A professional-looking website is an essential resource for any restaurant. Not only does it serve to communicate your brand and offerings, it is an important tool to attract customers.
A recent study conducted by Toast shows that 32% of diners check restaurant websites before visiting!
With this in mind, we’ve come up with seven design tips that will make your restaurant website stand out and provide your patrons with an engaging online experience.
1. Choosing a website theme
Like with anything, first impressions count. Keep in mind that a visually appealing theme not only draws attention, but it also conveys the distinct personality of your business.
Choose a colour scheme that goes well with the logo and ambiance of your restaurant.
Include eye-catching photos that highlight your menu, space and atmosphere. You can also find a selection of free food photography for use online.
Use typefaces and typography that are consistent with the look and feel of your brand.
2. Reduce complexity in navigation to improve user experience
Your website must have a simple, user-friendly navigation system. The last thing you want is for people to get frustrated and lost navigating the website.
Use a website menu with a simple, logical layout and categories.
Make sure the sections for your menu, contact details and reservations are simple to find on every page.
Create a search function so that users may locate certain information easily.
3. Showcase your menu
A key element of your website is the menu. Potential customers’ attention might be piqued with the help of a tasty and attractive menu. Make it informational and eye-catching:
Present your menu in an easy-to-read layout with distinct sections for the various courses or cuisine styles.
Give each dish enticing descriptions and top-notch pictures.
Emphasise any particular dietary options or seasonal cuisine.
Check out more tips in our menu design tips article.
4. Think mobile-first
Make sure your website is mobile-friendly because checking out restaurants on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets is the norm. Take into account these suggestions:
Use a responsive design to ensure that your website adapts to various screen widths.
Increase page loading speed to avoid lagging or irritated visitors.
Forms and site navigation should be made simpler for mobile users to deal with.
5. Display your environment and facilities
Your website should reflect the ambiance and distinct qualities of your restaurant in addition to showcasing the mouthwatering dishes you serve.
Include high-resolution pictures of your interiors that depict the ambiance and furnishings.
Include pictures of your bar area, outside furniture and any unique amenities you provide.
To give visitors a virtual tour of your place, think about including virtual tours or 360-degree pictures.
6. Reviews and testimonials
Strong social proof of the calibre and level of service at your restaurant can be found in client endorsements and reviews. The following is how to add them to your website:
Positive comments should be highlighted prominently on your site or a testimonials page.
Display authentic customer reviews along with the names and, if feasible, accompanying images of the reviewers.
Use review widgets from well-known review websites like Google or Yelp to display user comments in real time.
7. Include a booking widget
By including an online booking widget to your website, you improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Tableo also offers a free restaurant reservation system – especially useful if you are a small restaurant. This will enable you to:
Give clients the option to book straight through your website for a simple and convenient booking experience.
Improve overall efficiency, cut wait times and improve table management.
Collect consumer information and preferences, to customise the eating experience and enable targeted marketing initiatives,
So there you have it! You can improve your restaurant’s online presence and give your guests an immersive experience by embracing appealing aesthetics, streamlining navigation, showing menus, utilising responsive design, accentuating ambiance, incorporating testimonials and integrating a reservation system.
Keep in mind that a well-designed website not only draws visitors but also makes it easier for them to go from exploring to visiting, to returning. Adopt these design concepts, uphold your brand identity and remain flexible to meet the changing demands of your online audience.
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Stephanie Bugeja is the dynamic Marketing Executive at Tableo, where she channels her passion for web design and UX enhancements. Known as the team’s design guru, she's always fine-tuning aesthetics and user experience with an expert touch. A true multi-tasker, Stephanie juggles projects with ease. When off the clock, she’s likely eating a cornetto in Rome.
