Aside from delicious food, consumers want two things out of their restaurant experience: convenience and efficiency. In today’s digital-first world, online ordering systems are no longer a luxury; they’re a necessity to help your business stay competitive. In 2025, the trend towards digital ordering is expected to accelerate, with over 60% of consumers prefer an online ordering experience rather than dine in (according to Market Research Intellect).
Want a significant boost in revenue? An efficient online system is the first step for consistency. Otter, for example, helped a Brooklyn cafe triple its sales within just two months. Looking to streamline operations? Intent on boosting customer satisfaction? An online ordering system will help reduce errors, improve accuracy, and organize incoming data across all channels.
How we choose
As a leading player in online ordering integration, we know what to look for when evaluating the latest innovative ordering tools for in-store, takeout, and food delivery. To rank the five best ordering systems for 2025, we’ve looked at the following elements:
- Ease of use for both customers and staff
- Integration capabilities with existing POS systems
- Pricing structure and commission fees
- Customer support availability
- Mobile and desktop accessibility
- Customization options for menus and branding
- Delivery order tracking and management features
- Data analytics and reporting tools
- Marketing and loyalty program functionalities
- Scalability for multi-location businesses
Ultimate 5 online ordering systems for restaurants
Check out our well-researched list of the 2025’s best online ordering systems for restaurants.
1. Otter
Otter is a comprehensive cloud-based restaurant management ecosystem. Our all-in-one platform built specifically for restaurants integrates your POS with ordering channels, apps, integrations, and more while consolidating online and in-house orders and simplifying your operations. Otter's suite enables restaurants to diversify ordering channels, enhance efficiency, and boost overall revenue.
Reason for inclusion
The price point, customer support, and commitment to innovation puts Otter at the top of our list of food ordering and restaurant management systems available in 2025.
Pros:
- All-in-one system consolidating all your business needs into a single screen
- Seamless and timely software updates
- Multi-location, multi-channel management
- Customer insights analysis and real-time data
- Run AI Marketing and promotions to drive new customers on delivery apps
- Real-time inventory and sales tracking capabilities
- SEO-optimized online ordering website that removes third party commissions
- 24/7 customer support, live mobile alerts, and defect management
- Easy staff training through a user-friendly POS functionality and resources
Cons:
- Platform focuses on digital services, with few tools for physical menus
- Basic functionality for staff management
Pricing
- Otter order aggregation starts at $99 per month
- Otter point-of-sale starts at $19 per month per location
See more pricing options and options to save up to 15% with annual plans
Unique features
- Commission-free online ordering website
- Gift card functionality
- Always on: keep your storefronts online and never miss an order
- Otter Go mobile app
- Stations app for managing digital kitchen workflows
Overall rating
Otter users appreciate the system’s ability to streamline operations by consolidating orders from multiple delivery platforms and channels, across locations, helping to increase sales and efficiency. Many restaurants find Otter's features valuable, assisting with menu management, online brand presence, and overall customer experience.
Conclusion
In 2025, Otter continues to stand out as the all-in-one restaurant management platform, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that handle online order management to analytics. Fast casual restaurants, food trucks, coffee shops, pizzerias, and franchises of all sizes benefit from Otter’s online ordering management system.
See how Otter can transform your online ordering process and drive growth for your restaurant.
2. BentoBox
BentoBox remains one of the largest restaurant technology solutions, offering a wide array of digital tools for marketing, e-commerce, and operations. It’s tailored exclusively for the foodservice industry, integrating with various POS systems and adapting to restaurant types.
Reason for inclusion
As a major player in the restaurant technology space, BentoBox serves over 14,000 restaurant locations.
Pros:
- Comprehensive management system for websites, online ordering, reservations, and events management
- Unified diner database provides a centralized view of customers
- Marketing tools and loyalty programs
- Integration with Clover POS and other payment systems
- Mobile-friendly interfaces for both customers and staff
- Real-time inventory and sales tracking capabilities
Cons:
- Pricing model remains quote-based, which may lack transparency for some users
- Smaller establishments may be overwhelmed and not need the extensive feature set
- Limited customization options for advanced users or those with specific needs
Pricing:
- Pricing is based on customized quotes
Unique features
- BentoCore is a central hub that showcases customer data, online menu information, and marketing tools
Overall rating
Users of BentoBox appreciate its advanced feature set and ease of use. However, some concerns persist regarding pricing transparency.
Conclusion
BentoBox is well-suited for upscale and fine dining establishments, as well as restaurants with a focus on catering and medium-to-large scale events.
3. PopMenu
As expected, PopMenu has continued to evolve its AI-driven technology in 2025. Users enjoy its advanced features, like automated marketing content creation, AI-powered call answering, real-time order tracking, and integrated ROI dashboards.
Reason for inclusion
The company continuously addresses industry challenges, such as labor shortages and the need for personalized marketing, using AI-driven solutions.
Pros:
- AI-powered marketing creates personalized content across multiple channels
- Advanced AI call answering system to handle high call volumes and promote specials
- Comprehensive ROI dashboards that track marketing, online ordering, and performance
- Customizable interactive menus with real-time updates
Cons:
- Onboarding process can be overwhelming for new team members
- Limited customization options for advanced users or those with specific needs
- Customer support responsiveness has been criticized by some users
Pricing:
- Pro plan starts at $349 per month or $3,769 per year
Unique features
- Includes an AI-driven content calendar that pre-populates an entire month's worth of marketing content across social media, email, and text message
Overall rating
While many users appreciate the platform's AI-driven features and comprehensive toolset, others express dissatisfaction with its technology and customer support.
Conclusion
Smaller restaurants seeking to improve online visibility and search engine rankings could benefit from PopMenu's platform, which is designed to help with higher Google rankings.
4. ChowNow
New to our list of best online ordering systems is ChowNow. Unlike traditional food delivery services that charge commissions per order, ChowNow’s online food ordering platform operates on a monthly fee structure, making it financially appealing for some restaurants.
Reason for inclusion
Despite reliability challenges, ChowNow remains one of the most popular online ordering systems in the U.S.
Pros:
- Commission-free pricing model offering a flat monthly fee instead of per-order commissions, allowing for better profit margins.
- Restaurants can customize their ordering platform to reflect their brand identity, enhancing customer loyalty.
- ChowNow offers tools for promotions and customer engagement.
Cons:
- Many customer reviews highlight poor customer service experiences, including long wait times and unresponsive support
- Issues with order fulfillment and delivery reliability have been reported
- Initial setup fee might be substantial for smaller establishments
Pricing
- Monthly subscription fee starts at $149 per month
Unique features
- Branded online ordering system allowing restaurants to set up their own ordering systems directly on their websites.
- Restaurants retain ownership of customer data, allowing for better-targeted marketing efforts.
Overall rating
ChowNow’s rating hovers between average and below average, with users citing dissatisfaction with its customer service and system reliability.
Conclusion
ChowNow is best suited for small to medium-sized restaurants that want to maintain control over their online ordering processes without incurring high commission fees.
5. Menufy
Menufy is an online ordering platform designed primarily for small to medium-sized independent restaurants and food service businesses. It provides a commission-free online ordering system with custom-branded websites and mobile apps.
Reason for inclusion
This online ordering platform has a focus on independent restaurants and fills a niche in the market.
Pros:
- Commission-free model with a flat fee structure
- Custom-branded website and mobile app included
- Customer support is available in multiple languages
Cons:
- Website templates may be too basic for restaurants who need customization options
- The 12.5% delivery service fee may be high for smaller budgets
- When compared to competitors, Menufy’s marketing and analytics tools are limited
Pricing
- A $1.75 convenience fee per order, which can be passed on to customers or absorbed by the restaurant. There's also a 2.75% + $0.30 processing fee for online payments.
Unique features
- Includes a central business listing site and app that can drive new customers to restaurants
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
Overall rating
Ratings are mixed, with some users highlighting its low cost, and others criticizing the lack of features.
Conclusion
Menufy is best suited for small to medium-sized independent restaurants looking for a low-cost entry into online ordering without long-term commitments.
Why choose Otter as your online ordering solution?
If you’re looking for a strategic, comprehensive solution for your restaurant’s online ordering system, Otter is for you. In addition to instant menu management, zero-commission fees, and dedicated customer support through our online platform, we will also help you:
- Increase your profits: Streamline operations and avoid order errors by improving order accuracy between the kitchen and servers
- Boost customer satisfaction: Receive personalized data about your clients’ preferences and use our automated AI Marketing to run targeted promotions and boost online sales
- Sync all orders and data: Otter acts as a central hub for in-store, takeout, and multiple third party apps including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub
In short, Otter simplifies the complex world of online ordering. We’ll create an SEO-optimized website with you where your customers can start placing orders seamlessly. Those online orders are able to sync together with your in-store and delivery orders as well with Otter POS, giving you one view of your business performance and real-time order adjustments.
For restaurant owners, Otter makes running their establishment easier in all respects. Otter customer, Dave Goodhart of Mustard’s Last Stand, states that since starting with Otter over three years ago, “I can tell that I’m getting more deliveries. I’m saving time. I’m saving money. And my employees are happier.”
Looking to simplify online ordering and boost sales in 2025? Otter’s Online Ordering solution offers a user-friendly experience, seamless POS integration, and robust analytics, empowering you to streamline operations and exceed customer expectations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do online ordering systems benefit restaurants?
Online ordering systems benefit restaurants by increasing revenue, improving order accuracy, and enhancing customer convenience. They also give restaurants access to a larger customer base.
What should restaurants consider when choosing a system?
When choosing an online ordering system, restaurants should consider the following:
- Integration with their existing POS systems
- Ease of use for staff and customers
- Menu customization options
- Budget vs. pricing models
- Customer support availability and reviews
- System ability to handle high order volumes
Getting clear on these elements will help you choose the best online ordering system for your restaurant.
Can online ordering systems integrate with POS and delivery platforms?
Yes. Otter’s online ordering system integrates with their POS which has more than 100 apps and delivery integrations, so you don’t have to worry about losing your pre-existing connections.
My restaurant has more than one location. Does Otter’s online ordering system support multiple sites?
Yes! Otter works with multi-location restaurants and franchises of all sizes. By allowing centralized control over menus, sales, and other critical data remotely, Otter is easily accessible across various locations and gives you one view of how your business is performing across them all.
What are Otter digital coupons?
Coupons are digital codes with discounts you can offer to incentivize your customers to order from you directly and reward them for their loyalty.
