How to Add Online Ordering to Your Restaurant Website
To add online ordering to your restaurant website, connect an online ordering system that puts an "Order Now" flow — menu, cart, and checkout — directly on your own site. The best setups are commission-free, so you keep your margin instead of paying 15–30% to a third-party app, and they sync orders to your kitchen and let customers pay online. With a platform like Ordering.co, you can add branded direct ordering (and apps) to your existing website in days, and own every customer who orders.
Why add direct online ordering?
Listing on big delivery apps gets you reach, but every order costs you a commission and the customer relationship belongs to the app. Direct online ordering on your own website flips that: you keep more of each order, own your customer data, and can market to repeat diners yourself. It's the difference between renting customers and owning them.
What are your options for adding online ordering?
| Option | Commission | Owns your customers? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| List on third-party apps | 15–30% per order | No — the app does | Extra reach, not ownership |
| Basic ordering widget / plugin | Varies | Partly | Simple menus, limited features |
| Online ordering platform | Commission-free direct orders | Yes — you do | Owning orders, customers & apps |
How to add online ordering to your website, step by step
- Choose an online ordering system. Prefer commission-free, with online payments and kitchen notifications.
- Build your menu. Add items, prices, photos, modifiers, and availability.
- Add the "Order Now" flow to your site. Put ordering on your homepage and menu pages under your brand.
- Connect payments. Let customers pay online securely at checkout.
- Set pickup and delivery. Offer pickup, your own delivery, or integrated couriers.
- Route orders to the kitchen. Send orders to a tablet, printer, or POS so nothing is missed.
- Promote it. Point your Google Business Profile, social links, and in-store signage to your own ordering page.
How to keep online ordering commission-free
The single biggest lever is taking direct orders through your own site rather than a third-party app. A commission-free online ordering platform charges a predictable subscription instead of a cut of every sale, so as your direct orders grow, your costs don't. You can still list on the big apps for reach — just drive your loyal, repeat customers to your own ordering page where you keep the margin.
Why restaurants add online ordering with Ordering.co
- Commission-free direct orders. Keep your margin instead of paying 15–30%.
- Your website and apps. Branded online ordering plus native iOS and Android apps.
- Own your customers. Keep the data and market to repeat diners directly.
- Pickup & delivery. Your own drivers or integrated couriers via the Delivery Suite.
- Live in days. Add ordering to your existing site fast — proven across 37,000+ locations.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add online ordering to my restaurant website?
Connect an online ordering system, build your menu, add the "Order Now" flow to your site, connect payments, set pickup and delivery, and route orders to your kitchen. A commission-free platform is the best route because you keep your margin and own your customers.
What is an online ordering system?
Software that lets customers browse your menu, order, and pay directly on your website or app, then sends the order to your kitchen — without a third-party app taking a commission.
How can I take online orders without paying commissions?
Take direct orders through your own website using a commission-free platform that charges a flat subscription instead of a percentage of each order.
Do I need a separate app, or is a website enough?
A website ordering page covers most customers, but native apps boost repeat orders and loyalty. Some platforms include both so you can launch them together.
Can customers pay online when ordering from my site?
Yes. An online ordering system connects a payment gateway so customers pay securely at checkout, with orders sent straight to your kitchen.
How long does it take to set up online ordering?
With a platform you can add branded online ordering to your existing website in days, versus weeks or months for a custom build.
Add commission-free ordering to your website
Take direct orders on your own site, keep your margin, and own your customers — live in days.
Get a demo & pricing →