Finding the best and most reliable online ordering system for restaurants isn’t easy. There are loads of options to choose from and a number of factors to take into account, which might make choosing a system difficult.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best online ordering systems of 2024 to help you choose the right online ordering software for your restaurant.
Key Takeaways
- Free systems usually have hidden fees.
- The best restaurant online ordering system offers users a branded menu, app, and website, a loyalty program, POS system integrations, and customer data collection capabilities.
- Many free online ordering systems exclude essential features for running and maintaining a restaurant.
- A key factor to consider is whether the online ordering system can scale with your restaurant’s growth. Some platforms may work well for smaller restaurants but lack the flexibility or features needed to support multiple locations.
Best Online Ordering Systems
Online Ordering Systems: Comparison Matrix
It’s always best to test online ordering systems through a trial version if it’s available in order to get an idea of how it works and if it has everything you’re looking for.
To help you decide on the right online ordering system for your business, we’ve created a table that presents the best restaurant ordering systems with their features.
| UpMenu | Flipdish | Gloriafood | ToastPOS | Cloudwaitress | Square | ChowNow | BentoBox | Restolabs | Olo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49 | $149 | Free | $165 | $39 | Free | $139 | $79 | $69 | $149 |
| Sales Comission | 0% | 7% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 2.6% + 10¢ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Free Trial | ||||||||||
| Free Websites (No Code, Drag&Drop) | ||||||||||
| Free Website Templates | ||||||||||
| Branded Mobile App (IOS & Android) | ||||||||||
| Order Taking App (Owner App) | ||||||||||
| Qr Code Menu | ||||||||||
| Tableside Ordering | ||||||||||
| Table Reservations | ||||||||||
| Loyalty Program | ||||||||||
| Email, SMS & Push Marketing | Email and SMS | |||||||||
| Promotions & Discounts (Advanced) | ||||||||||
| Multi Location | ||||||||||
| Free Setup Service | NA | NA | NA |
1. UpMenu
UpMenu is a commission-free cloud-based online food ordering platform for restaurants, which allows customers to place online orders for delivery or pickup directly from the restaurant website or branded restaurant mobile app. The software also includes features such as online payment processing and POS integration, and automated printing of kitchen tickets.
Additionally, it allows restaurants to manage their online menus, inventory, and customer data. UpMenu also lets users create targeted marketing campaigns and promotions sent via SMS, push and email, as well as restaurant loyalty programs to increase in-house and online orders.
UpMenu also comes with an application programming interface (API), allowing you to integrate the system with several third-party delivery services and restaurant POS systems.
Customer Rating: 4.7/5
Pros
- No commission fees
- Free, no-code, drag-and-drop website building
- Built-in loyalty program
- Integrated with 3rd party systems (POS, delivery, online payments, marketplaces)
- Easy to use
- Powerful marketing tools (promotions, coupons, email/sms/push marketing)
- Branded website, online menu, and mobile app
- Fully customizable
- Real-time data collecting
- Designed specifically for the restaurant industry
- Monthly subscription fee
- Restaurant SEO tools
- Multi-location management
- Tableside ordering
Cons
- No sales forecasting
- No barcode/ticket scanning
- No social media integrated promotion
- There are online order limits for the basic and standard plans
Pricing
UpMenu’s prices start at only $49 per month for each premises, with zero commission fees and no hidden costs.
2. Flipdish
Flipdish is an online ordering system and delivery platform that allows restaurants to create their own mobile app and website for online ordering. This online ordering system comes with features such as real-time report generation, customer database management, and integrated payment processing.
Customers can use the platform for digital ordering and to pay for food delivery or pickup from the restaurant.
Customer Rating: 4.8/5
Pros
- Designed specifically for restaurants
- Easy restaurant inventory management
- Menu customization
- Customer data and reports management
- Allows for mobile ordering
Cons
- Expensive
- No credit card processing
- No promotions management
- No table and waitlist management
- No customer history and employee management
Pricing
The pricing for the basic subscription package starts at €119 per month, and businesses can choose to add on additional features such as integrations with third-party delivery providers, SMS notifications, and advanced analytics and reporting.
3. Gloriafood
GloriaFood is a cloud-based online ordering system that allows customers to place delivery or pickup orders via a restaurant’s website, Facebook page, or mobile app.
It streamlines restaurant operations with features like online payment processing, order tracking, and kitchen ticket printing.
Restaurant owners can also manage menus, inventory, and customer data, and use built-in marketing tools such as email campaigns, loyalty programs, and online reviews to boost customer loyalty.
Customer Rating: 4.6/10
Pros
- Online ordering through web or mobile app
- Built-in kitchen display system
- Online menu and customer data management options
- Marketing features
- Loyalty program
- Inventory management
- Basic system is free
Cons
- Essential features like marketing and payment processing cost extra
- No credit card processing
- No employee management options
- No POS system integrations
Pricing
Gloriafood provides users with a free online ordering system that includes a variety of tools beginning restaurant owners can find useful.
Although Gloriafood is commission-free, certain essential features for running a restaurant will include monthly fees, such as having a branded mobile app, a sales-optimized website, POS system integrations, and marketing tools – which the best online ordering systems have in their basic plans.
4. Toast POS
Toast POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed for restaurants and food service businesses, accessible from any internet-connected device.
It offers features like online ordering, inventory and menu management, real-time reporting, and food delivery management.
Toast integrates with third-party apps such as accounting software and payment processors. Customers can order online, make reservations, order takeout, and pay via mobile, and it’s available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Customer Rating: 4.2/5
Pros
- Designed specifically for restaurants
- Online and mobile ordering option
- Easy inventory management
- Menu customization and management
- Customer data management and restaurant analytics
- Kitchen display system
- Employee and client management
Cons
- No barcode recognition
- No free trial
- Requires a long term contract
- Can get expensive with additional fees for extra features
Pricing
Toast POS pricing is based on a monthly subscription model and can vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the business.
The base price for Toast POS starts at $69 per month per location for the software and hardware, which includes the Toast POS system, a touchscreen tablet, and a receipt printer.
5. Cloudwaitress
CloudWaitress is an online ordering and reservation platform for restaurants, supporting pickups, deliveries, QR tableside ordering, and reservations.
It allows restaurant owners to design custom websites and menus that align with their branding.
Customers can place orders or make reservations online and view live updates on their order status.
Customer Rating: 4.9/5
Pros
- Designed specifically for restaurants
- Offers a free plan
- Integrated POS system
- Menu customization
- Multi location restaurants management
- Customer data and reports management
- Allows for mobile ordering
- Integration with third-party delivery apps
Cons
- Expensive when considering extra features
- No loyalty program
- No table and waitlist app management
- No inventory management
Pricing
Although Cloudwaitress offers a free plan, it lacks a number of key features that most restaurant owners can’t be left without. The standard plan, which comes with additional features is $39 per month, however, this does not include the iOS & Android app, which costs a one time fee of $399.
6. Square
Square for Restaurants is a popular online ordering system for small businesses, allowing payments via mobile devices.
It also supports online orders, inventory management, customer data collection, and reporting.
Square offers features like restaurant curbside pickup and has an app available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Customer Rating: 4.3/5
Pros
- Inventory management
- Integrates with other POS systems
- Data reporting tools
- Online ordering option
- Online app for Android and iOS
Cons
- No waitlist management
- No customer history tracking
- Additional transaction fees that can stack up
Pricing
Square offers a free basic plan with essential POS features like inventory management, sales reports, and customer management. Advanced features, such as customer accounts and a free domain, require paid plans. Pricing varies based on the number of locations and specific needs, with credit card processing fees at 2.6% + 10 cents per transaction.
7. ChowNow
ChowNow provides a comprehensive and cost-effective online ordering solution tailored to independent restaurants.
It offers commission-free ordering, automated marketing, POS integration, and delivery options, helping restaurants streamline takeout operations.
Customer Rating: 4/5
Pros
- Restaurants can take orders without paying commissions
- Seamlessly integrates with point-of-sale systems
- Offers delivery through a network of third-party partners
- Provides tools to help restaurants promote their services and drive repeat business.
Cons
- Restaurants can’t fully customize the ordering interface with their logo or banner images
- Additional fees apply for marketing features
- Lacks built-in customer loyalty or reward programs
- Doesn’t offer solutions for digital ordering within the restaurant for dine-in customers
Pricing
ChowNow uses a subscription-based pricing model, starting at $139 per month. Additionally, there is a $3.99 delivery fee per order and a credit card processing fee of 2.95% plus $0.20 per transaction.
8. Bentobox
BentoBox is an online ordering system that helps businesses manage eCommerce operations like event management, catering, and online ordering through their website.
It allows users to update menus, manage orders, post promotions on social media, and track sales and website traffic with built-in analytics, eliminating the need for third-party apps.
Customer Rating: 4.4/5
Pros
- Loyalty Program
- Order processing features
- Social media and e-commerce integrations
- Third party POS integration
Cons
- No multi-location
- Expensive
- No route management
- No restaurant SMS marketing
- No inventory management
- No customer database
Pricing
BentoBox’s prices start at $149 per month with their Essentials Website plan, which doesn’t include marketing features and selling and managing to-go orders for delivery service. The setup fee is a one-time cost of $1,000, which is pretty steep when compared to free online ordering systems for restaurants.
9. Restolabs
Restolabs is an online ordering system designed for restaurants, offering features like menu management, online payments, and integration with third-party delivery services.
It allows restaurants to create a customizable, branded ordering experience for customers through their website or app.
Restolabs also supports integrations with POS systems, helping streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Customer Rating: 4.8/5
Pros
- Easy-to-use online ordering system with customizable branding
- Integration with third-party delivery services
- Supports POS integration
- Offers online payment processing
Cons
- Limited customization options
- May have additional costs for advanced features
- Customer support options may be limited based on pricing tiers
- Lacks some advanced marketing and loyalty program features
Pricing
Restolabs offers pricing plans starting at $69 per month for basic features like online ordering and payment processing, with higher-tier plans providing more advanced features and integrations. There is also a custom enterprise plan for larger businesses that require tailored solutions.
10. Olo
Olo is a software company offering online ordering solutions for restaurants, including mobile apps, website ordering, and integrations with delivery services like GrubHub and DoorDash.
It helps streamline ordering, track customer data, and provides marketing tools to boost sales and improve customer loyalty.
Customer Rating: 5/5
Pros
- No-code website building
- Easy to use and set up
- Social media and e-commerce integrations
- Customer contact forms
Cons
- Expensive
- No employee management option
- No mobile alerts
- No inventory management
Pricing
Olo’s plans start at $149 per month, plus an additional one-time setup fee of $399, which is pricey when compared to other online ordering software. There may be additional fees with credit card processing, which depend on which credit companies you decide to work with.
What is the Best Online Food Ordering System?
There are many online ordering systems available on the market, and the best one for a particular restaurant will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
The best online ordering system is easy to use by guests and staff, inexpensive, and designed specifically for the restaurant industry with features that business owners need.
The most important features online ordering software should include are powerful restaurant marketing tools, an easy-to-use loyalty program, a fully customizable drag-and-drop website building option, a branded mobile app for easy ordering, report generating, and restaurant analytics tools, and POS system integrations.
What are the Benefits of Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants?
- Online order management: This allows your team to easily accept incoming online orders and begin working on them right away.
- Real-Time Menu Updates: Online ordering systems allow restaurants to display updated menus with available items and modifications, improving customer experience.
- Profit Maximization: Online ordering systems increase the average check by leveraging suggestive selling and upselling techniques. Customers are more likely to add extra items, such as appetizers or drinks, when browsing an online menu, which boosts overall sales and restaurant profit margins.
- Customer Data Ownership: Track customer preferences and history in one spot and collect valuable customer data.
- Mobile Convenience: Customers can order anytime, anywhere via mobile devices, increasing average check sizes and enhancing convenience for both dine-in and takeout.
- Build websites and an online presence: Advanced online ordering systems for restaurants often come with a restaurant website creator, which allows for the making of a branded website and grows your online presence.
- Improve customer loyalty: Best online ordering platforms help restaurant owners tie clients to their business for longer.
- Generate real-time reports: Create real-time reports that help track how your business is performing.
- Lower commission costs from third-party delivery services: Third-party commissions can eat up even 30% of what you make from each sale. Your own online ordering system significantly lowers those fees.
Why Avoid Third-Party Delivery Apps?
- High Commission Fees: Apps can charge up to 30% per order, cutting into your profit margins.
- No Ownership of Customer Data: Restaurants don’t have access to valuable customer data, limiting targeted marketing and customer loyalty programs.
- Limited Menu Control: You can’t update the menu in real-time, leading to potential issues with unavailable items.
- Branding Restrictions: You have less control over the customer experience, limiting the opportunity to promote your restaurant’s brand directly.
Read more about how delivery apps hurt restaurants.
Criteria for Evaluating the Best Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants
- Starting Price: Affordability and transparent pricing.
- Sales Commission: Low or no commission fees.
- Free Trial: Ability to test the platform before committing.
- Website Customization: No-code builders with free restaurant website templates for simplifying the online ordering process.
- Branded Mobile App: Ability to build iOS and Android apps for an easier online ordering process.
- Order Management: Order-taking apps and QR code menus for a smooth ordering process.
- Tableside Ordering: Contactless ordering with QR code scanning.
- Table Reservations: Integration for managing bookings.
- Customer Loyalty Programs: Tools to reward returning customers.
- Marketing Tools: Email, SMS, and push notifications.
- Promotions: Advanced tools for special offers and discounts.
- Multi-location Support: Essential for managing restaurant chains with ease.
- Free Setup Service: Platforms that offer setup assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to choose right restaurant online ordering system?
To choose the right online ordering system, consider the following factors:
- Features: Look for essential features like online payments, delivery integration, menu management, and customer data tracking.
- Customization: Choose a system that supports restaurant branding with customizable templates and designs.
- Integration: Confirm compatibility with your POS system, delivery services, and restaurant marketing tools.
- Ease of Use: Opt for a user-friendly platform that works well for both staff and customers.
- Cost: Evaluate pricing options, including subscription fees and transaction costs, to stay within your restaurant budget.
- Customer Data Ownership: Ensure the system lets you collect and own customer data for targeted restaurant digital marketing and loyalty programs.
Which ordering app is best for restaurants?
UpMenu is the best online ordering app for franchise and independent restaurants based on our list. UpMenu is easy to navigate, fully customizable, and commission-free, and it has all the features a restaurant owner needs to run their business effectively.
What system do restaurants use to take orders?
Restaurants turn to online ordering systems like UpMenu to accept online orders, either through the app, website, or Facebook ordering. UpMenu comes with a number of additional features that help to run restaurant operations effectively, generate reports, and create marketing campaigns.
How do I set up an online food ordering system?
Setting up an online food ordering system typically involves deciding on an online ordering platform, designing your menu, integrating your POS system, promoting your online ordering option online, and tracking your reports.
Ensure that all of your data, such as delivery zones, contact information, a link to your online ordering system, and an online menu, is also available to potential clients on your website.
Learn more about how to set up an online ordering system here.
What are the best online ordering systems for restaurants?
The best online ordering systems for restaurants are:
- UpMenu
- Flipdish
- GloriaFood
- Toast POS
- Cloudwaitress
- Square
- ChowNow
- Bentobox
- Restolabs
- Olo
Which platform is best for ordering food?
The best platform for food ordering depends on your needs. UberEats and DoorDash offer broad reach but come with high fees. For restaurants wanting more control over branding and customer data, UpMenu and Square for Restaurants provide customizable solutions.
