In today’s digital age, embracing technology is essential for staying competitive in the restaurant industry. An online ordering platform can transform your business by streamlining the ordering process, enhancing customer convenience, and boosting revenue.
Online restaurant ordering will continue to be a significant revenue stream in 2023. Experts believe there will be 2 billion global food delivery service users by 2024.
With numerous options, choosing the right platform tailored to your restaurant’s needs is crucial. This guide delves into the best online ordering platforms, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed decision and boost your restaurant’s success.
Best Online Ordering Platforms for Restaurants
Online ordering platforms make it easier for restaurant businesses, bakery businesses, b2b eCommerce businesses, and other hospitality businesses. More and more customers prefer to buy products online from the comfort of their homes. It increases the popularity of online ordering platforms.
Adopting an ordering system for restaurants is a very successful tactic for increasing income and sales, according to Statista.
When many digital ordering platforms for restaurants are available, knowing the best ones that meet your specific requirements is essential. Below are some of the best online food ordering systems that help you make an informed decision.
1. UpMenu
UpMenu is a cloud-based online ordering food platform for restaurants. With UpMenu, customers can order online from the website or app. They offer the option of delivery or pickup directly from the restaurant. UpMenu offers several features that help restaurants to streamline their ordering process. These include:
- Online payment processing
- Automated printing of kitchen tickets
- Manage menus online
- Manage inventory and customer data
- POS integration
Moreover, restaurants manage orders efficiently, create an online presence, and improve customer satisfaction with UpMenu. It also allows restaurants to create customer loyalty programs and marketing campaigns.
Pros
- Mobile-friendly design
- Fully customizable
- No commission fees
- Integration and POS compatibility
- Monthly subscription fee
Cons
- Not a free service
- No sales forecasting
- Require ongoing maintenance and support
- Online orders have a limit
- No barcode/ticket scanning
2. Enatega
Enatega is another one of the best online food ordering platforms. It is best for any sized business. It is the most widely used food order online platform that simplifies your process. With this best restaurant online ordering system, you can easily set up your own online food order delivery business. One of its best features is multi-vendor and single-vendor.
Enatega one of the best online ordering companies offers these apps to its users:
- Rider delivery app
- Restaurant app
- User app
- Admin dashboard
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Customize it according to your needs
- Data protection
- Transparency
Cons
- No loyalty program
- No SMS marketing
Supercharge your deliveries with Enatega.
Schedule a Call3. ToastPOS
ToastPOS is a popular online ordering app for restaurants. It is the best online ordering system for small businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes. It can be accessed from anywhere with any internet connection. Toast is subscription-based, like ChowNow. ToastPOS has gained significant popularity due to its unique features, which include:
- Commission-free transactions
- Email marketing tools
- Inventory management system
- Customer management
- Online ordering
- Real-time reports
- Easily integrated with third-party apps
Moreover, ToastPOS allows restaurants to customize their menus. Also, they change prices and add new features according to their needs. Also, it helps restaurants to track stock levels and optimize purchasing prices.
Pros
- Fraud protection
- Automated customer alerts
- Kitchen display system
- User-friendly interface
- Round-the-clock customer support
- Streamlined setup
Cons
- No free trial
- Limited offline features
- Require hardware purchase
- Sign long-term contract
4. CloudWaitress
CloudWaitress is a browser-based digital platform for restaurants. It makes food ordering online more accessible and provides a seamless experience for customers. It helps online ordering for small restaurants and independent restaurants. Customers can easily place orders online, get live updates about their order status, and make reservations.
With the CloudWaitress menu template, you can easily set up your ordering site and take orders for delivery or pick up. When you hit 100 monthly orders, you need to upgrade to a subscription. However, no long-term contracts exist, and you can cancel your subscription anytime.
CloudWaitress offers top-notch benefits to restaurants, such as:
- Delivery integrations
- Secure website
- Managing pickup deliveries
- Table reservations
- Open communication
- QR tableside ordering
- iPad and Windows compatible
Moreover, CloudWaitress actively keeps track of user feedback. Also, they promote request features the restaurants need. Restaurants view insights about their business that can help them reach their goals. Plus, take advantage of in-house marketing.
Pros
- Provide a free plan
- Menu customization
- Integrated with third-party apps
- Allow mobile ordering
- Reports management
Cons
- No loyalty program
- Expensive to add extra features
- No inventory management
5. Flipdish
Flipdish is the one-stop shop that every restaurant needs to win. This best online ordering system for restaurants helps to create a website and mobile app for online ordering. Thousands of restaurants worldwide use Flipdish to grow their business.
Flipdish one of the best online ordering for restaurants comes with several features, which include:
- Managed marketing on behalf of the restaurant
- Quickly build customer loyalty campaigns
- Track order volume and amount across multiple stores automatically
- Easily integrate with your existing site
Pros
- Fully customizable
- Multi-language and multi-currency support
- Data analytics and reporting
- Easy inventory management
- Integration capabilities
Cons
- Costly
- Technical expertise required to set up the Flipdish
- No promotions management
- No credit card processing
6. BentoBox
BentoBox helps restaurants around the world to manage different eCommerce operations. From website design to online ordering and payment solutions, BentoBox offers everything. It allows restaurants to manage their orders through the website easily.
The wide range of features offered by BentoBox are:
- Track online sales
- Update menu items
- Commission-free ordering
- Email marketing
Pros
- Make it easy to drive more business online
- Loyalty program
- Third-party integration
- Low-cost monthly subscription with no contract
- Digital order and pay
- Help all kinds of restaurants
Cons
- No customer database
- Costly
7. Tock
Tock is a complete and best online ordering platform for restaurants. It has everything you need to drive revenue and increase your customer base. Tock has all the necessary tools and technology. It allows you to personalize service to meet your needs. Thousands of businesses around the globe trust Tock.
You don’t need special tools to use Tock, but most people use a tablet or computer to run the order dashboard. Plus, you can share the Tock order link with the customers on your restaurant website and social media channels.
Additionally, Tock has offered some great features to its users, such as:
- Marketing tools
- Orders are organized by timeslot
- In-app text messaging
- Table management
- Ticketing system
Pros
- Easy-to-use software
- 7000+ restaurants, bars, and more use Tock
- 20M+ guests use Tock to book an amazing experience
- Dynamic pricing
- No long-term contract is required
Cons
- Customization is limited
- Advanced features cost more
- Availability is limited in some regions
8. Menufy
Menufy is a browser-based online ordering website design service that provides various tools. It focuses more on functionality and less on design. Menufy is similar to Toast, Tock, and DoorDash.
Additionally, it has a listing website and a mobile app that work together to help bring new customers to your restaurant. Menufy users can buy a portable receipt printer and a Menufy tablet for online orders.
The following are the features provided by Menufy.
- Multilingual support
- Get order alerts without an internet
- Easily integrate with DoorDash and Uber
Pros
- 24/7 customer support is available
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
- Fast and easy
Cons
- Charges a 12% commission fee on delivery orders
- No tools to manage in-house drivers
- Prices of marketing packages are high
9. Olo
Olo helps 600+ restaurants manage their online ordering and delivery. It offers a seamless online ordering process with several features, such as:
- Easily integrate with other popular food services
- Order tracking
- Manage online orders
- Create a specialized menu
- Customize order interface
- All the information is stored in the cloud
Pros
- Easy to set-up
- No coding is required to build a website
- Increase direct sales with a fast and reliable ordering platform
- Offer various payment options
- Trusted by 75K+ restaurants
Cons
- Expensive.
- Stay up-to-date with maintenance and support; otherwise, it could lead to technical issues.
- The integration process is complex.
10. Bbot
Bbot is the most widely used restaurant online ordering app. It allows guests to order their food and drinks from their phone to their location. There is no need to sign up or download an app. Owners can still get information about their customers through the restaurant’s digital ordering system. Guests can order and pay without swiping a card, signing a receipt, or waiting in line.
Despite these, Bbot offers some great benefits to its users, such as:
- Group ordering
- Multi-menu support
- Easy payment
- Automatically sync the Bbot menu with your POS
- Custom menu
Pros
- Customer contact forms
- Assign unique location codes to each table. So they know where they are ordering from.
- Printer routing
- When your kitchen is too busy, pause taking delivery orders.
- Contactless ordering
Cons
- The main features are missing in the essential plan
- No loyalty program
11. iMenu360
iMenu360 is the world’s #1 most trusted restaurant online ordering system. It offers all the functionality that any restaurant needs. It is a complete restaurant management platform solution that helps to grow your business online. iMenu360 proudly partners with thousands of restaurants globally.
Moreover, iMenu360 is a robust, feature-packed solution that helps restaurants enhance customer experience and increase profitability.
The main features of the iMenu360 are:
- Mobile ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Restaurant manager app
- Delivery zone geofencing
- Integrate with your POS system
Pros
- Low monthly cost
- No contracts
- Offer 30-day free trial
- Free marketing support
Cons
- Charges fee for its services
- Available in some regions
Comparison Between Different Restaurant Online Ordering Platforms
| Features | UpMenu | Enatega | ToastPOS | CloudWaitress | Flipdish | BentoBox | Tock | Menufy | Olo | Bbot | iMenu360 |
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| In-Restaurant Ordering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Table Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Loyalty/Rewards Program | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inventory Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CRM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reporting & Analytics | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payment Processing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Location Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kitchen Display System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
| Contactless Dining | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Free Online Ordering Platform for Restaurants
Several free ordering platforms are available online for restaurants and small businesses. These digital restaurant ordering platforms provide basic order functionality without monthly subscription fees.
Below is the list of free ordering platforms that are available online.
Wix
Wix is a famous website builder that helps beginners create beautiful and professional websites. It is the best platform for designing online ordering websites without programming or coding skills. Wix offers several advanced features, such as:
- Social media integration
- E-commerce integration
- Customization options
- SEO tools
- Built-in blogging platform
Pros
- Website templates are customizable
- Data collection
- Customer contact forms
Cons
- The free plan has limitations
- No mobile alerts
- Advanced features require expertise
Weebly
Weebly is used to create a simple ordering website for your restaurant. It has some advanced features. It is best for those who want to create a website for their business without coding or web development skills.
Further, Weebly is very easy to use, and you can easily create a website according to your needs. The features provided by Weebly are:
- Powerful drag-and-drop tools
- Professionally designed website templates
- Full customization
- Third-party integration
- Free hosting
Pros
- SEO features
- User-friendly interface
- A variety of designs and templates are available
- Easy customization
- Offer hosting services
Cons
- The free plan has limitations.
- More skills are required for advanced features.
- Switching to a different design is challenging when you start building the website.
GloriaFood
GloriaFood is a free online ordering system for businesses. It helps restaurants to streamline their point-of-sale operations and manage orders. In addition, GloriaFood allows users to place orders in advance and gain more customers.
GloriaFood supports multiple languages, so restaurants can serve a wide range of customers, including those who prefer to order in a language other than English.
The main features of the GloriaFood are:
- Online payment processing
- Manage menu online
- Provide tools for marketing
- Provide a table reservation widget
- No setup fees
Pros
- Accept unlimited orders
- Order tracking in real-time
- No hidden costs
- Automated printing of kitchen tickets
Cons
- Limited customization
- Charges transaction fees on orders
- Limited support
Enatega helps you to create a GloriaFood alternative app. So, book a demo now and get the best app.
Features of Online Food Ordering Platform
If you are confused about what features to look for in the best restaurant ordering system, then look at the features below. They will help you choose the right one that matches your needs.
| Budget-Friendly | A user-friendly interface is essential for customers to place more orders easily. It should be easy to use, whether a dashboard, menu display section, search area, kitchen display system, and more. |
| User-Friendly Interface | This feature is crucial for online ordering websites. Customization makes the website more user-friendly and visually appealing. Users can easily customize the platform according to their needs, like adding a logo, changing the theme color, etc. |
| Multiple Payment Gateways | The restaurant’s online ordering system offers multiple payment options to customers. Therefore, customers can easily place their orders without any hassle. |
| Customization | This feature is very important for online ordering websites. Customization makes the website more user-friendly and visually appealing. Users can easily customize the platform according to their needs, like adding a logo, changing the theme color, etc. |
| Social Media Integration | A social media integration method should be part of an online ordering system. When you can connect your social media, you’ll be able to get ten times as many orders as you did before. |
| Easy Billing System | The best online restaurant ordering system should have a smooth, secure, and safe transaction system. It should be quick, and no information is leaked from the system. Otherwise, customers will get irritated and not use your ordering system. |
Advantages of Restaurant Online Ordering Platforms
Online ordering platforms offer several advantages over the traditional methods of delivery. So, let’s look at the advantages and know its importance.
| Better Experience | With a mobile ordering platform, the customers can get a better experience. It is an easy way to place an order from the restaurant quickly and effortlessly. Within a few clicks, your customers can easily place their orders from anywhere and at any time. |
| Automation | With online ordering systems, you can save your money. You don’t need to hire employees to take orders and manage accounts. Also, if the employee is busy talking to the customer on the phone and another customer calls, find the number busy. So, the customer turns to another restaurant. This can be avoided with an online ordering system. |
| Error-Free Orders | With a food ordering and delivery platform, restaurants can easily manage large orders without any mistakes. Every detail about the order is saved on the system, so there is no room for errors. Restaurants can easily deliver hundreds of orders every day without hassle. |
| View Order Status | One of the best advantages of online buying is that customers can see their order status, like waiting, cooking, wrapping, and bringing. Customers can still see how far away the delivery person is and how long it will take to get their food. When you have your online ordering system, you can offer your users all these things. |
| No Fake Order | Restaurants get many fake calls when customers place food orders, and when it’s time to deliver food, they don’t receive the calls. This is the main problem that many restaurants face when taking orders on call instead of online. However, with the online ordering system, this problem can be solved. |
| Lower Cost | Online food order platforms are cheaper for small businesses. These platforms can eliminate the cost of hiring staff that manages orders and answer customer queries manually. Also, they wipe out the need to print physical menus. |
| Increased Food Orders | The online ordering platforms increase food orders for restaurants, cafes, and cloud kitchens. It helps the food businesses retain customers and generate more revenue and profit. |
How do Restaurants Implement Online Ordering?
Here are a few steps that restaurants should follow to implement online ordering.
Choose the Online Ordering Platform
Several online ordering platforms are available, but select the one that meets your needs.
Create Digital Menu
Create a digital menu with high-quality images and descriptions. It should be clear and visually appealing for the customers.
Set Up an Online Website or App
Set up a website or mobile app just for your business with a way for people to place orders online.
Integrate with POS System
Integrate POS with your online ordering solution to get real-time updates and streamline order processing.
Build User-Friendly Interface
Create a user-friendly interface so users can easily navigate, place orders, customize orders, and pay online.
Payment Processing
For online orders, set secure payment processing options, which include digital wallets, credit/debit cards, and cash on delivery.
Order Management System
Implement an order management system to receive and process online orders efficiently.
Define Delivery Options
Define delivery and pick-up options, which include in-house delivery, third-party delivery services, and more.
Push Notifications
Set notifications informing customers about their order status, estimated delivery time, new deals, promotions, etc.
Data and Analytics
With data and analytics, you can track customer behavior, sales, and order history. This information will help you to make an informed decision.
Customer Support
Offer customer service options, like live chat or a separate phone line, to help customers with questions and problems related to your services.
Latest Trends in Online Ordering
The online food delivery market is growing rapidly. Many startups and small-sized businesses use ordering platforms to get more sales and revenue.
To stay competitive in the food delivery market, every business owner should know about the latest trends in online ordering.
Here are some key trends that food delivery business owners need to be aware of:
- Voice ordering for restaurants is a technology that allows consumers to place orders at food establishments using their voice.
- Use cryptocurrencies to place orders. They enhance the customer’s food ordering experience.
- Use your social media accounts to drive online ordering.
- The drone delivers food directly to customers. It is the most unique trend that some restaurants use.
- Use robots and deliver the order within a 10-mile radius.
- Customers may now order food directly from their TVs. Similar to how they would use their mobile app, they may use Apple TV to access the restaurant’s full menu, customize the order, check past orders, and check out.
Why Your Restaurant Needs an Online Food Ordering System Open Source?
The best food ordering system can bring numerous benefits to your restaurant, and opting for an open-source solution can offer additional advantages.
Here are some reasons why your restaurant can benefit from an online ordering system open source:
Cost-effective
Open-source solutions are typically free to use. They can reduce your expenses. You can allocate your budget towards other areas of your restaurant’s operations.
Customization
Open-source systems provide you with the flexibility to customize the software according to your specific requirements. You can tailor the online ordering system to align with your restaurant’s branding, menu offerings, and operational processes.
Scalability
As your restaurant grows, an open-source solution can easily scale to accommodate your increasing customer base and order volume. You can add new features or integrate with other systems without being restricted by proprietary limitations.
Competitive Advantage
Online ordering apps for restaurants can give you a competitive edge. In today’s digital era, customers increasingly prefer the convenience of ordering food online. By providing a user-friendly and efficient ordering experience, you can attract more customers and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How to Choose The Best Online Ordering Solution?
Here are some tips to help you choose the best online ordering solution.
- Before selecting the ordering platform online, you must define your business needs and objectives.
- Choose the food delivery software that can smoothly integrate with your POS system.
- Always look for an online ordering platform that allows you to customize it according to your needs.
- Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees or excessive commission charges.
- Excellent customer support is essential for implementing the online order system open source. So, look for a platform that offers 24/7 customer support and helps you solve your problems.
- Do your research and pay attention to reviews of previous clients.
Easy Eats Use Enatega White Label Solution and Get More Revenue
Easy Eats is a campus food delivery company that specializes in providing convenient and fast food delivery services to college campuses across the United States.
In response to the growing trend of online food ordering and delivery, the company decided to implement an online ordering system to streamline its operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
Easy Eats successfully uses our online ordering system to overcome the challenges they face like:
- Establishing partnerships with various restaurants
Solution: An online ordering system provides a platform for Easy Eats to collaborate with multiple restaurants. By offering a centralized platform, Easy Eats can streamline the process of onboarding new restaurants, managing menus, and coordinating orders. This simplifies the partnership establishment and allows for a wider selection of dining options for customers.
- Creating brand recognition
Solution: Through Enatega’s online ordering system, Easy Eats can build its brand recognition in several ways. The system can incorporate the Easy Eats logo, colors, and design elements, creating a consistent brand identity across the platform. Additionally, the system can offer features like customer reviews and ratings, online ordering tracking, etc.
- Significant investment required
Solution: Implementing an online ordering system does require an initial investment, including software development, platform maintenance, and marketing efforts. However, using Enatega’s white-label solution, Easy Eats can spend less on technology and resources.
Supercharge your deliveries with Enatega.
Schedule a CallFAQs
1. What is the purpose of the online food ordering system?
The primary purpose of the online food ordering system is to:
- Manage orders hassle-free
- Provide a digital menu to customers
- Reduces the potential for miscommunication
- Help customers to customize their order
- Get more customers
2. Why is an online ordering system important for business?
The online ordering system is vital for business for several reasons, such as:
- Increase sales
- Expand customers reach
- Enhanced customer loyalty
- Reduce overhead costs
3. How to choose an online ordering platform for restaurants?
Below are some steps that will help you to choose the best ordering platform for restaurants.
- User-friendly interface
- Clear menu and pictures
- Secure payment options
- Customization options
4. How to make an online ordering platform?
Here are some steps that will help you create a platform for online food ordering.
- Select the website builder
- Set up hosting and domain name
- Create a professional-looking design
- Add the ordering system
- Implement payment platform
5. What are the benefits of ordering online?
Below are the main benefits of online ordering.
- Flexibility
- Convenience
- Queue avoidance
- Easy reordering
6. Why is online ordering important?
Online ordering allows customers to place an order from anywhere and anytime. It also helps restaurants to manage their operations easily from a single platform.
7. Which app is better for ordering food?
Below is a list of apps that are best for ordering food online.
- Foodpanda
- UberEats
- Grubhub
- Zomato
- Swiggy
8. What are the top 3 food delivery apps?
The top 3 food delivery apps are:
- DoorDash
- UberEats
- Grubhub
