Restaurants no longer depend only on walk-ins or phone orders. Today, a mobile app can help a restaurant improve service, keep customers coming back, and boost orders with less effort.

More people want fast, easy access to food, and they often prefer to order or book a table with just a few taps on their phone.

If you’re a restaurant owner, having your own app gives you more control and helps you stay competitive.

In this article, you’ll learn how restaurant apps work, how to build one, what it costs, and who can help you do it right.

What is a Restaurant App?

A restaurant app is a mobile application built for restaurants to connect directly with their customers.

These apps let users order food, book tables, check menus, earn rewards, and pay all from their phones.

Instead of depending on third-party services, restaurants can manage the entire experience through their own platform.

There are different types of restaurant apps. Some focus on food ordering and delivery.

Others offer features like loyalty programs, reservations, and push notifications to promote new menu items or discounts.

Most restaurant apps also support payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay, giving users a faster and more secure checkout process.

Owning your own restaurant app can offer several advantages:

• Reduce reliance on food aggregators and keep more profit
• Send push notifications to promote deals or events
• Let customers place orders or book tables with a few taps
• Accept secure payments through preferred methods
• Build loyalty with rewards and in-app offers
• Track order history and customer preferences
• Create a branded experience that matches your restaurant

Leading Restaurant App Development Company to Hire in 2025

Choosing the right partner is just as important as building the right app. The companies below have strong experience in building mobile apps for the restaurant industry.

1. Buildify

Buildify offers all-in-one mobile app solutions for restaurants today.

Instead of paying thousands for a custom build, restaurant owners can launch a complete digital presence in less than 10 days, including a mobile app and website, for just $399 per month.

There are no contracts, no hidden fees, and no long delays.

Designed for restaurants and small businesses, the Buildify plan includes everything you need to grow your brand, run online orders, reward loyal customers, and compete with bigger chains.

The setup is fast, and the tools are easy to use even if you have no tech background.

What Buildify Offers

The following is what you get with Buildify:

• Restaurant mobile app – Launch a branded mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in under 10 days.
• Online ordering system – Let customers order directly through your app with a smooth and fast checkout.
• Loyalty and rewards – Add built-in loyalty programs to encourage repeat visits and improve customer engagement.
• Push notifications – Send deals, menu updates, or alerts to all app users instantly.
• Professional website – Get a clean, fast-loading restaurant website built in under 48 hours.
• Coupons and local deals – Run special offers to attract new customers in your area.
• Month-to-month flexibility – No long-term contracts or penalties if you cancel.
• 24/7 customer support – Help is available around the clock, so you’re never left hanging.

Buildify also offers extra tools like social media management, branding, policy compliance, and monthly competitor scouting.

Book a call today!

2. Slashdev.io

Slashdev.io works with restaurants that need high-performance apps built quickly and with clear communication.

Instead of cookie-cutter tools, they provide hands-on support and flexible development plans. You stay involved throughout the process while the Slashdev.io team handles the technical work.

Originally launched to help software startups, Slashdev.io has since expanded into building apps for the restaurant industry.

Their team has delivered over a thousand projects, focusing on clean design, dependable performance, and strong communication. They give each client direct access to a project team, so there are no delays or guesswork.

What Slashdev.io Offers

Here’s what they provide:

• Custom app development – Built to match how your restaurant works, not the other way around.
• Cross-platform deployment – Launch apps on both Android and iOS at the same time.
• UX and UI design – Simple layouts that help users complete orders without confusion.
• System integrations – Connect your app with existing tools like POS systems and delivery platforms.
• Ongoing support – Help with updates, bug fixes, and improvements after launch.

3. Mobcoder Inc

Mobcoder Inc is a restaurant app builder that will help you bring your ideas to life through advanced mobile apps.

With a strong focus on design, performance, and user experience, Mobcoder blends deep technical knowledge with a clear understanding of what restaurants need to succeed in a digital space.

The company offers strategic support during the entire app development process and not just technical execution.

What Mobcoder Inc Offers

Mobcoder offers full-service development for restaurants that want something more advanced than a basic app builder.

It works on both front-end and back-end systems and is skilled in popular frameworks like React and Node.js. Some of the services offered:

• Branded restaurant app development – Fully coded apps that match restaurant goals and branding.
• UI/UX services – Designed for usability and fast ordering with a user-friendly interface.
• Cross-platform app builds – Reach both Android and iOS users from one codebase.
• AI and AR integration – For restaurants that want to try cutting-edge features like smart menus or virtual previews.
• Ongoing support and maintenance – Fixes, updates, and new feature rollouts after launch.

4. Startbit IT Solutions

Startbit IT Solutions helps restaurants build reliable mobile apps backed by strong infrastructure and a global support team.

Their development process is designed to meet the needs of both small businesses and larger restaurant groups that want stable and scalable digital tools.

The company supports clients across industries, including food service, and provides both web and mobile solutions.

What Startbit Offers

Startbit offers end-to-end development for restaurants that want a strong digital presence. What they offer:

• Mobile app development – Native and cross-platform apps with fast performance and smooth functionality.
• Website development – Responsive restaurant websites designed to handle traffic, orders, and updates.
• Cloud integration – Support for platforms like AWS, Azure, Heroku, and others.
• Custom back-end solutions – Built to manage restaurant operations, orders, and menu updates.
• Post-launch support – Help with maintenance, bug fixes, and improvements over time.

5. Trango Tech

Trango Tech supports restaurants that want more than just basic functionality. Their focus is on building high-performance apps that improve day-to-day operations, from order tracking to inventory control.

With experience across industries, the Trango team understands how to match technical solutions to real restaurant business needs.

The team works closely with restaurant owners to develop apps that fit existing processes instead of forcing new ones.

What Trango Tech Offers

Trango Tech’s key services include:

• Mobile app development – Custom apps built using modern frameworks for smooth performance.
• POS integration – Connect the app with restaurant systems for fast order processing.
• Inventory and order tracking – Built-in tools to monitor stock and manage incoming orders.
• Online ordering setup – Simple ordering paths that will increase customer satisfaction.
• Custom feature development – Add functions based on your restaurant’s workflow.
• Support and optimization – Ongoing help with fixes, updates, and performance.

6. JPLoft

JPLoft brings over a decade of experience in building mobile and web solutions for global brands and growing businesses.

They combine technical depth with a practical approach to help restaurants launch digital products that are reliable, fast, and cost-effective.

Their team focuses on building strong mobile platforms that serve both users and business owners.

Restaurants that work with JPLoft benefit from a structured development process, industry experience, and clear communication throughout the project.

What JPLoft Offers

JPLoft offers:

• Mobile app development – Android and iOS apps built to support restaurant workflows.
• Web app development – Fast-loading, responsive web platforms that support food ordering and customer interactions.
• Custom features – Options like 2D/3D content, user-facing dashboards, and back-end admin panels.
• Payment system integration – Set up secure transactions with various payment providers.
• Ongoing maintenance – Regular updates, performance checks, and issue resolution.

7. App Maisters

App Maisters builds mobile apps that help restaurants improve customer service, manage orders, and support their brand identity.

App Maisters has worked with major enterprises like NASA, Shell, and ExxonMobil, but they also serve small to mid-sized businesses.

For restaurants, the team brings industry experience and a clear development process that focuses on performance, branding, and growth.

What App Maisters Offers

App Maisters focuses on scalable development services for restaurants that want more than basic features. Some of the services offered:

• Mobile app development – Full builds for Android and iOS that support ordering, reservations, and promotions.
• Web-based platforms – Browser-accessible tools that expand customer access to your services.
• POS and CRM integration – Syncs with internal systems for smooth operations.
• Custom restaurant app features – Built-in support for customer loyalty programs, coupons, and order tracking.
• Enterprise-level scaling – A flexible architecture that supports restaurants as they grow.

8. TopDevs

TopDevs is a software development company that helps restaurants increase engagement, reduce manual processes, and grow revenue through well-structured mobile tools.

The company works with both startups and established businesses, including those in the restaurant sector.

With a team of over 40 professionals, TopDevs builds apps with a focus on real-world performance, customer usability, and fast delivery times.

What TopDevs Offers

TopDevs’s core services include:

• Mobile app development – Native and cross-platform apps built for Android and iOS.
• Admin panel development – Dashboards for restaurant staff to manage orders, customers, and menu items.
• Payment integration – Secure transaction support through trusted payment providers.
• Marketing tools and loyalty features – Built-in options for running promotions and customer rewards.
• Quality assurance – In-house QA to test for bugs and maintain app performance.

9. Yeti

Yeti is a mobile app development company that designs digital products for restaurants and food startups that want to test new ideas, improve delivery experiences, and grow through thoughtful product development.

The company focuses on creating apps that serve real business needs while keeping the user experience simple and efficient.

For restaurants, Yeti helps turn product concepts into working mobile apps through rapid prototyping, feedback cycles, and careful planning.

What Yeti Offers

Yeti supports the full product lifecycle, from idea to launch. It offers the following:

• Mobile app development – Build iOS and Android apps with strong front-end and back-end support.
• Web app development – Create browser-based platforms to complement the mobile experience.
• Product strategy and prototyping – Test ideas early with wireframes and prototypes before building.
• User experience design – Plan user flows and layouts that keep apps simple and easy to navigate.
• Ongoing development support – Assist with product updates, improvements, and performance tuning.

Types of Restaurant Apps

Not all restaurant apps serve the same purpose. Some focus on helping customers order food quickly, while others improve how restaurants manage tables, staff, or inventory.

Choosing the right type depends on your restaurant’s size, goals, and customer expectations. Below are the most common types of restaurant apps and how they help.

Table Booking Apps

These apps let customers reserve a table in advance without calling or waiting in line. Many include waitlist features and real-time availability updates.

For restaurants, this reduces no-shows and helps manage seating more efficiently. Customers also get a smoother experience, especially during peak hours.

On-Demand Food Delivery Apps

These apps allow users to order meals directly from the restaurant for delivery or pickup. They’re ideal for restaurants that want to offer delivery without relying on third-party food delivery apps.

Some also include tracking, letting customers see when their food will arrive.

Inventory Management Apps

Restaurants use these tools to track ingredients, supplies, and stock levels.

When connected to POS or ordering systems, they help reduce waste, manage costs, and avoid shortages. This type of app is more focused on internal operations than customer-facing features.

Restaurant Discovery Apps

These help users find new restaurants nearby based on location, cuisine, or reviews. Restaurants can use these platforms to increase visibility and attract new customers.

While not typically built by the restaurant itself, they’re worth knowing about when planning your own app strategy.

In-House Restaurant Apps

These are fully branded apps developed by the restaurant itself. They often combine ordering, loyalty programs, table reservations, and promotions in one platform.

With complete control over features and design, restaurant owners can offer a seamless user experience that reflects their brand.

How Do You Benefit from Restaurant App Development Services?

Hiring restaurant app developers gives the following benefits:

• Faster online ordering setup – Get a reliable food ordering system without building from scratch.
• Full control over branding – Build a branded mobile app that reflects your restaurant’s look, tone, and values.
• Direct connection to customers – Use push notifications, in-app promotions, and loyalty tools to drive repeat customers.
• Integrated systems – Sync your app with POS, payment systems, delivery partners, and menu updates.
• Long-term scalability – Build an app that can grow with your business and handle more orders as demand increases.
• Improved customer engagement – Use customer data to understand behavior, personalize offers, and improve service.

What is the Restaurant App Development Process?

Building a restaurant app involves more than just writing code. It requires you to:

Conduct Market Research to Understand User Needs

Start by learning what your customers actually want. Do they prefer delivery, pickup, or table reservations?

What features will they use most? Research helps you avoid wasting time on features that don’t matter.

Define Your Strategy and Business Goals

Before building anything, define what success looks like. Are you trying to increase online orders, speed up your restaurant service, or improve loyalty?

Clear goals will guide feature selection, app layout, and performance benchmarks.

Choose the Right App Development Company

Work with a restaurant app development company that understands the food service industry.

Ask about their experience, past clients, and whether they offer long-term support. A strong partner makes the entire process smoother.

Design a High-Performance App and Website

Keep it simple. Your app should be easy to use, fast to load, and match your restaurant’s branding. This applies to both the mobile app and the supporting website.

Test, Deploy, and Launch the App

Before going live, test everything, such as ordering, payments, loyalty rewards, and notifications. Catch bugs early and fix them fast.

Once tested, publish the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Promote Your Restaurant App with Marketing Campaigns

Use flyers, QR codes, in-store signage, and social media to promote your app. Offer a reward for first-time downloads to encourage usage from day one.

Gather User Feedback and Improve Continuously

Customer reviews and support requests will tell you what’s working and what’s not. Make updates based on real user feedback to keep your app relevant.

Provide Ongoing Support and App Enhancements

Technology moves fast. Keep your app updated with security patches, performance improvements, and new features as your restaurant grows.

Take the Stress Out of Restaurant App Development with Buildify

High development costs and long timelines stop many restaurants from launching their own app.

Buildify offers a better option. It’s built specifically for restaurants that want full control without spending $15,000 or waiting six months.

Instead of relying on third-party services, you get a branded mobile app and website ready in less than 10 days.

Customers can view your menu, place orders, and pay right from their phones. It works on both iOS and Android devices.

You can run promotions, send push notifications, and reward loyal customers with built-in marketing tools. Everything updates fast, so you’re not stuck waiting on developers for simple changes.

Skip the custom dev headaches. 

Get your restaurant app built and live in days, not months!

FAQs About Mobile App Development for Restaurants

How much does it cost to develop an app for a restaurant?

The cost to build a restaurant app can range from $10,000 to over $100,000 for custom development. This depends on the features, design, and platform support (iOS, Android, or both). For restaurants looking for a more affordable option, app builders like Buildify offer full mobile app solutions starting at $399 per month, with no large upfront fees.

What is the best app builder for restaurants?

The best app builder depends on your budget, timeline, and goals. For restaurants that want fast setup, branded features, and control over online ordering, Buildify is a strong choice. It’s designed specifically for restaurants and includes loyalty tools, push notifications, and full mobile ordering.

How long does it take to build an app for a restaurant?

Custom restaurant apps typically take three to six months to design, develop, and launch. However, if you use a restaurant-focused platform like Buildify, you can have your app and website live in as little as 10 days.

What is a restaurant mobile app?

A restaurant mobile app is a tool that lets customers place orders, view menus, book tables, and interact with your restaurant through their smartphone. These apps can include features like loyalty rewards, push notifications, online ordering, and secure payment options, all designed to make the experience faster and easier for both customers and restaurant staff.

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