How to Set Up Online Ordering for Your Restaurant

A step-by-step guide to launching your own commission-free ordering system — no technical skills required.

Online ordering is no longer optional for restaurants. In 2024, over 60% of consumers ordered food online at least once a week, and restaurants without a direct ordering channel are losing customers — and revenue — to third-party platforms that charge 25-30% per order.

The good news? Setting up your own online ordering system doesn't require a developer, a big budget, or weeks of work. This guide walks you through the entire process, from choosing a platform to accepting your first order.

Why Your Restaurant Needs Its Own Online Ordering System

Before we get into the how, let's address the why. Third-party platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub offer convenience, but they come with serious downsides:

• Commission fees of 15-30% — On a $50 order, you could be paying $7.50 to $15 in fees alone
• No customer data — The platform owns the customer relationship, not you
• Price pressure — You're competing on price next to every other restaurant in your area
• Brand dilution — Your restaurant is just one listing among hundreds

With your own ordering system, you keep 100% of the revenue, own your customer data, and build your brand. For a deeper dive into the cost savings, check out our guide on commission-free restaurant ordering.

Step 1: Choose the Right Ordering Platform

Not all ordering platforms are equal. When evaluating options, look for:

• No commission fees — Flat monthly pricing or free tiers are better than per-order percentages
• Easy setup — You shouldn't need a developer to get started
• Mobile optimization — Over 70% of online orders come from mobile devices
• Payment processing — Built-in, secure payment handling (Stripe, Apple Pay, etc.)
• Custom branding — The ordering page should look like your restaurant, not a generic template
• QR code support — For dine-in ordering, a feature that's increasingly expected by customers

Restos checks all of these boxes with a free plan that includes everything you need to get started. For a full comparison of available platforms, see our restaurant ordering system comparison.

Step 2: Create Your Account and Restaurant Profile

Once you've chosen your platform, the setup process typically involves:

1. Sign up — Create your account with an email address. No credit card required for free trials.
2. Add restaurant details — Name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and a brief description.
3. Upload your logo — This will appear on your ordering page, receipts, and emails.
4. Set your brand colors — Match your ordering page to your restaurant's visual identity.

With Restos, this entire step takes about 2 minutes. The dashboard walks you through each field with clear prompts.

Step 3: Build Your Digital Menu

Your digital menu is the heart of your ordering system. Here's how to make it effective:

Organize by Categories

Group items logically: Appetizers, Mains, Sides, Drinks, Desserts. Customers should find what they want in under 3 seconds.

Write Clear Descriptions

Each item should have a concise, appetizing description. Include key ingredients and any allergen information. For example: "Grilled Atlantic salmon with lemon butter sauce, served with seasonal roasted vegetables. Contains: fish, dairy."

Set Accurate Prices

Since you're not paying commission, you can offer the same prices as your dine-in menu — a major advantage over third-party platforms where restaurants often inflate prices by 15-30% to cover fees.

Add Modifiers and Options

Allow customers to customize orders: size options, extra toppings, cooking preferences, special instructions. The more flexibility you offer, the higher your average order value.

Use High-Quality Photos

Items with photos see 30% more orders on average. You don't need professional photography — a well-lit smartphone photo works great. Shoot from above at a 45-degree angle with natural lighting.

Step 4: Configure Payment Processing

Modern ordering platforms handle payment security for you. Typical setup involves:

1. Connect a payment processor — Stripe is the most common, supporting credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
2. Set your currency — Match your local market
3. Configure tax settings — Set appropriate tax rates for your jurisdiction
4. Choose payment options — Online payment, cash on delivery/pickup, or both

Stripe account creation takes about 5 minutes and funds typically arrive in your bank account within 2 business days.

Step 5: Set Up Order Types

Decide which ordering methods you want to support:

• Pickup — Customers order ahead and pick up at your restaurant. Zero delivery cost for you.
• Delivery — If you have your own delivery drivers, accept delivery orders directly.
• Dine-in — With QR code ordering, customers can order from their table.

For each order type, set preparation times, delivery zones (if applicable), and minimum order values.

Step 6: Integrate with Your Website

There are several ways to add ordering to your existing website:

• Direct link — The simplest option. Add an "Order Online" button that links to your ordering page.
• Embedded widget — Add the ordering interface directly into your website with a code snippet.
• Custom subdomain — Use something like order.yourrestaurant.com for a fully branded experience.
• Standalone site — If you don't have a website yet, platforms like Restos provide a complete restaurant website with built-in ordering.

Step 7: Test Everything Before Going Live

Before announcing your new ordering system, run through this checklist:

• Place a test order from your phone — is the mobile experience smooth?
• Verify payment processing — does a test charge go through correctly?
• Check order notifications — do you receive alerts when an order comes in?
• Review the confirmation email — does it look professional and include all order details?
• Test from different browsers — Chrome, Safari, Firefox on both desktop and mobile
• Verify menu accuracy — are all items, prices, and descriptions correct?

Step 8: Promote Your New Ordering Channel

Once you're live, let customers know they can order directly:

• Social media — Post the ordering link on Instagram, Facebook, and Google Business Profile
• In-store signage — QR codes on tables, counter cards, and window stickers
• Email/SMS — Notify your existing customer list
• Google Business — Add the ordering link to your Google Business Profile under "Order Online"
• Receipt inserts — Include a note with every order: "Order directly next time and save!"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not optimizing for mobile — If your ordering page isn't mobile-friendly, you'll lose the majority of potential orders
2. Too many menu items — A focused menu of 20-40 items performs better than 100+ items that overwhelm customers
3. No photos — Even basic food photos dramatically increase conversion rates
4. Ignoring preparation time — Set realistic prep times. Late orders destroy customer trust faster than anything.
5. Not collecting customer data — Email addresses and order history are gold for remarketing and loyalty programs

What to Expect After Launch

In the first month, focus on:

• Order volume — Most restaurants see 10-20 orders per week within the first month, growing to 50+ by month three
• Customer feedback — Pay attention to any friction points in the ordering process
• Average order value — Direct ordering typically sees 15-20% higher average orders than third-party platforms
• Repeat customers — Track how many customers order again within 30 days

Summary

Setting up online ordering for your restaurant is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make. With modern platforms, the technical barrier is essentially zero — the hardest part is deciding to make the switch.

Here's the quick version:

1. Choose a commission-free platform (like Restos)
2. Set up your restaurant profile and menu
3. Connect payment processing
4. Add the ordering link to your website and social channels
5. Promote it to your existing customers

That's it. Five steps, under five minutes of setup time, and you're ready to take orders directly.