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The way people order food has changed. In fact, 70% of consumers today prefer ordering food online.
This shift pushes restaurant owners to adopt an online food ordering system to boost sales, streamline operations, and improve the customer experience.
However, contracts, hidden costs, and integration issues make it frustrating for restaurants to find an online ordering solution that offers the best value.
Some online ordering platforms focus on low-cost solutions, while others offer advanced features with higher fees.
In this article, you will learn about the top restaurant online ordering system options, their pricing, pros and cons, and how to choose the right system for your business.
Customers prefer digital ordering because it saves time and reduces errors.
For restaurants, an ordering system improves operations by automating tasks, cutting labor costs, and providing useful data on customer behavior.
The benefits extend to both restaurant owners and customers, making it a win-win solution.
Online ordering systems bring many advantages to restaurant owners:
Customers benefit just as much as restaurant owners:
Choosing the best ordering system for your business depends on your needs, budget, and required features.
Some platforms focus on direct online ordering, while others integrate with third-party apps for delivery services.
Below are the top online ordering solutions for 2025.
For years, small businesses and local restaurants have struggled with the high costs of technology. Many restaurant owners can’t afford to spend $15,000+ on a custom app.
Buildify offers a low-cost online ordering solution that allows restaurants to launch a website and branded mobile app in less than 10 days.
It eliminates the need to spend months developing custom software while providing essential tools like loyalty programs and marketing reports.
Unlike many third-party apps, Buildify gives you full control over the ordering management to ensure you keep more profits.
Some key features include:
$399/month for full access, including a restaurant website, mobile app, and loyalty programs.
Toast is a cloud-based online ordering system that works well for full-service restaurants, fast-casual spots, and coffee shops. It integrates with POS systems to manage orders and with inventory management apps to track stocks in real time.
The system also supports self-service, tableside, and mobile ordering and helps restaurants improve their digital ordering experience.
To promote special offers and customer loyalty rewards, restaurants can use Toast’s marketing tools.
The delivery management feature helps streamline the delivery process by integrating with third-party apps like DoorDash.
Pros
Cons
Toast offers a free online ordering system plan for small restaurants but charges for advanced features.
The Point of Sale plan starts at $69 per month, while larger restaurants may need custom pricing.
Square Online offers a smooth ordering platform that syncs with Square POS to facilitate online orders and payments.
With Square Online, restaurants can create a mobile ordering page where customers can place food orders directly from their phones.
It also supports online ordering through Instagram, Facebook, and Google, which helps businesses reach more customers.
Loyalty programs and marketing tools also encourage repeat business by offering personalized promotions.
Pros
Cons
Square Online offers multiple pricing plans to suit different business needs. There’s a free plan with only processing fees applied.
The Plus Plan is available for $29 per month, providing additional features for growing businesses. For those needing more advanced tools, the Premium Plan costs $79 per month.
BentoBox helps restaurant businesses grow an online presence with marketing tools and a digital ordering system that keeps customers engaged.
It includes a simple website builder that lets restaurants create a site with an integrated online ordering page. Loyalty programs encourage repeat business by offering rewards and discounts.
The platform also supports marketing efforts by automating email campaigns and social media promotions so that restaurants can connect with customers and drive sales.
Pros
Cons
Pricing not publicly available.
Menufy provides a low-cost online ordering platform for restaurants that want to explore digital ordering without large upfront expenses. It offers a simple ordering page that integrates directly with an existing site.
The platform also connects with Uber Eats and DoorDash for easy delivery management.
Businesses can take advantage of built-in marketing and print advertising tools to attract more customers and promote their services effectively.
Pros
Cons
No monthly fees, but restaurants pay processing fees.
ChowNow offers an online ordering system designed to help restaurants increase direct customer engagement and encourage repeat business.
It provides tools that allow restaurants to strengthen their customer relationships without relying on third-party delivery platforms that charge large commissions.
The system includes loyalty programs and marketing automation features that help restaurants reward frequent customers and send targeted promotions.
ChowNow integrates with Google and Yelp, which enhances online visibility. Additionally, it supports delivery orders through its built-in driver network.
Pros
Cons
ChowNow offers three pricing plans based on business needs. Essential ordering tools are included in ChowNow Pro, which costs $199/month, while Premier costs $298/month.
ChowNow Hub has tiered pricing: $119/month for restaurants making up to $20K in online sales, $169/month for $20K–$30K, and $229/month for over $30K.
Popmenu strengthens digital presence, boosts customer engagement, and streamlines marketing efforts.
The system includes a mobile ordering page that lets customers place orders directly from the restaurant’s website.
Automated marketing tools help businesses run email campaigns and integrate with social media for better outreach.
The built-in customer loyalty program also increases repeat customers, while POS integration simplifies order management and efficiently tracks customer data.
Pros
Cons
Pricing details are not publicly available.
Bbot lets customers scan QR codes to access the online menu and place orders instantly. Many restaurant owners rely on it for self-service and contactless ordering.
It offers a QR code-based ordering page that speeds up online orders and multiple payment choices like Apple Pay and credit cards.
Bbot also integrates seamlessly with delivery drivers and third-party platforms to simplify online order management.
Pros
Cons
Pricing details are not publicly available.
DoorDash allows restaurants to accept direct online orders while using DoorDash’s delivery network. It helps restaurants attract customers without paying commission fees on their own site.
The platform also includes an online ordering solution with a custom restaurant website. Built-in delivery services eliminate the need for restaurants to hire their own drivers.
Customer loyalty features help keep users engaged, encouraging repeat orders and long-term customer relationships.
Pros
Cons
The Basic Plan has a 15% commission, the Plus Plan 25%, and the Premier Plan 30%.
Upserve provides a complete online ordering system for restaurants, combining inventory management, POS features, and marketing tools in one platform.
The platform includes a custom online ordering page designed specifically for restaurants. It also offers loyalty rewards and automated promotions to encourage repeat buyers.
Other features, including real-time order tracking for better efficiency, help streamline restaurant operations.
Pros
Cons
The Essential Plan is $189/month, the Premium Plan is $399/month, and the Enterprise Plan has custom pricing.
Every restaurant has unique needs, so selecting the right online ordering software requires careful consideration. Below are factors to help you make the best decision.
Start by evaluating what your restaurant requires from an ordering system.
A small café with minimal online traffic might not need the same system as a high-volume chain with multiple locations. Consider the following:
Ordering platforms have different pricing structures.
Some charge a flat monthly fee, while others take a percentage of each sale. Consider:
A good ordering system should be simple for both customers and restaurant staff. Key factors to consider include:
Seamless integration with your restaurant’s point-of-sale system ensures smooth transactions. The best platforms allow you to:
Some platforms go beyond ordering and offer built-in marketing features.
These tools help restaurants attract new customers and encourage repeat visits. Look for:
Buildify helps restaurants increase sales while keeping control over their brand and customers.
Unlike third-party platforms that take a cut of every order, Buildify allows you to keep more profit and offers a smoother ordering experience.
Many online ordering systems take months to set up or charge high fees for custom-built apps. Buildify provides a ready-to-use website and mobile app in just ten days.
It also includes built-in marketing features and loyalty rewards to attract new customers and encourage repeat orders.
Customers can pay securely using different methods, making the checkout process fast and simple.
Get started today and launch your online ordering system in just ten days. Book a call and start increasing your sales with Buildify!
Setting up online ordering for a restaurant starts with choosing a system that fits the business’s needs. The first step is selecting a platform that integrates with the restaurant’s existing operations. Next, the restaurant needs to create a digital menu with clear descriptions and pricing. Payment options should be set up to allow secure transactions. Once the system is ready, it must be tested to ensure a smooth ordering process. After launching, restaurants should promote their online ordering through their website, social media, and marketing efforts to drive customer engagement.
Restaurants use various platforms depending on their business model. Some prefer third-party apps that handle orders and deliveries, while others choose direct ordering systems that allow them to accept orders on their own website or app. Popular platforms include those that integrate with existing point-of-sale systems, providing a seamless ordering experience. The choice of platform depends on factors like pricing, ease of use, and the level of control a restaurant wants over its customer interactions.
The four main types of ordering systems include traditional in-person ordering, phone-based ordering, online ordering through a restaurant’s website or app, and third-party ordering. In-person ordering takes place at the restaurant, with staff taking orders directly. Phone-based ordering allows customers to call in and place orders for pickup or delivery. Online ordering through a restaurant’s website or app enables direct engagement without third-party fees. Third-party apps provide access to a larger customer base but often charge commission fees on each sale.
Restaurants use different methods to take orders depending on their setup. Many rely on point-of-sale systems that integrate with their kitchen and payment systems. Some use dedicated ordering platforms that let customers place orders digitally. Others depend on third-party platforms to receive and process incoming orders. Traditional methods like phone orders and walk-in ordering are still used, but digital solutions have become the preferred choice for many restaurants due to their efficiency and convenience.