Restaurant Marketing in Saudi Arabia
If you’ve ever walked into a Saudi restaurant on a busy Thursday night, you’ll know one thing for sure: food is more than just a meal here; it’s culture, community, and increasingly, big business. From the shawarma stalls of Riyadh to fine dining concepts in Jeddah’s waterfront, the Kingdom’s food scene is exploding with possibilities.
But here’s the catch: with hundreds of restaurants opening every year, how do you make your place stand out? This is where restaurant marketing comes in, not just the traditional “word of mouth,” but also powerful strategies such as online marketing for restaurants, social media marketing for restaurants, and creative campaigns designed to boost restaurant sales.
And the timing couldn’t be better. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is reshaping the economy, diversifying industries, and opening doors for food entrepreneurs. Add to that the government’s support through the Culinary Arts Commission and digital transformation programs, and suddenly, restaurants have the tools and the audience they need to thrive.
In this blog, we will walk you through what’s working in Saudi Arabia right now:
- How restaurants are tapping into online platforms to grow,
- Why social media is the new menu board,
- Where a social media agency for restaurants fits in,
- And the smartest restaurant marketing ideas you can use today.
Grab your favorite gahwa (Arabic coffee) and let’s dive in!
The Food Scene & Government Support
Saudi Arabia’s restaurant industry isn’t just growing, it’s thriving. According to the Ministry of Investment, the Kingdom’s food service sector is one of the fastest expanding in the region, fueled by rising consumer demand, international franchises, and homegrown culinary talent. Restaurants are no longer just about eating out; they’re about experiences, and that’s where restaurant marketing comes in.
But here’s the best part: the Saudi government is actively backing this growth. Under Vision 2030, food and hospitality are recognized as key sectors for diversification and growth. That means restaurants, cafés, and even cloud kitchens are not only welcome but encouraged to innovate.
Key Government Drivers for the Restaurant Industry
| Initiative | Lead Authority | Why It Matters for Restaurants |
| Culinary Arts Commission | Ministry of Culture | Promotes Saudi cuisine globally and supports restaurant innovation (Saudi Government Portal) |
| Digital Transformation | Ministry of Communications & IT | Expands e-commerce and food delivery platforms, enabling online marketing for restaurants |
| Food Safety Rules | Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) | Ensures labeling, hygiene, and calorie disclosures, creating trust that can be built into restaurant marketing ideas |
| Investment Incentives | Ministry of Investment (MISA) | Simplifies licensing, encourages international partnerships, and supports SMEs entering the restaurant scene |
One standout move came from the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA): starting July 2025, all restaurants will be required to display calories, caffeine, and salt levels on menus. On the surface, this looks like regulation, but smart restaurateurs see it as a marketing opportunity. Imagine using these labels to showcase your healthiest dishes on Instagram or highlighting “guilt-free” menu options in your campaigns. That’s social media marketing for restaurants done right.
Events are also a big push. The InFlavour Expo, backed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, is now the largest F&B trade show in Saudi Arabia. For restaurants, these events aren’t just about networking; they’re stages for testing new concepts, building visibility, and discovering fresh restaurant marketing ideas that resonate with Saudi diners.
In short, the Saudi government isn’t just setting rules; it’s building a playground where restaurants can innovate, expand, and most importantly, market smarter.
Digital Shift: Online Marketing for Restaurants in Saudi Arabia
Let’s be real: today in Saudi Arabia, your restaurant doesn’t just live on the street corner, it lives on your customer’s phone. From food delivery apps to Google searches, online marketing for restaurants has gone from optional to essential.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to Saudi government digital economy reports, more than 90% of the population is online, and mobile penetration is among the highest in the world. That means whether your customer is in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, they’re scrolling, searching, and deciding where to eat based on what they see online.
Where Restaurants Are Winning Online
| Online Channel | Why It Works | Marketing Angle |
| Delivery Apps (Jahez, HungerStation, Talabat, Uber Eats) | Convenience, speed, and customer loyalty | Feature bundle deals, exclusive app-only discounts to boost restaurant sales |
| Google Maps & Reviews | Saudi diners rely heavily on location-based searches | Optimize your listing with photos, menus, and keywords tied to restaurant marketing |
| Websites & SEO | Builds credibility and drives direct orders | Showcase menus with calorie info (SFDA-compliant) + integrate loyalty programs |
| Email & SMS Marketing | Still powerful in the Kingdom due to high mobile usage | Share seasonal offers, Eid promotions, or “chef’s specials of the week” |
The shift to digital is also about data. Every click, every delivery, and every customer review is a chance to understand what your audience loves, and what they don’t. Smart restaurants are using this data not just to plan menus but to fine-tune restaurant marketing ideas. For example, if you see high repeat orders of a certain dish, why not build a campaign around it?
The government is pushing this digital shift too. Under the National Transformation Program, restaurants are encouraged to adopt e-commerce platforms and online payment solutions. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about giving businesses the infrastructure to market, sell, and scale online.
At the end of the day, online marketing for restaurants in Saudi Arabia isn’t just about being visible; it’s about being irresistible. With the right mix of delivery apps, SEO, and digital campaigns, restaurants can tap into the Kingdom’s tech-savvy population and truly boost restaurant sales.
Social Media Marketing for Restaurants: Winning on Instagram, Snapchat & TikTok
Think about the last time you tried a new restaurant in Saudi Arabia. Did you discover it while walking down the street, or did you stumble across a mouthwatering video on Instagram or TikTok? For most diners today, it’s the latter. That’s why social media marketing for restaurants has become one of the most powerful ways to attract, engage, and convert customers in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has one of the highest social media usage rates in the world, with platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok dominating daily life. According to official reports, more than 29 million Saudis are active social media users, which means your potential customer base is scrolling every hour of the day.
| Platform | Why It’s Popular in Saudi Arabia | Marketing Strategy |
| Visual storytelling & influencer culture | Post high-quality food photos, Reels, and “chef moments” | |
| TikTok | Short, fun, viral-friendly content | Share quick recipe clips, staff challenges, or “satisfying” plating videos |
| Snapchat | Real-time, casual updates (especially in KSA) | Behind-the-scenes kitchen stories, exclusive promo codes |
| Twitter (X) | Trending topics & food debates | Join conversations, promote new launches, highlight deals |
The beauty of social media is its ability to combine entertainment with marketing. A single trending video of your sizzling kabsa can bring in more footfall than a billboard on King Fahd Road. And the best part? You don’t always need big budgets; creativity wins.
Here’s an example: a small café in Riyadh recently ran a Snapchat “Guess the Latte Art” challenge. Customers had to share their guesses on social stories, tag the café, and winners got a free drink. The campaign went viral locally, leading to a 30% spike in weekend sales. That’s restaurant marketing magic.
The government also supports this digital wave through initiatives like the Saudi Digital Government Strategy, which encourages businesses (including restaurants) to connect with citizens through digital-first services. For restaurants, this means more opportunities to market directly where people are already hanging out on social platforms.
So whether you’re posting glamorous fine-dining reels or lighthearted shawarma wrap videos, social media marketing for restaurants is the modern-day menu board. Done right, it doesn’t just promote food, it creates experiences people want to share, and that’s how you truly boost restaurant sales.
Creative Restaurant Marketing Ideas to Boost Restaurant Sales
Here’s the truth: diners in Saudi Arabia aren’t just looking for food, they’re looking for stories, experiences, and connections. That’s why the best restaurant marketing ideas today go beyond “discounts” and dive into experiences people want to share online.
Let’s explore some creative strategies that restaurants across the Kingdom can use right now:
1. Menu Storytelling
Instead of just listing dishes, tell a story. Was your kabsa recipe passed down through generations? Did your burger concept come from a late-night idea with friends? Storytelling adds emotional weight to your menu and makes it more shareable online.
2. Seasonal & Cultural Campaigns
Saudi Arabia is full of cultural moments, Ramadan nights, Saudi National Day, and Eid celebrations. Restaurants that tie promotions and social content to these occasions see higher engagement.
3. Interactive Social Media Campaigns
Think contests, polls, and hashtag challenges. A Riyadh café once launched a “Snap & Share Your Latte Art” contest on Snapchat, and within days, their story views jumped by 50%. That’s the power of social media marketing for restaurants.
4. Loyalty Programs With a Digital Twist
Gone are the days of punch cards. Today, customers want app-based rewards, QR-code discounts, and personalized offers. This doesn’t just improve repeat visits; it turns casual diners into brand advocates.
5. Showcase Compliance as a Selling Point
With the SFDA now requiring calorie and ingredient transparency, restaurants can turn compliance into a marketing strength. Imagine running a campaign around “Health-Conscious Kabsa” or “Guilt-Free Shawarma Nights.”
Compliance & Trust: What the Saudi Government Requires
Here’s something every restaurant owner in Saudi Arabia learns quickly: compliance isn’t optional, it’s the foundation of your brand’s trust. But what many forget is that regulations can also be turned into powerful restaurant marketing ideas. By showing customers you meet (and even exceed) government standards, you position your brand as safe, transparent, and trustworthy.
Key Compliance Rules Restaurants Must Know
| Requirement | Government Body | Why It Matters for Marketing |
| Calorie, salt, and caffeine labeling (mandatory by July 2025) | Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) | Customers see you as transparent and health-conscious |
| Certified food safety expert in central kitchens (2025 law) | Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs | Signals professionalism and builds customer confidence |
| Fine dining licensing rules (no counter service, on-table only) | Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs | Shapes your brand identity for upscale positioning |
| Saudization quotas for staff | Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development | Promotes local hiring, which can be featured in campaigns |
Now here’s the twist: compliance doesn’t have to feel boring. Imagine promoting your menu with a fun Instagram series called “Counting Calories, Counting Smiles”, where you show off SFDA-compliant dishes that are both healthy and delicious. Or highlighting your Saudi staff in a TikTok “Meet the Team” series to show your support for Saudization.
That’s not just following the law; that’s social media marketing for restaurants done right.
At Squarepeg, we help restaurants turn these requirements into compelling content strategies. Whether it’s building campaigns around your calorie-conscious dishes or showcasing your certified kitchen safety, we make compliant digital marketing strategies that boost restaurant sales.
The Bottom Line
Restaurant marketing in Saudi Arabia is at an exciting crossroads. On one hand, you’ve got a booming food culture backed by Vision 2030, major government initiatives like the Culinary Arts Commission, and regulations from the SFDA that are reshaping the way menus are presented. On the other hand, you’ve got a young, digital-first audience that lives on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, constantly searching for their next food experience.
The message is clear: if you want to grow, you can’t just serve good food; you have to market it smartly.
The good news is that The SquarePeg knows the Saudi market, we understand the culture, and we specialize in helping restaurants just like yours cut through the noise. Whether you’re running a fine-dining concept in Jeddah, a casual café in Riyadh, or a cloud kitchen serving the whole Kingdom, we’ll craft strategies that not only get you noticed but also boost restaurant sales. Ready to grow your restaurant? Squarepeg is just a click away.
