Best Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants

Having an online ordering system helps restaurants reach more customers. For diners, an app or website makes it easy for them to order food from their phones or computers.

While there are third-party food delivery apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub, these platforms often charge high commissions, reducing the profit margin for restaurant owners.

You can set up your own online ordering process that gives you more control over the customer experience and helps you keep more of your hard-earned revenue. 35% of customers also view ordering directly from the restaurant as the most reliable way to get food, which

By implementing a direct online ordering system, restaurants can build stronger relationships with customers and customize their ordering experience based on their business needs.

1. Toast – A comprehensive restaurant online ordering system

Pros

• Easy to navigate and set up
• All-in-one platform for ordering, payments, and management
• 24/7 customer support to help you anytime

Cons

• Minor integration issues
• Requires time to train your staff effectively

Toast helps your restaurant manage orders easily and boost your business. Restaurants using Toast’s online ordering system have seen 23% more sales compared to competitors.

The platform offers customizable restaurant online ordering that lets you create a unique experience for your customers. With Toast, you can reflect your restaurant’s brand through custom fonts and colors, making your online presence as strong as your physical one.

Features

• Connects seamlessly with your restaurant’s Point of Sale (POS) system, keeping all orders in one place
• Manage your own orders without relying on third-party services, saving on commissions
• A user-friendly interface makes it simple for customers to place orders online
• Get started quickly with Toast’s easy setup process

Pricing

• Starter Kit: Free, perfect for single-location restaurants needing 1-2 terminals.
• Point of Sale: Starts at $69/month, offering core features and support.
• Build Your Own: Custom pricing for full-featured restaurant online ordering systems tailored to your needs.

2. DoorDash – The leading online ordering platform for restaurants

Pros

• Makes restaurants visible to a large pool of potential customers
• Generate additional revenue from deliveries
• Promote special offers and new menu items directly through the platform
• Easy to use for both customers and restaurant staff

Cons

• Delivery orders through Dashers incur commission fees
• Mistakes in orders placed through the platform can lead to customer dissatisfaction
• Fluctuating delivery times
• Many competitors

DoorDash is a popular food delivery service that connects restaurants to their network of potential customers. With 37 million monthly active users, the platform provides restaurants an opportunity to expand their reach beyond traditional dine-in services.

Restaurants can also build their brand and acquire new regulars through commission-free online ordering done directly through their own channels. You can create personalized digital storefronts and track orders.

Features

• Customizable fonts and colors for branding
• Add a clear call to action to your website, social media, or other channels
• Personalized loyalty and gift card programs
• Connect DoorDash with your existing Point of Sale (POS) system
• Options for delivery through Dashers, pickup by customers, or curbside service

Pricing

• 2.9% + $0.30 per order. No monthly software fees and contracts.

3. Square – A simplified online ordering system for restaurants

Pros

• Easy to set up and navigate
• Offers a wide range of tools, from POS integration to customer loyalty programs
• Free plan available with no monthly fees
• Restaurants offering delivery options increase sales by as much as 93%

Cons

• Deeper customization options are limited
• Charges a processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per order
• Offers some SEO features but lacks advanced tools for optimizing your website’s search engine performance

Square is mainly a payment processing platform that also offers online ordering solutions. It simplifies the process for both you and your customers by providing an intuitive interface for digital menu management. Restaurants can easily upload menu items, set pricing, and customize their online storefront.

Square’s platform integrates seamlessly with point-of-sale systems, allowing for real-time inventory tracking and order management. The system supports multiple ordering channels, including websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms, giving restaurants flexibility in how they receive and process digital orders.

Features

• Customizable themes
• Connect with existing POS systems
• Manage orders from multiple locations
• Offer pickup, delivery, and curbside options

Pricing

• Free Plan: $0/month. Includes all basic features to start accepting online orders.
• Paid Plans: Starting at $29/month. Unlock advanced features like loyalty programs, advanced reporting, and more.

4. LightSpeed – A reliable restaurant online ordering platform

Pros

• Reliable customer support
• Third-party integration
• Flexible delivery options

Cons:

• UI needs improvement
• Occasional software bugs

LightSpeed helps restaurants grow by simplifying order management and improving customer experiences. With LightSpeed, you can handle restaurant delivery, takeout, and in-house orders all from one flexible system, making it easier for your business to thrive.

LightSpeed’s Order Anywhere lets you take and fulfill orders in one platform, whether they come from your website, social media, or phone.

Features

• Manage in-house and online orders in one place
• Automatically sync sales data and inventory across all dining types
• Options for self-managed delivery, commission-free delivery on demand, or last-mile delivery with Uber Eats.
• Use Uber Direct’s courier network without paying commissions or hidden fees
• Set prep times and control item availability

Pricing

• Essential Plan: $189/month. Includes core features to help your restaurant manage online and in-house orders effectively.
• Premium Plan: $399/month. Unlock advanced features like multi-location management, advanced reporting, and enhanced delivery options.
• Custom Pricing: Tailored solutions for larger restaurants or those with specific needs. Contact LightSpeed for a personalized quote.

5. TouchBistro – A commission-free online ordering system for restaurants

Pros

• Avoid third-party commission fees
• Easy to set up and navigate
• Comprehensive features from POS integration to loyalty programs
• Flexible delivery options

Cons

• Limited customization
• Difficult to set up an inventory management system
• Mainly designed for iPads, may add additional costs if you need more devices

TouchBistro is a restaurant management POS system that offers online ordering solutions. With the platform’s guest engagement solutions, you can accept orders directly through your restaurant’s website, social media, and more, all while keeping 100% of your profits by avoiding third-party commission fees.

Features

• Accept orders for pickup and delivery through your restaurant’s website, social media channels, and more
• Send orders to your POS system automatically
• Combine guest data with advanced email marketing to send targeted online promotions
• Update your online menu anytime, anywhere with TouchBistro Cloud

Pricing

• Guest Engagement: Online ordering solutions start at $50/month. Includes all basic features to start accepting online orders and manage them efficiently.
• Additional Solutions: Loyalty and Marketing starts at $99/month each, while reservations start at $229/month.

6. Squirrel Systems – An efficient online ordering platform

Pros

• Comprehensive features, including kitchen automation to advanced reporting
• Integrates with a wide range of hospitality systems
• Manage delivery your way with multiple integrated solutions

Cons

• Extensive features can make the initial setup and configuration more complex compared to simpler platforms
• Pricing may be prohibitive for smaller restaurants or those with limited budgets
• Some users find the interface less intuitive, requiring additional training for staff

Squirrel Systems combines powerful POS features with flexible online ordering. Its centralized order management platform provides real-time order tracking, simplified integration with existing restaurant management systems, and strong reporting tools.

Restaurants can customize their digital menu and set specific availability windows. Squirrel Systems focuses on reducing operational complexity while enhancing the overall customer ordering experience through efficient technology solutions.

Features

• Manage all orders from pickup, delivery, and in-house dining in one unified system
• Automatically route orders to the correct kitchen stations
• Access real-time insights with powerful reporting tools
• Connect with over 25 POS systems and 100+ partner integrations, including inventory management and kitchen automation systems.
• Handle delivery with self-managed delivery, commission-free delivery on demand, or integrations with services like Uber Eats

Pricing

• Squirrel Cloud POS Foundation Bundle: Starting at $2,425 USD. Includes a WS150 terminal, cash drawer, check printer, and wireless network router.

7. SpotOn Order – A small business-friendly restaurant online ordering system

Pros

• Intuitive and easy to navigate for both staff and customers
• Avoid commissions by up to 30%
• Flexible delivery options

Cons:

• Adding features or integrations can be expensive
• Customer service delays and inconsistencies
• Occasional system updates disrupting operating hours

SpotOn Order is a comprehensive online ordering solution that’s part of the SpotOn business software ecosystem. It’s designed specifically for small to medium-sized restaurants and provides seamless integration with point-of-sale systems.

The platform offers helpful features for small businesses to make their online ordering process easier. SpotOn Order focuses on creating user-friendly digital experiences that enable restaurants to manage orders efficiently.

Features

• Replace high-commission delivery apps with SpotOn’s low fixed rates
• Accept orders through your restaurant’s website, Google Business profile, and social media channels
• Encourage repeat business with SpotOn Loyalty
• Access DoorDash delivery at flat rates or manage your own delivery
• Keep your guests updated with 2-way text messaging, informing them about their order status

Pricing

• Small Business Plan: $0/month. Perfect for small counter-service restaurants or cafes looking to start accepting online orders without any upfront costs.
  • Processing Fees: 2.89% + $0.25 per order.
  • Includes: 15” Station hardware bundle with guest-facing display, cloud-based POS software, and powerful dashboard features.
• Counter-Service Plan: $99/month + $3 per employee/month. Ideal for counter-service restaurants needing essential employee and guest engagement features.
  • Processing Fees: 1.99% + $0.25 per order.
  • Includes: 10” Counter hardware bundle, cloud-based POS software, employee management, and commission-free online ordering.
• Full-Service Plan: $135/month + $3 per employee/month. Built for full-service restaurants with comprehensive management needs.
  • Processing Fees: 1.99% + $0.25 per order.
  • Includes: 15” Station hardware bundle, Kitchen Display System (KDS), cloud-based POS software, online ordering, and QR order & pay.

8. GoTab – A mobile-friendly online ordering system

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• Designed primarily for mobile devices
• Customizable menu and ordering process

Cons:

• Add-ons can increase service cost
• Device compatibility concerns

GoTab offers an easy-to-use system designed for mobile-first restaurants. The platform focuses on contactless ordering and payment experiences through smartphones.

Restaurants can quickly set up digital menus, tableside ordering, and payment processes without complex hardware requirements. GoTab’s cloud-based system supports multiple ordering channels.

GoTab online ordering features

• Accept orders through your restaurant’s website, Google Business profile, and social media channels
• Easily update and manage online menu
• Communicate directly with customers to clarify orders
• PCI-compliant payment processing
• Flexible delivery options

Pricing

• Basic Plan: Starts at $15/month. Additional counters or handheld POS, KDS, and Kiosk cost another $25/month.
• Pro Plan: Starts at $99/month. Additional counters or handheld POS, KDS, and Kiosk cost another $35/month. Includes gift QR and online ordering, gift cards, and communication features.
• Card processing fees start at 2.40% + $0.15

9. Tonic POS – An all-in-one online ordering platform

Pros

• Flexible pricing strategy
• Integration with multiple restaurant management tools
• Customizable menu updates in real-time

Cons

• Potential complexity in setting up dual pricing structures
• May require more technical setup compared to simpler platforms

Tonic POS simplifies online ordering and reservations. You can update your menu whenever you like, including adding special holiday dishes or changing daily specials. The system also connects with other restaurant management apps, so you can keep track of everything smoothly.

The platform’s dual pricing system can help you manage costs effectively by offering different pricing for cash and card payments. This helps you save on processing fees while giving customers options.

Tonic POS online ordering features

• Set slightly higher prices for card payments to accommodate processing fees
• Easily update and manage your online menu
• Connect with popular software like POS systems, accounting apps, and marketing tools
• Safe transactions with PCI-compliant payment processing
• Advanced KDS for timely and accurate order preparation
• Manage and track reservations easily

Pricing

• Contact Tonic POS directly for your restaurant’s personalized pricing plan

10. Skip – A commission-based restaurant online ordering system

Pros

• User-friendly app
• Real-time tracking
• Flexible ordering options

Cons

• Delivery time inconsistency
• Customer service issues
• Price fluctuations

Skip, also known as SkipTheDishes, is an online delivery app that began in Canada and has since expanded to Australia, France, and Switzerland, among others. Just like DoorDash, restaurants can leverage Skip’s platform to reach more customers and manage online delivery orders.

Features

• Customers can find your restaurant by browsing different cuisines and locations
• Showcase your full menu with options to customize items
• Handle payments safely through the Skip app
• Provide real-time updates on the status of orders and the location of your delivery driver
• Let customers place orders ahead of time for pickup
• Manage orders, view reports, and track performance all from one easy-to-use dashboard

Pricing

• Restaurants pay a commission fee ranging from 20% to 30% of the order subtotal for delivery orders and a slightly lower percentage for pickup orders

Reach more customers with an online ordering platform

An online ordering system lets you meet customers where they’re at, whether that’s on their mobile phones or computers. Now, it’s about finding the right online ordering platform that matches your restaurant’s unique needs. Each tool above offers its own pros and cons, so check which features best meet your restaurant’s goals.

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