QR Codes for Restaurants: The Complete 2024 Guide

Why Restaurants Need QR Codes

The restaurant industry has embraced QR codes like never before. From contactless menus to streamlined ordering systems, QR codes help restaurants improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the dining experience.

Top Uses for Restaurant QR Codes

1. Digital Menus

Replace printed menus with QR codes that link to your digital menu. Benefits include:

Instant updates: Change prices, add specials, or mark items as sold out in real-time

Cost savings: No more reprinting menus for every change

Multilingual support: Offer menus in multiple languages

Rich media: Include photos, videos, and detailed descriptions

Pro tip: Place table tents or stickers with QR codes on each table. Include text like "Scan for Menu" to guide customers.

2. Contactless Ordering

Let customers order directly from their phones:

Customer scans the QR code at their table

They browse the menu and add items to cart

Order is sent directly to the kitchen

Staff can focus on service rather than taking orders

3. Mobile Payments

QR codes can link to payment systems, allowing customers to:

Pay their bill without waiting for the check

Split bills easily among groups

Leave tips digitally

Get digital receipts automatically

4. WiFi Access

Create a WiFi QR code so customers can connect without asking for the password. This:

Reduces staff interruptions

Encourages customers to share on social media

Creates a more seamless experience

5. Reviews and Feedback

Place QR codes on receipts or table tents that link to:

Google Reviews

Yelp

Your feedback form

Loyalty program signup

How to Set Up Restaurant QR Codes

Step 1: Create Your Digital Menu

If you don't have a digital menu yet, options include:

Your website with a menu page

PDF menu hosted online

Third-party menu platforms

Online ordering systems

Step 2: Generate Your QR Codes

Go to QRCodes.ink generator

Select "URL" as the QR type

Enter your menu URL

Customize colors to match your brand

Download in high resolution for printing

Step 3: Design and Print

Use a minimum size of 1.5 inches for table placement

Ensure good contrast (dark QR on light background)

Add your logo and a call-to-action

Laminate table tents for durability

Step 4: Strategic Placement

Place QR codes where customers will see them:

Table tents or stickers

Menu boards at entrance

On paper placemats

At the counter/register

On takeout packaging

Best Practices

Do's

Test codes in your actual restaurant lighting

Include a brief instruction ("Scan to view menu")

Keep the landing page mobile-optimized

Update your digital menu regularly

Track scans to understand usage

Don'ts

Don't make QR codes too small

Don't use low contrast colors

Don't forget older customers who may need help

Don't remove all physical menus (keep some as backup)

Measuring Success

Track these metrics to measure your QR code success:

Scan rate: What percentage of tables scan the code?

Time on menu: How long do customers browse?

Order value: Compare digital vs. traditional ordering

Review submissions: Are more customers leaving reviews?

Get Started Today

Ready to modernize your restaurant? Create your first QR code in seconds—it's free for static codes, perfect for linking to your existing menu.