How to implement a QR menu in a restaurant? Step by step

Restaurants
                   

QR menus aren’t just a fashionable trend—they’re a real way to increase sales, reduce costs, and shorten service time. Customers scan the code, browse the menu on their smartphone, and can immediately place their order and pay the bill. All without waiting for a waiter or handling paper menus.

How to implement such a solution in a restaurant, café, or bar? Below, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step guide—from system selection, through menu preparation, to guest communication and sales data analysis.

Step 1: Select the appropriate system for the QR menu

Not all QR codes work the same. If you want more than just a link to a static PDF, choose a QR menu system that:

  • allows you to edit the menu online – without a graphic designer or printing house,
  • allows you to place orders without the participation of a waiter,
  • supports multiple languages ​​and shows photos of dishes,
  • integrates with payments (e.g. BLIK, card, Apple Pay, Google Pay),
  • works on any phone, without the need to install an application.

✅ Example: ORDI – a Polish system that gives you full control over your menu, orders, promotions, and payments. All from your browser, without complicated installation.

Step 2: Create your menu in the system

After registering in the system, it’s time to enter your offer. Complete the following:

  • names of dishes and their descriptions,
  • prices (with the possibility of quick change later),
  • allergens and markings (e.g. spicy, vegetarian, vegan),
  • availability of options (e.g. gluten-free versions, portion sizes),
  • photos of dishes that attract the eye and stimulate the appetite.

💡 Pro tip: Treat your QR menu like a restaurant’s business card. Good descriptions, aesthetic photos, and current prices make all the difference—they’re often the first contact a guest has with your offerings.

Step 3: Print and place QR codes in your restaurant

Once your menu is ready, the system will generate a unique QR code for you. You can:

  • download as a file and print it yourself,
  • order it in the form of an aesthetic sticker, pad or stand,
  • place on tables, counters, in a window, on posters or leaflets.

📌 Make sure the code is clearly visible, large enough and resistant to damage (laminating it or using hard pads will significantly extend its lifespan).

Step 4: Train the team and prepare communications

QR menus aren’t meant to replace waiters, but rather to relieve staff of repetitive tasks. It’s worth explaining to your team that:

  • guests can place their own orders, and the staff will focus on advising and building relationships,
  • the bill can appear on the phone, which speeds up table turnover,
  • less time spent rewriting orders means fewer mistakes and less stress.

It is also a good idea to prepare simple communication for guests:

  • a short message on the table: “Scan the code and order without waiting“,
  • information about the QR menu on social media,
  • mention on the website and in the Google business card (Photos + Description).

Step 5: Analyze data and take advantage of new opportunities

Modern QR menu systems, such as ORDI, offer extensive statistics, including:

  • which dishes are ordered most often,
  • what hours are you most busy,
  • how specific promotions and sets work,
  • how the bill value changes after implementing the QR menu.

This allows you to test new items, introduce happy hours, change the order of dishes on the menu, or highlight bestsellers – without reprinting and costly changes to the traditional menu.

Summary

Implementing a QR menu is a simple process that pays for itself very quickly. You gain:

  • ✅ convenience for guests – order and pay via phone,
  • ✅ time saving for staff – less running around with cards and bills,
  • ✅ no printing costs and easy price updates,
  • ✅ higher order value thanks to extras and recommendations,
  • ✅ fewer mistakes thanks to the automation of order transfer to the kitchen.

To get started, simply:

  • choose a system such as ORDI,
  • enter your menu, photos and prices,
  • generate and print a QR code,
  • place it in the premises and inform guests,
  • use data and gradually optimize the offer.

Want to see how QR menus work in practice and what possibilities they offer in your restaurant?

🌐 Go to: www.ordiqr.com
📩 Write: contact@ordiqr.com – we will prepare a free trial version for you.