A good restaurant reel does what a menu can’t: it lets people hear the sizzle and watch the pour. Here is what we plan for when we shoot short vertical video for restaurants, cafes and bars.

Hook them in the first seconds

People decide almost instantly whether to keep watching. Open on your most striking moment, like cheese being grated over pasta, a cocktail being poured or a steak hitting the grill, rather than a slow shot of the front door.

Show motion and sound

Movement and sound are what video has over photos. Pours, flames, steam, knives and plates landing on the table all make a reel feel alive. We capture the sound on set so it can carry the edit.

Shoot it vertical from the start

Instagram, TikTok and Facebook reels play full-screen in 9:16. Framing for vertical while filming, instead of cropping a wide video later, keeps the food large and centred on a phone screen.

Keep each restaurant reel short

Most strong reels are short and fast-moving. One idea per reel, such as a single dish, a new cocktail or a busy Friday night, is easier to follow than a tour of everything.

Plan around your service

We schedule shoots around your quietest hours and work from a short shot list agreed in advance, so the kitchen isn’t slowed down and every dish looks its best.

Thinking about reels for your restaurant, cafe or hotel? See our restaurant work or ask for a quote.