When looking for an online food ordering system, you need to find one that suits your specific needs. The best online ordering system for restaurants in the UK is one that is flexible, user-friendly, and offers a wide range of features.
Online food ordering systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a convenient way for customers to order food from their favourite restaurants. Many online ordering systems also offer additional features, such as the ability to pay online, track online orders and even receive special offers and discounts.
As you would expect online ordering will continue growing and as such, restaurant owners need to make sure they are ahead of the curve by offering their customers this convenient way to order food.
In this article, we will look at some of the best food ordering systems for restaurants in the UK and what features they offer.
What Are Online Ordering Systems?
An online ordering system is a piece of software that allows customers to order food from a restaurant via the internet. Customers will typically visit the restaurant’s website or mobile app and browse the menu before selecting the items they wish to order. Once they have made their selections, they will enter their delivery details and payment information before confirming their order.
Online ordering systems are often integrated with the restaurant’s point-of-sale (POS) system, which makes it easier to manage orders and payments. Some online ordering systems also offer additional features, such as the ability to track orders, add special instructions for the kitchen, or receive loyalty points or discounts.
What Are the Main Features of Restaurant Online Ordering Software?
The main features of online ordering systems for restaurants can be divided into three categories: order management, customer management, and payment processing.
Order Management
This is the main function of online ordering systems and includes taking customer orders, managing the kitchen, and ensuring that orders are delivered on time.
Customer Management
This involves managing customer information, such as contact details and delivery addresses. This can be important for restaurants that offer delivery services, as it helps to ensure that orders are delivered to the correct address.
Payment Processing
This is a vital feature of ordering systems, as it allows customers to pay for their orders online. This can be done via credit card, debit card, or PayPal. It is imperative to consider the credit card processing fees as well.
What Are the Benefits of the Best Food Ordering System?
As you would imagine, a restaurant ordering system is an asset to have in your business. With the right choice, you should be able to grow your business, increase your profits and enhance customer satisfaction.
The choice of your food ordering software will have a significant impact on your business. It can be the difference between success and failure, so it’s important to choose wisely.
There are many benefits of using an online ordering and service restaurant management system, including:
- Increased convenience for customers: Customers can order food from their favourite restaurants at any time, from anywhere.
- Improved efficiency: Online ordering systems can help to streamline the ordering process and make it more efficient.
- Reduced costs: Online ordering systems can help to reduce costs associated with traditional methods, such as paper menus and phone calls.
- Improved customer satisfaction: Online ordering systems can provide a better experience for customers, which can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
By choosing to invest in the right online food ordering software, you will be able to reap all of these benefits and more.
Who Needs An Online Ordering System?
Any restaurant that wants to offer its customers the convenience of ordering food online will need a restaurant’s online ordering system. Whether you are a small, local restaurant or a large, national chain, an online ordering system can help you to grow your business and increase profits. Some of the businesses, in the restaurant industry, that can make use of online ordering software include:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Pizza shops
- Coffee shops
- Fast food
- Fine dine restaurants
- And more!
As a business owner, it is imperative to ensure that you understand your specific needs. This is the only way that you will find the right software for online ordering for restaurants.
It is important to note that there are different types of online ordering systems. You can choose from the ones that serve on-site restaurants or for the off-site deliveries.
Top Restaurant Ordering Systems
There are hindered, if not thousands of, online ordering solutions on the market. For an average restaurant owner, it can be an overwhelming task to narrow down the right choice.
As such, we have taken the time to test and review quite a number of food ordering systems. In our evaluation, it all came down to the following top online ordering systems to choose from. Please note that the systems are not arranged in any specific manner.
Revel Systems POS
Revel Systems offers a comprehensive POS solution that helps restaurants to manage their businesses more efficiently. The software is easy to use and it comes with a wide range of features, such as online ordering, table management, menu engineering, and more.
This is one of the most advanced order management tools on the market and has robust features to offer. The software is also highly scalable and can be customized to suit the specific needs of your restaurant.
Revel operates on iPads and has some interesting features that make it stand out from the others on the market. The multi-delivery option and the online ordering tools are some of the best features that you will love about the tool.
Pros
- Fully- integrated online food ordering system
- Accepts multiple payments
- Advanced delivery management features
Cons
- Works on Revel hardware only
- Quite costly
Pricing
Revel systems installation starts at $674 and you will be required to pay $99 per terminal, per month.
Revel Systems is an excellent choice for restaurants that have an in-house driver.
Toast POS
Toast is a cloud-based POS system that comes with a built-in online ordering system. The software is designed to help restaurants to manage their businesses more efficiently and boost profits.
One of the biggest advantages of Toast is the fact that it offers features that are easy to use. The online ordering system from Toast is one of the best in the market and it helps restaurants to take online orders and payments online.
The software is also integrated with a number of delivery services, such as GrubHub, DoorDash, and UberEats. This makes it easier for restaurants to get their food delivered to customers.
Pros
- Seamless integration with online ordering and delivery services
- Offers a wide range of features
- Easy to use
Cons
- The software is quite costly
Pricing
Toast offers different types of subscription plans that start at $75. However, there is also the Pay-as-you-go option.
Generally, Toast POS is a full-service solution with an excellent online ordering option for all types of restaurants.
Menufy
Menufy is an online food ordering system that helps restaurants to take and manage online orders. The software is quite easy to use and it comes with a wide range of features, such as online payments, delivery management, and more.
One of the best things about Menufy is the fact that it offers a white-label solution. This means that you can brand the software to match your restaurant’s name and logo. This is one of the options that support Facebook ordering.
The software is also quite affordable and it comes with a number of features that make it stand out from the others in the market.
Pros
- Offers a white-label solution
- Affordable pricing plans
- Seamless integration with a website or Facebook page
Cons
- The software is quite basic and it lacks some features that are offered by the other options on this list.
Pricing
The pricing point for Menufy is quite interesting as it does not charge anything for the installation. However, you will have to pay a 12.5% fee for the deliveries.
Menufy is an excellent choice for small restaurants that are looking for an affordable online ordering system.
Square for Restaurants
Square is a leading provider of POS systems and it offers an excellent online food ordering system for restaurants. The software is quite easy to use and it comes with a wide range of features, such as online payments, delivery management, and more.
If you are looking for a free online food ordering system, then Square is the perfect choice for you. The software does not charge any commission fees and it is quite easy to use.
This is one of the tools that integrate with a number of business tools and as such, you are able to manage your restaurant more efficiently.
Pros
- Offers a free online ordering system
- Seamless integration with other business tools
- Easy to use
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- Works with Square hardware only
Pricing
Square is a free online food ordering system, with a delivery option. With in-house drivers, you will end up paying just 50 cents for every delivery.
Square is an excellent choice for small restaurants that are looking for a free online ordering system.
ChowNow
ChowNow is another choice of restaurant online ordering system and the good news is the fact that it is commission-free. Any restaurant that is looking for ways of maximizing its sales will find this tool to be quite useful.
The software is easy to use and it comes with a wide range of features, such as online payments, delivery management, and more. ChowNow also offers a white-label solution and this means that you can brand the software with your restaurant’s name and logo. It gives you a branded ordering experience.
ChowNow is a 3rd party app that will easily integrate with your existing POS system.
Pros
- Offers a commission-free online ordering system
- White-label solution
- Seamless integration with your POS systems
Cons
- It can be expensive
Pricing
ChowNow charges a flat monthly fee of $99 to $150 and there are no commission fees. The pricing will be determined by the specific features you choose to use.
ChowNow will easily work with a number of integrations including Yelp, Facebook, and Google.
ChowNow is an excellent choice for restaurants that are looking for a commission-free online ordering system.
Tock
Tock comes as a comprehensive software with 3 different modules; reservations, online ordering and event booking. This is one of the best online food ordering systems because it covers all the needs of a modern restaurant.
With Tock, you are able to take reservations, sell tickets for events and also take orders online. The software also comes with a wide range of features, such as online payments, delivery management, and more.
Users have the option of choosing the specific module that they prefer to use. The online ordering tool gives you a template to help create your tailored online ordering platform. The on-demand driver dispatch options make it possible to offer delivery services.
Pros
- Offers a comprehensive online ordering system
- Comes with a wide range of features
- Modules can be used individually
Cons
- Some features are lacking, which makes it limited.
Pricing
Tock has no monthly subscription fee. You will pay a fee of $3 per order delivered.
Tock stands out as one of the best food systems for restaurants because it offers a comprehensive solution. However, some features are lacking, which makes it limited.
DoorDash Storefront
If you run a restaurant and plan to use 3rd party drivers, then DoorDash Storefront is the best online food ordering software for you. It comes with a wide range of features, such as online payments, delivery management, and more.
The good news is that the DoorDash app will integrate with your website easily. This means that online orders will be placed through your existing website. The software offers embedded online ordering solutions.
DoorDash also offers a white-label solution and this means that you can brand the software with your restaurant’s name and logo. You will love the branded mobile app. As such, when customers are ordering their food, they will see your logo and brand and not DoorDash.
Pros
- Allows you full ownership of customer data
- White-label solution
- Seamless integration with your website
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- Setting up takes quite some time
- It only works with DoorDash payments
Pricing
The will be no installation or monthly fee charged. You will just pay per delivery, depending on the option you choose. Self-delivery costs between 8% and 12%.
Overall DoorDash Storefront is one of the best food ordering systems for restaurants that are looking to use 3rd party drivers.
How to Find the Best Online Ordering System for Your Restaurant
Now that you know the best online ordering systems, it’s time to find one that suits your specific needs. Here are some tips on how to do that:
1. Define your needs
The first step is to sit down and think about your specific needs. What exactly are you looking for in an online ordering system? Make a list of all the features that are important to you.
2. Do your research
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start your research. Read online reviews and compare the different features of each system.
3. Ask for recommendations
If you’re still not sure which system to choose, ask for recommendations from other restaurants. Talk to your peers and see if they can recommend a good system.
4. Try it out
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, try out the different systems. Most of them offer a free trial period so you can test out the features.
5. Make your decision
After trying out the different systems, it’s time to make your decision. Choose the system that offers the best features at a price that you’re comfortable with.
The best online ordering systems for restaurants is the one that suits your specific needs. Do your research and compare the different features of each system before making your decision.
The best online ordering system for restaurants makes it possible for customers to order food without having to leave their homes. This is especially useful in today’s climate, where people are encouraged to stay home as much as possible.
What To Look For in an Online Food Ordering System
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best online ordering system for your restaurant. Here are some of the most important factors:
1. Ease of Use
The online ordering system should be easy to use, both for you and for your customers. It should be intuitive and user-friendly. You do not want to end up with software that is complex to understand. Pick one that is easy to set up and use. This will save you a whole lot of time and headache.
2. Cost
The cost of the online ordering system is also an important factor to consider. You need to find one that is affordable and within your budget. Some systems are more expensive than others, so be sure to compare the prices before making your decision.
3. Features
When looking for the best online food ordering system, make sure to check the features offered by each system. Some systems offer more features than others. Choose one that offers the features that are most important to you.
4. Customer Service
The customer service of the company behind the online ordering system is also an important factor to consider. You want to be able to contact them easily in case you have any questions or problems. Check the company’s customer service rating before making your decision.
5. Integration
The online ordering system should be able to integrate with your existing website and POS system. This will make it easier for you to manage your orders and keep track of your inventory.
These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when looking for the best online ordering systems for your restaurant. Be sure to do your research and compare the different features of each system before making your decision.
Now that you know what to look for in an online food ordering system, it’s time to start your search.
Which Online Food Ordering System Is Ideal For My Restaurant?
There are a number of different online food ordering systems available on the market. The one that is ideal for your restaurant depends on your specific needs. As such, you should take the time to compare a number of options, in line with your needs.
It does not hurt to try out a couple of different systems before making your final decision. After all, you want to be sure that you are choosing the best online ordering systems for your business.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is an extensive range of best online food ordering systems for restaurants. In our opinion, Toast and Revel Systems are some of the best choices out there.
The most important factor to consider when choosing one is your specific needs. Other factors, such as ease of use, cost, and customer service, are also important considerations. Be sure to compare the different features of each system before making your decision.
We hope that this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of choosing the right online ordering system.
