Table Ordering vs. Online Ordering vs. POS Ordering, Which Should Restaurants Use in 2026

Choosing the right ordering system can change everything for your restaurant in 2026.

Your competitor upgraded their ordering system in 2025. If you have not done it yet, this could be the year you fall behind. Every customer expects fast orders, shorter wait times, and a seamless ordering experience.

Table ordering, online ordering, and POS ordering are all growing rapidly. Each one works in a different way and suits different types of food businesses. 

Table ordering allows staff to take orders at the table, online ordering allows customers to place their orders through a website or app, and POS ordering allows your team to manage every order through one central dashboard.

Using the wrong ordering system can cost your restaurant more than you think.

In this guide, we compare all three ordering systems in clear, simple terms, so you can understand how they work, where they fit best, and which one can support your restaurant’s success in 2026.

Table Ordering vs. Online Ordering vs. POS Ordering

Not sure which ordering system your restaurant actually needs?

This table makes it simple. It compares table ordering, online food ordering, and POS ordering side by side. You can see how each one works, what it costs, and which type of restaurant it suits best. 

Use this to find the right fit for your business in 2026.

Feature	Table Ordering	Online Ordering	POS Ordering
What Is It?	Table ordering is a system that allows customers place their order directly from their table.	Online ordering is a system that allows customers place their order from a website or mobile app.	POS ordering is a system that allows staff process and manage every order from one central dashboard.
How It Works	Staff visit each table and take orders directly from guests	Guests place their own orders through a website or mobile app	Staff process and track all orders from one central device
Best For	Sit down and full-service dining restaurants	Restaurants focused on delivery and pickup	Fast casual and hybrid dining restaurants
Order Speed	Takes more time per table	Quick and simple for the customer	Fast and smooth for the team
Staff Required	Needs more floor staff	Runs well with a smaller team	Works well with a lean team
Customer Control	Staff guide the ordering process	Guest has full control over their order	Staff handle and manage all orders
Setup Cost	Medium to high investment	Low to medium investment	Low investment
Upselling	Relies on staff knowledge and skill	Built-in upsell prompts at checkout	On-screen upsell suggestions at the point of sale
Service Style	Warm and personal dining experience	Convenient and fully remote	Fast and flexible for any service style

What Type of Food Ordering System is Better for Restaurants?

There is no single best food ordering system for every restaurant.

The right choice depends on how your restaurant runs. It depends on your team size, your service style, and the type of customers you serve every day.

Here is a simple way to think about it.

• Choose Table Ordering if: Your restaurant focuses on a warm and personal dining experience. You have a full-service setup with staff on the floor. Your guests enjoy being looked after from the moment they sit down. Table ordering works best when personal service is a big part of what you offer.
  
• Choose Online Ordering if: Your restaurant relies on delivery and pickup orders. You want to bring in sales before a customer even walks through your door. Online ordering works best when you want to reach more customers without adding more staff.
  
• Choose POS Ordering if: Your restaurant needs speed and control in one place. You run a fast casual or hybrid dining setup. Your team handles a high volume of orders every shift. POS ordering works best when your staff needs one simple system to manage everything fast.

No system is perfect for every restaurant. But one of these three will fit your business better than the others. Think about your service style. Think about your team. Think about what your customers expect when they visit you.

That is how you find the right ordering system for your restaurant in 2026.

How to create an Online Table Ordering Website using RestroFood?

Setting up table ordering for your restaurant does not have to be complicated.

RestroFood makes it simple. With the free In-Restaurant Order Addon, your guests can place orders directly from their table without waiting for a staff member. Everything runs through one easy dashboard.

Note: First, download and install the RestroFood Free Theme & RestroFood Free Plugin (Use RestroFood Pro Plugin for unlocking more unique features)

Here is a step-by-step process on how to get started:

Set up table ordering by installing the free In-Restaurant Addon, choose delivery types (dine-in or pickup), enable table number selection, configure availability and checkout popup, then manage all orders from your dashboard and train your staff.

Step 1 – Install the In-Restaurant Addon

Go to your WordPress dashboard. Click on Plugins and select Add New. Upload the In-Restaurant Addon zip file and click Install Now. Once it is done, click Activate to turn it on.

After activation, you will see a new In-Restaurant tab appear in your RestroFood settings menu.

Note: Our In-Restaurant Order Addon is completely free.

Step 2 – Set Up Your Delivery Types

Go to the In-Restaurant tab in your RestroFood settings. Choose your delivery type. You can select dine-in, pickup, or both. This gives your customers the option to choose how they want to receive their order.

Step 3 – Enable Table Number Selection

Turn on the table number selection feature. This allows your guests to pick their table number when placing an order. Your staff will know exactly where to deliver the food without any confusion.

Step 4 – Configure the Availability Checker

Set up the Availability Checker option. This lets your customers check table availability and select their delivery type before placing their order. It keeps the ordering process clean and simple for every guest.

Step 5 – Set Up the Checkout Popup

Enable the Checkout Popup. This gives your customers a clear summary of their order before they confirm it. They can review their table number, their items, and add any special instructions they need.

Step 6 – Manage All Table Orders From One Dashboard

Once everything is live, every table order will appear on your RestroFood dashboard in real time. Your staff can see each order, confirm it, and send it to the kitchen instantly. No paper. No missed orders. No confusion.

Step 7 – Train Your Staff

Make sure your team knows how to use the dashboard. Show them how to find incoming table orders, how to confirm them, and how to update the order status. A well-trained team makes the whole system run smoothly.

Why This Works for Your Restaurant?

RestroFood gives you a simple and professional restaurant table ordering system without a complicated setup. Your guests order from their seats. Your staff manages everything from one screen. And your kitchen gets clear and accurate orders every single time.

That means faster service, fewer mistakes, and a better experience for every customer who walks through your door.

How to create an Online Food Ordering Website using RestroFood?

Building an online food ordering website for your restaurant is simple with RestroFood.

RestroFood is the best restaurant management system for WordPress and WooCommerce. It gives you a complete restaurant online ordering system. You can manage your food menu, take orders, handle delivery and pickup, and serve your customers smoothly from one place.

Over 1000 restaurants worldwide already trust RestroFood to run their online ordering every day.

Set up your restaurant website by choosing a domain and hosting, installing WordPress, WooCommerce, Elementor, and RestroFood, then add your menu, enable delivery/pickup, configure checkout, and launch.

Follow this step-by-step guide to get started:

Step 1 – Choose a Domain Name

Your domain name is your website address. Pick a name that is easy to remember and matches your restaurant brand. Register it through a provider like Namecheap or GoDaddy.

Step 2 – Select a Hosting Provider

Hosting keeps your website live online. Choose a reliable provider like Bluehost or HostGator. A good host keeps your RestroFood ordering system fast and running smoothly every day.

Step 3 – Connect Your Domain to Hosting

Link your domain to your hosting provider. Go to your domain settings and update the nameservers. This can take up to 48 hours to go live.

Step 4 – Install WordPress and WooCommerce

Log in to your hosting dashboard and install WordPress. Once WordPress is live, go to Plugins and search for WooCommerce. Install and activate it. Follow the setup steps to set your location, currency, and store details.

WooCommerce handles your payments and orders. RestroFood builds on top of it to add powerful restaurant-specific features.

Step 5 – Install Elementor

Go to Plugins and click Add New. Search for Elementor. Install and activate it.

Elementor lets you design your restaurant pages with drag and drop. No coding needed. It works perfectly with RestroFood to help you build beautiful menu pages and layouts quickly.

Step 6 – Install RestroFood

Download the RestroFood plugin from the RestroFood website. Go to your WordPress dashboard. Click Plugins and select Add New. Upload the zip file and click Install Now. Once done, click Activate.

RestroFood gives you everything your restaurant needs. Easy menu setup. Delivery and pickup management. Real-time order tracking. Staff role management. And much more, all from one simple dashboard.

Upgrade to RestroFood Pro to unlock all features and take full control of your restaurant operations.

Step 7 – Install the RestroFood Theme

Download the free RestroFood theme from the RestroFood website. Go to Appearance and click Themes. Upload the theme zip file and activate it. Install the required plugins when prompted.

The RestroFood theme is a restaurant-friendly theme designed for all types of food businesses. This free theme is mobile-friendly, fully responsive, and works perfectly with WooCommerce and RestroFood out of the box.

Step 8 – Import Demo Product Data

RestroFood lets you import ready-made demo products using the WordPress Importer. This saves time and helps you see how your digital menu looks before adding your real items. It gives you a working example to build on from day one.

Step 9 – Set Up Your Menu

Add your food categories such as Pizza, Burgers, Drinks, and Desserts. Then add your food items with images, descriptions, and prices.

RestroFood also lets you add extra options like toppings, sides, and combo meals. You can set preparation and delivery times for each item so customers always know what to expect.

Step 10 – Customize Your Menu Display

RestroFood gives you six menu layout options. Grid, List, Tabbed, Masonry, Slider, and Full Width. Choose the one that fits your restaurant style best. You can also highlight special deals and combo offers directly on your menu page using Elementor.

Step 11 – Enable Delivery and Pickup Options

Go to your RestroFood settings and turn on delivery and pickup. Set your time slots and limit orders per slot to avoid overloading your kitchen. Enable the pre-order feature so customers can schedule their orders in advance.

Step 12 – Set Up Checkout

RestroFood gives you two checkout options. Same Page Checkout for a fast and mobile-friendly experience. Or use WooCommerce Default Checkout for more complex orders.

Customize your billing and shipping fields to keep the process simple. Set a minimum order amount and free shipping rules to manage your delivery costs efficiently.

Step 13 – Assign Staff Roles

RestroFood lets you set up user roles for your entire team. Assign Branch Managers, Kitchen Managers, and Delivery staff. Each role has its own access and tasks. This keeps your orders organized and your team working efficiently across every shift.

Step 14 – Add Extra RestroFood Features

RestroFood comes with powerful extra features to help your restaurant grow.

Turn on Tips Management so customers can leave a tip at checkout. Use the Flash Sale Slider to promote limited-time offers and drive more orders. Enable the Delivery Availability Checker so customers can confirm delivery to their area before they order.

Step 15 – Test and Launch

Test your website on both desktop and mobile before going live. Place a test order and check that everything works from menu to checkout to order confirmation.

Once everything looks good, your restaurant is ready to take digital ordering with RestroFood.

Why RestroFood Is the Right Choice for Your Restaurant?

RestroFood is more than just an ordering plugin. It is a complete restaurant management plugin built for WordPress and WooCommerce.

It handles your menu, your orders, your delivery, your staff, and your customers all from one simple dashboard. It is free to start, easy to set up, and built to grow with your restaurant in 2026 and beyond.

For details guide,
Read this blog: How to Create an Online Food Ordering Website using WordPress?

How to create an Online POS Ordering Website using RestroFood?

Managing restaurant orders, payments, and staff from one place is now simple with RestroFood POS.

RestroFood WooCommerce POS is the number one restaurant point of sale system built for WordPress. It helps your team handle orders, billing, counters, and branches from one central dashboard. It works both online and offline, so your restaurant never stops taking orders.

Over 1000 restaurant owners worldwide trust RestroFood POS to run their operations every day.

Set up RestroFood POS by installing the add-on, configuring branches, counters, staff, menu, and payment methods, enabling offline ordering mode and barcode billing, testing everything, and launching to manage all orders and payments from one dashboard.

Get started easily with this step-by-step setup process:

Step 1 – Make Sure You Have the Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have these in place. WordPressis installed and up to date. WooCommerce is installed and activated. RestroFood core plugin installed and activated. The RestroFood POS Add-on requires the core plugin to work.

Take a full backup of your site before you begin.

Step 2 – Download the RestroFood POS Add-on

Go to the RestroFood website and purchase the POS Add-on. Download the zip file to your computer. RestroFood POS plans start from $75 per year for a single-site license.

Step 3 – Install and Activate the POS Add-on

Go to your WordPress dashboard. Click Plugins and select Add New. Upload the POS Add-on zip file and click Install Now. Once done, click Activate.

RestroFood POS is now live on your website and ready to configure.

Step 4 – Enter Your License Key

After activation, go to RestroFood and find the Add-ons or License section. Enter your license key to activate updates and support. This keeps your POS system secure and up to date at all times.

Step 5 – Configure Your Core POS Settings

Go to RestroFood POS settings. Set up your default counter and branch. Choose your currency and tax display options. Select your invoice template and receipt format. Save your settings before moving to the next step.

Step 6 – Set Up Your Menu Products

Make sure all your food items are added as WooCommerce products. Set stock levels, prices, and SKUs for each item. If you manage multiple branches, use the RestroFood Multi-Branch Add-on to assign products to specific branch locations.

Step 7 – Create Branches and Counters

Go to RestroFood and create your restaurant branches. Add the branch address and opening hours for each location. Then, create your counters, such as Counter 1 and Counter 2, under POS settings. RestroFood POS supports multiple counters and multiple branches, all from one dashboard.

Step 8 – Assign Staff Roles

Create staff accounts and assign the right roles to each team member. RestroFood POS supports the Branch Manager, Kitchen Manager, and Delivery Boy roles. Each role has its own access level, so your team stays organized, and your data stays secure.

Step 9 – Set Up Payment Methods

Go to WooCommerce payment settings and enable the methods your restaurant accepts. Cash, card, Stripe, and PayPal are all supported. In your POS settings, turn on the payment methods you want available at the counter.

Step 10 – Customize Your Invoice Settings

Go to POS Invoice Settings and add your restaurant logo, tax details, and footer message. RestroFood POS gives you full invoice customization so every receipt looks professional and matches your brand.

If you want automatic invoice printing, install the RestroFood Automatic Invoice Printing Add-on and connect it to PrintNode.

Step 11 – Enable Barcode Billing

Turn on the Barcode Generator feature in your POS settings. Set up SKUs for each product so they can be scanned at the counter. RestroFood POS supports barcode scanning for fast and accurate billing during busy service hours.

Step 12 – Enable Offline Mode

RestroFood POS works even when your internet goes down. Go to POS settings and turn on Offline POS mode. Test it by going offline and placing a test order. When your connection comes back, all offline orders sync automatically to WooCommerce.

Step 13 – Test Everything Before Going Live

Before you open to customers, run these checks. Place a test cash order and confirm it appears in WooCommerce. Test a card payment and check the receipt. Test barcode scanning. Test order hold and resume. Check that branch-specific products show correctly. Verify that your sales reports match your test orders.

Step 14 – Launch Your POS System

Once everything is tested and working, your RestroFood POS system is ready to go live. Your team can now manage every order, payment, and invoice from one central screen with full confidence.

Why RestroFood POS Is the Right Choice?

RestroFood POS is more than just a billing tool. It is a complete restaurant management solution that handles orders, payments, staff, branches, invoices, and reports all in one place.

It works for all types of restaurants. Small cafes, fast food outlets, casual dining, fine dining, food trucks, franchises, and large multi-branch operations.

With RestroFood POS, your restaurant runs faster, makes fewer mistakes, and grows with confidence in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ordering system is one of the most important decisions your restaurant will make in 2026.

Table ordering, online ordering, and POS ordering each solve a different problem. Each one fits a different type of restaurant. And each one can help your business run faster, smoother, and more efficiently when set up the right way.

Table ordering is best when personal service matters most. Online ordering is best when you want to reach more customers before they walk through your door. POS ordering is best when your team needs speed and full control from one central place.

The good news is you do not have to choose just one.

RestroFood gives your restaurant the power to run all three ordering systems from one simple dashboard. Table ordering through the free In-Restaurant Order Add-on. Online ordering through the RestroFood plugin and WooCommerce. POS ordering through the RestroFood POS Add-on.

Everything works together. Everything runs from one place. And everything is built to help your restaurant grow.

Over 1000 restaurant owners worldwide already trust RestroFood to manage their orders every single day. Whether you run a cafe, single restaurant, a full-service dining room, or a large multi-branch operation, RestroFood has the right plugin for your restaurant.

The right ordering system is waiting for you. Start with RestroFood today and give your restaurant the best chance to succeed in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Table Ordering System? 

A table ordering system is a system that allows staff to take orders directly from guests at their table and send them to the kitchen in real time.

What is an Online Ordering System? 

An online ordering system is a system that allows customers to place their food order through a website or mobile app before they arrive, or for delivery and pickup.

What is a POS Ordering System? 

A POS ordering system is a system that allows staff to process and manage every customer order from one central dashboard covering billing, payments, and reporting.

Which Food Ordering System is Better for Restaurants? 

The best food ordering system depends on what your restaurant needs most. If you want table ordering, online ordering, and POS ordering all in one place, RestroFood is the right choice. It gives your restaurant a complete ordering system without paying commission on every order. You own your customer relationships, your data, and your sales.

What Type of Restaurant Fits Each Ordering System Best? 

Table ordering fits sit-down and full-service restaurants. Online ordering fits restaurants focused on delivery and pickup. POS ordering fits fast casual, hybrid, and multi-branch restaurants that need speed and control in one place.

How to Create an Online Table Ordering Website Using RestroFood? 

Install the free RestroFood In-Restaurant Order Add-on. Set up your delivery types and enable table number selection. Configure the availability checker and checkout system. Manage all table orders from your RestroFood dashboard in real time.

How to Create an Online Food Ordering Website Using RestroFood? 

Choose a domain and hosting. Install WordPress, WooCommerce, Elementor, and RestroFood. Set up your menu, delivery options, and checkout. Assign staff roles and launch your restaurant website with full online ordering, ready to go.

How to Create an Online POS Ordering Website Using RestroFood? 

Install the RestroFood POS Add-on and activate your license. Configure your branches, counters, staff roles, and payment methods. Enable barcode billing and offline mode. Test everything and launch your POS system to manage all orders from one central dashboard.

Can I Use Table Ordering, Online Ordering, and POS Ordering Together? 

Yes. RestroFood supports all three ordering systems working together from one dashboard. You can run table ordering, online ordering, and POS ordering at the same time without confusion or switching between different systems.

Does RestroFood Support POS, Table, and Online Orders? 

Yes. RestroFood is a complete restaurant management system that supports table ordering through the free In-Restaurant Order Add-on, online ordering through the RestroFood plugin and WooCommerce, and POS ordering through the RestroFood POS Add-on, all from one place.

Why Do Restaurants Prioritize Online Orders? 

Restaurants prioritize online orders because they bring in more sales, reach more customers, reduce order mistakes, and need fewer staff to manage.

What Percentage of People Order Food Online? 

More than 60 percent of consumers order food online at least once a week. This number grows every year as more customers prefer ordering from their phone or computer.