For a restaurant, café, or fast-food business, a website isn't just an online menu. It's a direct channel for taking orders without paying commission to delivery marketplaces. If you're planning restaurant website design, here are the 8 features that actually lead to more orders, based on our experience building the online ordering site for Jan Fast Food.
Why a restaurant needs its own website
Marketplace orders usually carry commission, and you don't keep the customer's contact details. A dedicated site means customers order directly from you, their numbers are stored in your admin panel, and you can bring them back later with SMS campaigns.
8 essential restaurant website features
1. An illustrated menu with ingredients and tiered pricing
Show each dish with quality photos, ingredient lists, and multiple sizes (for example single, double, and triple-size pizzas) so customers know exactly what they're ordering without calling. This tiered pricing is available in our Professional plan.
2. Two fulfillment paths: pickup and courier
Let customers choose between pickup and delivery. For delivery, define the coverage area on a map and calculate the fee automatically from the order value, so managers never calculate by hand.
3. QR-code table ordering
Each table gets its own QR code; guests scan it, browse the menu, and order, with the table number attached to the order automatically. Result: shorter queues and less pressure on staff.
4. Flexible payment methods
Support online payment, card-to-card transfer with multiple cards, and cash for in-restaurant orders so no order is lost because of the payment method.
5. SMS notifications for customers and managers
Confirmation messages for new orders and a message when the courier leaves make the experience feel professional. Bulk SMS to past customers is also useful for promotions.
6. A simple admin panel and receipt printing
Managing products, orders, and payment status should require no technical knowledge. Printing official invoices and short receipts for thermal printers matters in the kitchen.
7. Speed and a mobile-first design
Most food orders come from phones. The site should open in seconds and have touch-friendly buttons.
8. Consistent brand identity
Brand colors and logo should be consistent across the site so it feels like an independent brand rather than a generic template.
Cost and the right plan
For most restaurants, one of our e-commerce website plans is a good starting point, and custom features such as QR ordering or a courier coverage map can be added as a custom project. For budgeting, read How Much Does a Website Cost for a Small Business, and for e-commerce fundamentals see How to Choose the Right E-commerce Platform.
Frequently asked questions
Will a restaurant website replace food-delivery apps?
Not entirely, but a dedicated site lets you grow the share of direct, commission-free orders.
Is this suitable for a café?
Yes. An illustrated menu, QR ordering, and SMS updates work well for cafés too.
Ready to launch your restaurant or fast-food site? Get a free consultation or browse our portfolio.