Everything to Know About How to Build a Restaurant Website

Your restaurant’s website is an important tool to connect with customers, take online orders, and create a professional presence online. Setting up a restaurant website is as easy as using an online website builder to reflect your brand and showcase your menu. If you use a restaurant website template, you can input your business information into a site design you like without having to start from scratch.  

After purchasing a domain name, you’ll need to pay for hosting so it’s accessible online. Then you need to use a website developer or online tool to create a design and add written text and photos. 

Using a website designer or developer is the right choice for a custom website, but it will cost you more money and take longer. A restaurant website builder is more cost-effective and saves you time, since you choose from existing restaurant website templates. 

Choosing the Best Restaurant Website Builder 

Fortunately, there are several restaurant website builders that you can choose from: 

Here's an in-depth breakdown of each platform:

WordPress 

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMSs) available today. You can install WordPress to easily manage a self-hosted website or you can purchase an inclusive package on WordPress.com that includes the domain and hosting. WordPress is incredibly versatile, which means that all types of businesses can create a website that reflects their needs without facing huge costs. 

Pros: 

• Simple code that’s easily indexed by Google 
• Large catalog of free and existing themes and plugins 
• 30,000+ templates and 70,000+ plugins to choose from  

Cons: 

• Some plugins may not be compatible with other plugins and some themes 
• Need for regular backups and updates 
• Limited functionality  

Webflow 

Webflow is a code-free website design tool that allows you to build a website without having extensive coding knowledge. It uses a secure hosting platform and offers free SSL certificates to promote security. Webflow’s collaborative functionality can make it easier to work on your website with your team and reduce the time it takes to get your website up and running. 

Pros: 

• Ability to live prototype your restaurant’s website 
• Beginners can create websites without having to know how to code 
• Responsive designs that work well on mobile devices 

Cons: 

• Steeper learning curve that less beginner-friendly than Wix and WordPress 
• Limited number of restaurant website templates to choose from 
• Lack of certain capabilities, such as membership options and eCommerce tools 

Square 

Square offers a range of solutions for restaurants from POS systems to HR solutions and loyalty programs. Many restaurants may already use Square and may feel comfortable adding another service from a company they already purchased from.  

Pros: 

• Integrates with your POS system and other services from Square 
• Strong eCommerce functions 
• Transaction-based pricing options for those using Square’s POS system 

Cons: 

• Much more limited in terms of functions and themes than other options 
• More expensive than other website builders 
• May not integrate well with your other technology solutions 

Wix 

Wix is another popular drag-and-drop website builder that prides itself on being easy to use. You can simply move around elements on your website and add new features. There are even free tiers with Wix subdomains so you can get started with the tool without having to invest anything upfront.  

Pros: 

• Super easy to drag and drop different elements to create a website 
• Simple to customize  
• Free tier with Wix subdomains 

Cons: 

• More expensive overall than choosing a free theme and low-cost hosting plan 
• Limited number of templates 
• Some features only available with more expensive subscription plans 

So, what should you consider when choosing a website builder? Keep these points in mind:

• Ease of use – Can you build and update your site yourself?
• Customization – Can you match your restaurant’s branding?
• Online ordering integration – Can customers place orders directly from your site?
• SEO capabilities – Will your site rank well on Google searches?

7 Key Pages Every Restaurant Website Should Have

A great restaurant website is more than just an online menu. To attract new customers and keep them engaged, your site should include:

1. Home Page – Highlight your restaurant’s story, atmosphere, and unique selling points.
2. Menu Page – Showcase your dishes with high-quality images, descriptions, and pricing.
3. Reservations Page – Let customers easily book tables online.
4. Online Ordering Page – Directly integrate your online ordering system for takeout and delivery.
5. About Us Page – Share your restaurant’s history, team, and mission.
6. Contact Page – Provide location details, phone number, and social media links.
7. Loyalty Program – Encourage repeat business with exclusive deals and rewards.

Utilizing Restaurant Website Templates 

When it comes to using a restaurant website template you first need to select the right one for your business. Choose one that reflects your restaurant’s brand and includes customizable colors, logo, and fonts. Even though you used a template, you want to customize it enough that it portrays your unique business and customer experience. If you operate a serious, fine dining restaurant, your website should reflect that, for example. 

Be cautious about choosing themes that you see frequently on other sites. Know what your local competitors’ websites look like and make decisions that can help you stand out. 

The Bottom Line 

A website is one of many digital tools available to help your restaurant thrive. When you first launch your restaurant’s website, let customers know where to find it and what information they can expect to see. 

Can customers place online orders through your website’s eCommerce store? Can they buy swag? Can they see your full menu and daily specials? Do what you can to foster a relationship with them online as well as in person.  

Now that you have a website, it's also a smart idea to think about your restaurant’s digital marketing strategies now that you have a website. Can you use your new domain to send marketing emails? What’s your plan to incorporate local SEO so new customers can find you? Do you have a mobile loyalty program ready to promote on your site?  

If thinking about all of this is too much to digest in one go, Paytronix offers a range of tools to help restaurant owners succeed and continually improve their online presence. Check out our Online Ordering Guide for access to everything you need to know to run your restaurant’s online ordering program.