Quick Overview
- 1#1: Restaurant365 - Cloud-based accounting, inventory management, payroll, and operations platform designed specifically for multi-unit restaurants.
- 2#2: Toast - Integrated POS and financial management system with bookkeeping, reporting, and payroll tailored for restaurants.
- 3#3: QuickBooks Online - Versatile cloud accounting software with restaurant-specific apps for invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
- 4#4: Xero - User-friendly cloud accounting tool with inventory and bank reconciliation features ideal for small restaurants.
- 5#5: Lightspeed Restaurant - POS-integrated accounting software offering real-time financial insights and menu costing for restaurants.
- 6#6: MarginEdge - Automated inventory and AP solution with advanced costing and profitability analysis for restaurant bookkeeping.
- 7#7: Revel Systems - Cloud POS with built-in back-office accounting, reporting, and labor cost management for restaurants.
- 8#8: TouchBistro - Restaurant POS system with integrated accounting tools for sales tracking, expenses, and financial reports.
- 9#9: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS and basic bookkeeping software with sales summaries, payouts, and expense tracking for small eateries.
- 10#10: Sage Intacct - Scalable cloud ERP with advanced restaurant financial management, multi-location support, and custom reporting.
These tools were ranked based on restaurant-specific functionality (including POS integration, inventory management, and payroll), reliability, user experience, and overall value, ensuring they address the unique challenges of the food service industry.
Comparison Table
Managing restaurant finances demands tailored solutions, and with tools like Restaurant365, Toast, QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Lightspeed Restaurant leading the market, finding the right fit can be daunting. This comparison table outlines key features—from inventory tracking to multi-location management—so readers can identify software that aligns with their unique operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restaurant365 Cloud-based accounting, inventory management, payroll, and operations platform designed specifically for multi-unit restaurants. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Toast Integrated POS and financial management system with bookkeeping, reporting, and payroll tailored for restaurants. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Online Versatile cloud accounting software with restaurant-specific apps for invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Xero User-friendly cloud accounting tool with inventory and bank reconciliation features ideal for small restaurants. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Lightspeed Restaurant POS-integrated accounting software offering real-time financial insights and menu costing for restaurants. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 6 | MarginEdge Automated inventory and AP solution with advanced costing and profitability analysis for restaurant bookkeeping. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Revel Systems Cloud POS with built-in back-office accounting, reporting, and labor cost management for restaurants. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | TouchBistro Restaurant POS system with integrated accounting tools for sales tracking, expenses, and financial reports. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS and basic bookkeeping software with sales summaries, payouts, and expense tracking for small eateries. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Sage Intacct Scalable cloud ERP with advanced restaurant financial management, multi-location support, and custom reporting. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based accounting, inventory management, payroll, and operations platform designed specifically for multi-unit restaurants.
Integrated POS and financial management system with bookkeeping, reporting, and payroll tailored for restaurants.
Versatile cloud accounting software with restaurant-specific apps for invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
User-friendly cloud accounting tool with inventory and bank reconciliation features ideal for small restaurants.
POS-integrated accounting software offering real-time financial insights and menu costing for restaurants.
Automated inventory and AP solution with advanced costing and profitability analysis for restaurant bookkeeping.
Cloud POS with built-in back-office accounting, reporting, and labor cost management for restaurants.
Restaurant POS system with integrated accounting tools for sales tracking, expenses, and financial reports.
Affordable POS and basic bookkeeping software with sales summaries, payouts, and expense tracking for small eateries.
Scalable cloud ERP with advanced restaurant financial management, multi-location support, and custom reporting.
Restaurant365
specializedCloud-based accounting, inventory management, payroll, and operations platform designed specifically for multi-unit restaurants.
Automated prime cost tracking that combines labor, inventory, and sales data in real-time to help restaurants control costs instantly
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based, all-in-one restaurant management platform that specializes in bookkeeping, accounting, and operations for the foodservice industry. It integrates financials like AP/AR, general ledger, payroll, and bank reconciliations with inventory management, scheduling, and POS integrations for real-time insights. Designed specifically for restaurants, it automates prime cost tracking (labor + COGS) and provides robust reporting to optimize profitability across single or multi-location operations.
Pros
- Industry-specific features tailored for restaurant bookkeeping, including prime cost management and menu engineering
- Seamless integrations with major POS systems (e.g., Toast, Square) and accounting tools
- Real-time dashboards and advanced reporting for multi-location visibility
Cons
- Higher pricing can be prohibitive for very small or single-location restaurants
- Initial setup and learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom pricing requires sales consultation, lacking transparent tiers
Best For
Multi-location restaurant groups or chains seeking an integrated platform for bookkeeping, operations, and profitability analysis.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $400+ per location per month, with add-ons for advanced modules.
Toast
specializedIntegrated POS and financial management system with bookkeeping, reporting, and payroll tailored for restaurants.
Unified real-time financial insights that automatically reconcile sales, inventory variances, and labor costs into P&L reports
Toast is a cloud-based all-in-one restaurant management platform with strong POS and operational tools that extend into bookkeeping capabilities for restaurants. It automates sales tracking, inventory management, labor costing, and generates real-time financial reports like P&L statements and COGS analysis. While it excels in capturing restaurant-specific financial data, it often integrates with external accounting software like QuickBooks for full AP/AR and advanced ledger management.
Pros
- Seamless integration of POS sales, inventory, and payroll data for accurate bookkeeping
- Real-time dashboards and customizable reports tailored to restaurant finances
- Strong compliance features for tips, taxes, and labor reporting
Cons
- High pricing model with additional hardware and per-location fees
- Limited native AP/AR functionality, relying on integrations for complete accounting
- Steeper learning curve for smaller operations new to comprehensive systems
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants needing integrated POS and bookkeeping without multiple disjointed tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $165/month per location plus hardware (terminals from $799); scales with add-ons like payroll and online ordering.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseVersatile cloud accounting software with restaurant-specific apps for invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
Extensive POS ecosystem integrations that automate sales data import, inventory adjustments, and tip allocations
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software that handles core bookkeeping tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting for restaurants. It integrates seamlessly with popular restaurant POS systems such as Toast, Square, and Lightspeed, allowing automatic import of sales data, tip tracking, and inventory management. Customizable reports provide insights into profitability, sales trends, and cost controls, though restaurant-specific features often require add-ons from the App Marketplace.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major restaurant POS systems for real-time sales and inventory syncing
- Robust reporting tools for P&L, cash flow, and sales tax compliance
- Cloud access with mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Lacks native tools for menu/recipe costing and perishable inventory tracking
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans or third-party apps, increasing costs
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants handling complex restaurant payroll and tips
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants with established POS systems seeking scalable, general-purpose bookkeeping with strong integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); additional costs for payroll ($45+/month) and POS integrations.
Xero
enterpriseUser-friendly cloud accounting tool with inventory and bank reconciliation features ideal for small restaurants.
Automatic bank feeds and AI-powered reconciliation for effortless daily transaction matching
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small to medium businesses, including restaurants, offering tools for invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and financial reporting. It integrates with popular POS systems like Square, Toast, and Lightspeed to automate sales data import, making it suitable for restaurant bookkeeping. While not exclusively restaurant-focused, its scalable features support multi-location operations and compliance needs.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with POS systems for automated sales tracking
- Real-time dashboards and customizable reporting for restaurant insights
- Unlimited users and mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Lacks built-in restaurant-specific tools like menu costing or tip allocation
- Payroll and advanced inventory require add-ons at extra cost
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants managing complex transactions
Best For
Small to medium restaurants needing robust, scalable general accounting with strong POS integrations.
Pricing
Early plan at $15/month, Growing at $42/month, Established at $78/month (billed annually; per organization, not per user).
Lightspeed Restaurant
specializedPOS-integrated accounting software offering real-time financial insights and menu costing for restaurants.
Menu engineering and profitability reports that analyze item-level costs and margins in real-time
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system with integrated bookkeeping tools designed specifically for restaurants, offering real-time tracking of sales, inventory costs, labor expenses, and profitability. It generates key financial reports like profit and loss statements, menu analysis, and cash flow summaries directly from POS data. While not a full accounting suite, it excels in restaurant-specific financial insights and integrates seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks and Xero for deeper bookkeeping needs.
Pros
- Real-time sales and inventory tracking for accurate COGS calculation
- Customizable financial reports including P&L and menu profitability
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting software
Cons
- Lacks advanced general ledger or AR/AP management
- Bookkeeping features tied to POS subscription, increasing overall cost
- Limited customization for non-restaurant financial workflows
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants wanting integrated POS data for streamlined daily bookkeeping and basic financial reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Basic plan); scales to $199/month (Enterprise) plus one-time hardware costs and add-ons.
MarginEdge
specializedAutomated inventory and AP solution with advanced costing and profitability analysis for restaurant bookkeeping.
AI-powered invoice capture that scans, extracts data, and auto-matches to POs and inventory in seconds
MarginEdge is a restaurant-specific platform that automates bookkeeping through AI-driven invoice capture, accounts payable management, and real-time inventory tracking. It calculates food costs, monitors variances, and delivers prime cost insights to boost profitability, integrating seamlessly with POS systems and accounting tools like QuickBooks. Designed for back-of-house efficiency, it replaces manual processes with mobile-first tools for restaurants of all sizes.
Pros
- Automated invoice processing eliminates manual entry and errors
- Real-time prime cost tracking and profitability analytics
- Mobile app enables on-the-go inventory and AP management
Cons
- Pricing is relatively high for single-location independents
- Full functionality requires integrations and initial setup time
- Limited general ledger capabilities; best as a supplement to core accounting software
Best For
Multi-location restaurants or chains focused on cost control and operational efficiency through automated bookkeeping.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at approximately $300/month per location, scaling with sales volume and including transaction fees.
Revel Systems
specializedCloud POS with built-in back-office accounting, reporting, and labor cost management for restaurants.
Real-time cloud analytics dashboard with drill-down reports on restaurant-specific metrics like menu profitability and waste tracking
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS system tailored for restaurants, providing essential bookkeeping functionalities through real-time sales tracking, inventory management, and detailed financial reporting. It offers insights into revenue, labor costs, cost of goods sold, and profitability via customizable dashboards and exportable reports. While excelling in POS integration, it pairs with accounting tools like QuickBooks for full bookkeeping workflows, making it suitable for multi-location operations.
Pros
- Robust real-time reporting for sales, inventory, and labor costs
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting software
- Scalable for single or multi-location restaurants
Cons
- Primarily a POS system, not a dedicated bookkeeping tool
- High upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting features
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants needing integrated POS and bookkeeping reporting without full accounting replacement.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Starter plan; higher tiers up to $299+/month; hardware and processing fees extra.
TouchBistro
specializedRestaurant POS system with integrated accounting tools for sales tracking, expenses, and financial reports.
Real-time P&L and inventory valuation synced with POS sales for instant profitability insights
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with integrated bookkeeping tools, including sales reporting, inventory tracking, labor cost analysis, and profit/loss statements derived from real-time POS data. It automates financial reconciliation by capturing transactions, tips, and expenses directly, minimizing manual entry for restaurant operators. The system supports exports to accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero for deeper bookkeeping needs. Overall, it's a solid secondary solution for bookkeeping within a full restaurant operations suite.
Pros
- Real-time financial reports pulled directly from POS transactions
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and Xero for advanced accounting
- Inventory and labor cost tracking tailored to restaurants
Cons
- Bookkeeping features are secondary to POS functionality, lacking full GL/AP/AR
- High pricing not ideal for bookkeeping-only use
- Requires additional integrations for comprehensive tax and compliance tools
Best For
Full-service restaurants needing integrated POS data for streamlined daily bookkeeping and reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for counter service (billed annually), $135-$165/month for full-service; plus one-time hardware costs ($500-$2,000) and add-ons.
Square for Restaurants
otherAffordable POS and basic bookkeeping software with sales summaries, payouts, and expense tracking for small eateries.
Instant payout scheduling and sales summaries synced directly from POS transactions
Square for Restaurants is a POS system with integrated bookkeeping tools designed for the restaurant industry, offering real-time sales tracking, automated tax reporting, payroll processing, and customizable financial reports. It simplifies bookkeeping by syncing transaction data, inventory costs, and employee hours directly into a centralized dashboard. Users can export data to QuickBooks or Xero for advanced accounting, making it suitable for daily financial oversight in busy restaurant environments.
Pros
- Intuitive dashboard with real-time sales, tax, and payout insights
- Seamless POS integration eliminates manual data entry
- Free core software reduces upfront costs
Cons
- Transaction-based fees can accumulate for high-volume restaurants
- Lacks advanced accounting features like multi-entity support or complex reconciliations
- Limited customization for detailed cost accounting without integrations
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants needing straightforward, POS-integrated bookkeeping without a separate accounting system.
Pricing
Free software with 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction; Plus plan at $60/month per location for advanced reports; Premium custom pricing.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable cloud ERP with advanced restaurant financial management, multi-location support, and custom reporting.
Multi-dimensional tracking for precise allocation of costs and revenues by location, menu item, or shift without complex spreadsheets
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management and ERP platform tailored for mid-market businesses, providing core accounting functions like general ledger, AP/AR, cash management, and multi-entity consolidation. For restaurant bookkeeping, it excels in dimensional tracking to analyze performance by location, department, or menu category, with robust reporting and real-time dashboards. It supports integrations with POS systems like Toast or Square for importing sales data, inventory, and labor costs, though it requires customization for optimal restaurant use.
Pros
- Scalable multi-entity and multi-location support ideal for restaurant chains
- Advanced dimensional accounting and customizable reporting for granular insights
- Strong integrations with POS and inventory systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation requiring partners
- High cost unsuitable for small or single-location restaurants
- Lacks native restaurant-specific tools like automated recipe costing or tip tracking
Best For
Mid-sized restaurant groups or chains needing enterprise-grade financial consolidation and detailed performance analytics across multiple locations.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starts at around $15,000 annually, scaling with users, entities, and modules; quotes required.
Conclusion
Selecting the best restaurant bookkeeping software hinges on tailored features, and the top choices deliver exceptional value. Restaurant365 leads as the top pick, excelling with its all-in-one platform for multi-unit and complex operations, while Toast and QuickBooks Online stand out as robust alternatives—Toast for seamless POS integration and QuickBooks for versatile, user-friendly cloud-based tools. Whether for small or large businesses, these options prioritize efficiency, helping streamline financial management and boost profitability.
Take the first step toward smoother operations: dive into Restaurant365 to discover how its comprehensive features can transform your restaurant's bookkeeping, save time, and drive long-term success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
