Checklist: what every restaurant website needs in 2026

Diners decide fast. They want to know three things almost immediately: what’s on the menu, are you open, and how do I eat your food — book, order or walk in? Everything on your website should make those answers easier to find.

Use this checklist to review your current site or plan a new one.

1. The essentials, above the fold

When someone opens your site on a phone, they should see these without scrolling:

• Your restaurant name and what kind of food you serve.
• Today’s hours (or a clear “Open now / Closed” message).
• One obvious button: Order online, Book a table or View menu.
• A tap-to-call phone number.

If a hungry visitor has to hunt for any of these, many won’t bother.

2. A menu that works on a phone

• The menu is a real web page, not a PDF. PDFs are slow, hard to read on phones and invisible to Google.
• Prices are included. Hiding prices makes people assume the worst.
• Dietary labels are clear: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, spicy, common allergens.
• It’s easy for you (or your web person) to update when prices or dishes change.
• Seasonal or daily specials have a home, so the menu never looks out of date.

3. Ordering and reservations

• Online ordering for pickup and/or delivery — either direct on your site or a clean link to your ordering system.
• Consider direct ordering for regulars to avoid paying 15–30% commission to delivery apps on every order.
• Reservations or a booking link, if you take them.
• A private events or catering enquiry form, with the questions you always ask (date, guest count, budget).

4. Location and practical details

• Address with a link to Google Maps.
• Parking, public transport and accessibility information.
• Hours that exactly match your Google Business Profile — including holiday hours.
• Multiple locations each get their own page with their own details.

5. Photos that make people hungry

• Real photos of your food, space and team — not stock images.
• Bright, well-lit dishes; a few great photos beat dozens of average ones.
• Images compressed so the site stays fast (see why speed matters).
• Alt text describing each image, for accessibility and search.

6. Google and local search

• Your Google Business Profile is claimed, complete and linked to your website.
• Your restaurant name, address and phone number are identical on your site, Google, Yelp and other listings.
• Structured data (restaurant schema) tells Google your cuisine, price range, hours and menu link.
• A simple routine for asking every guest for an honest review — a card with the bill or a follow-up message after online orders.
• You reply to reviews, good and bad, politely and promptly.

7. Your story

• A short “About” section: who you are, what makes your food special, where your ingredients come from.
• Faces of the chef, owners or team — people connect with people.

8. Speed, accessibility and trust

• The site loads in about two seconds or less on a phone.
• Text is readable without zooming; buttons are easy to tap.
• Colour contrast is strong enough to read in sunlight.
• The site has a secure (https) address.
• Copyright year and information are current — an old date makes people wonder if you’re still open.

9. Ways to bring people back

• Email or SMS sign-up for specials and events (keep it optional and simple).
• Links to your Instagram or TikTok, without embedding heavy feeds that slow the page.
• Gift cards, if you offer them — especially before the holidays.

How did you score?

If you ticked most of the boxes, your site is in great shape. If not, start with sections 1, 2 and 6 — they have the biggest impact on getting people through the door.

Want a hand? Our restaurant websites start at $900 for a Starter Website and $2,200 for a Business Website with online ordering or reservations. See restaurant websites, try the instant estimate, or book a free call.