food ordering systems for restaurants

Did you know that nearly 60% of consumers in the USA prefer to order food online rather than dine in? As the demand for convenience grows, restaurants must adapt to this digital shift to stay competitive. Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur or just starting, choosing the right food ordering systems For restaurants can be a game-changer for your business. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 food ordering systems for restaurants, helping you find the perfect solution to streamline operations and boost sales. From real-time order tracking to seamless customer experiences, discover how these platforms can improve your restaurant’s digital presence and drive growth.

What is the Food Ordering System?

The food ordering system is a digital solution that allows customers to place orders directly from the restaurant website or app. It helps restaurants to manage their tasks easily without any difficulty. Investing in online food delivery management software is the main factor in your restaurant’s success and growth. 

The food ordering software’s main purpose is to:

  • Allow customers to browse digital menus
  • Accept and manage orders online 
  • Allow customers to order food and get it delivered to their doorstep
  • Help restaurants to make informed decisions

Restaurant Online Ordering Stats

  • 1.17 billion people globally use food ordering and delivery services in 2017. 
  • Since 2014, online food ordering has grown 300% faster than dine-in services.
  • 95% of restaurant owners believe that technology helps them to run their business more efficiently.  
  • According to Statista, the number of users in the online food delivery industry is expected to reach 2,656 million by 2026
  • 51 percent of Americans felt comfortable ordering for pick-up during the pandemic.
  • According to the people of New Mexico, the number one food delivery item is salad. 

What is The Best Online Ordering System For Restaurants?

Food ordering systems have revolutionized how restaurants operate and cater to customer needs. Explore some of the best online food ordering platforms that transform the restaurant experience.      

1. Enatega

enatega

Enatega is the best restaurant food ordering system that provides food delivery services to customers. From order management to real-time tracking, all your delivery needs are covered. The Enatega app lets customers easily order food, browse menus, and enjoy a seamless dining experience.

Features 

  • Ratings and reviews
  • In-app chat 
  • Advanced search functionality
  • Analytics and reporting 
  • Pick-up and delivery options
  • Push notifications
  • Order tracking 
  • Order history 

Enatega’s Products 

Enatega offers a single-vendor and multi-vendor food ordering system for on-demand businesses. Both systems help food business owners automate their operations and manage all their activities from a single platform.  

Single Vendor 

For single-vendor food businesses, Enatega offers a seamless and user-friendly ordering system that enables customers to place orders directly from the restaurant’s website or mobile application. 

The restaurant ordering software provides an intuitive interface where customers can browse the menu, select their desired items, customize their orders, and make secure online payments. This streamlined ordering process ensures a hassle-free experience for customers, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Multi-Vendor 

In the multi-vendor case, Enatega offers a robust platform that facilitates the management of multiple restaurants within a single ecosystem. This enables entrepreneurs to create an online marketplace where customers can explore various cuisines and dining options from different vendors. 

With Enatega’s multi-vendor system, restaurant owners can effortlessly onboard new partners, manage vendor profiles, and ensure consistent quality and service standards across all participating establishments.

Pros

  • Role-based access 
  • Multi-language support
  • Tipping option management
  • Real-time order receiving updates
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • Marketing and promotional plan is not included
  • Training is required to run the ordering system 
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2. Grubhub

Grubhub

Grubhub is a well-known name in the online food ordering apps. It helps customers connect with local restaurants. The Grubhub covers 17,000+ eateries in over 400 of America’s best cities. 

In addition, Grubhub, the online food ordering service, has used the latest technology and tools to grow your business and reach new diners. The company offers many features, which include real-time order tracking, a seamless ordering experience, deals and discounts, and more.    

Features

  • Menu management 
  • Order management
  • Order tracking 
  • Online payments 
  • Alerts/notifications

Pros

  • Great customer service
  • A wide variety of restaurants available
  • Easy-to-use app/website
  • The menu is well-displayed
  • Store customer information for quick ordering  

Cons

  • Restaurants do not have full control over customer’s user experience
  • Sometimes delayed deliveries
  • Restaurants become dependent on the platform

3. UberEats

UberEats

UberEats is another one of the best food ordering systems for restaurants. It is available in hundreds of cities worldwide and is famous for its convenience and wide range of food options. UberEats uses AI assistants to help customers plan meals, discover new dishes, quickly order ingredients for their favorite recipes, and find sales on grocery items.  

Restaurants can easily partner with Uber Eats to reach a broader audience. Also, they benefit from the platform’s extensive delivery network. 

Features

  • Customizable restaurant menu
  • Live order tracking 
  • Marketing and promotional tools
  • Flexible pricing and commission structure 

Pros

  • Get a notification when the rider delivers the food
  • Extremely flexible
  • Bank verification 

Cons

  • Customer support issues
  • Technical problems in the app
  • Restaurants may face challenges in maintaining the quality of their food during the delivery process. 

4. Postmates

postmates

Postmates is among the most innovative and successful players in the food delivery industry. One of the fastest-growing companies in the United States has recognized it. Postmates currently serves more than 600,000 restaurants, grocery stores, retailers, and shops within The United States. The company won several awards for its innovative technology. 

Postmates provide integrations with other POS systems, making it easy for restaurants to streamline their workflow. Listing your restaurant on Postmates can help you increase profits and grow your online presence.  

Features

  • Discount management 
  • Cataloging/Categorization
  • Sales and performance analytics
  • Easily integrate with other POS systems

Pros

  • Increase revenue  
  • Contactless delivery
  • Order customization
  • Fast delivery 
  • Review and feedback 

Cons

  • Orders cancel due to lack of riders
  • Limited availability 

5. Delivery.com 

Delivery.com

Delivery.com is an online ordering platform that helps restaurants manage menus and orders. From the Delivery.com platform, customers can order food from restaurants and groceries from their preferred grocery stores. This cloud-based solution is easy to use and allows group orders.     

Features

  • Kitchen/menu management 
  • Multi-channel marketing 
  • Reporting and statistics 

Pros 

  • Email notifications
  • Excellent customer service
  • Ease of use
  • Free app
  • No hidden fees 

Cons 

  • Commission fees
  • Restaurants have less control over the customer experience

6. DoorDash 

DoorDash

Several DoorDash alternatives are available. However, DoorDash is considered to be the best online food ordering and delivery platform in the United States. The company partners with several restaurants which allows you to reach a broader customer base. Its user-friendly interface and broad network enable customers to browse menus, place orders, and track their deliveries.  

In 2015, DoorDash partnered with remarkable restaurant chains, like KFC and Taco Bell, to increase its restaurant network and improve its brand visibility.

DoorDash operates under an on-demand business model and provides various features to its customers. This includes users tracking the rider’s location, paying through different payment methods, giving exclusive deals to its users, providing subscription services, and more.  

Features

  • Inventory tracking 
  • Reporting/analytics 
  • Inventory management 
  • Customer history 
  • Real-time delivery tracking 

Pros

  • Smooth operations
  • Commission-free
  • Easy customization
  • Integrate with existing systems 
  • Affordable pricing 

Cons

  • High commission charged by delivery services
  • Dependent on third-party delivery drivers
  • Limited customization options 

7. GloriaFood 

gloriafood

GloriaFood has gained popularity in food delivery services. It is a cloud-based online restaurant food ordering system that provides a variety of online ordering options to customers.  

This food ordering system online provides various features, which include:

  • Order tracking
  • Ordering statistics with heatmaps and client database exports
  • Online payment processing 
  • Automated printing of kitchen tickets
  • Multiple payment options
  • User-friendly admin dashboard

Features

  • Powerful analytics
  • Reservation management 
  • Multi-location management 
  • POS integration 

Pros

  • Quick setup
  • Promotions & coupons support
  • Available for Android & iOS smartphones or tablets
  • Customization

Cons 

  • Offer limited marketing and promotional opportunities
  • Minor technical issues in the app
  • Limited features and customization 

8. MenuDrive

MenuDrive

MenuDrive is a customizable online food delivery management system for restaurants. This platform allows restaurants to convert their menus into interactive websites, add feature food photos for more visual appeal, etc. 

MenuDrive also provides retention features like promotions, loyalty, and coupons. Therefore, you can attract customers to revisit your store.

Features

  • Multi-location management 
  • Customizable branding 
  • Marketing tools
  • POS integration 

Pros

  • 100+ customizable restaurant website templates
  • Set up online payments in minutes
  • Marketing tools
  • Automation emails

Cons

  • The tips management feature is not included.
  • Multi-location is not added.
  • The table management feature is missing.  

9. UpServe 

UpServe

UpServe is another fast food automated ordering system built for all sizes and types of restaurants. This platform can be easily integrated with other third-party delivery platforms like Caviar, DoorDash, and Uber Eats to boost profitability. 

UpServe offers a range of tools to help restaurant owners streamline operations, provide customers with an enjoyable dining experience, and drive better sales results.  

Features

  • Inventory management 
  • Table management 
  • Vendor management
  • Menu optimization

Pros

  • Easy to implement
  • Multi-language support
  • Budget-friendly
  • POS functionality
  • Easy menu editing 

Cons

  • Most expensive POS system
  • Offline mode doesn’t function ideally 

10. Flipdish

flipdish

Flipdish is a famous online food ordering and delivery platform that helps restaurants create their food delivery app or website. With Flipdish, customers can order food online and pay for pickup or delivery from the restaurant.  

Moreover, Flipdish helps to track and improve business performance with insights and reporting. This added convenience and helped restaurant owners to build long-term profitable customer relationships. 

Features

  • Restaurant marketing
  • Kitchen display system
  • Labor cost Reporting 
  • Menu management 
  • Promotions management 
  • Sales tax management 
  • Stock management 
  • Table management 

Pros

  • Customer database management 
  • Retention campaigns
  • Managed marketing
  • Real-time analytics
  • Customization branding 

Cons

  • Delayed software updates
  • Errors not explained at checkout make it hard for customers to understand where they went wrong.

Comparison Between Food Ordering Systems for Restaurants

FeaturesEnategaGrubhubUberEatsPostmatesDeliveryDoorDashGloriaFoodMenuDriveUpServeFlipdish
Single-vendor supportYesNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYes
Multi-vendor supportYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo
Role-based accessYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Multi-language supportYesNoNoNoNoNoYesNoYesYes
Tipping optionYesYesYesYesNoYesNoNoNoNo
Real-time order trackingYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYes
User-friendly interfaceYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Marketing/promotional planNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYes
Integrations with POSYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYes
Customization optionsHighMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumHighMediumHigh
PricingVariesVariesVariesVariesVariesVariesAffordableAffordableExpensiveAffordable

Why Do Restaurants Need Online Food Ordering Systems?

Nowadays, restaurant owners want to stay competitive by using technology. With the increased demand for food delivery services and convenience, restaurateurs prefer online food ordering systems.  

If you’re on the fence about establishing an online food ordering system for your restaurant like a Foodpanda clone, consider these benefits:

Why Do Restaurants Need Online Food Ordering Systems?

Easy Online Order Management

A restaurant food ordering system helps to accept incoming orders easily without any mistakes. It simplifies the order-taking process and minimizes errors that can occur with traditional methods of taking orders. Plus, it also improves customer satisfaction and order accuracy.   

Save Money

Online food ordering platforms can reduce labor costs and eliminate the need for third-party delivery services. This cost-saving can significantly impact your profit margins, and you can easily reinvest in other business areas.    

Own Your Customer Data

With a food ordering system online, restaurateurs can easily maintain all their client’s information in a single place. This information can help them create marketing campaigns and promotions, assist in making smarter business decisions, offer deals and discounts to customers, and more. 

Increase Revenue

Food ordering systems for restaurants can help increase revenue and make it easier for customers to order and pay quickly. With the best online ordering platforms, you can reach many customers and drive revenue growth. 

Order Tracking

Restaurants can easily track orders with an online food ordering system. With order tracking, restaurants can provide customers with a seamless dining experience and ensure that all orders are fulfilled on time. It helps restaurants to make informed inventory, monitor customer preferences, and make staffing decisions.      

Easier Menu Management 

With a food ordering platform, restaurants can manage their menu. They can easily add new items and modify the existing ones. Web-based food ordering systems make complex interactive menus easier. Restaurants can add photos, descriptions, ingredients, nutritional information, and special offers.

Advantages And Disadvantages of Online Food Ordering System

Online food ordering systems offer numerous advantages that greatly benefit your business but also have some disadvantages. Let’s discuss both so you know them before using them for your business.   

Advantages of Online Food Ordering System
AdvantagesDescription 
EfficiencyIt is one of the main advantages of online food ordering systems for restaurants. It streamlines the ordering process and saves customers and restaurant staff time. 
Provide Personalized ExperienceAllow restaurants to provide a better experience by offering personalized recommendations, promotions, and more.
Stay Ahead of the Competition Online food ordering platforms can help you stay ahead of the competition. With a user-friendly and efficient mobile ordering app, you can attract more customers and place your restaurant on the top.
27/7 Available With the food ordering system online, restaurants are available round the clock to allow customers to place orders at any time from anywhere.  
Reduce Human ErrorsThe online ordering platform minimizes human errors and eliminates the need for manual entry.
Disadvantages of Online Food Ordering System
Disadvantages Description
Revenue Conflicts Sometimes, a conflict occurs between restaurant owners and delivery providers regarding payments.  
Security ConcernThe customer’s sensitive information, such as payment details, raises cybersecurity concerns. Therefore, restaurants can invest in security measures to protect customer data.  
Training of StaffWhen new technology is used, you should train your staff. Therefore, the chances of errors are less.
Depend on Ratings and Reviews Ratings and reviews of customers can influence online ordering platforms. These are subjective and do not reflect the correct quality of the food or service.

What Are the Components of the Food Ordering System?

Below are some features that you can look at in the food ordering system.

Order Management 

The order management system (OMS) is the backbone of any food ordering system. It handles the receipt, processing, and fulfillment of orders. The OMS integrates with the restaurant’s kitchen display and point-of-sale (POS) systems, ensuring orders are efficiently managed when they are placed until they are delivered to the customer. 

Menu Management

Menu management allows restaurants to update their offerings in real time. This component enables the addition, removal, or modification of menu items, descriptions, and prices. It also supports the creation of special deals and promotions, making it easier to manage seasonal or time-limited menus. 

Payment Gateway

This component facilitates secure financial transactions, accepting various forms of payment like credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods. It ensures that all transactions are encrypted and processed securely to protect customer data.

Analytics and Reporting

The analytics and reporting tool provides valuable insights into the restaurant’s performance. This component generates reports on metrics such as sales trends, popular menu items, and customer feedback. These insights help in making informed business decisions and strategies.

Customer Support System 

The customer support system includes multiple channels such as live chat, email, and phone support. This component ensures that any customer inquiries or issues are addressed promptly.

Choose the Best Online Ordering System For Your Restaurant

When choosing the best restaurant online ordering system, follow these tips and tricks.

  • Look for features and functionality that meet your needs.
  • Always look for the best restaurant online ordering system with marketing tools and analytics.
  • Check food ordering management system allows you to integrate the chosen system with your existing POS system.
  • Choose a restaurant food ordering system that has a user-friendly interface.
  • The design of online food ordering software should be mobile-responsive.
  • Select the best online ordering for restaurants with transparent pricing. 
  • Opt for ordering systems that provide the trial version.
Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What is a restaurant ordering system?

A restaurant ordering system is a system that enables restaurants to receive online orders from customers. These systems simplify the ordering process, from menu management to payment.    

  1. What is a fast food ordering system?

The fast food ordering system allows customers to order food online. They provide various features to restaurants, which include:

  • Payment processing
  • Customization options
  • Menu management   
  1. How does the ordering system work?

Below are some steps that show how the online food ordering system works.

  • Customers access the ordering system through the app or web
  • Create an account
  • Browse menus
  • Place an order
  • Make the payment using online payment methods
  • Order placement
  • The restaurant receives the order and starts working on it
  • Rider receives the order from the restaurant and delivers it to the customer
  • Customers provide feedback and reviews 

4. What is the function of the ordering system?

The function of an ordering system is to facilitate seamless and efficient transactions between customers and restaurants. By offering an intuitive interface, the system ensures users can easily browse menus, customize their orders, and make payments. 

5. What are the four types of ordering systems?

The main four types of ordering systems are:

  • Phone ordering system
  • Manual ordering system
  • Point-of-sale ordering system
  • Online ordering system

 6. Which platform is best for ordering food?

Below is a list of platforms that are best for ordering food online.

  • Zomato
  • Swiggy
  • UberEats
  • Grubhub
  • DoorDash

7. What is the ordering system in a restaurant called?

In a restaurant, the ordering system is typically called the point-of-sale (POS) system. This system allows servers to input customer orders, manage payments, and track sales data.

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Conclusion

Food ordering systems for restaurants play a vital role in succeeding in the food delivery market. They are a beneficial tool for restaurants to optimize their operations and provide convenience for customers.

So, if you are running a cafe, cloud kitchen, or any other food business, you can consult Enatega to create the food delivery software to manage your operations. You can also download our app and customize it according to your needs. Also, you can book a free demo with our sales team, discuss your requirements, and get the best clone food ordering system for your business.


About the author

Author

Hudaibia Khalid

Copywriter & Marketing Assistant

Hudaibia Khalid is the creative force behind the blog—a maestro of words and ideas. Her distinctive style not only imparts wisdom but also leaves an indelible mark, transforming each post into a captivating journey through her unique perspective on the world.