How to Run Ads for Restaurants in Bengaluru

Bengaluru—presumed India’s “Silicon Valley”—is a merger of cultures, cuisines, and the food choices of people. The restaurant market is thriving within the city, with thousands of cafes, fine-dining establishments, cloud kitchens, and Quick Service Restaurants catering to a plethora of consumers. Restaurant Ads in Bengaluru play a crucial role in helping these businesses reach their target audience and stand out in the competitive food industry

With so much competition in Bengaluru’s food market, in order to attract local foodies, techies, students, and tourists, a well-structured advertisement campaign is crucial. Whether you have a standalone cafe in Koramangala, fine dining in Indiranagar, or a cloud kitchen serving orders across the cities, a decent advertisement campaign can increase footfall, orders online, and awareness about the brand. This guide provides the best digital and offline advertising strategies, backed with the most recent stats and insights to make your campaign for the successful promotion of your restaurant in Bengaluru. 

Understanding the Bengaluru Restaurant Market

With the increasing tech industry and rising disposable income, Bengaluru’s restaurant business is on an upward trend now. However, to compete with over 12000 restaurants in the city, you would need a solid advertising strategy.

Key Market Insights (2023-24)

Consumer Behavior in Bengaluru

• 80% of Bengaluru’s users are on Google, Instagram or Zomato to search and find new restaurants.
• 55% of food orders are due to advertising by Swiggy and Zomato.
• 35% of diners go to a restaurant after being influenced by Instagram and Facebook ads.

Trending Restaurant Segments

• Cloud Kitchens – 40% annual growth attributed to online orders.
• Fine Dining & Roofoof Restaurants. – Are popular in Indiranagar, MG Road, and UB City.
• Cafés & QSRs – Much in demand in Koramangala, Whitefield, and JP Nagar.

Bengaluru’s Most Popular Food Zones

• Koramangala & Indiranagar: Mainly for youth and nightlife.
• Whitefield & Electronic City: Where the IT workforce and corporate employees thrive.
• Jayanagar & Malleshwaram: More family-oriented South Indian fare. 

1. Identifying Your Target Audience for Restaurant Ads in Bengaluru

This specifies the target group for restaurant advertisements. Knowing who your ideal customers are will also give high performance in your campaigns. The target audience in Bangalore, therefore, varies a lot in terms of eating habits or preferences.

Who Are They?

Young Executives and IT Professionals

• Food: Food-trucks, cafe snacks, corporate lunch.
• Ads: Google Search; LinkedIn Promotion; Swiggy or Zomato Ads
• Locations: Whitefield, Electronic City, Marathahalli

College Students and Millennials

• Food: Casual Dining, Street Food
• Ads: Instagram Reels, WhatsApp Promotions, TikTok Ads
• Locations: Koramangala, Indiranagar, Brigade Road

Families and Home Diners

• Food: Multicuisine, traditional meals, catering.
• Ads: Facebook Ads, Google Maps Promotions, and local newspapers.
• Locations: Jayanagar, Malleshwaram, Rajajinagar

Tourists and Foodies

• Food: Fine dining, rooftop restaurants, and theme cafes.
• Ads: YouTube ads; trips through Google; influencers.
• Locations: Mg Road, Ub City, and Lavelle Road. 

Related : How to Run Ads for Restaurant in Ahmedabad

2. Best Digital Advertising Platforms for Restaurants in Bengaluru

Given the tech-savvy nature of Bengaluru’s population, digital advertising proves to be highly effective, offering substantial returns on investment (ROI) for restaurant marketing.

a) Google Ads (PPC Advertising)

Google Ads enables restaurants to reach consumers who are actively searching for dining options within Bengaluru.

Best Google Ads Strategies

1. Google Search Ads (Text Ads)

Focus on high-intent keywords such as:

• “Best rooftop restaurants in Bengaluru” with 7,200 searches per month.  
• “Pizza delivery near me” attracted 5,900 monthly searches.  
• “Cafés in Indiranagar,” generating 4,000 queries each month.

2. Google Display Ads (Banner Ads)

• These are ideal for retargeting potential customers who have visited your website without making a reservation.
• For instance, a rooftop bar on MG Road could display an advertisement featuring: 
• “Happy Hour Deals – Buy 1 Get 1 Free on Cocktails!”

3. Google Maps Ads

• Enhance foot traffic by appearing at the top of search results on Google Maps.
• For example, a fine-dining establishment located in UB City might utilize a Google Maps ad stating: “Experience Fine Dining at Its Best – Reserve Your Table Today!”

b) Facebook & Instagram Ads (Meta Ads)

The Meta platforms serve as powerful tools for reaching restaurant patrons in Bengaluru, particularly younger demographics like millennials and Gen Z.

Best Facebook & Instagram Ad Strategies

1. Engagement Ads (Reels & Stories Ads)

• Promote time-sensitive discounts, new menu items or special events through engaging formats.
• For instance, a café located in Koramangala could create an Instagram Story Ad that says “FREE Brownie with Every Coffee – Today Only!”

2. Lead Generation Ads (For Reservations & Private Events)

• These ads work well for those specializing in fine dining or event hosting.
• An example would be a steakhouse situated in Indiranagar running an ad along the lines of:
  “Exclusive 4-Course Dinner at ₹999 – Book Now!”

3. WhatsApp Click-to-Chat Ads

• Facilitate direct customer engagement via WhatsApp to manage reservations and share promotions effectively. 
• For example, a Korean BBQ restaurant based in HSR Layout might run an advert saying:
  “Korean BBQ for 2 at ₹1,299 – Click to Book a Table Now!”

c) YouTube Ads (Video Marketing)

Bengaluru has hit big on YouTube food experiences.

Best YouTube Ad Strategies

1. Skippable Video Ads

• A new fine-dining restaurant to be launched may consider running a 30-second promo video of itself, focusing on:
• Live cooking experiences.
• Ambience & customer reviews.

2. Bumper Ads (6-Second Non-Skippable Ads)

• Bumper ads are very short and can accommodate ads for fast food shops and home delivery services.
• Example: “Craving Pizza? Order Now & Get 20% Off!”

3. YouTube Shorts Ads

• Incredible for viral marketing & behind-the-scenes kitchen videos.
• Example: A dessert café can produce a 10-second YouTube Shorts Ad showcasing its best-selling molten lava cake, etc.

3. Optimizing Google My Business (GMB) & Local SEO for Restaurant Ads in Bengaluru

Restaurant GMB optimization should entail correct business information, quality pictures, responding to reviews, and regular updates about promotions or events. The crux of local SEO rests upon appropriate keywords and local citations.

a) Google My Business (GMB) Optimization

A properly optimized Google My Business (GMB) profile brings your restaurant to the forefront of local searches.

GMB Optimization Tips

• Upload High-Quality Photos –  Uploading high-quality photos that show food, interiors, & ambience
• Encourage Customer Reviews – Google considers a restaurant a five-star functionality if rated 4.5+.
• Update Menu, Offers & Business Hours – Example: “Flat 10% Off on Lunch Buffets this week!” 

b) Local SEO Strategies

Use Location-Based Keywords

• “Best pizza places in Whitefield.”
• “Authentic South Indian food in Jayanagar.”

List on Local Directories

• Zomato, Swiggy, Justdial, Dineout, TripAdvisor.

4. Offline Advertising Strategies for Restaurant Ads in Bengaluru

The offline marketing techniques effective for restaurant promotions still hold significance today, especially when targeting localized audiences and older generations who may not be as active online.

a) Newspaper & Magazine Advertisements

Owing to Bengaluru’s high readership rates for newspapers, print ads become some of the best means to promote new restaurants, food festivals, and limited-time, special offers.

Best Newspapers for Restaurant Ads in Bengaluru

1. The Times of India – Bengaluru Edition

• Great for upscale dining, buffet promotions, and limited merchandise.
• Readership: 3.5 million daily readers.

2. Deccan Herald

• Best for multi-cuisine restaurants and corporate catering ads.
• Readership: 1.7 million readers per day.

3. Vijaya Karnataka (Kannada Newspaper)

• Best for South Indian restaurants, traditional eateries, and street food outlets.

Types of Newspaper Ads for Restaurants

• Classified Ads – Best for daily meal deals, promotional offers, and special occasions.
• Display Ads – Best for restaurant launches and buffet promotions.

Example Newspaper Ad:

“Weekend Special: Unlimited Buffet at ₹699- Book Your Table at XYZ Restaurant, Indiranagar!” 

b) Billboards & Hoardings

Bengaluru is a mobile city with millions of people travelling daily by metro, buses, and cabs. Hoardings are strategically set to attract walk-ins and local diners.

Best Locations for Restaurant Billboards in Bengaluru

1. MG Road & Brigade Road – Famous for Fine Dining and Rooftop Restaurants.
2. Koramangala & Indiranagar – Best for Cafés, Casual Dining, and Youth-Centric Restaurants.
3. Whitefield & Electronic City – Suitable for corporate lunch promotions and QSRs.

Billboard Advertising Costs in Bengaluru

• MG Road, Indiranagar: ₹5-12 lakh/month.
• Electronic City, Koramangala: ₹3-7 lakh/month.
• Outer Ring Road & Hebbal: ₹2-5 lakh/month.

Example Billboard Message

“The Best Burgers in Bengaluru-Visit XYZ Café in Koramangala Today!”

c) Flyers & Brochures Distribution

For localized restaurant marketing, flyers & brochures are often cheap and effective with regard to walk-ins and home delivery orders.

Where to Distribute Flyers?

1. Malls & Shopping Centers – Phoenix MarketCity, Orion Mall, Garuda Mall.
2. IT Parks & Co-Working Spaces – WeWork, Manyata Tech Park, RMZ Infinity.
3. Metro Stations & Bus Stops – MG Road, Jayanagar, Banashankari, Yeshwanthpur.

Example Flyer Message

“FREE Dessert with Every Meal – Visit XYZ Restaurant in Indiranagar Today!”

5. Influencer Marketing & Community Engagement

Influencer marketing helps restaurants reach a wider audience by collaborating with food bloggers and local influencers who can showcase dishes and experiences to their followers. Community engagement includes hosting an event for a local cause, and interacting with customers on their social media network builds customer loyalty and strengthens relationships. 

a) Collaborating with Bengaluru’s Top Food Influencers

Food influencers play a significant role in the discovery of restaurants and viral marketing. They are known for creating buzz for restaurants in Bengaluru, bringing forth several well-known food bloggers who can make considerable brand recognition for these restaurants.

Top Food Influencers in Bengaluru

1. Bangalore Foodies Club – 650K+ followers (Instagram Reels & YouTube food vlogs)
2. Bangalore Gourmet Club – 300K+ followers (Premium fine dining & luxury restaurants).
3. Namma Bengaluru Tindi – 500K+ followers (Kannada audience, street food reviews).

Example Influencer Campaign

A new MG Road rooftop bar teams up with Bangalore Foodies Club on an Instagram Reel: “Experience Bengaluru Best Cocktails & Sunset Views – First 50 Guests Get a Free Drink!”

b) Hosting Community Events & CSR Marketing

Restaurants that engage with the local community build long-term brand loyalty.

Ways to Engage with the Community

1. Sponsor Local Events (Tech Conferences, Food Festivals, Flea Markets).
2. Hold a ‘Food Tasting Day’ for Influencers & Customers.
3. Tie Up with NGOs for Food Donation Drives.

Example Campaign

A Gujarati Thai restaurant in Jayanagar can run a Navratri Special Promotion: “Celebrate Navratri with Traditional Gujarati Flavors – Special Festive Thali at ₹499!”

6. Retargeting Strategies for Restaurant Ads in Bengaluru

Most customers keep looking at the menus in different restaurants, but at that point, they don’t place their orders. Retargeting helps bring them back and convert them into paying customers.

a) Google Display Retargeting

• How It Works: Place ads in front of users who visited your website but did not place an order on the restaurant menu.
• Example:
  • A South Indian restaurant in Whitefield can retarget users with an ad::
    “Still Craving Dosa? Order Now & Get 10% Off!”

b) Facebook & Instagram Retargeting

• Dynamic Ads – Displays dishes previously browsed by the users to users.
• Lookalike Audience – Target new customers, based on past diners

Example Retargeting Ad

A BBQ restaurant in Indiranagar can run a retargeting ad:
“Unlimited BBQ Buffet at ₹799 – Reserve Your Table Today!”

c) WhatsApp Retargeting (Click-to-Chat Ads)

• WhatsApp is the number one business messaging tool in Bengaluru.
• WhatsApp Ads allow for direct customer engagement & instant bookings.

Example WhatsApp Ad

A dessert café in Koramangala can run a WhatsApp promotion:
“Buy 1 Get 1 Free on Waffles – Click to Chat & Redeem Offer!” 

7. AI-Powered Restaurant Marketing & Chatbots

AI-based marketing solutions will permit restaurants to automate booking, retarget customers, and provide immediate responses to inquiries from patrons.

a) AI Chatbots for WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger

• Best for: Taking reservations, looping in customers on FAQs, and pushing promotional discounts.
• Popular AI Chatbots: WhatsApp Business API, ManyChat, TARS Chatbot.

Example AI Chatbot Campaign

A fine-dining restaurant in UB City may want to employ a chatbot to accomplish:

• Automating confirmation of table bookings.
• Sending limited-time offers on WhatsApp.

8. Key Statistics for Bengaluru’s Restaurant Advertising

Bengaluru is seeing an exponential rise in its restaurant industry, with food establishments accounting for almost 25% of the entire sector across the city. The casual dining segment represents approximately 49% of the market, signifying strong demand from consumers. 

a) Consumer Behavior

• 80% of Bengaluru citizens use either Google or Instagram to see restaurants.
• 55% of food orders come via ads from Zomato and Swiggy.
• 35% of diners base their decisions on Instagram reels and Facebook posts respectively.

b) Growth in Digital Advertising for Restaurants

• Launching WhatsApp marketing increases restaurant bookings by 3 times.
• Instagram reels attract 45% more engagement than static food posts.

Conclusion: Restaurant Ads in Bengaluru

In order to reach out and grab the food market, restaurants need to take a multichannel approach to advertising:

1. Google Ads & Local SEO – To ensure ranking on searches.
2. Facebook & Instagram Ads – For viral engagement and brand awareness.
3. Influencer Marketing – Credibility and social proof.
4. Retargeting (Google Ads, Facebook, and WhatsApp) – Converting past visitors into customers.
5. Offline Marketing (newspapers and billboards) – Building local trust.
6. AI chatbots and WhatsApp marketing – Automating customer engagement.