Neighbourhood communities need little encouragement to support neighbourhood restaurants. Create a conversation, showcase pictures on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (plus market your #hashtag) and your customers will review, share and refer if it is easy and rewarded.
Creating a following is about inspiring your community to do so. It's easy - give them something to brag about to their friends, followers and connections. All too soon their friends, followers and connections will become yours and you will have established an audience for your events, specials, discount vouchers and coupons.
By way of an example see what some neighbourhood restaurants have achieved.