Here’s how to upload images to Zomato in 2026 and avoid them being rejected — based on official guidelines and what’s actually accepted on the platform:
1. Use Real Photos — No AI or Stock
Only real photos of your food, restaurant space, and facade will be accepted. Zomato has banned AI-generated food images because they mislead users and lead to complaints. They actively detect and reject AI photos.
Do not upload stock images from the web or Google — these are rejected as copyright infringement.
2. Follow Zomato’s Photo Guidelines
Zomato groups photos into facade, ambience, and food — and they expect certain types of visuals:
What’s Allowed
Facade/Exterior shots — show the restaurant front and sign.
Ambience interior photos — seating, lighting, atmosphere.
Food photos of dishes — representing actual items you serve.
What’s Not Allowed
Photos with people’s faces in them.
Blurry, shaky, out-of-focus shots.
Collages or multiple photos in one frame.
Watermarks, logos, text over the image.
Photos of half-eaten food, behind-the-scenes prep, or irrelevant subjects.
Packaged or takeaway food shots unless that’s how it’s served.
3. Image Quality and Format
Formats: Only JPEG and PNG.
Resolution: High-resolution images — especially for cover photos (e.g., 1200×600 or greater) — look better and are more likely to be accepted.
4. Upload Through the Proper Zomato Interface
For business/restaurant uploads, use the Zomato Partner/Restaurant Dashboard or the Zomato app’s upload feature — don’t try random third-party tools.
Make sure you’re logged into your correct account (restaurant owner or partner account if it’s a business listing).
5. Ensure Relevance and Context
Photos should clearly show what diners care about — what the dish looks like when served and what the restaurant atmosphere is like. Zomato moderates based on what’s useful to users.
Extra Tips to Avoid Rejection
A.Take photos in good daylight or soft lighting — avoid harsh flash or glare.
B. Frame the food attractively — center the dish and crop out distractions.
C.Use a decent phone camera or a simple DSLR — sharp, colourful, well-lit photos get accepted more.
If you’re a restaurant, consider Zomato’s photo support services — they sometimes offer photoshoots to partners.
