economy
February 17, 2026
‘Food porn’: are sexy meal pics ruining the restaurant industry?
Swanky eateries are attracting an influx of influencers - whereas those that produce less varied and photogenic fare are struggling
TL;DR
- The term 'food porn' describes visually appealing food, often photographed for social media.
- Influencers are attracted to restaurants with 'Instagrammable' features, such as nice decor and photogenic food.
- Restaurateurs report influencers causing disruptions, including long waits in restrooms for photoshoots.
- The French bakery Poilâne has faced financial losses, partly attributed to an inability to compete with newer bakeries that have a stronger social media presence.
- Other factors affecting Poilâne include rising flour and labor costs, and a decrease in bread consumption in France.
- Restaurateurs seeking to attract influencers must invest in visually appealing elements, while others may need to re-evaluate their offerings or facilities.
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