That's what I meant. Be up-front with a restaurant owner that might have the need for photography. Tell them that you're just starting out and offer to do a trade with them. They prepare the food, you shoot it. Give them big files, encourage them to print up posters or table tent cards. I know that's counter to much of the thinking here, but there's value in your producing real samples to show other restaurants, imo.
Scout the location ahead of time to be prepared when you walk in as to what conditions you'll be working with. Schedule it for a time when the restaurant isn't busy. Have a conversation with the chef about what plates you'll be shooting. this will give you the opportunity to do a little research (google images) from which you can develop specific ideas to execute.Pay attention when you're looking through your camera, don't be afraid to ask the chef to move a things as you see the need....right down to making sure the plates are clean.
An easy way to shoot the job is to find a spot that has access to some window light. Bring a few fill cards and the means to support them. Back or side light with a fill ard will do a lot. Reasonably large apertures, paying attention to what's the most important element of the food and you should be good to go. Get close, but not so close that it becomes abstract, but let the background (if there is any) elements simply provide a backdrop or context.
Best of luck-
