Paste any prompt into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini and replace the [BRACKETED] parts with your restaurant's details: dishes, prices, tone and neighborhood. Specific inputs get specific results, so name real ingredients and real events. If an answer misses, reply with a quick fix like "shorter" or "more playful". One honest warning: a chatbot does not know your recipes, so it can invent ingredients or allergen details. Always check menu copy against what the kitchen actually makes, and never let AI be the final word on allergens, food safety or health code questions. Keep guest phone numbers, card details and staff personal information out of the chat.
Menus and specials
Write menu descriptions
When writing or refreshing a menu.
Write short menu descriptions for these dishes at [RESTAURANT NAME], a [CUISINE AND STYLE] restaurant: [LIST DISHES WITH MAIN INGREDIENTS]. Each description should be 12 to 20 words, mention the two or three ingredients that matter most, and use sensory words without clichés like mouthwatering. Do not add any ingredient I did not list.
Name a new dish
When launching a new dish or seasonal item.
Suggest ten names for a new dish: [DISH DESCRIPTION]. Our restaurant is [RESTAURANT STYLE] and our menu names tend to be [NAMING STYLE] (such as simple, playful, or in Italian). For each name give a one line reason it fits. Avoid names that could be confused with existing dishes on our menu: [CURRENT MENU ITEMS].
Write a daily specials board
Before service, when specials change daily.
Write today's specials board text for [RESTAURANT NAME]. Specials: [LIST SPECIALS WITH PRICES]. Keep each line under 10 words plus the price, make them easy to read from across the room, and add one short line servers can say out loud to describe each special at the table.
Plan a seasonal menu
When planning a seasonal menu change.
Help me brainstorm a [SEASON] menu for [RESTAURANT NAME], a [CUISINE] spot with [KITCHEN CONSTRAINTS] (such as one oven or small prep space). Suggest eight dishes that use these in season ingredients: [INGREDIENTS], reuse prep across dishes to reduce waste, and fit a price point of [PRICE RANGE]. The chef will test and cost everything.
Write wine or drink pairings copy
For menus, server notes or a pairing night.
Write short pairing notes for our menu: for each dish in [LIST DISHES], suggest a style of drink from our list [DRINK LIST] and explain the pairing in under 15 words. Keep it friendly for guests who do not know much about wine. Only pair with drinks on our list.
Rewrite menu for a kids or catering version
When adding a kids, catering or group menu.
Here is our main menu: [PASTE MENU]. Create a [VERSION] (such as kids menu or catering menu) using the same dishes where possible. Suggest portions, simplified names and descriptions under 10 words. Flag any dish that would need changes to travel well or to suit kids, and let the chef confirm.
Reviews and guest communication
Reply to a negative review
When a bad review lands and you want a calm reply.
Write a reply from [OWNER OR MANAGER NAME] to this review of [RESTAURANT NAME]: [PASTE REVIEW]. Thank them, acknowledge the specific issue without making excuses, say what we are doing about it [ACTION TAKEN], and invite them back or to contact [EMAIL]. Under 100 words. Sound human, not corporate.
Reply to positive reviews in bulk
Weekly, to keep up with reviews without sounding robotic.
Here are five recent positive reviews: [PASTE REVIEWS]. Write a short, different reply for each one that mentions something specific they said. Keep each under 40 words, sign off as [YOUR NAME], and vary the wording so they do not look copy pasted or automated.
Answer a reservation inquiry
When emails or DMs ask about bookings and groups.
A guest asked: [PASTE MESSAGE]. Write a reply for [RESTAURANT NAME] that answers their question about [TOPIC] (such as a large party, dietary needs or private dining), explains our policy [POLICY], and gives the next step to book at [BOOKING LINK]. Under 90 words and welcoming.
Explain an allergen policy
When updating menu footers or website FAQs.
Write a short, honest allergen statement for our menu and website based on this: [YOUR KITCHEN PRACTICES]. Make clear we cannot guarantee any dish is free of allergens if that is true, and ask guests to tell their server about allergies. Under 80 words. Our manager will review it before use.
Handle a complaint at the table
For server training on recovering a bad experience.
Write a short script and three tips for servers handling this situation: [SITUATION] (such as a wrong order or a long wait). Include what to say first, when to get a manager, and what we can offer [WHAT STAFF MAY OFFER]. Keep the language natural and calm.
Thank you note to a regular
For building loyalty with regulars.
Write a handwritten style thank you card for [GUEST FIRST NAME], a regular who [DETAIL] (such as celebrated their anniversary with us). Keep it under 50 words, warm and personal, mention one thing our team enjoys about having them in, and include an invitation to [OFFER OR EVENT].
Marketing, events and social media
Plan a month of Instagram posts
At the start of each month.
Make a 30 day Instagram plan for [RESTAURANT NAME] in [NEIGHBORHOOD]. Mix dishes, behind the scenes in the kitchen, staff spotlights, regulars, events and local partners. For each day give the format (reel, photo, carousel, story) and a caption starter. Our tone is [TONE]. Present it as a table.
Promote an event
Two to three weeks before an event.
Write promotion for [EVENT] (such as trivia night, a chef dinner or live music) at [RESTAURANT NAME] on [DATE]. Give me an Instagram caption, an email to our list, a Google Business Profile post and a table tent card. Include price [PRICE], how to book [BOOKING LINK], and one detail that makes it special.
Write a slow night promotion
When you need more covers on slow days.
We are quiet on [DAYS]. Suggest five promotion ideas that fit [RESTAURANT STYLE] and do not cheapen the brand, such as a themed night or a set menu. For the best two, write a short social post and a text message for our list. Our budget for discounts is [BUDGET].
Script a short kitchen video
For short form video that shows off your food.
Write a 30 second reel script showing [DISH] being made at [RESTAURANT NAME]. List five to seven shots in order, short on screen text for each, and a caption with three local hashtags. Keep it fast, appetizing and focused on the process.
Write a newsletter
For a monthly email that keeps regulars coming back.
Write a short monthly email for [RESTAURANT NAME] subscribers. News this month: [NEWS] (such as new dishes, events, staff, hours). Use a friendly subject line, an opening line from the owner, three short sections and one clear call to action. Under 250 words.
Pitch a local partnership
When building local relationships for more traffic.
Write a short email to [BUSINESS NAME], a [TYPE OF BUSINESS] near us, proposing a partnership such as [IDEA] (such as a cross promotion or shared event). Explain the benefit for them, keep it under 150 words, and suggest a quick chat at [TIME OPTIONS].
Write a Google Business Profile description
When setting up or updating your Google listing.
Write a 750 character Google Business Profile description for [RESTAURANT NAME] at [ADDRESS]. Cuisine: [CUISINE]. Known for: [SIGNATURE DISHES]. Vibe: [ATMOSPHERE]. Services: [DINE IN, TAKEOUT, DELIVERY, PRIVATE EVENTS]. Mention the neighborhood naturally. Keep it factual and inviting, with no claims like best in the city.
Staff, operations and suppliers
Write a server training guide
When onboarding new front of house staff.
Turn these notes into a one page training guide for new servers at [RESTAURANT NAME]: [PASTE NOTES] (about greeting, order flow, upselling and closing duties). Use short sections and bullet points, and add five quiz questions at the end to check understanding.
Create an opening and closing checklist
For consistent opening and closing routines.
Create opening and closing checklists for [ROLE] (such as bartender, line cook or host) at [RESTAURANT NAME] based on these tasks: [LIST TASKS]. Order them logically, group by area, and leave a space for initials and time. Format so it prints on one page.
Write a job post
When hiring kitchen or floor staff.
Write a job post for a [ROLE] at [RESTAURANT NAME] in [CITY]. Pay [PAY RANGE] (including tips if relevant), schedule [SCHEDULE], experience needed [EXPERIENCE]. Describe the team and pace honestly, list duties in bullets, and end with how to apply. Keep it under 250 words and inclusive.
Email a supplier about a problem
When a supplier issue needs a written record.
Write a firm but polite email to our supplier [SUPPLIER NAME] about [PROBLEM] (such as late deliveries or wrong items) on [DATES]. State the impact on our service, ask for [WHAT YOU WANT] (such as a credit or a fix), and request a reply by [DATE]. Under 150 words.
Build a staff schedule template
When building next week's schedule.
Help me plan a weekly staff schedule for [RESTAURANT NAME]. Hours open: [HOURS]. Busy times: [BUSY TIMES]. Staff and availability: [STAFF LIST WITH AVAILABILITY] (first names only). Suggest coverage by role and shift in a table, and point out any gaps or anyone close to overtime of [OVERTIME RULE].
Analyze menu sales
When deciding what to cut, reprice or promote.
Here are our item sales and food costs for last month: [PASTE DATA] (with item, units sold, price and plate cost). Sort items into four groups: popular and profitable, popular but low margin, profitable but slow, and neither. Suggest one action for each group. Do not invent numbers; use only the data I gave.
Write a shift handover note template
So nothing gets lost between shifts.
Create a short shift handover template for managers at [RESTAURANT NAME]. Include sections for sales and covers, 86ed items, staff issues, guest issues, maintenance problems and tasks for the next shift. Keep it to fill in the blank lines so it takes under five minutes.
Questions people ask
How can restaurants use ChatGPT?
Most restaurants use it for writing jobs: menu descriptions, review replies, social posts, event promotion, job posts and training guides. It can also sort sales data you paste in and help plan staff schedules. It does not know your recipes or local rules, so check allergens, prices and anything about food safety yourself before it reaches guests.
What is the best ChatGPT prompt for menu descriptions?
List each dish with its main ingredients, describe your restaurant style, set a word limit and tell the chatbot not to add ingredients you did not list. That last line matters because chatbots like to add extras that are not in the dish. The menu description prompt above includes all four parts and works in ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.
Can ChatGPT respond to restaurant reviews for free?
Yes. The free plans of ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini can draft review replies. Paste the review, add what you did to fix the problem, and ask for a short, human reply. Read and edit each reply before posting so it sounds like you and never shares a guest's personal details.