When people in Brooklyn or Queens search online for food, they don’t just type “restaurant.” They type exactly what they want — like “best Dominican food in Bushwick” or “vegan brunch near Astoria.” These exact phrases are called keywords, and they are the foundation of any successful SEO strategy.
If you’re a restaurant owner trying to improve your online visibility, understanding what your customers are searching for can help you appear in those results, increase web traffic, and fill more tables.
In this blog, XO Continental explains how to find and use SEO keywords that your local customers in Brooklyn and Queens are typing into Google right now.
Keywords are the words or phrases people use when searching for something online. In SEO, your goal is to use the same words your customers are searching for — so your restaurant shows up in the results.
There are two main types of keywords:
Short-tail keywords (broad): “pizza,” “sushi,” “Mexican food”
Long-tail keywords (specific): “best halal food in Jackson Heights,” “late-night tacos Williamsburg”
While short-tail keywords get more searches, long-tail keywords bring more targeted traffic and are easier to rank for — especially in a competitive area like New York.
Without keyword research, you’re guessing what customers might be looking for. With keyword research, you’re making data-backed decisions based on real-world search trends.
Here’s why it matters:
Attract the right customers
Increase your Google rankings
Boost reservations and orders
Understand customer intent (what they want to do)
For example, someone searching “family-friendly restaurants in Park Slope” is likely planning a group outing — and could become a repeat customer if your site matches their needs.
Start by thinking like your customer. What would they type into Google if they were looking for a place like yours?
You can use the following tools to validate keyword ideas:
Google Autocomplete – Start typing in search and see suggestions
Google Keyword Planner – Free with a Google Ads account
Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic – Great for long-tail phrases
Google Trends – Compare search volume and seasonality
Your own Google Business Profile Insights – Shows real-world search terms used to find your listing
Here are keyword examples based on borough, cuisine, and search intent:
Brooklyn:
“best soul food in Bed-Stuy”
“coffee shop with Wi-Fi in Williamsburg”
“rooftop dining Brooklyn”
“brunch near Prospect Park”
Queens:
“korean bbq flushing queens”
“Astoria seafood delivery”
“tapas bar in Long Island City”
“jackson heights indian restaurant”
Use keywords that describe your food, neighborhood, and what makes your place special (e.g., halal, gluten-free, outdoor seating, delivery, vegan options).
Once you know your target keywords, it’s important to use them in the right places:
Page titles (H1s): “Best Cuban Restaurant in Bushwick”
Meta descriptions: Write a short summary with the keyword
URLs: Use short, clean slugs like /best-tacos-brooklyn
Headings (H2s): Use keyword variations
Alt text for images: Describe images with your keywords
Paragraphs and blog content: Use naturally, not excessively
Menu page descriptions: Include dish names people search for
Using keywords thoughtfully throughout your site helps Google understand what your business is about — and when to show it.
Keyword stuffing: Repeating keywords too often sounds unnatural and hurts rankings
Using irrelevant keywords: Don’t rank for things you don’t actually offer
Ignoring mobile search: Most local searches happen on phones
Not updating content: Keep menus, hours, and posts up to date with seasonal keywords
Instead, write for people first — then optimize for search engines.
In New York, seasons and trends matter. Your keyword strategy should reflect this.
Examples:
“outdoor dining queens spring 2025”
“brooklyn holiday catering near me”
“queens restaurant week specials”
Creating seasonal blog posts or landing pages around these terms helps you capture timely traffic.
Understanding SEO keywords isn’t just for marketing agencies — it’s for any business that wants to be found online. For restaurants in Brooklyn and Queens, targeting the right keywords means reaching customers who are actively looking for exactly what you serve.
If you want help identifying, targeting, and optimizing for the keywords that will bring in more business, XO Continental is here to help. We specialize in SEO marketing for local restaurants across NYC.
Contact us today for a free keyword strategy session.
Let’s talk strategy. XO Continental helps businesses like yours improve SEO, increase traffic, and boost ROI through digital marketing that delivers results.
Book a Free Strategy Call
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