Online food ordering has made a big change in the restaurant world. Instead of calling or visiting, customers can now order their favorite meals with just a few clicks on a website or app. This saves time and makes the whole process much easier for both the customer and the restaurant.
Because of this change, it’s very important for restaurants to use a reliable and easy-to-use ordering system. A good system helps manage orders smoothly, keeps customers happy, and can even boost sales.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the best online restaurant food ordering systems and how they can help your restaurant grow.
What Is an Online Restaurant Food Ordering System?
An online restaurant food ordering system is a digital platform, typically a website or mobile app, that allows customers to browse menus, place orders, and make payments for food from a restaurant or food establishment online, without needing to physically visit the restaurant. These systems streamline the ordering process, reduce manual tasks, and enhance the overall customer experience.
It’s also important to know the difference between food ordering and delivery management. Food ordering is when customers choose their food, place the order, and make the payment. Delivery management is the process of assigning drivers and making sure the food reaches the customer.
Using an online food order management system can improve customer experience and help restaurants run more smoothly.
Types of Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants
There are three main types of online food ordering systems for restaurants. Each one works differently depending on your business needs and tech skills.
- Self-hosted systems
- SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms
- Plugin-based systems
1. Self-hosted systems are installed on your own server. This option gives you full control and the ability to customize everything. However, setting it up and managing it requires technical knowledge. A good example is using WordPress with the Restrofood plugin.
2. SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms are cloud-based tools offered by companies like Toast, GloriaFood, or ChowNow. You pay a monthly or yearly fee, and they handle updates, security, and support. These are easy to use but offer less customization and control.
3. Plugin-based systems work as add-ons for existing websites. For example, using a WordPress food ordering plugin lets you quickly set up an ordering system. These tools are user-friendly and offer a balance between flexibility and ease of use.
Whether you’re setting up a full restaurant online food ordering software, creating an online food ordering system for takeaway, or exploring other online food ordering services, choosing the right type helps improve your restaurant’s efficiency and customer experience.
Key Features of the Best Online Restaurant Food Ordering Systems
The Best Online Food Ordering Systems offer several essential features that ensure both customers and restaurant owners have a smooth experience.
- Easy Menu Management
- Real-time Order Tracking
- Multiple Payment Gateways
- POS and Third-party App Integration
- Mobile Responsiveness
- Multi-restaurant Support
Easy Menu Management
With an online food ordering system, restaurant owners can easily update their menu anytime. You can add, remove, or change items in just a few clicks. This helps keep your menu fresh and exciting for customers. A well-managed restaurant menu ordering system also reduces confusion and makes ordering online simple and fast.
Real-time Order Tracking
Customers want to know where their food is. With real-time order tracking, they can see every step — from kitchen to doorstep. This improves order accuracy, builds trust, and makes the online ordering experience more reliable. Real-time updates also reduce the number of customer support calls.
Multiple Payment Gateways
A good restaurant ordering system supports many payment options like credit cards, mobile wallets, and online banking. More payment choices mean more people will complete their orders. Whether you’re running a takeaway online ordering system or a food truck ordering system, flexible payment is a must-have feature.
POS and Third-party App Integration
A modern restaurant online ordering system should connect smoothly with your POS, inventory software, and delivery tools. This means fewer manual tasks and mistakes. You can manage everything from one place — from order taking to delivery — making operations faster and more accurate.
Mobile Responsiveness
Most customers now order food online from their phones. A mobile-friendly ordering system or restaurant tablet ordering system gives them a smooth experience on any screen. This can help you increase orders per hour and reduce cart abandonment. If you want to stay competitive, mobile optimization is essential.
Multi-restaurant Support
If you own more than one location, a multi-restaurant online ordering system helps you manage all branches in one dashboard. You can set up separate menus, delivery zones, and order tracking for each outlet. This is especially helpful for chains or businesses using a white label online ordering system.
Benefits of Using a Digital Ordering System for Restaurants
Using a digital ordering system can make life easier for both restaurant owners and customers. These systems help reduce mistakes and speed up the process. Here’s how they can benefit your restaurant:
- Better Order Accuracy
- Higher Customer Satisfaction
- Less Work for Staff
- More Sales and Repeat Orders
- Useful Data and Insights
Better Order Accuracy
An online food ordering system sends customer orders straight to the kitchen. This helps avoid mistakes from phone calls or writing errors. The system improves order accuracy and helps staff prepare the correct items. With better restaurant online ordering, customers get what they want every time. Accurate orders lead to fewer problems and happy customers.
Higher Customer Satisfaction
People love easy and fast service. A restaurant online ordering system lets them choose food, order it, and pay online in minutes. This quick process makes customers feel good. A good online food ordering system brings customer satisfaction and keeps them coming back. It’s one of the top benefits of online food ordering system for restaurants.
Less Work for Staff
With a digital ordering system, staff don’t need to take calls or write down orders. The food ordering system does the job for them. This gives staff more time to cook and serve food. A simple restaurant ordering system helps the team work better, especially during busy hours. It’s also perfect for small teams or food truck ordering systems.
More Sales and Repeat Orders
A fast and simple online food ordering system helps people order more often. When customers enjoy the process, they order again. With saved info and easy payment, you can increase online food orders fast. The best online ordering system turns new buyers into repeat customers. This helps restaurants grow and make more money.
Useful Data and Insights
The restaurant online ordering system tracks every order. You get data on what people buy, when they order, and what they like most. This helps you improve your menu, run deals, and plan better. The online ordering system helps you grow smarter. With the right data, you can sell more and serve better.
In short, a digital food ordering system can help restaurants save time, boost sales, and make customers happier.
For a deeper dive into the advantages and features of online food ordering and delivery management systems, check out our full blog: Benefits of an Online Food Order and Delivery Management System.
How to Choose the Right Online Ordering System?
To choose the right online ordering system for your business, focus on features that enhance customer experience and streamline operations. Consider factors like ease of use, commission-free ordering options, marketing tools, customer data access, and integration capabilities.
- Matching Features to Business Size and Goals
- Pricing, Scalability, and Support
- Reading Reviews and Testing Demos
- Plugin vs. SaaS vs. Custom Builds
Matching Features to Business Size and Goals
Think about how big your restaurant is and what you want to achieve.
- Small restaurants or food trucks may prefer a plugin-based system like RestroFood.
- Large restaurants or chains may need a SaaS food ordering system or a custom-built solution for more features and control.
- If you’re running a takeaway online ordering system, make sure it supports delivery zones and menu variations.
Pricing, Scalability, and Support
Check the cost. Some restaurant ordering systems charge monthly, yearly, or per order.
- Choose a system that fits your budget and doesn’t have hidden fees.
- Look for one that can grow with your business (scalable).
- Good customer support is also a must, especially when you’re just starting.
Reading Reviews and Testing Demos
Before you decide, check what other restaurant owners are saying.
- Read real reviews on trusted sites.
- Many online ordering systems offer a free demo or trial — try them out.
- This will help you find the best online ordering system for restaurants that fits your needs
Plugin vs. SaaS vs. Custom Builds
Here’s a quick look at your main options:
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plugin | Works with websites like WordPress. Example: RestroFood, WP Food. | – Low cost – Easy setup – Great for small businesses | – Limited for large operations – Needs WordPress |
| SaaS | Cloud-based services like Toast, ChowNow, GloriaFood. | – No setup worries – Easy to use – Fast to launch | – Monthly fees – Less control |
| Custom Build | Built from scratch for your restaurant. Example: ThemeLooks custom system. | – Fully customizable – Great for big brands | – High upfront cost – Needs tech skills |
5 Best WordPress Plugin for Restaurant Ordering
Here are five of the best WordPress plugins for restaurant online food ordering systems, each with its own set of features to enhance your restaurant’s online ordering experience:
- RestroFood
- FoodBook
- GloriaFood
- Foodify
- WooCommerce Food
1. RestroFood
RestroFood is a smart and easy-to-use WordPress plugin made for restaurants to take online orders smoothly. It works with WooCommerce and helps you manage your restaurant orders, delivery, and pickup—all from your own website.
Key Features of RestroFood
- Easy Menu Management – Add or change food items, descriptions, and prices quickly. Keep your menu updated and easy for customers to browse.
- Multiple Product Layouts – Show your food items in 6 different styles to attract customers and help them find their favorites.
- Fast Checkout on One Page – Customers can place orders quickly without waiting for multiple pages to load. This means faster ordering and more sales.
- Order Tracking System – Customers can see the status of their orders in real-time, which improves order accuracy and customer trust.
- Delivery and Pickup Options – Choose whether to offer delivery, pickup, or both. Customers can schedule orders for later or same-day delivery.
- Delivery Area Checker by Zip Code – Customers can check if their location is eligible for delivery using their zip code or address.
- Multiple Payment Options– Supports popular payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and more, making it easy for customers to pay.
- Multi-Location Support – Manage orders from different restaurant branches in one place, making it easier to handle large operations.
- Separate Admin Panels – Different dashboards for shop owners, kitchen staff, and delivery workers help your team work better together.
- Mobile Friendly Design – Works well on smartphones and tablets, so customers can order anytime, anywhere.
Important RestroFood Addons
- POS (Point of Sale) Addon – Manage in-person orders quickly and easily. Connects with your online system and helps keep everything organized.
- Multibranch Addon – Control orders and menus for multiple restaurant locations from one dashboard.
- Multi Delivery Fees Addon– Set delivery charges based on distance or zones to keep pricing fair and clear.
- Automatic Invoice Printing Addon– Print order receipts automatically for faster kitchen service.
- In-Restaurant Orders Addon– Let customers order right from their table using a tablet or QR code.
- Tips Addon – Customers can add tips during checkout, boosting your staff’s earnings.
Why RestroFood is Perfect for Your Restaurant?
RestroFood is a complete online food ordering system that helps restaurants take orders smoothly and deliver great service. It makes order taking easy, improves order accuracy, and offers flexible options like advance ordering and order scheduling. It works great for all kinds of food businesses, whether you run a small cafe, a pizza shop, or a multi-location restaurant.
With RestroFood, you get:
- A free theme that’s easy to customize with Elementor.
- Fast, one-page checkout for quick orders.
- Real-time order tracking and notifications.
- Support for all major payment gateways.
- Tools to manage delivery zones and fees.
- Compatibility with any WordPress theme or page builder.
RestroFood helps you increase online food sales, reduce mistakes, and keep customers happy. It’s the best WordPress food ordering plugin for anyone who wants a simple but powerful restaurant online ordering system.
2. FoodBook
FoodBook is a powerful WordPress plugin designed specifically for restaurants, cafes, and food delivery businesses. It offers a full online food ordering and delivery system that simplifies the entire order process — from browsing the menu to one-click order printing in the kitchen. FoodBook is perfect for restaurants looking for a reliable, easy-to-use restaurant online ordering system built right into their WordPress site.
Key Features:
- Full Online Ordering System — Customers can browse menus, place orders, and pay all within your website.
- One-Click Order Printing — Orders print automatically in the kitchen or bar, speeding up preparation.
- Customizable Menu Builder — Add detailed food descriptions, images, and prices with ease.
- Multiple Payment Gateways — Supports popular payment methods including credit cards, PayPal, and offline payments.
- Real-Time Order Management — Track, update, and manage orders from a simple admin dashboard.
- Delivery & Pickup Options — Let customers choose delivery or pickup with configurable time slots.
- Mobile-Responsive Design — Works smoothly on phones, tablets, and desktops to serve every customer.
- Multi-Location Support — Manage multiple restaurants or branches under a single system.
- Order Status Notifications — Send automatic updates via email or SMS to keep customers informed.
- Integration Friendly — Works well with other WordPress plugins and themes to extend functionality.
FoodBook is ideal for restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services that want a complete and efficient online food ordering system fully managed on their WordPress site. It helps boost order accuracy, speed, and customer satisfaction.
3. GloriaFood
GloriaFood is a free online restaurant ordering plugin that helps you get started fast. It’s perfect for small to mid-sized restaurants that want a simple yet powerful solution. You can build your food menu, accept online orders, and start taking payments — all without complex setup.
Key Features:
- Free to Use – No upfront plugin cost, ideal for small businesses.
- Menu Builder – Easily design your menu with categories and item variations.
- Real-Time Order Alerts – Get notified instantly when new orders come in.
- Multiple Payment Options – Accept online payments or cash on delivery.
- Simple Dashboard – Manage everything from one easy-to-use interface.
GloriaFood is a great option if you’re looking for a free online food ordering system for your WordPress site.
4. Foodify
Foodify is a clean and minimalistic WordPress food ordering plugin built for fast performance and easy use. If you want a no-fuss system to manage online food orders directly from your website, Foodify is a smart pick.
Key Features:
- Menu Customization – Add food images, descriptions, and prices easily.
- Instant Order Notifications – Get automatic alerts when orders are placed.
- WooCommerce Ready – Accept secure payments through WooCommerce gateways.
- Responsive Design – Looks and works well on any device.
- Lightweight Plugin – Doesn’t slow down your site.
Foodify is great for restaurants that want a simple and efficient restaurant ordering system without the extra weight.
5. WooCommerce Food
If you’re already using WooCommerce on your WordPress site, then WooCommerce Food is a natural choice. It turns your store into a complete online restaurant ordering system, giving you tools to manage your menu, orders, and payments effortlessly.
Key Features:
- WooCommerce Integration – Seamlessly connect with your existing WooCommerce setup.
- Customizable Food Menu – Create a beautiful menu with images and item options.
- Multiple Layouts – Display menus in list, grid, or tab styles.
- Delivery & Pickup Support – Let customers choose how they want to receive food.
- Flexible Pricing Options – Offer combo deals, discounts, and upsells.
WooCommerce Food is perfect for restaurants already running WooCommerce, especially those wanting a white label online ordering system with full flexibility.
Best WordPress Plugins for Restaurant Online Ordering (2025 Comparison)
| Plugin Name | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RestroFood | – One-page fast checkout – Order tracking system – Delivery & pickup options – Delivery zone by zip code – Mobile-friendly – POS, Tips, Multi-branch, QR ordering, Auto invoice addons | ✔ Full WooCommerce support ✔ Powerful addon support ✔ Real-time tracking ✔ Multi-branch & POS ready | ✖ Requires WordPress & WooCommerce ✖ Initial setup may take time | Perfect for restaurants, food chains, or cloud kitchens that want a complete online ordering system. |
| FoodBook | – Full online food ordering – Auto kitchen printing – Menu builder – Real-time admin panel – Multi-location support – Payment gateway integration | ✔ Easy menu setup ✔ One-click order printing ✔ Great mobile experience | ✖ Less customizable than RestroFood ✖ No advanced addons | Great for restaurants needing a user-friendly food ordering system with printing support. |
| GloriaFood | – Free restaurant plugin – Online menu builder – Instant order alerts – Payment & pickup support – Simple dashboard | ✔ 100% free ✔ Easy to use ✔ Quick setup | ✖ No addons ✖ Limited design control | Ideal for small restaurants or cafes starting with online ordering. |
| Foodify | – Simple UI – Responsive design – Instant notifications – WooCommerce compatible – Fast performance | ✔ Lightweight plugin ✔ Works on all devices | ✖ Fewer features ✖ No POS, no multi-branch | Best for restaurants that want a minimal, fast food ordering plugin. |
| WooCommerce Food | – WooCommerce integration – Menu customization – Pickup & delivery – Layout options – Flexible pricing & deals | ✔ Uses WooCommerce tools ✔ Offers discount & combo support | ✖ Requires WooCommerce ✖ May not support all WordPress themes | Good for restaurants already using WooCommerce for eCommerce & want built-in food ordering. |
How to Set Up an Online Food Ordering System on Your Restaurant Website?
To set up an online food ordering system on your restaurant’s website, you’ll need to choose a platform (like WordPress with WooCommerce and a food ordering plugin), create a user-friendly menu, integrate secure payment processing, and ensure your site is mobile-friendly. You’ll also need to consider marketing your new system and gathering feedback to optimize it.
- Step 1: Install WordPress Plugin
- Step 2: Add Your Menu and Set Delivery Options
- Step 3: Test the Full Ordering Process
Install WordPress and the RestroFood Plugin
Start by installing WordPress on your website. Then, go to the WordPress plugin directory and install the RestroFood plugin. Follow the easy setup guide to get everything ready.
Add Your Menu and Set Delivery Options
Add your restaurant’s menu by creating categories, item descriptions, and prices. Set delivery zones based on zip codes or locations and choose delivery or pickup times that fit your service area.
Test the Full Ordering Process
Before going live, test the entire process from browsing the menu, adding items to the cart, placing orders, and completing payments. This ensures a smooth and fast ordering experience for your customers.
Tips to Optimize and Secure Your Restaurant’s Online Ordering System
- SSL, Backups, and Updates
- Speed and Mobile Optimization
- Customer Feedback and Support Integration
SSL, Backups, and Updates
Ensure your website is secure by installing an SSL certificate, which protects customer data. Regularly back up your website and the food ordering system, and keep the software updated to avoid security vulnerabilities.
Speed and Mobile Optimization
Optimize your site for speed and responsiveness to improve customer experience. A fast website reduces bounce rates, while mobile optimization ensures your online ordering system works smoothly on all devices.
Customer Feedback and Support Integration
Integrate a feedback system to collect customer reviews and suggestions. Additionally, offer customer support options like live chat or email to address any issues quickly.
Multi-Location and Multi-Vendor Support
- Support for Restaurant Chains or Food Courts
- Branch-Level Menus, Dashboards, Delivery Zones
Support for Restaurant Chains or Food Courts
If you own multiple restaurant locations or a food court, Restrofood can handle multi-location operations. You can manage different branches, each with its own menu, order management, and delivery zones.
Branch-Level Menus, Dashboards, Delivery Zones
Customize menus for each branch or vendor, track orders through centralized dashboards, and define specific delivery zones to streamline operations across multiple locations.
Customer Experience Features That Matter
- Order Tracking, Instructions, Saved Cards
- Loyalty Rewards and Personalization
Order Tracking, Instructions, Saved Cards
Provide real-time order tracking for customers, and allow them to add specific instructions for their orders. You can also offer a saved card feature for easy repeat orders.
Loyalty Rewards and Personalization
Implement loyalty programs that reward repeat customers. Personalization features, such as order suggestions based on previous purchases, can also enhance the customer experience.
Mobile Optimization and Apps
- Mobile-Responsive Design
- Native Apps and PWAs
Mobile-Responsive Design
Ensure that your online ordering system is mobile-responsive, so customers can easily place orders from their smartphones or tablets.
Native Apps and PWAs
For an enhanced user experience, consider developing a native mobile app or a Progressive Web App (PWA) for your restaurant. This allows customers to place orders quickly and conveniently.
Reporting, Analytics & Order Management Tools
Admin Dashboards
Use an easy-to-navigate admin dashboard to manage orders, track sales, and monitor overall restaurant performance.
Track Sales, Customer Behavior, and Top Dishes
Analytics tools allow you to track sales trends, understand customer behavior, and identify your most popular dishes. This helps improve your menu and marketing efforts.
Third-Party Integrations & API Support
POS, Payment, CRM, SMS/Email Integrations
Ensure your online ordering system integrates with your POS system, payment gateways, and CRM. You can also integrate SMS/email notifications to keep customers informed about their orders.
Food Delivery API System
Integrate with food delivery services using APIs to provide smooth delivery management and better coordination with delivery personnel.
Cost Breakdown and ROI of Online Ordering Systems
Pricing Models and Plugin/Theme Costs
Online ordering systems typically follow subscription-based pricing models, or there may be one-time plugin/theme costs. Be sure to evaluate the upfront costs versus ongoing service fees.
ROI: More Orders, Less Manual Work
A digital ordering system leads to fewer mistakes, reduced staff workload, and more efficient service. The result is an increase in sales and higher customer satisfaction, contributing to a positive ROI.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best online restaurant food ordering systems is essential for any restaurant looking to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Whether you go for a self-hosted plugin like Restrofood, a cloud-based platform, or a custom-built system, each option has unique features that can streamline operations.
A digital ordering system reduces errors, speeds up the process, and enhances customer experience with features like real-time tracking, multiple payment options, and mobile responsiveness. Restrofood, in particular, offers a flexible, scalable solution for restaurants of all sizes.
Upgrade your restaurant’s ordering experience today with Restrofood and make the process easier for both you and your customers!
FAQs about Restaurant Online Food Ordering System
What is an online ordering system?
An online ordering system is a digital tool that lets customers browse a restaurant’s menu, place orders, and pay online. It helps restaurants take orders quickly and manage them efficiently without phone calls.
How does online ordering work?
Customers visit a restaurant’s website or app, choose their food items, add them to a cart, and checkout by paying online or choosing to pay on delivery. The restaurant receives the order instantly and prepares the food for delivery or pickup.
How to create online ordering for a restaurant?
You can create online ordering by building a website using platforms like WordPress with WooCommerce and adding a food ordering plugin such as RestroFood. Then, add your menu, set up delivery options, and enable payment gateways.
What do you mean by white label restaurant online ordering?
White label restaurant online ordering means using a ready-made ordering system that you can brand as your own. It lets restaurants offer online ordering under their own name without building the system from scratch.
How to improve order accuracy in a restaurant?
To improve order accuracy, use an online ordering system that sends orders directly to the kitchen. This reduces mistakes from manual entry. Also, offer order tracking so customers can see updates, and train staff to double-check orders before delivery.
