Restaurant Website Examples: The 5 Things Customers Actually Want

A customer planning dinner goes online and searches "restaurant near me." What do they see? Just a name and address... But they need much more to make a decision.

In this article, we'll explain what an ideal restaurant website should look like and what customers really want. If you're new to the concept of having a web presence, start with our guide on what a digital storefront is.

The 5 Things Customers Want

1. Menu and Prices

86% of customers check the menu before choosing a restaurant. They want to see prices — to avoid surprises.

Your menu should be clear and up-to-date on your website. Prefer a format that's displayed directly on the page rather than a PDF.

2. Photos

Food photos are a restaurant's most powerful sales tool. 65% of customers choose restaurants based on food photography.

Photos should be professional. Good lighting, well-plated dishes. Don't forget to include interior shots that capture your restaurant's atmosphere.

3. Customer Reviews

Your Google Maps reviews are the most trusted information source for new customers. Restaurants with 4 stars and above attract 3x more customers than lower-rated ones.

PlaceToSite automatically integrates your Google Maps reviews into your website — so every visitor encounters social proof.

4. Address and Map

Customers need to find you. Your address should be accompanied by a map and a directions button. Customers who call to ask for directions are actually calling because they couldn't find the information on your website.

5. Opening Hours

"Are they open?" This question turns away many potential customers. Your hours should be clear and current. Especially update them during holidays and special occasions.

Online ordering has also become a must-have: in 2026, over 60% of restaurant orders in many markets are placed digitally, making it essential to offer online ordering or at least link to your delivery platforms directly from your website.

What a Great Restaurant Website Looks Like

A well-designed restaurant website has this structure:

Hero section: A large photo, restaurant name, and a CTA button ("Reserve" or "View Menu")

About: A short story — when it opened, the philosophy

Menu: Categorized menu with prices

Reviews: Customer reviews pulled from Google Maps

Contact: Address, phone, hours, map

Build from Scratch or Go Ready-Made?

Having a restaurant website built from scratch costs $2,000-$5,000 and takes 2-4 weeks. For a full cost breakdown of business websites, see our small business website guide for 2026.

Alternatively, with PlaceToSite, you can paste your Google Maps link and create a professional restaurant site in minutes. Menu, photos, reviews, and hours are integrated automatically.

Create Your Restaurant's Website Now

Paste your restaurant's Google Maps link and get a professional website in minutes.