[Credit: www.simonesarta.com]
A successful Deliveroo photoshoot starts before the camera comes out. Choosing the right dishes, preparing them consistently and planning the order of the shoot can make the session smoother, and help your menu look clear and appealing to customers browsing online.
Whether you are updating a few bestsellers or photographing a new menu, this guide explains how to prepare your restaurant, your dishes and your team for the day.
1. Decide what the photographs need to do
Start with the purpose of the shoot. Are you launching a new menu, replacing outdated images or adding photographs to items that currently have none?
Make a list of the dishes you want to photograph and organise it by menu category, such as starters, mains, sides, desserts and drinks. If time is limited, prioritise:
Bestselling dishes
New or seasonal items
Dishes that are difficult to understand from their names alone
Items that look noticeably different from one another
Food that represents your restaurant’s style
You do not necessarily need a photograph of every item in one session. A focused selection is easier to prepare and helps you make the most of the available time.
2. Check the live menu before the shoot
Review your Deliveroo menu and confirm that every dish selected for photography is still available and described accurately. Check names, ingredients, portion sizes, sides, garnishes and any customisation options.
The photograph should represent what a customer can actually order. If a dish has changed since the menu was written, update the description or prepare the dish to match the version you intend to sell.
This is also a good time to check that the menu is easy to follow. Group similar items together and make sure each dish has a clear name. Accurate information helps customers choose and reduces confusion after they order.
3. Choose dishes that photograph well, and travel well
A delivery dish needs to look appealing in a photograph and arrive in good condition. Think about how each item behaves after it has been packed and transported.
Consider:
Which dishes hold their shape and colour?
Which items need sauces or garnishes packed separately?
Are any components likely to look different after a short journey?
Does the photograph show the portion and packaging customers will receive?
If a dish is normally served with a separate dip, side or topping, decide whether to photograph it in the same way it is presented to customers. Avoid adding ingredients or decorative details that are not included in the order.
4. Prepare a simple shot list
A shot list keeps the session organised. For each dish, note:
The exact menu name
The ingredients or details that should be visible
The plate, bowl or packaging normally used
Any sides or sauces to include
Whether it is an item photograph or part of a wider hero image
Deliveroo’s guidance distinguishes between item images and hero images. Item images should clearly show one menu item, while a hero image can show the variety of the menu. Deliveroo currently advises that hero images include at least five different dishes. Check the latest Deliveroo photo requirements before your session, as platform guidance can change.
5. Get the kitchen and ingredients ready
Set aside the ingredients and equipment needed for the selected dishes. Check that plates, bowls, serving boards and packaging are clean and in good condition. Choose a simple background and remove clutter from the area where food will be prepared.
Where possible, assign one person to coordinate the dishes and another to communicate with the photographer. This helps the kitchen continue working while the shoot stays on schedule.
Prepare dishes in a planned order. Items that wilt, melt or lose their shape should usually be made closer to the time they are photographed. Keep backup ingredients available for small last-minute adjustments.
6. Keep portions and presentation consistent
Consistency matters when customers compare items on a menu. Use the same portion sizes, ingredients and presentation that the kitchen follows during normal service.
Before the shoot, agree on the plating standard for each dish. Make sure the main ingredients are visible and that the whole dish fits comfortably in the frame. A clear, uncluttered presentation helps customers understand what they are ordering.
Avoid placing text, watermarks or unnecessary props over the food. The dish should remain the focus.
7. Plan for item photos and hero images separately
Item photos and hero images have different jobs.
An item photo should help a customer recognise one specific dish. A hero image should introduce the restaurant’s menu and show its range. If you are preparing a hero image, choose dishes with complementary colours and arrange them so that the food remains the main focus.
Allow space around the dishes and keep important details away from the edges. Deliveroo displays images in different layouts, so a composition that works in one crop may be cut differently elsewhere.
For current minimum dimensions and file requirements, refer to Deliveroo’s image upload guidance.
8. Keep the images accurate and authentic
Photographs should give customers a fair idea of what they will receive. Check that ingredients, portion sizes, packaging and presentation match the actual menu item.
Deliveroo’s current policy says that, from 9 October 2026, images created or materially changed using generative AI will not be permitted. Minor technical adjustments to genuine photographs may be allowed, provided they do not materially change the food or what is shown. Review the latest Deliveroo partner policies before uploading images.
Also make sure you have the rights to use the photographs on Deliveroo and on any other channels where you plan to publish them. Image licensing can vary, so check the agreed usage before reusing photographs elsewhere.
9. Use a short preparation checklist
Before the photographer arrives, confirm that:
The menu and dish descriptions are up to date
The selected dishes are available
Ingredients and backup portions are ready
Plates, bowls and packaging are clean
The kitchen knows the shooting schedule
The shot list is clear
The dishes will match what customers receive
Image usage rights have been agreed
A little preparation can make the shoot more efficient and help produce a consistent set of photographs for your online menu.
If you are planning a menu update or need professional images for delivery platforms, find out more about food photography for Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.