Online menu: everything you need to know

Almost everyone owns a smartphone. That's why, at the same time, the models of online menus are also gaining popularity, since they can be viewed precisely on smartphones (and other mobile devices).

But is it worth having a digital menu? And how to create a digital menu? What advantages can it bring to your bar or restaurant?

Below you'll find the answers to these and other questions. Check it out!

Learn more: Optimize your menu with menu engineering

What is an online menu?

The online menu serves the same purpose as its “classic” version: presenting the items for sale to your customers, along with illustrative images and information on price, quantity, etc.

The big difference is that, as the name indicates, this type of menu is not physical, but digital. That way, it can be accessed by customers (and also by your staff) through smartphones and tablets.

Because of this different nature, the virtual menu allows you to edit it much more easily. Additionally, it offers savings since you don't need to spend on printing – especially if you're used to updating the menu frequently.

The way to view the online menu, of course, is through the mobile device, but that's not its only difference. It can also incorporate the digital tab function.

In other words: customers can not only view the items they want to order completely autonomously, but also place the order and even make the payment once with their own smartphone. Much faster and more practical while still being secure.

How to Make an Online Menu?

Now that you know what an online menu is, it's time to discover how to create one for your establishment. There are several different ways to do this – some more efficient than others – and below you understand more about the main ones.

Online Menu in Images and PDF

This type of virtual menu is quite common. This is the most basic type of this form of menu. You just need to create an image (or PDF) with the menu items and their respective prices.

It can be accessible via social media, instant messaging apps and/or online ordering platforms. Embora seja facilmente acessado pelos clientes, esses cardápios não são muito versáteis nem práticos.

This is because they can become outdated quickly and, moreover, they lack advanced features such as allowing customers to place orders in real-time or displaying information about the most popular items.

Online menu on social media

This is a slightly more specific variation of the previous menu format. The main difference is that it typically stays available on social media, using tools that make viewing easier.

For example, you can use an Instagram Highlight to showcase the image of your digital menu there.

Again, this provides greater convenience for the establishment, which can centralize the online menu in one place.

However, on the other hand, it can create difficulty for customers who don't have access to that particular social media platform or who aren't aware that the menu is available there.

Furthermore, it doesn't guarantee that customers can place their orders independently using only their smartphones.

Online menu via QR Code

an QR Code menu differs precisely in how it's accessed. Unlike being available via a link or on social media, it's accessed through a type of barcode.

In this way, your customers only need to point their smartphone camera at the code and view the menu options. This way, access becomes more universal.

However, it's worth noting that, like the previous variations, the QR Code menu also requires more work to update and doesn't automatically enable customers to place orders on its own.

There are various online tools that allow you to create a QR Code link that directs customers to your menu image (whether it's on your social media, website, etc.).

However, the best approach is to use an integrated solution that does this work automatically as soon as you create your digital menu – such as EPOC GO.

Online menu via restaurant/bar management system

What if you could create your digital menu on your own, easily and quickly, and edit it almost automatically in the future?

And what if, moreover, you could make it available easily via QR Code, without your customers needing to access any social media or download another app?

You simply need a restaurant management system or bares to do this and much more. Com o EPOC GO, for example, you can create your menu in minutes and then update it easily whenever needed.

Then, the menu becomes available to customers, who can access it via QR Code or through other means such as links and social media posts. Moreover, customers can place orders right through the menu itself, bringing much more speed and modernity to your operation.

Another positive aspect of a digital menu like EPOC GO is the integration with all other areas of the establishment – such as POS, ERP, KDS, Inventory, Finance – as well as delivery platforms.

Thus, you have a complete tool that not only makes your customers' lives easier but also brings greater efficiency and cost savings to your bar or restaurant operation.

Leia também: Types of menus: discover 13 models and make the ideal choice

5 advantages of online menu

See below five of the main benefits that an online menu can offer to both your establishment and your customers.

1. Make it easier for customers to view items

Missing menus for all tables, torn or marked-up menus, old and outdated menus... There are many problems that can occur when using a physical paper menu (or other material).

With the digital model, this doesn't happen. All customers need is a smartphone – which virtually everyone has – to quickly and easily view products and their prices.

This improves customer experience and prevents errors and confusion when placing orders, which in turn prevents customer frustration and waste for your restaurant/bar.

2. Reduce printing and operational costs

This convenience isn't just for customers, but also for you. With an online menu you don't need to worry about printing costs whenever you update your menu.

What's more, you don't run the risk of having to use some “improvised” fix, like crossing things out or sticking tape or notes over old items/prices.

Another saving comes from optimizing the operation itself, since with an online menu your service team doesn't need to keep moving between tables and the kitchen, freeing them up to perform other more strategic tasks.

3. Speed up orders and their production

When used together with a management system for a restaurant or bar, the digital tab has great potential to optimize your establishment's operation.

With it, the customer places the order themselves on their smartphone. This alone speeds up the order.

And the preparation itself becomes easier, after all, the orders automatically arrive from the customer's smartphone to the KDS display in the kitchen. Moreover, there's no chance of errors or confusion – such as not being able to read an attendant's handwriting, for example, or losing the order slip.

4. Provide information and data to analyze establishment performance

Again, if you use a solution like EPOC GO, you can not only improve your day-to-day operation but also gather valuable information and data about it and your customers.

With it you can view your customers' demographic profile, busiest times and days, most popular items, among other information that helps you understand your operation.

Thus, you can use this information to Make strategic decisions and plan actions to encourage what's working and fix what can be improved.

5. Modernize the customer experience

Finally, a benefit that combines all the others: improving the customer experience. A digital menu makes the entire ordering experience – and in the case of EPOC GO, even payment – much easier and faster.

This, combined with operational optimization and faster, error-free order delivery, makes customers feel comfortable and satisfied in a modern environment.

This way, they come back again – and recommend your establishment to friends, family, and colleagues.

What's the best digital menu solution?

As you've already noticed, EPOC GO has all the ideal solutions for an online menu and adds many other functionalities. It also a digital tab that connects with EPOC to link the digital menu and tab to the POS, ERP, KDS, Inventory and much more.

To see how this feature works in practice – as well as everything else EPOC offers – watch a free demonstration with no obligation and understand how this is the ideal solution for your establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an online menu?

It's a menu designed to present the items available for sale to your customers, along with illustrative images and information about price, quantity, etc.

The difference is that this menu is not physical, but digital. This way, it can be accessed by customers (and also by your staff) through smartphones and tablets.

How to create an online menu as an image or PDF?

You simply need to create an image (or PDF) with the menu items and their respective prices. It can be made accessible via social media, instant messaging apps, and/or online ordering platforms.

How to create an online menu on social media?

This is a slightly more specific variation of the previous menu format. The main difference is that it typically stays available on social media, using tools that make viewing easier. For example, you can use an Instagram Highlight to showcase the image of your digital menu.

How to create an online menu via QR Code?

There are various online tools that allow you to create a QR Code link that directs customers to your menu image (whether it's on your social media, website, etc.). However, the best approach is to use an integrated solution that does this work automatically as soon as you create your digital menu – such as EPOC GO.

How to create an online menu via a restaurant/bar management system?

Simply use a solution like EPOC GO, for example. This way you can create your menu in minutes and then easily update it whenever needed.

Then, the menu becomes available to customers, who can access it via QR Code or through other means such as links and social media posts. Moreover, customers can place orders right through the menu itself.

Another feature is integration with all other areas of the establishment – such as POS, ERP, KDS, Inventory, Finance – in addition to delivery platforms

What are the advantages of a digital menu?

1 – Make it easier for customers to view items;
2 – Reduce printing and operational costs;
3 – Speed up orders and their production;
4 – Provide information and data to analyze establishment performance;
5 – Modernize the customer experience.

What's the best digital menu solution?

As you've already noticed, EPOC GO has all the ideal solutions for an online menu and adds many other functionalities. It's also a digital tab that connects with EPOC to link the digital menu and tab to the POS, ERP, KDS, Inventory and much more.