Whether checking your menu, booking a table, or deciding if they want to order takeout, a restaurant’s website is often the first stop for hungry customers.
A well-built website doesn’t just showcase your food; it improves customer experience and helps you keep more revenue in-house.
Here are eight restaurant website features you should always include:
8 Must-Have (WordPress) Restaurant Website Features
(1) A Clear, Easy-to-Read Menu
Your menu is the star of your website. Present it in a clean, mobile-friendly format with clear sections, descriptions, and pricing. Avoid PDF-only menus – they’re slow to load and difficult to read on phones. A searchable, updatable menu also improves your visibility on Google when people search for dishes in your area.
(2) Online Reservations
Give guests the ability to book a table instantly. Integrating a reservation system – whether it’s a built-in WordPress plugin or OpenTable, Resy, Yelp Reservations – makes the booking process fast and smooth. Automations like confirmations or reminders help reduce no-shows and keep your staff organized.
(3) Your Own Takeout + Delivery System (Save on Fees!)
Third-party apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash can take up to 20–30% in commission fees. That adds up fast. By creating your own takeout and delivery ordering system with ecommerce, you keep more of your revenue and control the customer experience. With WooCommerce or restaurant-tailored ordering plugins, you can manage orders, accept payments, set delivery zones, and run promotions – all without paying a middleman.
(4) High-Quality Photos of Food and Atmosphere
Mouthwatering visuals inspire people to visit. Showcase your best dishes, drinks, interior décor, outdoor seating, and kitchen moments. High-quality photos help people imagine the dining experience and often play a major role in their decision to visit.
(5) Mobile-Optimized, Fast Loading Design
People look up restaurants on their phones while walking down the street. If your site loads slowly or things are hard to tap, customers will bounce. A responsive, mobile-first design keeps everything accessible – from menu browsing to checkout. Bonus: Google ranks mobile-friendly sites higher.
(6) Contact Information + Map Integration
Make it effortless for visitors to find you. Include your phone number, operating hours, email, and a Google Map embed so users can get directions instantly. Clear, easy-to-access contact info reduces confusion, improves customer service, and helps people visit or order with confidence.
(7) Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews play a huge role in where people decide to eat. Add real customer testimonials or integrate Google Reviews so visitors see authentic feedback. Featuring star ratings or standout comments builds trust and reinforces the quality of your food and service.
(8) Social Media Integration
Your social media pages – especially Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook – are powerful tools for showcasing daily specials, behind-the-scenes content, and real-time updates.
IMPORTANT: Social media complements your website, helping you attract new diners and share your story, but your website remains the foundation you own and control.
A restaurant website that includes these eight features gives customers everything they need to choose you, and keeps your business running more efficiently.
With the right setup, and these essential restaurant website features, your site becomes a marketing tool, a reservation desk, a digital storefront, and a brand showcase all in one place.