Do Customers Like QR Menus? Fears Versus Reality

Restaurants
                   

Many restaurateurs are asking themselves the same question: do customers really want to use QR menus? Wouldn’t it be better to stick with the classic paper menu? Will older diners have trouble scanning the codes?

These are concerns we regularly hear from restaurant owners. In this post, we compare the most common myths with the actual experience customers have when using QR menus, including those in restaurants using the ORDI system.

Concern 1: “Customers don’t want to scan QR codes”

The impression that guests “don’t like QR codes” often stems from isolated comments or habits from a few years ago. However, most people aged 20–50 use their phones practically constantly—paying, ordering taxis, or checking menus online.

In practice, the QR menu is for them:

  • convenient – ​​because it is available immediately after approaching the table,
  • modern – consistent with how they function on a daily basis,
  • quick – they don’t have to wait for a free waiter.

💬 “Great option, I quickly looked through what I could eat and even added dessert in the middle” – a customer review from one of the restaurants using ORDI.

Fear 2: “Older people can’t cope”

The reality is more varied. Yes, some older guests may need a little support, but how you implement the QR menu is crucial. If:

  • the QR code is clearly visible and clearly described,
  • no need to install any application,
  • the menu opens quickly in the browser,
  • the waiter can explain in two sentences how it works,

…even older customers usually cope very well. It’s also worth leaving a few printed cards at the establishment “just in case.” QR menus don’t have to be the only option—they can simply be the default, most convenient option.

Concern 3: “It’s impersonal and cuts off the customer from service”

A common myth is: “If we provide a QR menu, the guest will be on their phone and the waiter will be redundant.” In practice, the opposite happens:

  • the guest chooses the dishes at his own pace,
  • the waiter has more time for conversation, advice and handling special needs,
  • the number of errors is reduced because the order is saved digitally and goes straight to the kitchen.

The QR menu does not work “instead of people”, but “for people” – it relieves the team of repetitive tasks (bringing cards, adding orders), and instead allows them to focus on what guests really value in the service: friendliness, advice and atmosphere.

Concern 4: “Customers want a nice, physical menu”

Aesthetics are important, but QR menus can also be beautiful. It all depends on the system you’re using. Modern solutions – such as ORDI – allow for:

  • presentation of appetizing photos of each dish,
  • clear structure of sections (starters, main courses, desserts, drinks),
  • highlighting the daily specials, seasonal menus or chef recommendations,
  • adding graphic elements, icons and dietary markings.

What’s more, QR menus can be dynamically adjusted to suit the time of day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) or special events. This is something a paper card could never achieve without constantly printing new versions.

Concern 5: “This is a post-pandemic fad”

Indeed, QR menus have gained popularity during the pandemic, primarily for hygiene reasons. But the reason they’ve stuck around is different: economics and convenience.

Well implemented QR menu:

  • reduces costs (no printing and wasting of cards with each change),
  • allows you to instantly update your offer and prices,
  • provides data for analysis – you can see what guests click and order most often,
  • enables promotions, online payments and loyalty programs.

This is not a seasonal fad, but a natural stage in the evolution of customer service in the restaurant industry – similar to the transition from paper notebooks to a POS system.

What do customers say about QR menus?

Based on reviews from restaurants using the ORDI system, customers most often emphasize:

  • ✅ “I order faster, I eat faster – perfect for my lunch break.”
  • ✅ “I like that I can see photos of dishes and immediately know what tempts me.”
  • ✅ “It’s nice that I don’t have to install the app, I just scan and click.”
  • ✅ “Thanks to QR, I could order something else without having to look for a waiter.”

For many guests, QR menus are simply a convenient standard that they treat as a natural element of a modern restaurant – just like the ability to pay by card or Wi-Fi in the premises.

Summary: Do customers like QR menus?

The answer is yes – provided it’s implemented well. Guests are likely to use QR menus if:

  • works quickly and reliably,
  • does not require installation of any application,
  • has a clear, aesthetic design,
  • includes a menu translation option – thanks to the menu in many languages, guests will easily choose something for themselves
  • gives them control over their order – they can choose, order and pay their own way.

This is why QR menus are becoming a new standard in modern gastronomy – and an important element in building the guest experience.

Want to see what this looks like in practice in your restaurant?

🌐 Visit: www.ordiqr.com
📩 Write to: contact@ordiqr.com – we offer 30 days free.