Guide

How to make a QR code menu for your restaurant

7 steps · about 1 hour, free

A QR code menu lets guests scan a code on the table and read your menu on their own phone. You can change prices any time without reprinting, add today’s specials in a minute, and let people order by WhatsApp. This guide shows you how to make one for free with the Owlvix restaurant menu builder — no designer needed.

Before you start

• Your current menu — a printed copy or a photo of it is fine.
• Your prices, and which dishes are vegetarian, vegan or spicy.
• Your opening hours, address and phone or WhatsApp number.
• Optional: a few good photos of your best dishes and your place.

1. 1Pick a menu design

   Open the free menu builder and choose the one closest to you — restaurant, café, pizza takeaway, food truck, sushi, curry house, burger joint or bar. You can change every colour, font and photo later, so pick by layout, not colour.

   Tip: the quick setup asks for your name, type of place and colours, and fills the menu in for you to edit.

2. 2Write your sections and dishes

   Add sections the way guests think: starters, mains, pizzas, drinks, desserts. Under each, add the dish name, a short line about it and the price.

   Tip: keep descriptions to one line — what’s in it and how it’s cooked. “Slow-cooked lamb, rosemary, garlic mash” sells better than a paragraph.

3. 3Mark diet labels and allergens

   Add “V”, “VG”, “GF” or a chilli next to dishes, and a short line at the bottom about allergens — for example “Ask our staff about allergens”. Many countries require you to give allergen information on request.

4. 4Add photos, specials, hours and map

   Put a photo of your place at the top and a few of your best dishes. Add a “Today’s specials” box, your opening hours and a map so people walking past can find you.

   Tip: one great photo per section is enough. Too many photos make the menu slow on mobile data.

5. 5Let guests order or call

   Set the buttons to open WhatsApp with your number, call you, or open your own ordering or delivery link. Guests at home can order straight from the menu.

6. 6Publish and print your QR code

   Press Publish. Your QR code appears straight away — download it as PNG or SVG, or print ready-made table cards, four to an A4 page. Test it with two or three phones before printing many.

   Tip: print the code at least 3 cm wide, with a line like “Scan for our menu” under it, and keep a few paper menus for guests who prefer them.

7. 7Change prices without reprinting

   The QR code points to your menu’s web address, which stays the same. Change a price or a special, publish again, and every printed code shows the new menu straight away.

Common mistakes to avoid

• A PDF of your paper menu. It’s hard to read and zoom on a phone. A real menu page fits every screen.
• QR codes too small or glossy. Small or shiny codes are hard to scan in a dim room — print them big and matt.
• Out-of-date prices. Guests trust the menu on their phone. Update it the same day prices change.
• No way to order. Add a WhatsApp or call button so a look turns into an order.

Want online ordering with payments, delivery zones and a kitchen screen? Talk to us about a restaurant ordering app.

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