Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed for restaurants to manage orders, payments, and customer loyalty.
- 2#2: Olo - Enterprise-grade digital ordering solution that powers online ordering, delivery, and pickup for large restaurant chains.
- 3#3: ChowNow - Direct online ordering platform helping independent restaurants build their own customer base without third-party commissions.
- 4#4: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud POS system with integrated online ordering, inventory, and table management for modern restaurants.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS with robust online ordering, delivery integrations, and real-time reporting for restaurants.
- 6#6: TouchBistro - Mobile POS for full-service restaurants featuring online ordering, reservations, and staff management tools.
- 7#7: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS and online ordering system ideal for small restaurants with seamless payment processing.
- 8#8: BentoBox - Website builder with native online ordering to help restaurants attract and convert diners directly.
- 9#9: GloriaFood - Free online ordering system and website creator for small restaurants to accept pickup and delivery orders.
- 10#10: UpMenu - Customizable online ordering platform for restaurants supporting delivery, pickup, and third-party integrations.
These tools were chosen based on key attributes: robust feature sets meeting diverse needs, reliable performance, user-friendly design, and strong value, ensuring they excel for both small independent establishments and large chains.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right food ordering software can streamline operations—this comparison table simplifies the process by examining top tools like Toast, Olo, ChowNow, and others. Readers will uncover critical features, pricing models, and practical use cases to identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed for restaurants to manage orders, payments, and customer loyalty. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Olo Enterprise-grade digital ordering solution that powers online ordering, delivery, and pickup for large restaurant chains. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ChowNow Direct online ordering platform helping independent restaurants build their own customer base without third-party commissions. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud POS system with integrated online ordering, inventory, and table management for modern restaurants. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS with robust online ordering, delivery integrations, and real-time reporting for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | TouchBistro Mobile POS for full-service restaurants featuring online ordering, reservations, and staff management tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS and online ordering system ideal for small restaurants with seamless payment processing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | BentoBox Website builder with native online ordering to help restaurants attract and convert diners directly. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | GloriaFood Free online ordering system and website creator for small restaurants to accept pickup and delivery orders. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | UpMenu Customizable online ordering platform for restaurants supporting delivery, pickup, and third-party integrations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed for restaurants to manage orders, payments, and customer loyalty.
Enterprise-grade digital ordering solution that powers online ordering, delivery, and pickup for large restaurant chains.
Direct online ordering platform helping independent restaurants build their own customer base without third-party commissions.
Cloud POS system with integrated online ordering, inventory, and table management for modern restaurants.
iPad-based POS with robust online ordering, delivery integrations, and real-time reporting for restaurants.
Mobile POS for full-service restaurants featuring online ordering, reservations, and staff management tools.
Affordable POS and online ordering system ideal for small restaurants with seamless payment processing.
Website builder with native online ordering to help restaurants attract and convert diners directly.
Free online ordering system and website creator for small restaurants to accept pickup and delivery orders.
Customizable online ordering platform for restaurants supporting delivery, pickup, and third-party integrations.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and online ordering platform designed for restaurants to manage orders, payments, and customer loyalty.
Commission-free Online Ordering with real-time POS sync and automated inventory adjustments
Toast is a cloud-based restaurant management platform that provides a robust food ordering solution through its integrated Online Ordering system, allowing customers to place orders via a branded website or app. It seamlessly syncs orders with the POS for kitchen display fulfillment, supports third-party delivery integrations like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and offers features like real-time inventory management and personalized promotions. This all-in-one approach minimizes errors and boosts efficiency for restaurants handling both in-house and online orders.
Pros
- Seamless integration of online ordering with POS and kitchen displays for error-free fulfillment
- Commission-free first-party online orders with customizable menus and promotions
- Advanced analytics and reporting for sales trends, customer insights, and inventory optimization
Cons
- Higher upfront costs for hardware bundles and subscriptions
- Steeper learning curve for smaller teams during initial setup
- Limited flexibility for highly customized integrations outside the Toast ecosystem
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants and chains needing a scalable, all-in-one platform for online and in-house food ordering.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month per location (Core plan) plus hardware from $799; custom enterprise pricing available.
Olo
enterpriseEnterprise-grade digital ordering solution that powers online ordering, delivery, and pickup for large restaurant chains.
Olo Vision platform unifies ordering experiences across all channels with AI-driven personalization and deep POS interoperability.
Olo is an enterprise-grade online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, enabling branded digital ordering across web, app, kiosk, and voice channels. It integrates deeply with major POS systems like Toast, NCR, and Oracle, syncing menus, inventory, and orders in real-time to streamline operations. Olo empowers chains to capture first-party customer data, launch loyalty programs, and reduce dependency on high-commission third-party marketplaces like DoorDash.
Pros
- Robust integrations with 100+ POS systems for real-time data sync
- Comprehensive guest engagement tools including loyalty and marketing
- Scalable for multi-location chains with white-label customization
Cons
- High cost prohibitive for small independent restaurants
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for complex setups
- Limited built-in reporting compared to some competitors
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains seeking a scalable, data-owned online ordering solution to compete with aggregators.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on order volume and locations, typically starting at $5,000+/month with per-order fees.
ChowNow
specializedDirect online ordering platform helping independent restaurants build their own customer base without third-party commissions.
100% commission-free direct ordering that delivers full customer ownership and data control to restaurants
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform designed for independent restaurants to accept direct orders through their own websites and apps. It provides customizable menus, integrated payments, POS compatibility, and marketing tools to build customer loyalty without relying on third-party marketplaces. The service emphasizes owning customer data and relationships, offering analytics and promotions to drive repeat business.
Pros
- Commission-free ordering retains full revenue and customer data
- Seamless POS integrations and robust marketing tools
- Highly customizable branding for restaurant websites
Cons
- Monthly fees can be steep for very small restaurants
- No built-in delivery network; relies on partnerships
- Initial setup may require technical assistance
Best For
Independent restaurants seeking to bypass third-party fees and own their direct customer relationships.
Pricing
Starts at $150/month per location (billed annually) plus payment processing fees of ~3.5%; custom enterprise plans available.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud POS system with integrated online ordering, inventory, and table management for modern restaurants.
Order Anywhere module for unified online, in-store, and delivery order management with automatic POS routing
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system with integrated online ordering capabilities, enabling restaurants to manage customer orders for pickup, delivery, and dine-in from a single platform. It syncs menus, inventory, and payments in real-time across web, app, and third-party delivery services like Uber Eats. This solution excels in streamlining operations for busy restaurants while providing data-driven insights into ordering trends.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS for real-time order syncing and inventory management
- Supports multi-channel ordering including website, app, and delivery partners
- Robust reporting and analytics for order performance and customer behavior
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for small operations
- Initial setup and learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited standalone ordering customization without POS commitment
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS with reliable online ordering integration.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Restaurant plan), up to $199/month for advanced features; hardware and add-ons extra.
Revel Systems
enterpriseiPad-based POS with robust online ordering, delivery integrations, and real-time reporting for restaurants.
Real-time POS synchronization that updates inventory and prevents overselling during online orders
Revel Systems is a comprehensive cloud-based POS platform designed for restaurants, featuring built-in online ordering capabilities for pickup and delivery. It enables customizable menus, real-time inventory synchronization, and seamless integration with the core POS to prevent overselling. The system supports multiple payment options, order routing to kitchen displays, and integrations with third-party delivery services like DoorDash.
Pros
- Seamless real-time integration with POS for accurate order fulfillment
- Commission-free online ordering with customizable menus and modifiers
- Robust reporting and analytics for sales and inventory tracking
Cons
- Higher pricing structure with add-ons that can add up quickly
- Steeper learning curve for setup and advanced customizations
- Limited native support for some modern delivery marketplace integrations
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS solution with reliable online ordering tightly integrated to in-house operations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for core POS, plus $50-$150/month for online ordering add-on; hardware sold separately.
TouchBistro
specializedMobile POS for full-service restaurants featuring online ordering, reservations, and staff management tools.
Direct order routing from online storefront to kitchen display system for faster fulfillment
TouchBistro is an all-in-one POS system tailored for restaurants, featuring integrated online ordering capabilities through a customizable branded storefront. It streamlines food ordering by connecting customer orders directly to kitchen displays, supporting delivery integrations with platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and managing menus, promotions, and payments in real-time. Ideal for full-service establishments, it combines front-of-house and back-of-house operations to enhance efficiency during peak ordering times.
Pros
- Seamless integration of online ordering with POS and kitchen display systems
- Robust delivery and third-party app partnerships
- Comprehensive menu management and real-time analytics
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may deter smaller restaurants
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
- Limited free customization options for ordering interfaces
Best For
Full-service restaurants seeking an integrated POS solution with reliable online and delivery ordering features.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per terminal/month (billed annually), with additional fees for online ordering ($50+/month), hardware, and custom plans; no free tier.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS and online ordering system ideal for small restaurants with seamless payment processing.
Commission-free online ordering through customizable branded websites
Square for Restaurants is an all-in-one POS system with integrated online ordering capabilities via Square Online, enabling restaurants to create branded ordering websites, manage menus, and handle pickup or delivery orders. It supports commission-free direct orders while integrating with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform also includes kitchen display systems, inventory management, and staff scheduling for streamlined restaurant operations.
Pros
- Intuitive setup with no contracts or hidden fees
- Seamless integration of POS and online ordering
- Commission-free direct online orders to retain full revenue
Cons
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume sales
- Limited advanced customization for complex menus
- Reporting lacks depth compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS with straightforward online ordering.
Pricing
Free core POS with 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction; Square Online free tier (2.9% + 30¢ online), Plus $29/mo, Premium $79/mo per location.
BentoBox
specializedWebsite builder with native online ordering to help restaurants attract and convert diners directly.
All-in-one website platform with native online ordering that captures first-party customer data without commissions
BentoBox is a restaurant-focused website platform that integrates commission-free online ordering, allowing establishments to build branded websites with menus, reservations, events, and direct customer ordering. It emphasizes owning customer data and relationships by bypassing third-party delivery apps like DoorDash. The platform offers drag-and-drop customization, POS integrations, and marketing tools tailored for restaurants.
Pros
- Seamless website builder with integrated online ordering
- Commission-free direct orders to retain full revenue
- Strong marketing and customer engagement tools
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small operations
- Limited standalone ordering without website commitment
- Fewer advanced POS features compared to dedicated systems
Best For
Independent restaurants and small chains seeking a branded online presence with built-in ordering to reduce third-party dependencies.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for basic website plans; ordering-enabled plans from $165/month, with custom enterprise pricing.
GloriaFood
specializedFree online ordering system and website creator for small restaurants to accept pickup and delivery orders.
Commission-free ordering website that restaurants can fully own and brand for free
GloriaFood is a free online ordering platform designed for restaurants, providing a customizable ordering website, customer-facing mobile apps, and staff management tools. It enables easy menu setup, real-time order notifications via email/SMS, and integration with existing websites without charging commissions on orders. While basic, it supports growth with optional paid add-ons for payments and advanced features.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no order commissions
- Quick and intuitive setup in minutes
- Includes customer apps and real-time notifications
Cons
- Limited customization and advanced analytics
- Payment processing and white-labeling require paid upgrades
- No built-in delivery management or POS integrations
Best For
Small independent restaurants and cafes seeking a no-cost, straightforward online ordering solution without commissions.
Pricing
Free forever plan; premium add-ons like online payments start at $9/month, with white-label sites from $29/month.
UpMenu
specializedCustomizable online ordering platform for restaurants supporting delivery, pickup, and third-party integrations.
Seamless white-label website builder with embedded commission-free ordering system
UpMenu is a white-label online ordering platform tailored for restaurants, enabling them to create branded websites with integrated menu management, order processing, and delivery tools. It supports POS integrations, commission-free transactions, and marketing features to help food businesses retain customer data and profits. The software is particularly suited for establishments seeking an all-in-one solution for digital presence without relying on third-party marketplaces like Uber Eats.
Pros
- Commission-free ordering retains full revenue and customer data
- Robust POS integrations with systems like Lightspeed and Square
- Customizable website builder with mobile-responsive templates
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited native mobile app for customers (primarily web-based)
- Customer support can be slower for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants wanting a branded, independent online ordering website without marketplace commissions.
Pricing
Starts at €49/month (Basic) per location, €99/month (Pro), €199/month (Premium), with additional setup fees and payment processing.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Toast emerges as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive cloud-based platform that integrates POS, order management, and customer loyalty for versatile restaurant operations. Olo and ChowNow follow closely, with Olo suiting enterprise needs and ChowNow appealing to independent restaurants through direct customer connections and low commissions. Each of the top three offers unique strengths, making them standouts in the market.
Don’t miss out—explore Toast to streamline your order processing, boost customer retention, and take your restaurant’s efficiency to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison