In the HoReCa industry, branding plays a crucial role: it shapes the first impression, sets the emotional tone, and helps businesses stand out. In a highly competitive environment, cafés and restaurants need more than just a beautiful logo — they require a comprehensive brand identity from top branding agencies that reflects the philosophy of the establishment, its atmosphere, and uniqueness.
How to сhoose a top branding agency?
Choosing a top branding agency is a strategic decision that directly impacts the success of your HoReCa project. Branding isn’t just an interior design or packaging — it’s a complete system of perception that shapes how customers relate to your establishment. That’s why it’s important to look beyond portfolios and assess the agency’s depth of industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and ability to work with emotional storytelling.
When choosing one from the list of top branding agencies, it’s essential to consider not only their portfolio and visual style but also their working methods and team composition. The agency’s approach, whether research-driven, strategic, or creative, determines the depth and effectiveness of the final result. Agencies that begin with analyzing the target audience, competitive landscape, and business goals are able to build brands that drive growth, not just look appealing. The team is more than just designers, it includes strategists, copywriters, art directors, and marketers, each playing a vital role in shaping the final product. The stronger and more cohesive the team, the more accurately your venue’s positioning, atmosphere, and values will be conveyed. That’s why, when selecting an agency, you should always pay attention to their methodology and team — these are the true foundations of successful branding.
Why niche expertise matters
Niche top branding agencies that specialize in HoReCa offer distinct advantages. First, they understand the specifics of the hospitality industry — from guest psychology to the nuances of menu design, interior layout, and service flow. Second, they create brands that don’t just look good but actually perform — increasing average check size, boosting loyalty, and supporting expansion. Their experience helps avoid common pitfalls, like overly complex visuals or ineffective navigation.Moreover, specialization means they’re tuned into current trends — from sustainable design to gastro-minimalism. These agencies dive into your task faster, speak your language, and offer solutions tailored to real business processes. If you’re launching a café, food hall, or boutique hotel, it’s smarter to choose someone who’s done it before and knows how to turn atmosphere into brand.
Below is a list of the 12 top branding agencies that have proven themselves in HoReCa branding in 2025:
1. Moloko Branding Sidekicks
Moloko Branding Sidekicks is an international top branding agency specializing in branding, design, and strategic brand development. They call themselves “branding sidekicks” — partners who help businesses stand out, grow, and play a unique role in the market. Unlike traditional agencies, Moloko focuses on collaboration and deep involvement: they don’t just deliver visual solutions, they become an integral part of the client’s team.
- Locations: Lithuania
- Year established: 2016
- Notable branding projects: Louise Prima, Moss, Porsabor.
- Awards: 3 Red Dot Awards.
- Methodologies: Communication Compass, Evidence-Based Design
- Capabilities: brand strategy, brand architecture, verbal & visual identity, brand guidelines, brand experience
- Portfolio: https://mlk.global/works/
2. Mucca
Mucca is a creative branding agency based in New York, founded over 20 years ago, with a strong focus on restaurants, hotels, gastronomy, and retail. They describe themselves as creators of “unboring brands” — brands that don’t follow trends but instead shape their own cultural and visual identity.
- Locations: New York, USA
- Year established: 1999
- Notable branding projects: Tin Building by Jean-Georges, Sant Ambroeus, Brooklyn Fare, Whole Foods Market (NYC)
- Awards: Communication Arts, Type Directors Club, AIGA, Graphis
- Methodologies: “Grain of Truth”, Narrative-driven branding, Deep cultural and strategic immersion
- Capabilities: Brand strategy, Brand architecture, Verbal & visual identity, Brand guidelines, Brand experience, Packaging & signage, Typography & naming
- Portfolio: https://www.mucca.com/work
3. OCD
OCD Studio is a creative agency based in London and New York, known for building bold, culturally driven brands, campaigns, and content experiences. They describe themselves as an “underdog agency” — lean, ambitious, and uncompromising in their creative execution.
- Locations: London, UK & New York, USA
- Year established: 2020
- Notable branding projects: Strafford Self Drive, Aynk Physio, Together, Alone Records, Motus VFX
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: minimalism, idea-driven focus, no gimmicks and no B-teams.
- Capabilities: Brand strategy, Campaign development, Verbal & visual identity, Motion design, Videography, Photography, Paid media, Website design
- Portfolio:https://www.behance.net/ocd-studios
4. Cohere
Cohere is a boutique creative agency founded in 2007 and headquartered in Philadelphia, with additional offices in Baltimore, Princeton, New York City, and Miami. They specialize in branding and marketing for the hospitality, food, and real estate sectors, crafting experiences that connect deeply with local communities.
- Locations: Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Year established: 2007
- Notable branding projects: Pastis Miami, Minetta Tavern & Lucy Mercer Bar (Washington D.C.), Di Bruno Bros. Marketplace
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: Community-rooted brand building.
- Capabilities: Full-cycle Branding
- Portfolio: coheremade.com/work
5. Eat with your eyes
Eat With Your Eyes is a UK-based creative agency specializing in branding and marketing for the food and drink industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bedford, England, they focus on helping food retail brands stand out through bold design, strategic messaging, and immersive customer experiences.
- Locations: Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Year established: 2013
- Notable branding projects: The Real Greek, Chopstix, Coco di Mama
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: Food-first creative thinking
- Capabilities: Full-cycle Branding
- Portfolio: eatwithyoureyes.co.uk/work
6. All good NYC
All Good NYC is a boutique creative agency based in Brooklyn, New York, specializing in branding, design, and content creation for the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Founded in 2014, they’ve built a reputation for crafting visually rich identities and premium storytelling that resonate across physical and digital spaces.
- Locations: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Year established: 2014
- Notable branding projects: Café Carmellini, Bar Primi, Spindrift
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: Editorial storytelling, cinematic design, hospitality-first branding.
- Capabilities: Brand strategy, Verbal & visual identity, Packaging design, Photography, Art direction, Website design, Content creation
- Portfolio: allgoodnyc.com
7. Push
Push is a U.S.-based creative agency specializing in restaurant branding and marketing, with nearly 25 years of experience helping multi-unit restaurant brands grow across dine-in, carryout, drive-thru, and delivery channels.
- Locations: Orlando, Florida, USA
- Year established: 2000
- Notable branding projects: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Cinnabon
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: Data-driven marketing
- Capabilities: Brand strategy, Menu design, Merchandising, Social & digital campaigns, TV & print advertising, SEO & mobile app strategy, Employee engagement, In-house content studio (video & photography)
- Portfolio: https://pushhere.com/industries/restaurants
8. YellowFin
YellowFin is a UK-based creative agency specializing in restaurant branding and rebranding, with over 15 years of experience helping independent restaurants and small chains launch and grow successful hospitality brands. They believe a strong brand is essential not only for building customer loyalty but also for attracting investors and securing prime locations. They offer access to hospitality experts including chef consultants, property agents, restaurant accountants, and interior designers.
- Locations: London & Oxfordshire, UK
- Year established: 2008
- Notable branding projects: Ferma Farm Shop & Bistro
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: Food-first creative thinking
- Capabilities: Brand strategy, Naming, Visual identity, Menu design, Packaging, Marketing materials, Website design, SEO, Social media assets
- Portfolio:https://yellowfin.agency/restaurant-branding-agency/
9. Atomicdust
Atomicdust is a U.S.-based creative agency headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in restaurant branding, strategy, and design. With over 20 years of experience, they help restaurants craft meaningful brand identities that turn guests into loyal fans.
- Locations: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Year established: 2001
- Notable branding projects: Chicken Meets Rice, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Cottle Village Farmstead + Distillery, Crazy Bowls & Wraps, Yellowbelly, StartBar
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: Meaning-driven branding
- Capabilities: Brand strategy, Naming, Visual identity, Menu design, Packaging, Marketing materials, Website design, Social media toolkits, Seasonal campaign refreshes, Interior & exterior branding
- Portfolio:atomicdust.com/restaurant-branding-agency
10. Gourmet Marketing
Gourmet Marketing is a New York–based marketing agency that specializes in restaurant branding and promotion. With a deep focus on the hospitality industry, they help restaurants, cafés, and food service businesses create memorable visual identities and boost brand recognition through strategic design and performance-driven marketing.
- Locations: New York City, USA
- Year established: 2000
- Notable branding projects: Chicken Meets Rice, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Cottle Village Farmstead + Distillery, Crazy Bowls & Wraps, Yellowbelly, StartBar
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: They combine creative design with measurable marketing strategies
- Capabilities: Full-cycle branding
- Portfolio: gourmetmarketing.net/restaurant-branding
11. Ikon
Ikon is a luxury-focused restaurant branding agency based in London, specializing in crafting high-end brand identities and immersive dining experiences for upscale culinary establishments.
- Locations: London, United Kingdom
- Year established: 2009
- Notable branding projects: Porsche, Cartier, Westfield, Formula 1
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: Deep market and customer insight
- Capabilities: Full-cycle luxury branding
- Portfolio:https://ikon.london/agency-type/restaurant-branding-agency
12. BaseCreate
BaseCreate is a Hong Kong–based branding and marketing agency that specializes in restaurant branding for the food and beverage industry. They focus on creating immersive brand experiences that go far beyond just good food — integrating visual identity, messaging, interior design, and digital presence into a cohesive strategy.
- Locations: Hong Kong (with global reach)
- Year established: 2009
- Notable branding projects: Mandarin Oriental, Eatology
- Awards: —
- Methodologies: They use their own methodology
- Capabilities: Full-cycle branding
- Portfolio: https://www.basecreate.com/en/restaurant-branding-agency
In the HoReCa industry, smart branding is not just a visual facade — it’s a strategic tool that shapes how your establishment is perceived and determines its success in the market. Choosing one from a top branding agencies is an investment in the future of your project, and it demands attention to detail: from methodology and team composition to a deep understanding of industry specifics.
If you’re aiming for sustainable growth, strong brand recognition, and a meaningful connection with your guests, choose those who speak the language of HoReCa and know how to turn ideas into vibrant, functional brands.