swann’s Way: “But when from a long-distant past nothing subsists, after the people are dead, after the things are broken and scattered, taste and smell alone, more fragile but more enduring, more unsubstantial, more persistent, more faithful, remain poised a long time, like souls, remembering, waiting, hoping, admit the ruins of all the rest; and bear unflinchingly, in the tiny and almost impalpable drop of their essence, the vast structure or recollection.”

Translation: If you remember the punch in the gut you experienced when tasting or smelling a food that takes you back to childhood, that’s what Proust means. It’s harder to communicate this effect so viscerally in writing, but it’s not necessary. He’s saying that using your senses to access food is evocative. Your goal is to transport readers to a place and time, to experience a scent or taste for themselves. That’s better than just reading about how you experienced it, which is not nearly as satisfying, and creates distance between you and them.

Here’s an example from M.F.K. Fisher, one of food writing’s most revered icons: “The first thing I remember tasting and then wanting to taste again is the grayish-pink fuzz my grandmother skimmed from a spitting kettle of strawberry jam. I suppose I was about four.” At first you may feel repelled by the notion of tasting “fuzz.” But you’re also intrigued, and transported to a kitchen from long ago, perhaps your own memory standing in for hers.

Some writers think the least important sense is sound. But consider how it enlivens the experience in Alan Richman’s essay, “The Great Texas Barbecue Secret:” Because the meat is seldom pricked during cooking, the fat accumulates, sizzling and bubbling. Slice, and the drama unfolds. Think of a bursting water pipe. Better yet, imagine a Brahman bull exploding from the gate at a rodeo.”

It might sound overdone, but you’ve got to give Richman credit for imaginative writing about what could otherwise be a dull topic. He is, after all, describing what happens when he cuts into a sausage. Yet Richman excels at translating his excitement onto the page, and has won more than a dozen national awards for his essays in magazines such as  GQ , where he is a contributing writer.

Look back at Richman’s description of the sausage. See any adjectives? I don’t. Adjectives, however, are the crack of food writing. You might be tempted to use several to describe, say, the pork tenderloin with pears and shallots you devoured at a restaurant last night. But in truth, adjectives weaken writing and cause reader fatigue.

Take note of what else happened during the meal. You want to get across your pleasure and enjoyment by telling a story about the people at the next table, rather than sentence after sentence of description. Or try Richman’s technique of using metaphor, the art of referring to something (a sausage) as something it is not (a water pipe or a Brahman bull).

You might start out with strings of adjectives in an early draft. That’s normal. Examine them all and see what happens if you select only one. You’ll find that your sentence becomes more powerful when pared back to the essence of the dish.

What if the only adjective you allowed yourself, to describe the pear, was “silky?” It reads better than “the brown buttery silky pear.” After so many adjectives, readers get confused. They have to parse all those descriptors and try to imagine what the pear tastes like, deciding which adjective is most important. “Silky,” on the other hand, gives them one clear and concise word. Less is more, when it comes to adjectives.

Step 3. Describe the dish with specifics.

Just as it’s best to be judicious with adjectives, you’ll also a huge improvement in your writing when using specific language. People who read my blog and book know that one of my pet peeves is the word “delicious.” It’s a vague way to describe what you’re eating, and tells the reader nothing, other than you really liked it. Other words in this category are “tasty” and “yummy.” Most of the time you can just edit these words out of your drafts and you’ll have a more solid piece of writing immediately.

Look for vague or general words in your draft and replace them with more specific ones, such as “kitchen” for “room.” Even when it comes to adjectives, “salty” or “velvety” gives the reader a better idea than “delicious.”

Step 4. Stir well with action verbs.

Another way to keep food writing from becoming a string of description is to go for action, just as Richman did. He didn’t focus on how the sausage tasted, but on what happened when he cut into it. If you slow down and describe what’s happening as you consume food, you create a mini movie in readers’ minds.

Here’s how authors Jane and Michael Stern describe slicing into a piece of apple pie: “The crust is as crunchy as a butter cookie, so brittle that it cracks audibly when you press it with your fork; grains of cinnamon sugar bounce off the surface as it shatters.” They’ve slowed down the action so you can picture what happens when the fork cuts into the pie. Action verbs like cracks, press, bounce, and shatters go a long way towards painting a vivid picture. The authors haven’t described how the apple pie tastes yet, but I’ll bet you’re salivating.

Step 4. Spice up the sauce with a few similes.

Since describing food is a big part of food writing, you need as many tools as possible to get the job done. Similes compare two unlike things, using “like” or “as.” They’re fun and imaginative, giving you the chance to insert images that might seem a little incongruous, but work well anyway.

Here’s an example from  New York Times  dining editor Pete Wells: “First we’ll get the grill going hotter than a blacksmith’s forge…as usual, the tongs won’t be long enough to keep my hands from scorching like bare feet on the beach parking lot.”

You might not know how hot a blacksmith’s forge gets, or even what the heck a forge is. It doesn’t matter. You understand that the forge is red hot, and that’s all Well needs to make his point. Similarly, you might not think of bare feet on a beach parking lot when grilling meat. But suddenly, you’ve got a pleasant if slightly painful memory. A simple story about grilling becomes an evocative look at a fun part a summer everyone can relate to, a little piece of our collective past.

Similes are a little different than metaphors I mentioned in Step 2. Similes compare two things (burning bare feet and grilling), as opposed to referring to the object directly as something else. In the Richman example, he says a cut sausage is a bursting water pipe, as opposed to saying it’s “like” a bursting water pipe. The pipe is the metaphor for the sausage.

No matter which technique you employ from this list, and no matter which medium you choose to tell your story, food writing is similar to other kinds of narrative writing. It focuses on evocative storytelling and context, rather than on exactly how the spaghetti sauce tasted. While that’s certainly part of the story, it’s more important to evoke an emotional response in the reader by making them imagine a bucking bull or a hot day at the beach. Think of food writing as a type of cooking: you try a little of this a little of that, and soon you have a dish. By consistently driving your story forward with the techniques I’ve outlined, you’ll find creative new ways to express your thoughts about food, and cook up an audience that can’t wait to read more.

Choose Your Style of Food Writing

Food writing is not just the provenance of national magazines like  Bon Appetit,  nor limited to the cookbook department of bookstores. It’s everywhere, appearing in thousands of blogs and websites, newspaper and magazine features, e-newsletters, recipe databases, and fiction writing.

Food writing also takes many shapes, including

• Memoir and personal essay
• Restaurant reviewing
• Recipe writing
• Food history
• Food politics
• Profiles of chefs and farmers
• Travel writing and guides
• Food reference
• Cookbook reviews.

Where might you start? Many writers want to capture their own experiences, and for that, blogs are an easy place to get published. Plus, you can experiment with any of the forms mentioned above on a blog.

Recipe Writing That Works

Recipes are a form of technical writing because of the exacting way they are written. They have four parts: the title, the headnote, the ingredients list, and the method, which explains how to make the dish.

You start in the kitchen, making a dish more than once to get the best flavor and texture combinations. Keep notes by the stove about measurements and amounts, techniques, and any other details critical to the dish’s success, then write up your recipe when you’re certain of its success.

Here are a few fail-proof rules to observe:

• Start with a descriptive, enticing title. Classic Strawberry Shortcake, for example, tells readers exactly what they’ll get: a rich biscuit with saucy fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
• Draw readers in with the headnote. Tell a personal story about how you made your first omelette, explain the perfect balance of flavors in a fruity ice cream, the history of your mother-in-law’s potato salad, or the no-fail technique you use for roasted asparagus.
• List ingredients in the order used. Your recipe might feature lamb chops, but if the first thing you do is heat olive oil in a skillet, that’s where to start.
• Do the prep in your ingredients list. The French call it  mise en place . Get all your ingredients chopped, measured and ready to go before firing up the stovetop. Use the method to explain what to do with 1 onion, sliced; or ½ cup chopped parsley.
• Test and retest your recipe to make sure it works. Make sure you’re not writing in shorthand, skipping a step, or leaving out an ingredient.

(c) Diane Jacob

Diane Jacob is the American author of the award-winning Will Write for Food: The Complete Guide to Writing Cookbooks, Blogs, Reviews, Memoir and More. She is also the co-author of the cookbook Grilled Pizzas & Piadinas, and blogs on food writing at www.diannej.com/blog.

This article first appeared in  WritersDigest.com  magazine.

For more than 15 years, writing coach, editor, and blogger Dianne Jacob has taught food lovers how to take their passion from the plate to the page. Now, Jacob has revised and updated her award-winning guide. Whether you’ve been writing for years or are just starting out, Will Write for Food offers what you need to know to succeed and thrive, including:- A new chapter dedicated to making an income from food writing- Updated information about self-publishing and cookbook production- Tips on creating and sustaining an irresistible blog with gorgeous photos- The keys to successful freelancing and reviewing- Advice from award-winning writers, editors, and agents- Engaging, fun writing exercises to get the juices flowing.

Dianne’s book is a very popular reference book for food writers and food bloggers. It has won two international awards from the Cordon D’Or and the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Order your copy online here .

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How to Write a Restaurant Description: Creating an About Page that Sells

Learn how to easily create a restaurant description that's engaging and attracts customers.

Key takeaways

• Your restaurant description is your elevator pitch—it needs to quickly highlight what makes your restaurant stand out, including your cuisine, atmosphere, location and dining experience.
• A well-crafted description helps customers understand exactly what to expect from your restaurant, making it easier for them to choose to order from you. 
• You’ll need to tailor your description to different platforms, whether it’s your website, Yelp or a third-party delivery app.

Creating a restaurant description is like crafting your elevator pitch. It’s your moment to show quickly how your food and brand stand out.

You’ve only got seconds to grab attention on your website, delivery apps, or your Google Business Profile. Clear communication connects your menu with the right customers with no confusion. 

And once you perfect your description, it’s much easier to write longer pages like your “About” page.

A good description highlights the food you serve, the atmosphere, the location, and the dining experience. These are simple things to list, but they can be hard to describe—especially in a way that appeals to guests.

If you need help crafting your own restaurant description, I’ve got you covered. I’ll guide you through simple ways to create a description that draws more customers in.

Before we start, let's go over some important words to know. These terms are all related, but each one means something a little different.

What should be in a restaurant description? 

At Owner.com, we’ve seen firsthand that a strong restaurant description helps you write better copy. And that helps boost conversions. What you include in your description on your homepage and Google Business Profile will depend on your unique restaurant. 

Of course, the details might vary depending on where you’re sharing it—like social media, where you’ll need to keep it shorter—but certain key elements consistently make an impact.

Here are the essential elements I’ve found most effective in drawing in customers:

• Cuisine: Highlight your signature dishes and what makes your food stand out. This is your chance to showcase your unique offerings and tempt people to visit.
• Atmosphere: Describe your vibe and ambiance. Are you cozy and intimate or lively and casual? Customers want to know what kind of experience to expect.
• Location: Make it easy for people to find you. This is crucial! An incorrect address or outdated hours of operation will drive customers away faster than anything else.
• Dining experience: Set clear expectations for the kind of service and overall experience customers will have. Whether you offer upscale dining or a laid-back feel, this gives them a sense of what’s in store.
• Your background: Share your story—what makes you unique. While this is often better suited for your “About Page,” a brief mention here can still give customers a connection to your brand and why you’re different.

By including these elements, you can create a description that captures attention and helps convert that interest into actual visits.

Steps to create your description 

Your restaurant description isn’t something you write once and forget about—it’s important to keep it updated as your business evolves and is something that the best restaurant websites feature. A well-crafted, up-to-date description is key to attracting new customers and converting their interest into visits.

Below are the steps I recommend to help you create a powerful description that showcases what makes your restaurant special and draws people in:

1. Create a clear picture of your ideal customer

First, you’ll want to decide who your ideal customers are—those who would most likely be regulars at your restaurant. You can help sort this out by taking a look at these different factors: 

• Demographics: Age, income, family size, occupation
• Psychographics: Lifestyle, values, interests, preferences
• Behavior: Dining habits, occasions, food preferences

The owners over at Talkin’ Tacos do this perfectly and center themselves well in Miami’s vibrant scene. Surrounded by young, energetic crowds, they’ve nailed the vibe with their bold colors, cool artwork and trendy tacos.

Example: Let’s say you’re an Italian restaurant called Bella Cucina. You observe that the customers who most often visit you are families, with adults who are primarily 30 to 50 years old. They are middle to upper-class and are busy and family-focused, so they value time together and love kid-friendly options. They also want good value for money and dine regularly.

Now, I’ll show how you can apply these observations to find your menu-market fit. 

2. Identify your menu-market fit 

After you get a good sense of who your ideal customer is, you’ll then want to take a step further by identifying your menu-market fit—what makes you unique and stand out from other restaurants on the block. These unique factors could be things like: 

• Special, larger or premium dishes 
• Better prices and deals 
• Offering online ordering in addition to in-person dining 

Example: Let’s continue with the Bella Cucina example. Based on your observations, your ideal customers are families who value convenience and quality time together. To highlight your menu-market fit in your restaurant description, you could showcase your focus on offering affordable, family-sized pasta dishes or pizza specials that are perfect for sharing. 

You would also want to highlight that you offer online ordering and delivery options, making it convenient for busy families to enjoy your food at home. 

I explain this more in my post about creating a restaurant marketing plan , but here’s the gist: By understanding your menu market fit, you can create a compelling description that resonates with your customers.

3. Write the core version of your restaurant description 

Now that you have a clear picture of your ideal customer and have identified your menu-market fit, it's time to craft the core version of your restaurant description. Here, you’ll also want to incorporate keywords related to your restaurant that customers are going to type into Google. Having these keywords on places like your website really helps with SEO and gets your site ranking higher in search results. 

I like to recommend specific keywords like “best [CUISINE/MENU ITEM] in [CITY].” 

Pro tip: I love using Google Keyword Planner to help me figure out which keywords related to a restaurant customers are searching for—and it’s free! 

So, with that in mind, I’ve created an example of how everything comes together from the example we’ve been using:

Best Italian food in San Diego:

Authentic and Family-Owned Italian Cuisine

This is essentially a quick sentence that can act as a slogan for your homepage. See how our friends at Arubaya Fried Chicken do this too in a catchy way—notice how they also include an “order online” button right underneath to drive more customers to order: 

When it comes to writing restaurant descriptions, I’ve found that less is often more. Here are some of my pro tips if you want to make sure your restaurant description is as strong as possible:

• Keep it clear and concise so your message shines through. 
• Avoid jargon and overly fancy words—just focus on what makes your restaurant special.
• Highlight the atmosphere, the kind of dining experience you offer and what sets you apart. 

By keeping your restaurant description to the point and simple, you'll catch people's attention and make it easy for them to want to choose you as the spot they order from. 

4. Add assets and visuals to complement your copy 

Once you’ve nailed your restaurant description, the next step is to bring it to life with visuals. I always recommend including high-quality photos and videos that show off your mouth-watering dishes, inviting atmosphere and friendly staff. These assets help potential customers get a true feel for what your restaurant is all about.

Make sure your photos capture the essence of your food—from close-ups of your signature dishes to group shots of families enjoying meals together. 

Why Not Pizza does a great job of showcasing tasty-looking photos of their popular menu items alongside their description.

Including video content can also be a great way to give a virtual tour of your space or showcase your team in action, making your restaurant feel familiar before they even step inside. 

You can add images to your restaurant description that live on the About page on your website, your Google Business Profile and your Yelp page. 

Pro tip: Your restaurant description itself will vary depending on the channel you add it to. In the next section, I’ll show you how to modify your description to fit on different platforms.  

Fit your description to your most important channels  

Now that you’ve got your restaurant description, where should you put it? The simple answer is the more places, the better. 

But I’m here to help you tailor that description to fit the key platforms that are most important to you and where you see most of your customers coming from. This could be your About Page, Google Business Profile, Yelp, third-party apps, or your website. 

Each of these channels requires a slightly different approach, so let’s dive into how to customize your description to suit them perfectly, starting with your About page.

About page 

Your website’s About page is where you can tell your full story—it’s the more built-out version of the core restaurant description we wrote above.

Here, you have more space to expand on your history, mission and what makes your restaurant special—it’s your chance to really connect with customers on a more personal level. Let’s break it down. Your About page could include elements like your: 

• Restaurant's history and mission: Tell customers what inspired you to open your restaurant and what sets you apart. This could be things like showcasing causes you support or if you’re sustainable and eco-friendly. 
• Team: Introduce your staff and their expertise to build trust and credibility.
• Your values: Emphasize sustainability, community involvement or other core values to resonate with your target audience.
• Imagery: Adding images of your food is a no-brainer, but if you talk about your restaurant’s history, consider adding a blast from the past and feature the founders, or a photo of an old, original location. 
• Call to action (CTA): I would also recommend you encourage visitors to explore your menu, make a reservation or sign up for your email list on your About page. You can do this in the form of buttons on the page. Owner.com’s website builder has all of these CTAs integrated, so you don’t even have to think about adding these yourself.

For example, Bella Cucina could have an About page that looks a little like this: 

At Bella Cucina, we create a warm, family-friendly dining experience that brings people together over hearty Italian meals. Located in the heart of San Diego, we’re the go-to spot for families who want to enjoy time together without sacrificing quality or value.

Our menu features affordable, family-sized pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and Italian classics that everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—will love. We also offer convenient online ordering, delivery, and curbside pickup for busy nights. Whether dining in or taking a little taste of Italy home, we believe family time should always be delicious.

[Add online order button]

Google Business Profile 

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your restaurant's online storefront. A well-crafted description can entice potential customers and boost your local search rankings .

You want to keep it short and sweet here, highlighting the most important details—your cuisine, vibe and location. This is about getting potential customers the essential info they need to make a quick decision.

And, you’ll want to use those relevant keywords like your cuisine type, location and unique selling points to boost your visibility in local search results. 

In this example below, they use a quick sentence highlighting what their restaurant is all about—and they use keywords like “sandwiches” and “craft beer” to help show up in customers' search results for that type of food in Pacific Beach. 

Yelp “from this business”

Yelp for Business is such an important platform for reaching new customers, and adding a great description really helps you stand out. Here’s how I recommend doing it and some tips to make it effective:

When you log in to Yelp for Business, head over to the "Business Information" section. You’ll see a spot labeled “From the Business”—this is where you’ll add your description. This is your chance to share your story and highlight what makes your restaurant special.

This is often the first thing people see when looking at a Yelp page, so here are some elements I recommend including: 

• Cuisine: Talk about your most popular or unique dishes.
• Atmosphere: Let people know what kind of experience they can expect when they visit.
• Specialties: Mention any signature dishes or unique offerings, like your family-sized meals or seasonal specials.

Here’s an example of a Yelp description that would be well-suited for Bella Cucina: 

At Bella Cucina, we’re all about bringing families together over delicious Italian meals in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of San Diego, we’ve become the go-to spot for families looking to enjoy time together without sacrificing quality or value.

Our menu features affordable, family-sized pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and Italian classics that everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—will love. Whether you’re dining in with us or grabbing a meal to go with our easy online ordering and delivery options, we believe that family time should always be delicious.

Come experience the warmth of Bella Cucina—where every meal feels like home.

Third-party delivery apps 

When it comes to third-party delivery apps , you might not have room for an extensive restaurant description like on your website or About Page. However, you can still make an impact by adding descriptions to your specific menu items. Here are some tips to take full advantage of this space:

• Highlight specific ingredients: Be sure to mention any unique or high-quality ingredients that set your dishes apart. For example, instead of just "Margherita Pizza," describe it as “Wood-fired pizza topped with fresh, locally sourced mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.”
• Get as descriptive as possible: Use vivid, sensory words to create a mouthwatering image for customers. Instead of saying “Spaghetti with meatballs,” try “Handmade spaghetti topped with tender, slow-cooked meatballs, all covered in our rich, house-made marinara sauce.”
• Add serving sizes if applicable: This tells customers exactly what to expect and can be particularly helpful for families or larger groups. For example, “Family-sized lasagna—serves 4-6.” 

By optimizing your menu descriptions, you’ll not only capture attention but also help customers make confident choices that lead to higher satisfaction—and more orders.

Social media 

Think punchy and engaging. This is where you can have fun with your description, using a more casual tone to connect with your audience. Keep it brief, but showcase your vibe and food in a way that catches attention fast. You can also get creative with emojis: 

🍝 Discover Bella Cucina! 🍕

Craving delicious, handmade Italian food with a family-friendly vibe? Come join us in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. 🇮🇹❤️

From our hand-tossed pizzas to family-sized pasta dishes, we’ve got something for everyone.

📍 [Address]

🔗 Order Online: [Website link]

📞 Call to order: [Phone Number]

Examples of strong restaurant descriptions 

If you need some more inspiration as you’re creating your restaurant description, look no further! Here are some examples of my favorites that are featured and why they work:

1. Metro Pizza lets their history shine 

I love Metro Pizza’s about page because their description roots the brand in a deep sense of history and tradition, starting with the origin of pizza in America and connecting it to their family’s journey. 

The description highlights the values of family, craftsmanship and community, giving readers a personal connection to the brand. It also creates a nostalgic atmosphere by tying the pizza experience to universal memories of family gatherings and local pizzerias. 

Why it works: ​​It ties the brand’s history to the broader story of pizza in America while making the experience feel personal and community-focused.

2. Chipotle highlights the quality of ingredients 

What I love about Chipotle’s homepage is the video playing in the background. It instantly grabs your attention by showing fresh, hand-prepped ingredients in action. This, paired with their description, really drives home how much they care about quality and transparency. You can see exactly what sets them apart: delicious, responsibly sourced food made right in front of you. It’s a great way to connect the visuals with the message.

Why it works: Chipotle's use of video with their description makes their commitment to fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients feel real and immediate, creating a strong connection between the brand and customers who care about quality and transparency.

3. Salt & Straw Ice Cream showcases their values 

Salt & Straw has nailed it with their storytelling approach on their About page. It's all about connecting with people on a personal level and sharing a genuine passion.

It starts with a mission statement, then leads into a personal and relatable narrative, explaining the founders' journey and how their vision for a neighborhood gathering place came to life through ice cream. By sharing their story, they make the brand feel human and authentic.

They also do a fantastic job of showing their values, from sourcing local ingredients to supporting community causes. This makes you feel like you're part of something bigger than just enjoying ice cream—you're supporting artisans, sustainability and important social causes.

Why it works: The page blends personal storytelling, brand values and a playful tone to create an emotional connection with the reader, making the brand feel both authentic and inviting. 

4. Sushi Me Rollin’ shows their passion 

What I love about Sushi Me Rollin's description is how fun and true to the brand it feels. They keep it casual with clever phrases like "we're not your average sushi joint," making them approachable and unique.

Plus, they really emphasize fresh ingredients and put a personal touch on everything they do. They also highlight that they were voted by sushi in their neighborhood. You can feel their passion for sushi, and it all comes across as genuine and inviting.

Why it works: The casual, fun tone makes Sushi Me Rollin feel approachable and authentic, helping customers instantly connect with their laid-back yet passionate vibe.

5. Shake Shack shares their journey

Shake Shack does a great job of sharing their journey from a single hot dog cart in New York to an internationally known brand. They emphasize their commitment to high-quality ingredients and community while also reflecting their fun, casual vibe. Their story feels approachable and authentic, appealing to customers who value both quality and a good time.

It feels genuine and makes you want to be part of their crew. Plus, their fun, laid-back vibe is contagious. It's clear they care about more than just burgers—they want to create a good time for everyone.

Why it works: Shake Shack inspires customers with a story of humble beginnings and shares how they give back to the community.

6. Sweetgreen emphasizes sustainability 

Sweetgreen's restaurant description focuses on their mission of connecting people with real food. They emphasize their values, such as sustainability, sourcing locally and supporting healthy lifestyles. Their focus on transparency, with stories about their farmers and suppliers, helps customers feel connected to the brand and its ethical choices.

Why it works: Sweetgreen’s focus on sustainability and transparency really connects with people who care about making ethical food choices. It helps build trust and creates a stronger, more personal connection with the brand.

Impress customers with your restaurant description  

Wowing customers with your restaurant description starts with crafting a clear, compelling story that captures your unique essence. By following my recommended tips, you’ll create a description that doesn’t just attract visitors but turns them into loyal patrons who keep coming back. 

If you want to level up your online presence, let’s partner up. Owner.com's AI-powered website builder can help you create a professional-looking site that drives more direct online orders customers. If that sounds good, schedule a free demo to talk with our team. 

About the author

Co-founder, CEO of Owner

Adam is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, particularly in the restaurant industry. He believes that small business owners are heroes in their communities and is dedicated to supporting them achieve their goals.

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Former President Donald J. Trump used his social-media website on Wednesday to amplify a crude remark about Vice President Kamala Harris that suggested Ms. Harris traded sexual favors to help her political career.

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