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 tool that allows customers to view a restaurant’s menu and place orders for pickup or delivery through a website or mobile app. It makes the ordering process simple for customers and helps restaurants handle orders more quickly and accurately.
There are three main types of systems. Self-hosted systems give full control and customization but need technical skills to set up and manage. SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms are easy to use and managed by third-party companies, but they offer less control. Plugin-based systems are add-ons for websites like WordPress and offer a balance between ease of use and customization.
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
1. Easy Menu Management
Restaurant owners can quickly update their menu, adding, removing, or changing items with no hassle. This keeps the menu fresh and easy for customers to browse.
2. Real-time Order Tracking
Customers can track their orders from start to finish. With updates about their order status, they stay informed, which helps build trust and satisfaction.
3. Multiple Payment Gateways
Offering different payment options like credit cards, digital wallets, or other online services makes it easier for customers to pay. More options lead to more completed orders.
4. POS and Third-party App Integration
The system works smoothly with the restaurant’s point-of-sale system and other tools, like inventory or delivery apps. This makes everything run more efficiently and with fewer mistakes.
5. Mobile Responsiveness
The system works well on smartphones and tablets. Since many customers order from their phones, having a mobile-friendly system is key to keeping them happy.
6. Multi-restaurant Support
If a restaurant has more than one location, this feature helps manage orders from multiple branches in one place, making it easier to control everything.
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
Orders are sent directly to the kitchen, cutting down on mistakes. This means customers get exactly what they wanted. - Higher Customer Satisfaction
Customers love how fast and easy digital ordering is. Happier customers are more likely to return and order again. - Less Work for Staff
Since the system handles the orders automatically, staff can focus on other tasks. This helps the restaurant run more smoothly. - More Sales and Repeat Orders
A quick and easy ordering process encourages customers to buy more. When they have a great experience, they’re likely to come back. - Useful Data and Insights
The system keeps track of customer preferences and sales. This information helps restaurant owners improve their menu and service.
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?
Choosing the right online ordering system for your restaurant is crucial for streamlining operations and improving customer satisfaction. Here’s how to make the best choice:
1. Plugin vs. SaaS vs. Custom Builds
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plugin | Integrates with existing websites like WordPress using tools such as RestroFood or WP Food. | – Cost-effective – Easy to install – Feature-rich | – Limited scalability – Depends on website platform |
| SaaS | Cloud-based services like Toast, ChowNow, or GloriaFood that operate via subscription. | – No maintenance needed – User-friendly – Fast setup | – Monthly fees – Less customization/control |
| Custom Builds | Custom systems made from scratch to fit your restaurant’s needs — built by ThemeLooks Ltd. | – Fully customizable – Scalable | – High upfront cost – Requires technical expertise |
2. Matching Features to Business Size and Goals
Look for a system that fits your restaurant’s size and goals. Small businesses may benefit from a simple plugin, while larger operations may need a SaaS platform or a custom build for more advanced features.
3. Pricing, Scalability, and Support
Compare pricing models (monthly, yearly, per transaction) to ensure the system fits within your budget. Also, consider scalability—choose a system that can grow with your business. Make sure the provider offers customer support in case you need help.
4. Reading Reviews and Testing Demos
Before making a decision, read reviews from other restaurant owners to get an idea of the system’s pros and cons. Many systems offer free trials or demos, so test them out to see which one works best for your needs.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the best online ordering system that matches your restaurant’s needs and helps improve customer experience.
Best WordPress Plugin for Restaurant Ordering
Here are five of the best WordPress plugins for restaurant ordering systems, each with its own set of features to enhance your restaurant’s online ordering experience:
1. Restrofood
Restrofood is a powerful WordPress plugin specially built for restaurant online ordering. It lets you easily create and manage your full menu with options to add categories, descriptions, and prices. You can customize delivery zones based on your service areas, so customers only see the options available to them. Restrofood integrates smoothly with WooCommerce, allowing you to use popular payment gateways and manage orders directly from your website.
Key features include:
- Easy Menu Management: Add, edit, or remove menu items anytime without hassle.
- Custom Delivery Zones: Define specific delivery areas to control where orders can be placed.
- WooCommerce Integration: Use trusted payment systems and order management tools.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Works well on phones and tablets for a smooth ordering experience.
- Multi-Location Support: Manage multiple restaurant branches with separate menus and orders.
- Order Tracking: Customers can see real-time updates on their orders.
- Flexible Payment Options: Supports multiple payment gateways to give customers convenience.
Restrofood is ideal for restaurants of all sizes — from small local cafes to large chains — looking for a scalable, easy-to-use online ordering system fully controlled through their WordPress site.
2. GloriaFood
GloriaFood is a free and easy-to-use plugin that enables restaurants to set up online ordering quickly. It offers menu customization, order tracking, and multiple payment options, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized restaurants.
3. Foodify
Foodify is a simple yet effective plugin for managing online orders. With features like customizable menus, automated order notifications, and integration with payment gateways, Foodify is perfect for restaurants looking for a no-fuss ordering system.
4. WooCommerce Food
If your restaurant already uses WooCommerce, the WooCommerce Food plugin is a natural fit. It allows you to manage your menu, track orders, and offer various payment methods, all within the WooCommerce ecosystem.
5. Orderable
Orderable is a highly customizable plugin that focuses on providing an excellent online ordering experience. It includes features like scheduling orders, offering different delivery options, and handling large menus with ease, making it perfect for restaurants with complex needs.
Here’s a comparison of some of the top online restaurant ordering systems in 2025:
| System | Pros | Cons | Best Use Case |
| Restrofood | – Powerful WordPress plugin – Seamless WooCommerce integration – Menu management – Customizable delivery zones – Scalable for various sizes | – Requires WordPress setup – May require technical knowledge for setup | Best for restaurants looking for a customizable and scalable system with WooCommerce integration. |
| GloriaFood | – Free and easy to use – Quick setup – Order tracking – Multiple payment options – Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses | – Limited advanced features compared to paid solutions – Basic customization | Best for small to medium-sized restaurants needing a simple, low-cost solution. |
| Foodify | – Simple setup – Customizable menus – Automated order notifications – Payment gateway integration – No-fuss system | – Limited advanced features – Basic interface | Best for restaurants seeking a straightforward, easy-to-use ordering system. |
| WooCommerce Food | – Integrates with WooCommerce – Order tracking – Payment method flexibility – Ideal for WooCommerce users | – Requires WooCommerce – Limited customization options compared to other systems | Best for restaurants already using WooCommerce for online ordering and payment. |
| Orderable | – Highly customizable – Scheduling orders – Multiple delivery options – Handles large menus – Excellent for complex restaurant needs | – Higher pricing for advanced features – Some users find the setup process complex | Best for restaurants with complex needs, large menus, or specific delivery requirements. |
How to Set Up an Online Food Ordering System on Your Restaurant Website?
- Install WordPress + Restrofood Plugin
Start by installing WordPress on your website. Once WordPress is set up, go to the WordPress plugin repository and install the Restrofood plugin. Follow the simple setup guide provided by the plugin. - Add Menu and Configure Delivery
After installing the plugin, you can add your restaurant’s menu to the system. Customize categories, food items, pricing, and descriptions. Next, configure delivery zones and specify delivery times based on your restaurant’s location and service area. - Test the Full Process
Before going live, test the entire ordering process from browsing the menu, adding items to the cart, placing an order, and making a payment. This ensures the system works smoothly and provides a seamless customer experience.
Tips to Optimize and Secure Your Restaurant’s Online Ordering System
- 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
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
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
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!
