In today’s hyper-competitive dining scene, your restaurant's website isn’t just a digital menu — it’s often the first impression your customers get. Whether they’re looking for your hours, your vibe, or tonight’s dinner, your site needs to deliver quickly, beautifully, and with purpose.
Here are the 10 essentials every restaurant website should have (and how to get them right):
A Great Restaurant Brand Story
Every great restaurant has a story — whether it's family-run for generations, locally sourced, or inspired by a love of travel. Your website is where that story should live.
Why it matters: It builds emotional connection and turns casual visitors into loyal fans
Pro tip: A few paragraphs and a great photo of your team go a long way. Be authentic.
Easy to Update
If your website still says "Now Open for Summer 2021," it’s time for a change. A good restaurant site should be easy for you or your staff to update — especially menus, hours, and announcements.
Why it matters: Things change fast in hospitality. Your website should keep up.
Pro tip: Forkedup sites come with an intuitive dashboard, so updates take seconds — not weeks.
Professional Photography
No stock photo can match the impact of your actual food, space, and atmosphere. Invest in real photos — it’s one of the best marketing decisions you can make.
Why it matters: People eat with their eyes first.
Bonus: Great photos also power your social media and Google listings.
Mobile-Friendly Design
Over 70% of restaurant website visits happen on phones. Your site should load fast, scroll smooth, and make it super easy to take action.
Why it matters: If your site isn’t mobile-first, you’re losing customers before they even order.
E-Commerce Capabilities
Selling gift cards, meal kits, or merch? Your site should support it — directly. No clunky workarounds.
Why it matters: E-commerce adds a revenue stream and lets guests support you beyond the dining room.
Location and Contact Information
This one’s basic — but critical. Your address, phone number, hours, and Google Maps link should be easy to find from every page.
Why it matters: Customers want to find you. Don’t make them work for it.
Text or HTML-Based Menus (Not Just PDFs)
PDF menus are clunky on mobile and bad for SEO. Use real, readable text — it’s better for search engines and your customers.
Why it matters: Search engines can’t read PDFs well, but they can index a beautifully structured menu.
Need help converting your PDF menu to HTML? The Forkedup Team is ready to help!
Prominent Reservation and Online Ordering Buttons
Whether you use OpenTable, Resy, Toast, or another platform — these buttons should be visible on every page, ideally right at the top.
Why it matters: Don’t make hungry customers dig to find the "Order Now" button.
Catering and Private Event Contact Forms
If you offer catering, private dining, or event hosting, your website should make it easy for customers to inquire.
Why it matters: These bookings are high-value — and often go to whoever responds fastest.
Add a simple form with fields like date, group size, and occasion — and watch the leads roll in.
Digital Accessibility Features
Everyone should be able to enjoy your website, regardless of ability. That means proper color contrast, readable fonts, image alt text, and keyboard navigation.
Why it matters: Accessibility is not just good ethics — it’s the law in many places (and good for SEO, too).
Forkedup sites include accessibility best practices by default, with options to go even further.
Final Thoughts
Your website is more than a digital brochure — it’s your hardest working staff member, available 24/7. When it’s done right, it brings in more reservations, more takeout, and more loyal guests.
At Forkedup, we specialize in websites built specifically for restaurants — fast, functional, and beautiful. Want to build one together? Let’s talk.