Introduction
In today’s digital-first world, your restaurant’s website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. A well-designed website can attract new diners, increase reservations, and boost takeout orders, while a poorly designed one can drive customers away.
But what makes the best restaurant website? Whether you run a cozy café, a fine-dining establishment, or a fast-casual eatery, your website should be mobile-friendly, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. This guide will walk you through how to design a restaurant website that stands out and drives more business.
1. Choose the Right Website Platform
The first step to creating a professional restaurant website is selecting the right platform. Here are the best options:
✅ WordPress – Best for customization and SEO-friendly restaurant websites
✅ Squarespace – Ideal for restaurant owners who want an easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder
✅ Wix – Good for small restaurant websites with simple menus and online ordering
✅ GloriaFood – Great for restaurants focusing on online food ordering
These platforms allow you to customize your website without needing coding skills.
2. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly for Users
More than 60% of customers visit restaurant websites on their smartphones. A website that isn’t mobile-optimized will frustrate users and lead to lost sales.
Tips for a Mobile-Friendly Restaurant Website:
📱 Use a responsive design that adjusts to any screen size
🚀 Make sure pages load fast (Google recommends under 3 seconds)
🛒 Use click-to-call buttons for reservations and orders
📍 Add a Google Maps integration so customers can find your location easily
A smooth mobile experience makes it easier for customers to book a table or order food on the go.
3. Include Must-Have Pages on Your Restaurant Website
Every great restaurant website should include these essential pages:
Homepage
Your homepage should immediately capture attention and include:
✔️ A high-quality hero image of your best-selling dish or restaurant interior
✔️ A clear Call-to-Action (CTA) like “Reserve a Table” or “Order Online”
✔️ Your restaurant’s unique selling point (e.g., “Authentic Italian Cuisine in the Heart of Chicago”)
Menu Page (With Prices!)
Customers visit restaurant websites to see the menu and prices. Make your menu easy to read with:
🍽️ Simple, scannable categories (Appetizers, Entrees, Desserts, Drinks)
📸 High-quality images of dishes to increase cravings
💵 Prices displayed clearly (many users leave if prices aren’t shown)
📄 Downloadable PDF option for easy mobile access
Online Reservation or Ordering Page
A dedicated "Reservations" or "Order Now" page makes it easy for customers to book a table or order food. You can integrate:
✔️ OpenTable, Resy, or Yelp Reservations for easy online bookings
✔️ GloriaFood or ChowNow for commission-free online ordering
✔️ Third-party delivery services like UberEats or DoorDash
About Us Page
Your "About" page tells your restaurant’s story. Include:
🍽️ Your mission and inspiration (What makes your restaurant unique?)
📍 Your location(s) and hours
📸 Photos of the restaurant and team to build a personal connection
Contact Page
A well-structured contact page should have:
📍 Address with a clickable Google Maps link
📞 Click-to-call phone number for easy reservations
📧 Email contact form for event bookings or catering inquiries
4. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Your restaurant website should be visually engaging with professional images and videos.
📸 Hire a photographer for high-resolution food photos
🎥 Add a short video tour of your restaurant
📷 Showcase customer dining experiences on Instagram and embed the feed on your website
High-quality visuals increase engagement and make customers want to visit your restaurant.
5. Integrate Social Media and Online Reviews
Your website should connect with your social media and online reputation.
Social Media Links
✔️ Add Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok links to your homepage
✔️ Embed an Instagram feed to showcase customer photos
✔️ Share real-time updates about specials and events
Showcase Customer Reviews
Positive reviews help build trust and credibility. Display Google and Yelp reviews directly on your website using:
⭐ Google Reviews API integration
⭐ A rotating customer testimonial slider
⭐ A dedicated "Customer Love" page with real reviews
6. Keep Your Website Updated and Secure
An outdated website can hurt your restaurant’s reputation. Keep your site fresh by:
🔄 Updating your menu and hours regularly
📅 Adding a blog or events section for seasonal promotions
🔐 Ensuring website security (SSL certificate) to protect customer data
A well-maintained website boosts trust and keeps customers coming back.
Final Thoughts
Your restaurant website is your digital storefront. By making it mobile-friendly, and visually stunning, you can attract more customers, increase reservations, and grow your business.
