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Websites

The 5 Most Important Pages for Any Restaurant Website

August 19, 2020

Including menus, locations & hours, online ordering, reservations, contact info and more.

Having a restaurant website is essential to providing guests with the same level of hospitality online that they receive at the brick-and-mortar location(s). Just as guests expect certain services during their meal in a restaurant, they’re also looking for specific information on the restaurant's website to help them find what they need. Here are the five most important pages for a restaurant website to display and keep up-to-date.

Menus

ATLA's menu page has plenty of style, yet is clean and easy to read.

Menus are the MVPs of restaurant websites. Not only are they the most-visited page, but often they are the deciding factor for guests looking at where to dine. The menu should have its own, detailed page that can be accessed easily from anywhere on the site. Keep the menu page simple to navigate and easy to read (using plain text, not PDFs) to give guests the best experience online and adhere to digital accessibility standards.

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Location

The address and phone number for Jeffrey's Grocery are anchored at the top left of their website.

Like any business with an online presence, restaurant websites should have the basic logistical information listed, such as their address (or addresses if they have multiple locations). While it’s important to put the location in its own distinct place, like an Hours & Location page, it should also be “anchored” in a noticeable place across the entire website. This way, it’s always easy for guests to find at a glance.

Online Ordering

Blue Smoke's website includes direct online ordering

Guests are looking for more ways to support their favorite restaurants online. Including direct online ordering on the restaurant's website is critical for boosting profits, especially in the age of COVID-19. A great example of online ordering is Blue Smoke, in New York City. With quality, branded photography of their offerings and alluring menu descriptions, website visitors are more likely to turn into paying customers. Restaurants can get creative too by selling meal kits, such as their "Backyard Barbecue Picnic" option for 6.

Reservations

Loring Place integrates their reservation system seamlessly with their website.

Gone are the days when reservations could only be made by phone. Integrating an online reservation system is a great way to book guests directly from the website. It’s important to make sure the website can seamlessly integrate with the reservation system in a way that makes it accessible on every page and doesn’t detract from a clean design.

Contact Information

The contact page for Suerte in Austin, TX

Suerte's contact page features an inquiry form where online visitors can ask easily ask questions & get in touch.

Just like the restaurant’s address, contact information should always be anchored in a prominent spot on the website. It’s important to also have a separate contact page that includes all of the contact information, including a phone number, email and social media accounts. Many restaurant websites include a simple inquiry form for guests to fill out if they have any questions or comments.