Checklist
Restaurant Website Checklist: 12 Things Every Site Needs
How to use this: open your website on your phone, go through the twelve points in order, and note every “no”. Most restaurants find two or three quick fixes that make a real difference to bookings.
The first screen
This is what people see before they scroll. Most decide here whether to stay.
- Your name, what you serve and where. “Modern Peranakan in Joo Chiat” tells a stranger more than a logo on a photo.
- One clear action. A Book a table or Order now button that stands out, not five equal links.
- Open or closed, right now. Today's hours near the top. Being told “open” and finding the shutters down is the fastest way to lose a regular.
The menu
- Text, not a PDF or photo of the menu. Text loads faster, reads well on a phone and can be found by Google when people search for a dish. More on this in PDF menu vs website menu.
- Prices shown. People who can't see prices often assume the worst and leave.
- Dietary notes. Mark vegetarian, halal status, pork-free or common allergens if they apply, so people don't have to call to ask.
Booking and ordering
- Booking in two taps. The button should open your booking system (Chope, SevenRooms, TableCheck, Quandoo or your own) without a detour through a contact form.
- Ordering links that work. If you deliver or do pickup, link straight to your store page on each platform, and check the links still work.
Finding you
- Address, map and directions. Include the nearest MRT exit, parking, and any “we're upstairs” or “enter from the back lane” details.
- A way to reach a person. A phone number that is answered, or a WhatsApp link, for groups and questions.
Behind the scenes
- Fast on mobile data. Test on your phone over 4G or 5G, not Wi-Fi. Large photos are the usual cause of slow sites.
- Set up for Google. A clear page title such as “Your Name | Thai Restaurant in Bugis”, a matching Google Business Profile, and the same name, address and phone number everywhere. See the Google Business Profile guide.
Found some gaps?
Fix the first screen and the menu first: they affect the most people. If your site needs more than a few fixes, it may be quicker to start again. I build restaurant and café websites that tick every point on this list, from S$490, and you can see a free homepage concept before you decide.
FAQ
What should be on a restaurant website?
At minimum: your menu as text with prices, a booking or ordering button, opening hours including public holidays, your address with a map link and transport tips, a phone number or WhatsApp, and a few honest photos. Everything should work well on a phone.
How many pages does a restaurant website need?
Many restaurants do well with one page that covers the essentials. Five pages (home, menu, about, gallery and contact) suit most independent places, and groups with several outlets, ordering or private dining usually need more.
How do I check if my website is fast enough?
Open it on your phone over mobile data, not Wi-Fi, and count how long it takes before you can read the menu. Google's free PageSpeed Insights tool also gives a mobile score and tells you what is slowing the page down.