Website or social media? What your restaurant needs
Facebook and Instagram do not replace your restaurant website. We explain why, and what it means for bookings.
Many restaurant owners say: "I have Instagram and Facebook, I do not need a website." That is understandable — social is free and easy. But for a serious online presence and for bookings, it is not enough on its own.
What social does well
Great for the dish of the day, photos from the kitchen, events, and quick contact with regulars. Guests can message you or leave a comment.
What it does not do (or does poorly)
- You do not rank as well on Google when someone searches "taverna [area]".
- There is no proper menu with prices — guests scroll old posts to find it.
- You cannot take online reservations; everything goes through DMs or the phone at peak time.
- If the account is closed or the algorithm changes, you can lose your presence.
The right strategy: both
Your website is your restaurant's "home" on the internet — with menu, reservations, and a QR code, stable and yours. Social is the window that catches the eye. Link them: from Instagram, send people to your site to see the menu and book a table.
If you only have social today, you do not have to choose. Keep it and add a website with a menu and online reservations. The cost and time for a professional page are much lower than most people think.