Create a website for your restaurant: The guide to boosting your online presence

Today, the first bite no longer happens at the table... but on a screen. Before setting foot in your restaurant, future customers are already searching for you on Google, reading reviews, browsing photos of your dishes, and checking your online menu. In this context, having a professional website is a vital tool to grow your business.

Think your Facebook page is enough? Or that your Google Business Profile can replace a website? Think again. A website is a communication, sales, and loyalty tool — far more powerful than a simple social media presence. It's your digital storefront, your business card, your 24/7 virtual waiter.

In this guide, discover why and how to create a website for your restaurant, what features to include, how much it might cost, and why hiring a web development agency can save you time — and bring in more customers.

Why having a website is essential for your restaurant

In a highly competitive industry like hospitality, standing out means being visible. Consumer habits have evolved: over 90% of people search for a restaurant online before visiting.

A website allows you to:

·         🎯 Appear in Google search results when someone types “restaurant + your city”.

·         🧾 Showcase your menu, opening hours, and services (takeaway, delivery, reservations...).

·         🧑🍳 Highlight your atmosphere, team, and culinary specialties.

·         📱 Offer a smooth mobile experience for on-the-go visitors.

·         🗓 Handle reservations directly — without third-party commissions.

·         💬 Collect customer reviews and testimonials to build trust.

·         📦 Enable online ordering, with or without integrated payment.

In short, a well-designed website becomes a true growth driver — boosting your reputation, your organization, and your revenue.

What to include in a restaurant website

Building a website is not just about posting some pictures and your menu. It needs to reassure, engage, and convert. Here are the essential features you should include to provide a complete customer experience.

1. A tasty and inviting homepage 🍝

Think of your homepage as your storefront — it needs to entice visitors to “step inside.” It should:

·         Feature a strong, authentic image (your dining room, a signature dish, your vibe).

·         Present a clear tagline that reflects your concept (e.g., “Homemade cuisine and warm atmosphere in the heart of Toulouse”).

·         Include visible call-to-action buttons like “View Menu,” “Book a Table,” or “Order Takeaway”.

·         Display practical info: opening hours, address, phone number, Google Maps link.

The homepage should build trust in seconds and encourage users to explore further.

2. A clear, mobile-friendly digital menu 📋

Your menu is the star of your website. Make it count:

·         Ensure it's easy to read and works well on mobile.

·         Organize clearly: appetizers, mains, desserts, drinks, with descriptions and prices.

·         Add high-quality photos of dishes if possible.

·         Highlight local, homemade, organic, or vegetarian options.

·         Mention allergens or dietary info when available.

A well-presented menu whets the appetite and prompts bookings.

3. An “About us” page that tells your story 👨🍳

People love to know the story behind their plate. Use this section to create an emotional connection:

·         Share your restaurant’s background, opening story, and evolution.

·         Introduce the chef, team, or founders, with their experience and values.

·         Mention your commitments: fresh produce, local sourcing, sustainability…

This builds trust and loyalty around your brand.

4. A simple and intuitive booking system 📆

Many customers prefer to book online. Make it easy:

·         Add a simple booking form (name, date, time, number of guests).

·         Or integrate third-party tools like TheFork, Zenchef, or Formitable.

·         Set up automated confirmation or SMS/email reminders.

This saves time, reduces phone calls… and helps avoid no-shows.

5. A mouthwatering photo gallery 📸

Good visuals can spark cravings instantly. Use:

·         Bright, well-framed photos that reflect your atmosphere.

·         Minimalist staging that highlights the dishes.

·         Shots of your dining area, terrace, and kitchen team.

Avoid blurry, overly filtered, or low-quality images — great visuals reflect professionalism.

6. Customer reviews to build trust ⭐

Online reviews strongly influence decisions. Showcase:

·         Real testimonials from platforms like Google or TripAdvisor.

·         Your average rating (if it’s good).

·         Customer-submitted photos (with permission).

It’s a great way to reassure first-time visitors.

How to create a restaurant website: 2 main options

You’ve got two main choices: DIY or hire a pro.

Option 1: Build your own website with no-code tools

Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress allow you to build a site without coding.

✅ Pros:

·         Low startup cost

·         Creative freedom

·         No wait time

❌ Cons:

·         May look amateurish

·         Technical limitations

·         SEO often overlooked

·         No personalized support

If you're tech-savvy, this could work. But beware: a poorly built website can hurt your brand.

Option 2: Hire a web development agency

Working with a specialized agency like Scalapp ensures a 100% professional website, tailored to your business goals.

🔧 A good agency will provide:

·         A custom and responsive design

·         A powerful SEO strategy

·         A fast, secure, and well-hosted site

·         Integration of your booking/delivery systems

·         Ongoing maintenance and support

🎯 Result: You save time, gain peace of mind, and stand out from the competition.

How much does a restaurant website cost?

It all depends on your needs, the design, and the features. Here's a realistic estimate:

Type of Website

Approximate Price

One-page showcase site

€500 – €1,000

Standard site (3–5 pages)

€1,200 – €2,500

Site with booking + online orders

€2,000 – €4,000 (or more)

💡 At Scalapp, we tailor our offers to your budget and priorities. We also offer scalable solutions — start small and add features over time.

Best practices to optimize your restaurant website

Even a great-looking site can stay invisible if not properly optimized. Here are a few tips to maximize your impact:

·         ✅ Focus on local SEO (city, neighborhood, specialties...).

·         📲 Make it mobile-friendly (responsive design, clear buttons).

·         ⚡ Improve loading speed (under 3 seconds ideally).

·         📆 Regularly update content (menu, hours, events…).

·         📌 Add links to your social media, Google listing, etc.

·         🔒 Ensure your site is secure (HTTPS).

A fast, secure, and up-to-date site builds trust and attracts more customers.

Let Scalapp create your restaurant website 🍽️

At Scalapp, we help restaurant owners build effective, customized, and profitable websites. Whether you run a family bistro, food truck, fine-dining venue, or a unique concept, we design a digital presence that reflects your brand.

🎨 Custom design, 📱 smooth mobile navigation, 🔍 local SEO, 🛒 booking or order modules — our team handles everything from planning to launch.

👉 Contact us today to discuss your project and get a free quote.

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