Author
Taylor Brewser
Stop Guessing: The 50 High-Traffic Keywords Your Restaurant Website Is Missing
Most restaurant websites are beautiful, but empty. You have mouth-watering photos of your signature dish, but you lack the text that Google needs to understand what you actually serve.
Google can't "taste" your food. It can only read your text.
We analyzed thousands of search queries—from "gluten-free pasta" to "late-night delivery"—to bring you the definitive list of SEO keywords for restaurants. If these words aren't naturally woven into your menu or home page, you are leaving money on the table.
The "Modifier" Strategy
Before we list the keywords, you need to understand modifiers. Ranking for "Pizza" is impossible (you're competing with Domino's and Pizza Hut). Ranking for "Artisan Wood-Fired Pizza in [Your City]" is easy. Always combine a Core Term(Food) + Modifier (Adjective/Need) + Location (City/Hood).
The "Vibe & Occasion" Keywords
People don't just search for food; they search for an experience.
Romantic restaurants near me
Family-friendly dining
Best date night spots
Business lunch places
Outdoor dining / Patio seating
Dog-friendly restaurants
Private dining room for parties
Late-night food
Live music restaurants
Happy hour specials
The "Dietary & Niche" Keywords
This is the fastest-growing search category. If you offer these, shout it from the rooftops (and your metadata). 11. Gluten-free menu 12. Vegan options 13. Vegetarian friendly 14. Keto-friendly restaurants 15. Halal food 16. Kosher deli 17. Farm-to-table 18. Organic ingredients 19. Healthy lunch options 20. Dairy-free desserts
The "Service" Keywords
How do people get your food? 21. Order food online 22. Curbside pickup 23. Contactless delivery 24. Catering for events 25. Wedding catering 26. Corporate catering 27. Takeout restaurants 28. Breakfast delivery 29. Brunch spots 30. Reservation for large groups
Cuisine-Specific (The Long Tail)
Don't just say "Italian." Get granular. 31. Authentic [Cuisine] food (e.g., Authentic Thai food) 32. Best [Dish Name] in [City] (e.g., Best Pad Thai in Chicago) 33. Handmade pasta 34. Wood-fired pizza 35. Craft beer selection 36. Wine bar 37. Specialty coffee 38. Fresh seafood 39. Steakhouse near me 40. Sushi bar
The "Action" Keywords
These imply high intent. The user is ready to buy now. 41. Restaurants open now 42. Places to eat nearby 43. Lunch specials today 44. Dinner reservations 45. Gift cards for restaurants 46. Cheap eats 47. Fine dining 48. Tasting menu 49. Chef's special 50. [Your Neighborhood] restaurants
How to Use This List
Do not just copy and paste this list into the bottom of your website. That is called "keyword stuffing" and Google will penalize you. Instead, pick the 5-10 terms that best describe your business and write a blog post or a menu description about them.
Example: "Looking for gluten-free options? At Town Bistro, we offer a full organic ingredients menu perfect for a healthy lunch, located right here in [Your City]."
Check out more articles from our team
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