10 Things Every Restaurant Website Needs

87% of diners research a restaurant online before visiting. In most cases, that research takes less than two minutes — they're skimming for specific information and making a quick decision. If your website doesn't surface the right information instantly, they're already looking at the next result. Here are the ten things your restaurant website must nail.

1. Your Full Menu With Prices

Nothing frustrates a potential diner faster than a restaurant website with no menu, a PDF menu from last year, or a menu with no prices. Your menu should be live text on the page, updated whenever your offerings change. Include dietary tags (GF, V, Vegan) — these are decision factors for a growing segment of diners.

2. A Reservation CTA in the Hero

Your primary button should say "Reserve a Table" or "Book Online" — not "Learn More." If you use OpenTable, Resy, or Yelp reservations, link directly. If you take reservations by phone, make the phone number a tappable tel: link that auto-dials on mobile.

3. Hours and Location Front and Center

Put your address, hours, and phone number in the footer of every page. If parking is difficult, mention it. If you're in a confusing location, describe it. Your address should link directly to Google Maps — never make someone copy and paste an address manually.

4. Real Food Photography

Nothing sells tables like great food photos. Shoot near a window in natural morning light before your lunch service. A recent iPhone in good lighting produces restaurant-worthy results. Never use stock food photography — experienced diners spot it immediately and it undermines trust in your actual food.

• ▸Shoot your 6–8 most photogenic signature dishes
• ▸Include at least one interior ambiance shot showing the dining space at its best
• ▸Add a photo of your team or kitchen — people connect with faces
• ▸Update photos whenever your menu significantly changes

5. Your Story and Values

People choose restaurants not just for food but for experience and connection. Write a genuine About section: why you opened, what makes your kitchen different, where you source ingredients, who your regulars are. A farm-to-table restaurant that explains its sourcing philosophy converts at dramatically higher rates than one that just lists menu items.

The Full 10-Point List

• ▸1. Full menu with current prices and dietary tags
• ▸2. Reservation CTA in the hero section
• ▸3. Hours, address, and phone in the footer
• ▸4. Real food photography (no stock images)
• ▸5. Genuine About or Story section
• ▸6. Customer reviews or press mentions
• ▸7. Gift card or catering inquiry option
• ▸8. Social media links with active accounts
• ▸9. Mobile-optimized layout (test on your phone before publishing)
• ▸10. Clear parking or transit instructions if location is tricky