Create a WooCommerce Restaurant Food Ordering System with RestroFood

In our previous blog, we shared how to create an online food ordering website using WordPress, helping restaurant owners get started with a basic online presence.

In this extended guide, we’ll dive deeper and show you how RestroFood can take your restaurant website to the next level. Learn how to build a complete WooCommerce restaurant food ordering system. 

And learn how to take and manage online food orders with RestroFood, set delivery or pickup, add combos/extras, schedule pre-orders, and track orders in real-time, all from your WooCommerce restaurant website.

Why You Should Have Your Own Online Ordering System?

Running a restaurant is not easy, and using third-party apps for orders can make things harder. They take fees, limit your control, and make it harder to stand out. Having your own online food ordering system gives you full control and makes running your restaurant easier.

Benefits of Having Your Own Restaurant Ordering System:

• Build your restaurant’s brand online
  
• Hear directly from your customers
  
• Save money on third-party platforms
  
• Set your own opening hours and rules
  
• Share offers and deals freely on your website
  
• Reach more customers through better search ranking
  
• Manage orders, menus, and customer experience your way

How to Create a WooCommerce Restaurant Ordering System using RestroFood?

Setting up a complete online food ordering system for your restaurant has never been easier. With WordPress, WooCommerce, and RestroFood, you can manage your food menu, take online food orders, handle delivery and pickup, and provide a smooth customer experience, all from your restaurant website. Here’s how you can build it step by step:

➤ Step 1: Install WordPress and WooCommerce

Start with a WordPress restaurant website and install WooCommerce to manage restaurant products, online payments, and orders. WooCommerce acts as the backbone for online food ordering, and RestroFood integrates perfectly to enhance restaurant-specific functionality.

➤ Step 2: Install and Activate RestroFood

Download and activate the RestroFood plugin on WordPress. Upgrade to RestroFood Pro for full features. With this, you get:

• Free RestroFood Theme & Demo Data Included
  
• All Kinds of Themes & Page Builders Are Supported
  
• Support all WooCommerce Payment Gateways
  
• Easy WooCommerce Food Ordering System
  
• Provides Shortcodes

➤ Step 3: Customize RestroFood Plugin

With RestroFood, you can fully customize your WordPress restaurant website to match your workflow. From menu layouts and product options to delivery settings and checkout preferences, every feature is designed to create a smooth and efficient online ordering experience for your customers.

Import Product Demo Data

This guide explains how to import product demo data in RestroFood using WordPress Importer. It covers XML file preparation, correct import order, media handling, troubleshooting common issues, and post-import customization. Following these steps helps you quickly set up demo products and configure your restaurant website efficiently. step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the XML Files

2. Access the WordPress Importer Tool

3. Upload the Product Data XML File

4. Assign Authors and Import Attachments

5. Import the Media XML File

6. Review and Confirm the Imported Data

For the detailed guide,
Please check the documentation: How to Import Product Demo Data?

➤ Change Product Display Layout

The layout of your WooCommerce product pages can significantly impact how potential customers perceive your offerings. By changing your product page layout, you can showcase important product information, such as product images, descriptions, and features, in a visually appealing and user-friendly way. RestroFood has 6 Types of Product Layout Styles ( Grid Layout, List Layout, Single Product Template, Masonry Layout, Tabbed Layout, Full-Width Layout ), step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Go to RestroFood Settings

Step 2: Open the Product Tab

Step 3: Choose Product Layout

Step 4: Select Layout Style

Step 5: Set Product Columns (For Grid Layout)

Step 5: Save Your Changes

For the detailed guide,
Please check the Documentation: How to Change Product Layout Style in RestroFood?

➤ Set Product Variants

It shows how to manage options like size or color, assign prices, images, and stock for each variant, and improve customer choice, user experience, and inventory management in your restaurant website. step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create Product Attributes

Step 2: Set Product Variations

Step 3: Save and Publish

For the detailed guide,
Please check the Documentation: How to Set Product Variants in RestroFood?

➤ Add Product Extra Options

Product Extra Items in RestroFood allow customers to add optional extras like toppings, sides, or custom choices to a product. These items can be applied globally or per product, include flexible pricing and selection rules, and help improve customization, customer satisfaction, and average order value, a step-by-step guide:

• Add Product Extra Add-ons From Global
• Add Product Extra Items Using the Global Option
• Add Product Extra Add-ons from Individual Products
• Add Product Extra Items from Individual Products

For the detailed guide,
Please check the Documentation: How to Add Product Extra Items in RestroFood?

➤ Add Product Nutrition Information

Product Nutrition Information in RestroFood lets restaurants display key nutritional details like calories, protein, fats, and allergens for each menu item. This feature improves transparency, supports health-conscious customers, meets regulatory needs, and builds trust by helping users make informed food choices, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify Key Nutritional Values

Step 2: Gather Accurate Data

Step 3: Format Nutrition Information Consistently

Step 4: Add Nutrition Information to Your Ordering Platform

Step 5: Preview and Test the Information

For the detailed guide, please check the Documentation:
How to Add Product Nutrition Information in RestroFood?

➤ Product Visibility System (Time-Based)

RestroFood includes a powerful Product Visibility System that allows you to show or hide products based on time. You can set visibility start and end times for each category, and products assigned to that category will automatically follow those time rules, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a Visibility Category

Step 2: Choose the Time Using the Time Picker

Step 3: Assign Visibility Category to Products

Step 4: Visible Products on the Shop Page

Step 5: Products Become Hidden or Disabled Outside Allowed Time

For the detailed guide, please check the Documentation:
How to Work the Product Visibility System in RestroFood?

➤ Set Product Preparation & Delivery Times

Product Preparing and Delivery Times in RestroFood allow restaurants to define how long each item takes to prepare and deliver. This feature helps manage order expectations, improve operational efficiency, and provide customers with accurate time estimates during checkout, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Access the Admin Panel

Step 2: Navigate to Product Settings

Step 3: Select the Product

Step 4: Input Preparation Time

Step 5: Input Delivery Time

Step 6: Save Changes

For the detailed guide, please check this Documentation:
How to Set Product Preparing and Delivery Times in RestroFood? 

➤ Set Delivery or Pickup Date & Time

The Deliver or Pickup Date & Time feature in RestroFood allows customers choose when to receive or pick up their orders. Restaurants can set available time slots, manage orders efficiently, reduce delays, and improve customer satisfaction. Customers select their preferred date and time during checkout for a flexible, seamless experience, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Log in to Admin Dashboard

Step 2: Go to Settings

Step 3: Find Delivery/Pickup Time Settings

Step 4: Customize the Time Slots

Step 5: Save Settings

For the detailed guide, please check this Documentation:
How to Set Delivery or Pickup Date and Time in RestroFood?

➤ Set Order Limit per Time Slot

RestroFood allows restaurants set order limits per time slot to manage peak hours efficiently. By capping orders, you prevent kitchen overload, ensure timely delivery, and maintain service quality. Customers see full slots and are guided to available times, creating a smoother workflow, better staff management, and improved overall customer satisfaction, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Navigate to Time Slot Settings in RestroFood

Step 2: Define Order Limits for Each Time Slot

Step 3: Apply and Verify Your Settings

Step 4: Customer Interaction with Order Limits

Step 5: Advanced Strategies for Time Slot Management

For the detailed guide, please check this Documentation:
How to Set the Order Limit on Time Slot for Better Delivery Management?

➤ Set Minimum Order Amount

RestroFood allows restaurants to set a minimum order amount to cover delivery costs, ensure profitability, and encourage larger orders. By configuring this in the settings, restaurants streamline operations, prevent losses on small orders, and enhance customer experience. Customers are prompted to meet the minimum, ensuring timely, efficient, and satisfying service, with a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Define Your Costs

Step 2: Access Your Restaurant Management System

Step 3: Navigate to Order Settings

Step 4: Set the Minimum Order Amount

Step 5: Save and Test the Settings

For the detailed guide,
Please check this Documentation: How to Set the Minimum Order Amount in RestroFood?

➤ Set Minimum Order Amount for Free Shipping

RestroFood allows restaurants set a minimum order for free shipping. Customers get free delivery only if their order reaches this amount. This helps restaurants earn more, cover delivery costs, and encourages bigger orders. It’s easy to set up in RestroFood’s shipping settings, making both customers and restaurants happy, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Access the RestroFood Plugin Settings

Step 2: Navigate to the Shipping Settings

Step 3: Enable Free Shipping Based on Minimum Order Amount

Step 4: Set the Minimum Order Amount

Step 5: Save Your Settings

For the detailed guide, please check this Documentation:
How to set the Minimum Order Amount for Free Shipping in RestroFood?

➤ Delivery Availability Location Check System

RestroFood allows customers check delivery availability before ordering. They can enter their full address or zip code to see if delivery is available. This reduces failed orders, saves staff time, and improves customer satisfaction. Easy to set up in RestroFood, it ensures smoother operations and a better online ordering experience, step-by-step guide:

• Access the Location Settings
• Locate Delivery Availability Options
• Configure Address Check Settings
• Set Up Zip Code Check Settings
• Save Changes

For the detailed guide, please check the documentation:
How to Work the Delivery Availability Location Check System?

➤ Configure Same-Page Checkout

RestroFood Checkout Options allow you to choose between Same Page Checkout or WooCommerce Default Checkout. Same Page Checkout is fast, mobile-friendly, and ideal for quick orders. WooCommerce Checkout offers full-page features for complex orders. Both improve user experience, reduce cart abandonment, and boost sales, making online ordering smooth and efficient. A step-by-step guide:

1. Go to WordPress Dashboard

2. Navigate to RestroFood → Settings

3. Under Checkout Settings, choose:

“Enable Mini Cart Checkout”

Or “Use WooCommerce Default Checkout”

4. Save changes and test.

For the detailed guide,
Please check this Documentation: RestroFood Checkout Options

➤ Customize Checkout Fields

RestroFood allows you to customize checkout billing and shipping fields for a smooth ordering experience. You can hide unnecessary fields, rearrange them, or use conditional logic. This reduces cart abandonment, speeds up checkout, and improves customer satisfaction. Optimized fields make online ordering easier, faster, and more user-friendly, step-by-step guide:

1. Identify Essential Fields

2. Hiding Unnecessary Fields

3. Rearranging Fields

4. Using Conditional Logic

For the detailed guide,
Please check this Documentation: Customizing Checkout Fields

➤ Select Mini Cart Style

RestroFood allows you easily change your WooCommerce cart style to match your restaurant’s website. Choose from Canvas Modal, Footer Fixed, or Beside Products cart layouts. It’s mobile-friendly, simple to switch from the WordPress dashboard, and improves user experience, helping customers view orders clearly and speed up checkout, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Go to RestroFood Settings

Step 2: Open General Settings

Step 3: Select WooCommerce Mini Cart Style ( Canvas Modal, Footer Fixed, Beside Products )

Step 4: Save Changes

For the detailed guide,
Please check this Documentation: How to Change RestroFood Cart Style in WooCommerce?

➤ Customize the Order Received Page

The Order Received Page in RestroFood confirms customer orders, builds trust, and enhances the post-purchase experience. Easily set it via RestroFood → Settings → Checkout, customize with confirmation messages, order details, and support links. Optimized pages boost engagement, encourage repeat orders, and improve brand loyalty across all branches, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Access the WordPress Admin Dashboard

Step 2: Locate the Order Received Page Settings

Step 3: Choose or Create the Order Received Page

Step 4: Customize the Order Received Page Content

Step 5: Save Your Changes

For details guide,
Please check this Documentation: Where to Set the Order Received Page?

➤ Enable Pre-Order System

RestroFood’s pre-order system allows customers to schedule orders in advance, improving convenience and order management. Easily enabled via Delivery Settings → Pre-Order, it supports date and time selection, confirmation emails, and reminders. Optimizing pre-orders enhances inventory planning, reduces wait times, and boosts customer satisfaction, making it a vital tool for modern restaurants, step-by-step guide:

1. Open Delivery Settings

2. Enable the Pre-Order Feature

3. Check “Off Current Date Order” Setting (Optional)

4. Save Your Settings

5. Make Sure Date & Time Selection Is Enabled (Delivery/Pickup Tab)

6. Test How It Appears to Customers

For the detailed guide,
Please check the documentation: How to Work with Pre-Order Systems in RestroFood?

➤ Set & Use the Flash Sale Slider

RestroFood’s Flash Sale Slider allows restaurants showcase limited-time offers in an engaging, dynamic slider via Elementor. Featuring sale products with countdown timers, it creates urgency and boosts conversions. Easy to set up, fully customizable, and promotable, this tool helps drive sales, increase customer engagement, and enhance the online ordering experience, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Access the Flash Sale Slider Widget
Step 2: Configure the Slider Settings

Step 3: Publish and Promote

For the detailed guide, please check this Documentation:
How to Set & Use the Flash Sale Slider Section in RestroFood?

➤ Set Up RestroFood User Roles

RestroFood helps restaurants create user roles like Branch Manager, Kitchen Manager, and Delivery Boy. Each role has clear tasks, making work faster and easier. This improves order processing, teamwork, and customer service. With role-based access and organized management, restaurants can run smoothly, handle multiple branches, and keep everything secure, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Access User Management

Step 2: User Role Setup Instructions: Branch, Kitchen & Delivery

Step 3: Review and Edit Users

Step 4: Communicate with Your Team

For the detailed guide,
Please check the documentation: How to Set Up RestroFood User Roles?

➤ Add Tips Management System

RestroFood Tips Addons allows restaurants offer tipping at checkout. Customers can leave a tip easily, and owners can increase staff rewards and revenue. The plugin is simple to install on WordPress: download, upload, install, and activate. It works with RestroFood POS and includes reports to track tips effectively, a step-by-step guide:

• Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
• Click the Upload Plugin button at the top of the screen.
• Select the zip file from your local filesystem.
• Click the Install Now button.
• When the installation is complete, you’ll see “Plugin installed successfully.” Click the Activate Plugin button at the bottom of the page.

For the detailed guide,
Please check the documentation: How to Install Restrofood Tips Addons Easily?

➤ In-Restaurant Orders System

RestroFood In-Restaurant Orders Add-on is a free WordPress plugin for restaurants. It allows customers to order directly from their table using a digital menu. Staff and managers can track all orders in real time, reduce mistakes, and serve faster. Works for single or multiple branches and improves customer experience, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download the Plugin Zip File

Step 2: Access the Plugins Admin Screen

Step 3: Activate the Addon

For the detailed guide,
Please check the documentation: How to Install RestroFood in Restaurant Addon?

➤ Step 4: Final Touches

• Customize the Order Received Page with confirmation messages and support links.
  
• Enable time-based product visibility to showcase limited-time menu items.
  
• Test your website on desktop and mobile to ensure smooth online food ordering.

With RestroFood, your WooCommerce restaurant system is more than just taking orders. It’s a complete restaurant management solution. From menu creation to online food ordering, delivery, pre-orders, tips, and flash sales, RestroFood provides all the tools to boost sales, improve customer satisfaction, and grow your restaurant online.

Step-by-Step Expert Guide to Building a WooCommerce Food Ordering Website

Launch Your WooCommerce Restaurant Food Ordering System Today!

Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to build a WooCommerce restaurant food ordering system with RestroFood, it’s time to take the next step.

Start your own online ordering system today and give your customers a faster, smoother way to order from your restaurant.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with others who want to grow their restaurant business online. Your support helps more restaurant owners get started with their own ordering system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a WooCommerce restaurant food ordering system?

A WooCommerce restaurant food ordering system allows customers to place food orders directly from your website. Using RestroFood, you can manage menus, accept online orders, set delivery or pickup options, and track orders in real time, all without relying on third-party apps.

Why should I build my own online food ordering system?

Having your own online ordering system gives you full control over your restaurant operations. You can avoid third-party commissions, manage customer experience directly, promote offers freely, and grow your restaurant brand online.

Can I manage delivery and pickup with RestroFood?

Yes. RestroFood allows you to offer both delivery and pickup options. You can set time slots, enable pre-orders, and control order limits to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

Is it possible to customize food orders with extras and add-ons?

Absolutely. With RestroFood, customers can customize their food orders by adding extras like toppings, sides, or combo options. This helps improve customer satisfaction and increases your average order value.

Can customers place pre-orders on my restaurant website?

Yes. RestroFood supports scheduled orders, allowing customers to place food orders in advance for a later time or date.

How does RestroFood improve the online ordering experience?

RestroFood offers features like same-page checkout, delivery time slots, order tracking, and menu customization to make online food ordering faster and easier for customers.

Do I need coding skills to create an online food ordering system?

No. You can build a complete WooCommerce restaurant ordering system using WordPress, WooCommerce, and RestroFood without any coding knowledge.

Can I manage multiple restaurant branches with RestroFood?

Yes. RestroFood supports multi-branch management, allowing you to handle orders from different locations in one system.

How can RestroFood help increase my restaurant sales?

By enabling direct online orders, offering pre-orders, allowing food customization, and promoting deals, RestroFood helps improve customer experience and boost online sales.

What Is the Best Online Food Ordering System?

There are many food ordering plugins available for WordPress and WooCommerce. Based on our comparison and analysis, RestroFood is one of the best online food ordering systems for managing orders directly from your restaurant website.

How Do I Create a Food Ordering Site on WordPress Using RestroFood?

Here’s how you can build it step by step:

➤ Step 1: Install WordPress and WooCommerce

➤ Step 2: Install and Activate RestroFood

➤ Step 3: Set Up Your Menu

➤ Step 4: Customize Menu Display

➤ Step 5: Enable Delivery & Pickup Options

➤ Step 6: Optimize Checkout Experience

➤ Step 7: Manage Orders Efficiently

➤ Step 8: Add Promotions & Sales

➤ Step 9: Optional Table Reservations

➤ Step 10: Final Touches

Does RestroFood provide a free online food ordering system?

Yes, RestroFood provides a free online food ordering system. You can start taking online orders directly from your website using its free version, without paying commissions to third-party platforms. It helps restaurants manage orders smoothly while keeping full control over their business.