Restaurants live and die on local discovery and repeat visits. Diners decide in minutes, usually from a phone, by looking at photos, the menu, reviews and how easy it is to book. “Restaurant marketing” averaged about US$34 per click in Canada, and “catering” draws about 14,800 searches a month. This guide covers the channels that fill tables in Canada, from the map pack to delivery apps, email and events, plus the rules on menus, alcohol and pricing.
Win “near me” searches
- Choose the most specific cuisine category on your Google Business Profile and keep hours, holiday hours and the menu current.
- Add the reservation and order links directly to the profile.
- Upload real, appetizing photos of dishes, the room and the patio, and refresh them with each menu change.
- Reply to every review, and use feedback to fix what customers mention.
Read the Google Business Profile optimization guide.
A website that turns lookers into diners
| Must have | Why |
|---|---|
| Menu as a web page, not only a PDF | Loads fast on phones and can rank in search |
| Reservation button in the header | Captures the decision immediately |
| Direct online ordering | Avoids paying commission on every order |
| Private events and catering pages | High value bookings with separate search demand |
| Location, parking and transit details | Removes the last reason not to come |
We help restaurants win local searches, reservations and repeat guests.
Our post on what every restaurant website needs goes deeper.
Delivery apps versus direct ordering
Delivery apps bring new customers but take a commission on every order. Use them for discovery, and move repeat customers to direct ordering with your own app or website, loyalty rewards and email offers sent with consent. See our app development for restaurants.
Social media and content
- Short videos of dishes being made, the team and the atmosphere.
- Seasonal menu launches and limited time specials.
- Local creator visits, clearly disclosed. See influencer marketing rules.
- Events: trivia nights, tasting menus, chef collaborations.
Turn first visits into regulars
- Collect emails and phone numbers with consent through reservations and WiFi sign in.
- Birthday and anniversary offers.
- A simple loyalty program.
- Follow up with private event and catering clients after every booking.
Rules restaurants should know
- In Ontario, food service chains with 20 or more locations must post calories on menus under the Healthy Menu Choices Act.
- Alcohol advertising in Ontario follows the AGCO’s advertising standards; avoid promoting excessive drinking.
- Advertised prices must include mandatory fees; hidden service or delivery charges can count as drip pricing under the Competition Act.
- Allergen and dietary claims, such as gluten free, must be accurate.
- Marketing emails and texts need CASL consent.
Paid ads that work for restaurants
Search ads for catering, private events and “restaurant near me” during dinner decision times, and social ads for launches and events, measured on reservations and orders. See the industry CPC study.
See our restaurant advertising and marketing service.
Frequently asked questions
How do restaurants get more customers?
Win near me searches with a complete Business Profile, make booking and ordering easy, post real food content and turn first visits into regulars.
Should a restaurant menu be a PDF?
Use a web page menu. It loads faster on phones and can rank in search.
Are delivery apps worth it?
They help discovery but take commission, so move repeat customers to direct ordering.
Do Ontario restaurants have to show calories?
Food service chains with 20 or more locations in Ontario must post calories.
Can restaurants add service fees to advertised prices?
Mandatory fees should be included in advertised prices to avoid drip pricing concerns.
How do restaurants build loyalty?
Consent based email and text offers, birthday rewards and a simple loyalty program.
Do influencer visits need disclosure?
Yes, any free meals or payment must be clearly disclosed.
What pages should a restaurant website have?
Menu, reservations, online ordering, private events, catering and location details.
Are Google Ads worth it for restaurants?
Often for catering and private events, and for near me searches at decision times.
What are the rules on alcohol advertising in Ontario?
The AGCO sets advertising standards. Avoid promoting excessive or irresponsible drinking.
