Attract more diners with better OpenTable photos

People eat with their eyes first. In a world dominated by social media and online content, diners rely on images to decide where to book their next meal. They want to see how the food is presented, what the vibe is, whether the seating is comfortable, and what makes the restaurant unique. If your OpenTable restaurant profile isn’t answering these questions with high-quality, up-to-date photos, you’re likely missing out on hungry guests.

Here’s how to make your restaurant profile photos more impactful.

Best Practices for photos on your OpenTable profile

1. Horizontal photos work best on OpenTable for both your profile photo and your gallery in order to avoid your image being cropped and the subject lost. 
2. Upload high-quality files with minimum dimensions of 1280x720 px.
   • If your file size is too large, use a free image resizer, like Adobe Express to resize your file for you.

Showcase your best work
To stand out in a competitive dining landscape, your OpenTable profile should feature your very best photos. A professional photographer can help capture your food and space in the most appealing way possible. If that’s not an option, you can take high-quality photos with these tips:

• Ensure your photos are sharp and well-focused. A tripod, even for a smartphone, can make all the difference by reducing camera shake.
• Eliminate clutter or distractions so the focus remains on the food or space.
• Avoid hands in the shot, as diners may find it unappealing.

Recency is important
Diners expect content to be current, so make sure you’re updating your OpenTable photo gallery regularly—we recommend at least every three months. Exciting new menu item? Return to OpenTable to add it to your gallery. Bartender crafted a beautiful new cocktail? Make sure diners see it on your profile. 

Lighting is key
Natural light is your best friend for food photography. Position dishes near windows during daylight hours to reduce harsh shadows and minimize yellow tones. Turn off overhead or nearby floor lights for a cleaner look. 

Thoughtful composition
There are three main angles used in food photography: overhead, 3/4, and straight on. Whichever angle you choose, be sure to allow for some empty space in the image to minimize visual overload.

Overhead shots work well for flat dishes but should be taken from a perfectly top down perspective to avoid awkward framing.

Photo credit: Paradisaea

¾ angles are great for highlighting foods in bowls or dishes without much height.

Photo credit: The Marine Room

Straight on views are ideal for taller items like burgers or layered desserts, just be mindful of distractions in the background.

Photo credit: Lucie

Colors that POP
Vibrant colors against a neutral background grab attention, while monochromatic tones create a moody, sophisticated vibe. Be deliberate in your color choice to convey the right feel for your restaurant. 

Make it personal
What makes your restaurant stand out? Whether it’s a decadent dessert, a cozy dining nook, or bar seating with a view highlight the details that make your space unique. At a minimum, your photos should answer key questions diners have. 

• What kind of food can they expect?
• What is the ambiance like?
• What does the dining area look like? If there are multiple spaces, include them all?
• What style of drinks do you serve?

By following these tips, you’ll create a compelling and well-rounded OpenTable profile that not only draws diners in but helps them feel confident choosing your restaurant for their next meal.