Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS system that enables seamless table-side order taking, kitchen display, and payment processing for restaurants.
- 2#2: Square for Restaurants - Integrated POS solution for restaurants that supports quick order entry, floor plans, and contactless payments.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - Restaurant POS software offering tableside ordering, multi-location support, and real-time order management.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with intuitive order taking and table management features.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Modern iPad POS platform for efficient order capture, customization, and integration with restaurant operations.
- 6#6: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software that streamlines order taking for quick-service and table-service restaurants.
- 7#7: SpotOn - All-in-one restaurant POS with advanced order management, online ordering, and loyalty program integration.
- 8#8: Lavu - Mobile-first POS app allowing restaurant staff to take orders from anywhere with offline capabilities.
- 9#9: EPOS Now - Cloud POS system for restaurants featuring handheld order pads and kitchen order routing.
- 10#10: Olo - Digital ordering platform that powers online and in-store order taking for enterprise restaurants.
Tools were chosen based on their ability to deliver robust features (including table-side ordering, kitchen integration, and seamless payment processing), user-friendly design that reduces training time, consistent performance, and value that scales with restaurant size, ensuring optimal return on investment.
Comparison Table
Efficient order taking software is vital for modern restaurants, streamlining workflows and boosting customer satisfaction. This comparison table explores top tools like Toast, Square for Restaurants, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Revel Systems, and more, examining key features, pricing, integration options, and user experience. Readers will discover how to match software to their business’s unique needs, whether prioritizing simplicity, scalability, or advanced functionality.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS system that enables seamless table-side order taking, kitchen display, and payment processing for restaurants. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Square for Restaurants Integrated POS solution for restaurants that supports quick order entry, floor plans, and contactless payments. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant Restaurant POS software offering tableside ordering, multi-location support, and real-time order management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with intuitive order taking and table management features. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Modern iPad POS platform for efficient order capture, customization, and integration with restaurant operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software that streamlines order taking for quick-service and table-service restaurants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | SpotOn All-in-one restaurant POS with advanced order management, online ordering, and loyalty program integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Lavu Mobile-first POS app allowing restaurant staff to take orders from anywhere with offline capabilities. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | EPOS Now Cloud POS system for restaurants featuring handheld order pads and kitchen order routing. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Olo Digital ordering platform that powers online and in-store order taking for enterprise restaurants. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based POS system that enables seamless table-side order taking, kitchen display, and payment processing for restaurants.
Integrated POS solution for restaurants that supports quick order entry, floor plans, and contactless payments.
Restaurant POS software offering tableside ordering, multi-location support, and real-time order management.
iPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with intuitive order taking and table management features.
Modern iPad POS platform for efficient order capture, customization, and integration with restaurant operations.
Flexible POS hardware and software that streamlines order taking for quick-service and table-service restaurants.
All-in-one restaurant POS with advanced order management, online ordering, and loyalty program integration.
Mobile-first POS app allowing restaurant staff to take orders from anywhere with offline capabilities.
Cloud POS system for restaurants featuring handheld order pads and kitchen order routing.
Digital ordering platform that powers online and in-store order taking for enterprise restaurants.
Toast
specializedCloud-based POS system that enables seamless table-side order taking, kitchen display, and payment processing for restaurants.
Handheld Toast Go devices for fast, wireless tableside order taking and payment processing
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, enabling efficient order taking via touchscreen terminals, handheld devices, and kitchen display systems. It supports tableside ordering, online ordering, and delivery integrations, streamlining front-of-house operations while integrating payments and inventory management. As a full-suite solution, Toast helps restaurants manage orders from intake to fulfillment with real-time data and analytics.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with seamless POS, payments, and online ordering integration
- Robust mobile order-and-pay capabilities for tableside service
- Advanced reporting, analytics, and inventory tools tailored for restaurants
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription pricing
- Steep learning curve for complex customizations
- Limited flexibility outside Toast's ecosystem
Best For
Full-service restaurants and chains seeking a scalable, integrated solution for high-volume order taking and management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$165/month per location plus hardware bundles from $799; includes 2.99% + $0.15 per transaction processing fees.
Square for Restaurants
specializedIntegrated POS solution for restaurants that supports quick order entry, floor plans, and contactless payments.
Seamless real-time sync between POS, online ordering, and KDS for unified order management across all channels
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, enabling seamless order taking at tables, counters, or online with features like customizable menus, modifiers, and split checks. It includes table management, kitchen display systems (KDS), and real-time integrations with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform handles everything from order entry and payments to inventory and staff scheduling, making it a full-service solution for restaurant operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for quick order taking and minimal training required
- No monthly software fees for core POS, only transaction-based pricing
- Strong integrations with online ordering and third-party delivery services
Cons
- Advanced features like full KDS and floor plans require the $60/month Plus plan
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢ in-person) can add up for high-volume restaurants
- Reporting and analytics are solid but less customizable than enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS for efficient in-house and online order taking without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free core POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ online; Square for Restaurants Plus at $60/month per location for advanced features like KDS and team management; hardware sold separately.
Lightspeed Restaurant
specializedRestaurant POS software offering tableside ordering, multi-location support, and real-time order management.
Advanced Kitchen Display System (KDS) that provides real-time, customizable digital order routing to eliminate paper tickets and reduce errors.
Lightspeed Restaurant is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, enabling efficient order taking at the counter, tableside, or online. It features table management, kitchen display systems (KDS), and integrations with popular delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. The platform also handles payments, inventory tracking, and reporting to streamline restaurant operations from front-of-house to back-of-house.
Pros
- Seamless order management with customizable floor plans and KDS
- Strong integrations with delivery apps and payment processors
- Real-time analytics and inventory control
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Additional costs for hardware and add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants with multiple locations needing scalable order taking and management tools.
Pricing
Plans start at $69/month (Starter) up to $199+/month (Standard), billed per location, with hardware sold separately.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS designed for full-service restaurants with intuitive order taking and table management features.
Visual table management with drag-and-drop floor plans and real-time status updates
TouchBistro is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants, enabling efficient order taking via iPad handhelds for table-side service. It streamlines the entire order process from input to kitchen display systems, including modifiers, splits, and payments. Additional capabilities include table management, inventory tracking, and reporting to support full restaurant operations.
Pros
- Robust table-side order taking with handheld support
- Offline mode for reliable service during outages
- Strong integrations with kitchen displays and payment processors
Cons
- Requires Apple hardware, limiting flexibility
- Higher pricing may deter small restaurants
- Initial setup and learning curve for complex features
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants needing advanced table management and seamless order flow.
Pricing
Starts at $69 per user/month (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs and add-on fees.
Revel Systems
specializedModern iPad POS platform for efficient order capture, customization, and integration with restaurant operations.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) that automates order routing, firing, and bumping for faster kitchen workflow.
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad-centric POS platform tailored for restaurants, enabling efficient order taking, table management, payment processing, and inventory tracking. It supports quick-service and full-service operations with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), customizable menus, and real-time reporting across multiple locations. The system integrates with delivery apps and offers offline mode for uninterrupted service during connectivity issues.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific tools like KDS and table mapping
- Offline functionality with automatic cloud sync
- Extensive integrations with third-party apps and delivery services
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing scalable, feature-rich order management with multi-location support.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (billed annually) for core POS, plus hardware (~$1,000+ per terminal), payment processing fees (2.3%+), and add-ons.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software that streamlines order taking for quick-service and table-service restaurants.
Vast app marketplace with over 500 integrations for custom restaurant workflows
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants and small businesses, enabling efficient order taking via countertop terminals, handheld devices for tableside service, and online ordering platforms. It integrates kitchen display systems (KDS), menu modifiers, and inventory tracking to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house operations. With strong payment processing and an extensive app marketplace, Clover supports delivery integrations and customer loyalty programs.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with quick setup
- Seamless payment processing and hardware flexibility
- Extensive app marketplace for integrations like delivery apps
Cons
- Hardware costs can add up for full setups
- Advanced features often require paid add-ons
- Customer support can be inconsistent for smaller users
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants needing an all-in-one POS with reliable payments and easy scalability.
Pricing
Hardware from $499 purchase or $40+/mo lease; software plans start at $14.95/mo (Register Lite) up to $115+/mo (Register Pro), plus transaction fees.
SpotOn
specializedAll-in-one restaurant POS with advanced order management, online ordering, and loyalty program integration.
Commission-free online ordering and delivery integrations that route orders directly into the POS
SpotOn is a full-featured POS system tailored for restaurants, excelling in order taking through countertop terminals, handheld devices, and online ordering integrations. It supports seamless tableside ordering, kitchen display systems, and third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats without additional commissions. The platform also includes inventory management, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting to optimize restaurant operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive order management across in-house, online, and delivery channels
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Transparent payment processing with competitive rates and no long-term contracts
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and custom pricing
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants needing an integrated POS for order taking, payments, and analytics.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/month for software plus hardware leases from $69/month per terminal; payment processing at 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
Lavu
specializedMobile-first POS app allowing restaurant staff to take orders from anywhere with offline capabilities.
Advanced Kitchen Display System (KDS) with real-time order routing and customizable bump screens for error-free kitchen communication
Lavu is a cloud-based iPad POS system designed specifically for restaurants, enabling seamless order taking, table management, and payment processing from anywhere in the establishment. It includes kitchen display systems (KDS), inventory management, employee scheduling, and real-time reporting to optimize restaurant operations. With support for online ordering and loyalty programs, it's built to handle both full-service and quick-service environments efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad interface for fast order entry and mobility
- Strong kitchen display system reduces errors and speeds up service
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited to iOS devices, restricting hardware flexibility
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- Occasional reports of sync issues during peak hours
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent restaurants and bars seeking a mobile, restaurant-focused POS without high costs.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for core features; Pro plan at $119/month adds advanced reporting and multi-location support; hardware sold separately.
EPOS Now
specializedCloud POS system for restaurants featuring handheld order pads and kitchen order routing.
Vast Marketplace with 100+ third-party apps for tailored restaurant integrations
EPOS Now is a cloud-based EPOS system tailored for restaurants and hospitality venues, enabling efficient order taking via touchscreen terminals, table management, and kitchen display systems. It integrates with popular delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Just Eat, supports online ordering, and provides inventory tracking and real-time reporting. Suitable for single or multi-site operations, it emphasizes scalability and customization for streamlining restaurant workflows.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with delivery apps and payment gateways
- Cloud-based for remote access and multi-location support
- Customizable hardware options and robust reporting tools
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees
- Customer support can be inconsistent
- Occasional software glitches reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants or chains needing scalable order taking with delivery integrations.
Pricing
Starts at £25/month per licence (Essential plan), up to £109/month (Complete plan) plus hardware from £299; custom quotes for bundles.
Olo
enterpriseDigital ordering platform that powers online and in-store order taking for enterprise restaurants.
Unified Guest Network for cross-channel order history and personalized experiences
Olo is a robust cloud-based platform specializing in online ordering, payments, and guest engagement for restaurants. It enables seamless order taking from branded websites, mobile apps, and third-party delivery services while integrating deeply with POS systems like Toast and Square. The software provides advanced analytics, loyalty programs, and personalized marketing to drive repeat business and revenue growth.
Pros
- Deep integrations with major POS and delivery marketplaces
- Powerful guest data platform for personalization and analytics
- Scalable for multi-location chains with enterprise-grade security
Cons
- Pricing is premium and geared toward larger operations
- Setup and customization can be complex for smaller teams
- Limited out-of-the-box templates for quick deployment
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains needing advanced online ordering and data-driven guest engagement.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically revenue-share model (2-4% per order) or monthly subscriptions starting at $1,000+ based on volume and locations.
Conclusion
This review highlights top tools that redefine order taking for restaurants, with Toast emerging as the leading choice due to its seamless integration of table-side service, kitchen display, and payments. Square for Restaurants and Lightspeed Restaurant follow as strong alternatives, excelling in quick entry and real-time management respectively, each catering to distinct operational needs. Together, these solutions ensure restaurants operate efficiently and enhance customer experiences.
To maximize your order handling capabilities, start with Toast—the top-ranked tool that streamlines processes and boosts productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison