12 Restaurant Email Marketing Templates to Boost Revenue

The key to successful restaurant email marketing is simple: If you wouldn't put it on your menu, don't put it in an email.

But, no need to worry – creating restaurant emails is easier than you might think.

From warm welcome emails to exciting event promotions, we've put together a selection of our favorite templates and mouth-watering emails from actual restaurants to inspire you.

And we'll walk you through how to adapt these ideas for your next email marketing campaign.

12 Examples of restaurant emails (+ templates) 

Before we get to the examples, it's important to remember that restaurant emails need to be responsive.

This means that the design and layout of your emails should adapt to whatever device your customers are using to read them.

Why is this important? Because most people check their email on their smartphones. If your emails aren't responsive, your customers will have to pinch and zoom in just to see the content.

This is a major inconvenience and it could make them less likely to open your emails in the future.

So, how can you make sure your restaurant emails are responsive? There are a few things you can do:

• Use a responsive email template. There are many free and paid responsive email templates available online.
  
  
• Use high-resolution images. Low-resolution images will look blurry on smartphones.
  
  
• Keep your emails short and to the point. People are more likely to read short emails on their smartphones.
  
  
• Use a clear call to action. Tell your customers what you want them to do, such as book a table, make a purchase, or follow you on social media.

>>> Need more advice on managing your social media channels? Click here. 

Welcome Mailers

The welcome email is the first one you'll send when a guest signs up for an email marketing campaign. Its goal is to warmly greet new clients and give them a sense of community.

• "A welcome email is your first chance to make a good impression on new subscribers. It's a chance to introduce yourself, explain what your restaurant brand is all about, and give them a reason to stay subscribed," says Elana Kroon, Senior Content Manager at Eat App. 

The welcome email can also be used to encourage customers back to your restaurant by demonstrating how simple it is for them to reserve a table, read more about your story, and follow you on social media.

Here are some sample themes and real-world email examples that your visitors would potentially like to receive from you:

1. A user-friendly design

Munchery's welcome email is a great example of how to use a simple design to create a welcoming and informative email.

It opens with a clear and concise message, "Welcome to Munchery," and then has three clear blocks of text with calls to action.

• Fun fact: Did you know that studies have shown that welcome emails have an average open rate of 50%, which is much higher than the average open rate for all emails (20%)?

This is a great example of how you can create a simple and effective welcome email for your restaurant or bar.

Here's how to copy Munchery's welcome email:

• Use a clear and concise subject line. The subject line is the first thing your subscribers will see, so make sure it's clear and concise. Something like "Welcome to our restaurant!" would be a good option.
  
  
• Use a strong visual. The first thing people will see when they open your email is the hero image. Make sure it's something that will grab their attention, such as a photo of your food or a beautiful landscape.
  
  
• Keep it short and sweet. People are busy and don't have time to read long emails. Get to the point quickly and make it easy for readers to find the information they're looking for.
  
  
• Include a call to action. Tell your subscribers what you want them to do, such as book a table, make a purchase, or follow you on social media. The more specific your call to action is, the more likely people are to take it.

>>> View our guide to 32 Best Restaurant Marketing Strategies (2023 Updates)

2. Provide what people crave... your delicious food

A great welcome email should catch the attention and engage the reader from the start.

This email template does a good job of this by using high-quality images of the restaurant's signature dishes and a clear call to action button.

How to copy the restaurant welcome email template with mouth-watering photos:

• Use high-quality images of your food. People are more likely to read an email if it includes attractive images of your food and drinks. Make sure your images are high-resolution and relevant to the content of your email.
  
  
• Keep it simple. The point of a welcome email is to welcome and make the reader feel like part of your community. Don't overload them with text.
  
  
• Include a call to action. Be clear and concise about the action you want them to take. For example, do you want them to "Reserve Now" and secure a spot at your restaurant? If so, include this in your call to action button. 

>>> Discover 34 restaurant email subject lines that will help your mailers convert. 

3. Embrace elegance through simplicity

This restaurant email template uses a hero image to introduce the restaurant and its specialties. As mentioned above, this mailer also includes a clear call to action, inviting the reader to take an action like, “book a table” or “confirm reservation”.

Tip: If you are using Eat App's platform, you can easily set up automated reservation emails within the software, using our powerful CRM system. 

>>> Want to know more? Request a demo today! 

To help you and your staff, you can also send out automated welcome emails to new subscribers, and include a link to your reservation system in every email.

How to copy the restaurant email template that showcases elegance:

• Use a strong visual. The first thing people will see when they open your email is the hero image. Make sure it's something that will grab their attention, such as a photo of your food or a beautiful landscape, or in this case, the unique Italian feeling you will experience when you visit the venue.
  
  
• Tell a story. What makes your restaurant special? What are you known for? Share your story with subscribers to help them connect with your brand.
  
  
• Include a call to action. Remember the more specific your call to action is, the more likely your guests are to take it.

4. What transpires when food-related photos attract interest

Wondering what sets apart this restaurant email template? The abundance of captivating images.

It's a visual delight that reconnects customers with their initial enthusiasm for your emails – their love for your cuisine and the memorable moments you curate.

How to copy the restaurant email template:

• Use high-quality images of your food. People are more likely to read an email if it includes attractive images of your food and drinks. Make sure your images are high-resolution and relevant to the content of your email.
  
  
• Keep it simple. The point of a welcome email is to welcome and make the reader feel like part of your community. Don't overload them with text.
  
  
• Include a call to action. A clear and specific call to action is essential for any marketing campaign. Tell your subscribers what you want them to do, and make it easy for them to do it.

Here are some additional tips:

• Use images that are relevant to the content of your email. For example, if you're writing about a new menu item, use a photo of that item.
  
  
• Use images that are high-quality and clear. People should be able to see what's in the image without having to squint.
  
  
• Don't overload your email with too many images. A few well-placed images will be more effective than a lot of small, blurry images.

5. Embrace Minimalism

A great welcome email doesn't have to be long.

This restaurant email template is a great example of how less is more. It opens with a simple "Welcome to [our] restaurant," a bit about their offering, and ends with your reservation number.

If your email platform requires confirmation, like a "Confirm Booking" button, don't miss the opportunity to personalize this part of your welcome flow.

Speaking of personalization, we love templates that use the guest's first name to make the recipient feel welcomed and valued. If you can, try and add their name at the top. 

For example, "Welcome to our restaurant, James".

Here are some other tips for writing a great welcome email:

• Keep it short and sweet. People are busy and don't have time to read long emails.
• Personalize the email by addressing the recipient by name.
• Use a strong call to action, such as inviting them to book a table or learn more about your restaurant.
• Use high-quality images of your food and drinks to entice recipients to visit.
• Track your results to see what's working and what's not.

>>> Want to know more about restaurant email marketing? Reach out to our team today! 

Restaurant newsletters

Restaurant newsletters are a great way to keep your customers updated on what's happening at your restaurant, promote upcoming events, and offer special deals.

They can also be a great way to build relationships with your customers and encourage them to come back for more.

Here are some of the best restaurant newsletter email templates and examples:

1. Spotlight the newcomers

Your newsletter is a great way to share news about your restaurant with your subscribers. This newsletter template is a good example of how to do this.

It opens with a hero image and headline that tells the reader exactly what the newsletter is about happenings and updates at your restaurant.

The image is a great way to showcase anything new on your menu or at your bar, and the call to action (CTA) button leads the reader to the website where they can learn more.

This template can be used for any type of newsletter, from monthly updates to special event announcements.

You can also use it to highlight new team members or behind-the-scenes stories from your restaurant.

Here are tips for highlighting newcomers in your newsletter:

• Use a clear and concise headline that tells the reader what the newsletter is about.
  
  
• Include a high-quality image of the newcomer.
  
  
• Write a short bio about the newcomer, including their name, title, and a brief description of their role at your restaurant.
  
  
• Include a link to the newcomer's social media profiles or website.
  
  
• Use a call to action button that invites the reader to learn more about the newcomer.

2. Leverage the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

This restaurant newsletter is a great example of how to use the seasons to influence your content and promote your new menu.

The newsletter is clean and easy to read, with enticing food images that make you want to book a table right away. The email also uses a strong call to action (CTA) at the top and bottom, making it easy for readers to book a reservation.

Here are tips for using the seasons to influence your restaurant newsletter:

• Highlight seasonal ingredients: Show off your creativity and portray fresh, local ingredients.
  
  
• Offer seasonal specials: Attract new customers and get them excited about your food.
  
  
• Host seasonal events: Create a sense of community and get people talking about your restaurant.
  
  
• Promote your new menu: This is a great way to let your customers know about your latest creations.

Related content: How to Elevate Guest Experience With Dynamic Menu Changes

Promotional emails for restaurant events

Email marketing for restaurant events has a lot of power. While many restaurants are turning to social media to engage with their customers, email marketing is still effective and crucial.

Let's examine restaurant email templates and discuss why you should use them for your upcoming event or promotional email.

Hint: Keep it basic when composing an email campaign to promote your pub or restaurant. Always be certain that the visitor understands clearly what you want them to do—make a reservation.

1. Images speak louder than words 

When you open an email about a wine tasting, you want to see wine.

This restaurant email template is a great example of how to do that. The email uses beautiful images of wine to capture the reader's attention and make them want to learn more.

The text is simple and to the point, providing only the essential information, such as the date, time, and location of the event.

If you're planning a wine tasting or other event at your restaurant or bar, you can copy this style. Make sure to include clear and attractive images of the event, as well as all the essential information.

You can also use a call to action button to make it easy for guests to book a spot.

This restaurant email template is a great example of simple messaging. It has a clear call to action, and it is easy to understand what the event is about.

TIP: For emails like this, you can also invite the recipient to bring a friend, which is an automatic upsell.

Inviting someone to bring a friend is a great way to get more people to attend your event. It also helps you spread the word about your restaurant or bar. And, if your event is free, you can still make money by selling food and drinks.

Here are some other tips for writing effective event promotion emails:

• Keep your messaging simple and clear.
• Use a strong call to action.
• Include high-quality images of the event.
• Personalize your emails by addressing the recipient by name.
• Use a subject line that is clear and concise.
• Track your results to see what's working and what's not.

4. Be concise and direct 

This email template is simple, clean, and to the point.

It doesn't get bogged down with unnecessary words or images. Instead, it focuses on providing the guests with all the information they need in a clear and concise way.

The hero image at the top of the email is eye-catching and relevant to the event. The event details are then listed below the image, including the date, time, location, and price.

TIP: Include a call to action button that makes it easy for guests to book their tickets.

This email template is a great example of how you can create an effective event promotion email without spending hours designing it.

By focusing on simplicity and clarity, you can ensure that your guests get the information they need and are more likely to book their tickets.

Here are some other tips for creating effective event promotion emails:

• Use a clear and concise subject line that will make people want to open your email.
• Personalize your emails by addressing the recipient by name.
• Use high-quality images that will capture the recipient's attention.
• Use a strong call to action that makes it easy for people to book their tickets.
• Test different versions of your email to see what works best.

Restaurant reservation emails

A restaurant reservation email is an email sent to a customer to confirm their reservation at a restaurant.

It typically includes the date, time, and party size of the reservation, as well as a link to the restaurant's website or reservation system.

When writing a restaurant reservation email, it is important to:

• Use a clear and concise subject line that will make people want to open the email.
• Personalize the email by addressing the recipient by name.
• Include all the relevant information about the reservation, such as the date, time, and party size.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Proofread the email carefully before sending it.

Here’s a template you can use:

Hi [name],

Thank you for making a reservation at [restaurant name]. We're looking forward to seeing you!

Your reservation is for [date] at [time]. We'll hold your table for 15 minutes.

We hope you enjoy our [cuisine] cuisine and our [specialty].

Can't wait to see you!

Sincerely, [Restaurant name]

TIP: Add a call to action button where they can update or cancel the booking. This will hopefully help you and your staff prepare for any [prevented] no-shows. 

>>>> Learn more about restaurant reservation confirmation emails here.

8 + tips for effective restaurant email marketing

• Use clear language and your restaurant's branding. Your emails should be easy to read and understand, and they should reflect the style and tone of your restaurant.
  
  
• Write a clear and concise subject line. Your subject line is the first thing people will see, so make sure it's clear and concise and tell them what the email is about.
  
  
• Use numbers or percentages in your subject lines. This can help to increase your open rates.
  
  
• Use emojis sparingly. Emojis can be a fun way to add personality to your emails, but use them sparingly so that they don't overwhelm your message.
  
  
• Personalize your emails whenever possible. This includes using the recipient's name in the subject line and body of the email.
  
  
• Send your emails on the right days. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the best days to send restaurant emails, while Saturdays and Sundays are the worst.
  
  
• Use high-quality photos in your emails. People are more likely to open emails that have attractive photos of food and drinks.
  
  
• Variety is key. Don't just send welcome emails and monthly newsletters. Mix things up with promotional emails, menu changes, and updates about opening hours and holidays.

Here are some additional tips:

• Use a responsive email template so that your emails look good on all devices.
• A/B test your emails to see what works best for your audience.
• Use a good email marketing service provider to help you manage your campaigns.
• Don't spam your subscribers. Only send them emails that they are interested in.

Takeaways

Restaurant email marketing is a powerful tool that can be used to connect with customers, promote your restaurant, and drive sales.

To create effective restaurant email marketing campaigns, use high-quality images and videos, keep your emails short and to the point, personalize your emails, use a clear call to action, and track your results.

FAQs

How can I build an email list for a restaurant?

How do I write a food promotional email?