You’re opening a restaurant. You’re cooking up something amazing. Your food is ready, the tables are set — but wait, what about your website? A great restaurant website helps people find you, see your menu, and even order online. But building one from scratch? That can feel…spicy. Let’s make this simple and fun.
TL;DR
Starting a restaurant website doesn’t need to be hard. Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Toast make it easy. They give you tasty designs, online ordering tools, and fast setup. You’ll be online before your pizza is out of the oven.
Why Even Have a Website?
Think about it. You’re looking for a place to eat. What’s the first thing you do? You Google it! If your restaurant doesn’t show up (or looks bad), you’re going to miss out on hungry customers.
A good site shows your menu, hours, location, and maybe lets people book a table or order food. It’s your digital front door.
What to Look for in a Website Builder
You’re running a restaurant — you don’t have time to learn to code. So you want a site builder that’s:
- Easy to use — drag, drop, done!
- Mobile-friendly — ‘cause phones are where the action is.
- Tailored for food — online menus, reservations, and orders.
- Affordable — you’re saving for that second oven, right?
Here are the top website builders that restaurant owners love in 2024.
1. Wix – The All-Around Rock Star
Wix is like a buffet. It has something for everyone. You start with a beautiful restaurant template and plug in your info. Done. Plus, it’s got apps for online ordering, table reservations, delivery, and more.
Pros:
- Highly customizable.
- Cool restaurant templates.
- Reservations and ordering apps.
Cons:
- Too many options can be overwhelming at first.
2. Squarespace – Sleek and Stylish
If your food is fancy and your decor is Instagram-worthy, Squarespace might be your vibe. Their templates are modern and clean — perfect for showing off food photos. Plus, it comes with tools for reservations and social media integration.
Pros:
- Gorgeous designs perfect for foodies.
- Great for showcasing images and branding.
- Built-in email and social media tools.
Cons:
- Limited third-party plugins compared to others.
3. Toast – Built for Restaurants
This one is made just for restaurants. Toast is actually more than a website builder. It’s a full restaurant management system — point of sale, online orders, menu management, the works.
If you’re serious about online food ordering and syncing with your POS system, Toast is toastally perfect.
Pros:
- Designed just for food businesses.
- Powerful ordering and delivery tools.
- Syncs menu and orders with your POS system.
Cons:
- Costs a bit more than basic site builders.
4. WordPress (with a Twist)
If you want total control, WordPress is your best friend. But you’ll need a little tech skill or someone to help you set it up. Use foodie themes and plugins like WP Cafe to add menus, reservations, and ordering.
Pros:
- Endless customization.
- Supports all kinds of features via plugins.
- Huge support community.
Cons:
- Not as beginner-friendly.
- You may need to hire help or spend a bit more time learning.
5. Shopify – Perfect for Tasty Takeout
Shopify started with online stores, but it’s been picking up steam in the food world. If your restaurant features a lot of delivery, meal kits, or merch — Shopify can easily handle it.
Pros:
- Excellent for online sales and delivery options.
- Secure and fast checkout.
- Inventory management for takeout and merch.
Cons:
- More expensive than some others.
- Not focused solely on restaurants.
Tips for Making Your First Restaurant Website Sizzle
It’s not just about picking the right builder. Here are a few quick tips to make your site shine and get those bellies rumbling:
- Use real photos of your food and space (no stock pics if you can help it).
- Put your menu front and center.
- Make mobile a priority.
- Add maps, hours, and booking tools so people can plan instantly.
- Keep it updated — new dishes, hours, and news all help stay fresh online.
So Which One Should You Use?
Still not sure? Here’s a quick recap to help you choose:
- Wix: Best for overall features and easy drag-and-drop.
- Squarespace: For restaurants that flex style and photos.
- Toast: Built just for restaurants with online orders.
- WordPress: For total control, with a bit of tech know-how.
- Shopify: Best if you’re selling takeout or meal kits online.
Conclusion: Get Cooking Online
Your restaurant deserves a website as good as your food. Whether you’re slinging tacos or plating gourmet creations, there’s a website builder out there just for you. Pick one, keep it simple, and serve up your best online look.
The future of dining is digital AND delicious. Let’s eat… online!
