Top Online Ordering Systems in 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Restaurants

The way restaurants handle orders is changing fast. In 2025, having an online ordering system is no longer optional. It is essential.

Whether you're running a local café or a multi-location food chain, customers expect to order through their phones, skip the wait, and enjoy fast service. That means restaurants need tools that can manage online orders smoothly while keeping everything else in sync, from payments to kitchen flow.

A good restaurant online ordering system goes beyond just accepting orders. It helps track inventory, integrates with POS, supports multiple delivery channels, and keeps customers coming back through loyalty programs and personalized offers.

According to recent industry data, more than 60% of restaurant sales in the U.S. now come from digital channels and this number is still climbing. The platforms leading the way are flexible, mobile-friendly, and built to serve both new and growing food businesses.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top online ordering systems in 2025, what makes them stand out, and how to choose the one that’s right for your business.

What to Look for in an Online Ordering System

Choosing the right system means focusing on what will actually help your restaurant run better, not just checking off feature lists. Here are the top things to look for:

• Smooth Setup and Daily Use
  The system should be easy to launch and simple to manage. Your team should not need special training or tech support to handle basic tasks.
• POS and Payment Integration
  Orders should connect directly to your POS and support all popular payment methods. This keeps your front and back of house in sync.
• Mobile-Friendly Customer Experience
  Most orders happen on phones. The system should be fast, responsive, and easy to use on all screen sizes.
• Custom Branding and Control
  You should be able to upload your logo, choose colors, and use your own domain. Customers should feel like they are ordering from you directly.
• Scalability for Growth
  Look for multi-location support, synced menus, and flexible team roles. Choose a system that grows with your business.
• Order Management and Delivery Options
  Whether you offer pickup, dine-in, in-house delivery, or third-party options, the system should support your preferred fulfillment method.
• Access to Customer Data and Insights
  You should be able to track orders, understand buyer habits, and build smarter marketing campaigns based on real behavior.
• Built-In Marketing Features
  Features like promo codes, loyalty programs, and automated emails help you bring customers back without extra tools.

Top Online Ordering Platforms for 2025

Restaurants now have more online ordering choices than ever. Each platform offers a unique mix of pricing, features, and control. While some focus on commission-free models, others bundle POS, payments, and delivery. The right platform depends on your restaurant’s size, budget, and future goals.

Below are eight top-rated platforms that stand out in 2025.

GloriaFood

GloriaFood is a widely used free online ordering system designed for small to mid-sized restaurants. It allows businesses to accept online orders for pickup and delivery without paying per-order commissions. Known for its ease of use and quick setup, GloriaFood is a great starting point for restaurants that want to go digital without a large investment.

Key Features

• Mobile-optimized online ordering page with zero commissions
• Digital menu builder with unlimited items and images
• Facebook and website ordering integration widgets
• Order notifications for staff and customers
• Optional add-ons like table reservations and promo tools

Strengths

• Completely free to use with no setup or monthly fees
• Very quick to set up, even for non-technical users
• Clean, simple interface for both customers and restaurant staff
• Ideal for small restaurants, cafés, and local food outlets

Considerations

• Limited customization and branding flexibility
• Lacks advanced analytics or marketing automation tools
• May not scale well for large or multi-location operations
• Add-ons can introduce extra costs if more features are needed

Foodiv

Foodiv is a flexible, commission-free online ordering system built for restaurants of all sizes. It supports delivery, pickup, dine-in, and even table-side QR code ordering. With a clean interface and fast setup, Foodiv gives restaurants complete control over their digital ordering experience without relying on third-party marketplaces. It’s designed to grow with your business, whether you run a small café, a cloud kitchen, or a multi-location chain.

Key Features

• Commission-free online ordering for delivery, pickup, and dine-in
• QR code ordering system for table-side service
• Built-in POS integration and real-time order management
• Branded websites with custom domains, logos, and color themes
• Dashboard for menu setup, sales tracking, and team management

Strengths

• No per-order fees or commissions, helping boost restaurant profits
• Fully branded experience to maintain customer trust and loyalty
• Scales easily for multi-location businesses or expanding restaurants
• Supports multiple order types from one centralized system

Considerations

• Requires basic setup time to configure menus and branding
• Best suited for restaurants looking to own the entire ordering process
• May include more features than needed for very small operations

Toast POS

Toast POS is a full-service restaurant platform that combines online ordering, point-of-sale, payments, and kitchen operations into one system. Built specifically for the food service industry, Toast is ideal for restaurants that want an all-in-one solution to manage both front-of-house and back-of-house tasks. It supports online orders for delivery, pickup, and in-house dining while syncing seamlessly with in-store operations.

Key Features

• Integrated online ordering with POS and kitchen display systems
• Order tracking, prep time management, and real-time updates
• Built-in payment processing, tipping, and customer receipts
• Customizable menus, modifiers, and item availability settings
• Guest-facing tools like loyalty programs and branded ordering pages

Strengths

• Unified system reduces the need for third-party integrations
• Ideal for high-volume restaurants with complex workflows
• Powerful reporting and analytics for business performance
• Supports hardware, kitchen printers, and in-store payments

Considerations

• Higher upfront and monthly costs compared to simpler systems
• Requires onboarding and hardware setup for full use
• May be more than what small restaurants or cafés need

ChowNow

ChowNow offers restaurants a commission-free, direct online ordering system that lets them take orders through their own website, app, or social channels. The platform focuses on helping independent restaurants keep control over branding, pricing, and customer relationships. It is well-suited for restaurants looking to reduce third-party fees and build long-term loyalty with their customers.

Key Features

• Commission-free ordering for pickup, delivery, curbside, and dine-in
• Branded website and app ordering with full control over design
• Centralized dashboard to manage orders, sales, and customer data
• Built-in marketing tools including loyalty programs and promo campaigns
• Integration with Google Food Ordering and social platforms like Instagram
• Real-time order notifications and fulfillment tracking

Strengths

• Restaurants keep 100% of the order revenue with no per-order fees
• Strong focus on customer data ownership and direct engagement
• Combines online ordering with built-in marketing features
• Easy to use and maintain with helpful support resources
• Helps shift traffic from third-party apps to direct ordering channels

Considerations

• Monthly subscription fees may not suit very small or low-volume restaurants
• Some limitations in deep customization and advanced reporting
• Requires initial setup and staff training to unlock full value
• Works best when combined with other in-house promotion efforts

Square Online

Square Online is a user-friendly online ordering system built by Square for restaurants and retailers. It is ideal for small to medium-sized food businesses that already use Square for payments or POS. With built-in tools for delivery, pickup, and self-serve ordering, Square Online helps streamline restaurant operations while maintaining a simple, clean interface for both staff and customers.

Key Features

• Seamless integration with Square POS and payment processing
• Online ordering for delivery, curbside pickup, and self-serve QR orders
• Free website builder with customizable templates and menu syncing
• Automatic inventory and order updates across channels
• Customer insights, reporting tools, and loyalty program integration
• Syncs with Google, Instagram, and Facebook for wider order access

Strengths

• All-in-one platform for payments, orders, and inventory management
• Extremely beginner-friendly with fast setup and intuitive interface
• Great for small cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants
• No monthly fees for basic plan, making it cost-effective at entry level
• Easily scales with additional Square tools as your business grows

Considerations

• Some advanced features require paid upgrades or add-ons
• Limited branding control compared to fully white-labeled platforms
• Not ideal for larger restaurants needing multi-location support
• Delivery options depend on region and available courier integrations

UpMenu

UpMenu is a professional-grade online ordering system designed for restaurants that want to manage orders, branding, and customer relationships in one place. It supports direct online orders, loyalty programs, marketing tools, and multi-location management. UpMenu is ideal for restaurants that are scaling and need more control over how they sell and serve food online.

Key Features

• Fully branded online ordering for delivery, pickup, and dine-in
• Custom website builder with menu design and logo integration
• Loyalty programs, discount codes, and marketing automation
• Centralized dashboard for managing multiple restaurant locations

Strengths

• Offers complete branding control, including domain, design, and layout
• Built-in marketing features help boost customer retention
• Suitable for growing restaurants that need scalability and flexibility

Considerations

• Setup and configuration may take more time than simpler systems
• Monthly pricing can be higher for smaller businesses with basic needs

Flipdish

Flipdish is an online ordering and delivery platform used by restaurants, cafés, and food chains across the globe. Known for its branded apps and websites, Flipdish helps businesses launch their own digital ordering experience without relying on third-party marketplaces. It combines ordering, customer engagement, and delivery tools into one unified system.

Key Features

• Custom-branded mobile apps and websites for online ordering
• Support for delivery, pickup, dine-in, and curbside orders
• Real-time order management and driver tracking tools
• Built-in marketing features including SMS campaigns and loyalty programs
• Centralized control panel for multi-location operations
• Access to customer analytics and repeat order behavior

Strengths

• Full control over branding with white-labeled apps and websites
• Strong support for delivery logistics with driver management tools
• Effective marketing automation tools to boost customer retention
• Scalable for franchises and multi-location businesses
• Active support and onboarding services for new clients

Considerations

• Monthly subscription fees may be higher than basic platforms
• Initial setup of branded apps may take additional time and resources
• May be more advanced than needed for small, single-location restaurants
• Requires commitment to get full value from marketing tools and analytics

Restolabs

Restolabs is an affordable and easy-to-use online ordering system designed for small to medium-sized restaurants. It helps food businesses create a branded digital ordering experience while supporting essential features like delivery, pickup, and third-party integration. Its intuitive setup and moderate pricing make it a practical choice for restaurants getting started with online sales.

Key Features

• Branded online ordering for delivery, pickup, and dine-in
• Easy menu builder with modifier and category support
• Integration with POS systems and third-party delivery platforms
• Real-time order notifications and customer order tracking

Strengths

• Simple to use and quick to set up, even for non-technical teams
• Budget-friendly pricing for restaurants with limited resources
• Customizable design elements to match restaurant branding

Considerations

• Lacks advanced marketing tools or analytics compared to high-end platforms
• Not ideal for larger operations that need deep integration or multi-location support

How to Choose the Right Online Ordering System for Your Restaurant

Not every online ordering platform will fit your restaurant. Some systems are built for small cafés with limited menus. Others support large chains with advanced fulfillment and marketing needs. The key is to match the system’s strengths with your specific business goals.

Here’s how to make the right choice:

• Start with your restaurant size and order volume
  Small businesses often benefit from free or low-cost tools like GloriaFood. Larger or growing restaurants may need platforms like Foodiv, Toast POS, or Flipdish that support scaling and integration.
• Decide how much control you need
  If branding, menu design, and customer data matter, look for systems like Foodiv, UpMenu, or ChowNow. These platforms give you full ownership over the user experience and customer relationship.
• Review your budget and pricing preferences
  Commission-free systems help protect your margins. But be sure to factor in subscription fees, feature add-ons, or third-party delivery costs.
• Check integration with existing tools
  Your system should sync with your POS, payment gateway, delivery platform, or CRM tools. This avoids data silos and double entry.
• Think about your delivery model
  Some platforms offer built-in delivery tools. Others integrate with third-party drivers. If you only do takeout or dine-in, look for systems with those specific strengths.
• Prioritize future growth
  Choose a system that can scale with you. Features like multi-location support, user roles, menu syncing, and analytics will matter more as you expand.
• Consider ease of use for staff and customers
  A system that looks great but is hard to manage will slow you down. Choose a platform with an intuitive dashboard and mobile-friendly experience.

Conclusion

Online ordering is no longer a luxury. In 2025, it is a core part of running a successful restaurant. Whether you are launching your first digital menu or upgrading to a more advanced system, the right platform can help you save time, reduce costs, and serve customers better.

From free tools like GloriaFood to full-service solutions like Toast, every platform in this guide offers something different. Foodiv, for example, delivers a flexible and scalable option for restaurants that want to stay commission-free while owning their brand experience. Others like ChowNow, Square, and UpMenu offer strong value based on your size and business model.

What matters most is alignment. Choose a system that fits your current operations and supports where you want to go next. Focus on ease of use, control, and features that bring real value to your team and your customers.

With the right online ordering system in place, you’ll be ready to grow smarter and serve faster in the digital age of dining.