The Best List of Restaurant Mobile App Features

Mobile apps for restaurants can boost sales and improve customer interactions. A custom restaurant app can boost that experience. 

Being smart with your restaurant mobile application is key to:

• Increasing satisfaction

• Improving operations 

• Driving revenue 

New features are changing how restaurants do business.  

Research from PYMNTS shows that 92% of top-performing restaurants offer mobile ordering through their app. That is compared to just 31% of the lowest-performing restaurants. This article will help improve your mobile app with the best features. 

 

9 Must-Have Features in a Restaurant Mobile App 

These nine features are a must. You don’t need to use them all of them at once. But it’s important to have them in your plan:  

1. Online Ordering and Payments

Picture a busy customer rushing to work. With online ordering and payments, they can:

• Place an order in seconds

• Skip the line  

• Grab their meal quickly 

This: 

• Improves service 

• Speeds up transactions 

• Increases orders

Restaurants must offer safe payment options. Use multiple payment options like:

• Apple Pay 

• Google Pay

• Credit cards 

Also provide features like:

• One-tap reordering 

• Scheduled pickups 

• Digital receipts 

2. Loyalty Programs Connection

Loyalty programs help get repeat business. It gives customers a reason to return by offering:

• Rewards 

• Discounts

• Perks 

Restaurant apps track loyalty points. To create excitement, use game features like:

• Membership levels 

• Tell a friend bonuses 

• Rewards 

By using app loyalty programs, restaurants can:

• Keep more customers

• Improve customer happiness

• Increase sales 

3. Personalized Experience

A personal experience is everything. AI can help look at these actions to create personal deals: 

• Past orders 

• Browsing history  

• Preferences 

This makes ordering easier, helping customers discover new favorites. 

Personalization also includes: 

• Saved payments

• Preferred pickup or delivery times

• Notifications

4. Notifications 

Notifications keep people engaged by giving updates on their:

• Orders 

• Promos  

• Important events 

Customers can stay informed even when they’re busy.

Balance is key. Too many alerts can be overwhelming. Let your customers customize their settings. 

5. Social Media Connection

Connecting social media with a restaurant app lets customers: 

• Share their thoughts 

• Leave reviews 

• Talk about their favorite meals

It builds trusts and helps you get new customers.  

Restaurants should also start referral programs that reward users for inviting friends to use the app. Try rewards like:

• Invite-a-friend discounts 

• Bonus loyalty points 

• Special deals  

This gets your customers to tell others. 

6. Table Reservations 

The table reservation feature is a tool that improves the dining experience. By letting customers book a table in advance, restaurants can:

• Manage seating

• Prevent overcrowding

• Provide a better experience

This blends the in-person and digital experience. A few taps on a phone screen allows availability updates and instant bookings. 

7. Customer Feedback 

In-app feedback allows customers to share their experiences. This info helps you grow. P ositive reviews from satisfied customers can build trust in your restaurant.

A feedback system can also automate responses to negative reviews, offering things like: 

• Discounts 

• Support 

• Follow-ups from management

8. Delivery Zone Settings 

Delivery zone settings help restaurants manage orders. By setting delivery zones, restaurants can:

• Improve delivery times 

• Stop orders from being placed from long distances  

• Improve operations

Costs and wait times provide transparency to customers. 

9. Multi-Location Support for Franchise and Chain Restaurants

Managing multiple locations within a single app is a game-changer for franchises and chain restaurants. With the right features, restaurants can streamline operations by offering location-based menu displays, pricing, and promotions, ensuring that each customer receives relevant options based on their area. Customizing location-based services helps maintain consistency while allowing for localized offerings that improve the customer experience. 

Additionally, integrating site settings within the app enables restaurant owners to manage hours of operation, regional promotions, and delivery availability for different locations. This flexibility ensures that customers always have accurate information, leading to smoother transactions and a more personalized ordering experience. 

 

5 Advanced Features for a Cutting-Edge Restaurant Mobile App 

Now, let's dive into five advanced features that can take your restaurant app to the next level, improving customer experience and making your app stand out: 

1. Augmented Reality (AR) Menu Previews

The saying “you eat with your eyes first” holds true, especially when it comes to food. Augmented Reality (AR) can elevate the menu management process by allowing customers to view realistic food categories before making their selection.  

2. AI-Powered Chatbots for Customer Support

While customers often have questions beyond your app’s FAQs, they may not need to speak with a live agent. AI-powered chatbots can efficiently automate responses to common queries and order inquiries, providing quick assistance 24/7 without human intervention. 

3. Gamification and Interactive Engagement Features

Adding gamification elements to your app, such as challenges, referrals, or rewards programs, can significantly boost user engagement and loyalty. These interactive features incentivize customers to return more often, keep engaging with your app, and make additional purchases — especially when there are time-sensitive rewards or discount programs requiring the completion of a game or challenge. 

4. Analytics and Performance Tracking for Restaurant Owners

Leveraging data collected from your app can provide valuable insights into customer behavior, helping you fine-tune your marketing strategies and optimize restaurant business operations. Analytics enable restaurant owners to track key performance metrics like order history, popular menu items, and customer preferences, allowing for more informed decision-making and better-targeted promotions. 

5. Restaurant App Builder 

These features can be built by an agency or restaurant app builder. These experts can help with the restaurant app development. 

They can also connect the app with the restaurant’s website.. 

Case Studies

Success stories of restaurant apps gives you great info. These companies have very good apps: 

• McDonald's 

• Chick-Fil-a 

• Domino's 

• Taco Bell 

Another example is Panera Bread. Their app has: 

• Online ordering  

• Pickup 

• Food delivery

• Payment  

The app continues to change to improve experience.

FAQs About Restaurant Mobile App Features 

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about restaurant mobile apps:  

What are in-app features? 

They are part of the app that improve the experience. These can include:

• Online ordering 

• Payments 

• Notifications 

• Loyalty programs

• Reservations

• Delivery tracking  

What should a restaurant app have? 

It should have: 

• Online ordering 

• Mobile payments 

• Table reservations 

• Loyalty programs

• Order tracking

• Customer feedback portal 

• Personal experiences

Why are restaurants using apps? 

They use apps to improve:

• Customer engagement 

• Service 

• Sales

• The customer experience 

Apps also help restaurants to get data for marketing. 

Why do food companies want you to use their app? 

They want you to use their restaurant apps to:

• Create loyal customers

• Improve ordering 

• Get feedback 

• Provide personal offers 

Using the app helps them keep direct communication. It's also more efficient.  

Many App Features to Choose From 

Choosing the right mobile app features depends on your restaurant. Think about how successful your restaurant mobile app could be by adding features that improve your:

• Services 

• Customer management 

• Sales 

These features make a difference:

• Online ordering 

• Table reservations

• Payments  

• Loyalty programs 

• Gift cards 

• Chatbots 

• Social media 

A restaurant app gives you control over the customer experience. They don't have third-party delivery app fees. The potential for mobile apps is limitless.  

Ready to improve your app? Book a demo with Paytronix. And if you're looking to start a loyalty program, download our Choosing the Loyalty Program That’s Right for You guide.