Restaurant website creation is one of the most powerful steps a merchant can take in their marketing journey. Whether you run a family café, a multi-location franchise, or a new food truck, a well-designed website lets you tell your story, attract local customers, and take orders directly.
Why restaurant website creation matters in 2025
If you’ve ever searched “best pizza near me” or “local brunch spots,” you already know how customers find restaurants today. Many dining decision starts online — through Google, social media, and more.
1. Customers expect convenience
When people are hungry, they want fast answers — what’s on your menu, how to order, and where you’re located. A restaurant website puts all of that information in one easy place. Even if you’re active on third-party delivery apps or social platforms, those channels don’t replace the control and trust that come from owning your own digital storefront.
2. You control your story and your brand
When you have your own site, you define the experience — your photography, your copy, your promotions, and your customer interactions. Restaurant website creation lets you show what makes your business unique.
3. You unlock direct revenue streams
DoorDash data shows that adding Online Ordering to your website and social channels can increase sales by up to 8% of your current Marketplace sales.* When customers order directly through your website, you save on commissions and build stronger loyalty — because those customers are coming straight to you.
What do I need to create a restaurant website?
Before you begin designing, it helps to gather the building blocks of your restaurant’s digital identity. These assets make it easier to launch quickly and look professional from day one.
1. Domain name and logo
Choose a domain that’s simple and memorable — ideally your restaurant’s name plus your city (for example, “rosascafeatlanta.com”). Upload your logo in both light and dark versions so it works across different page backgrounds.
2. Menu content and descriptions
Write short, clear food descriptions for every dish. Use vivid language that helps customers picture the food (“crispy, wood-fired crust” instead of “thin crust”). Include allergen or dietary notes to build trust with diners.
3. High-quality photography
According to a recent DoorDash study, 38% of customers prioritize menu photos when choosing a new restaurant for delivery and pickup. Use natural light and simple backgrounds that let your food stand out.
If you need help capturing mouthwatering photos of your offerings, consider requesting a free photoshoot from DoorDash.
4. Key business details
Customers should never have to guess about your hours, contact info, or location. Keep your site updated with phone numbers, parking details, and links to maps and reviews.
5. SEO and accessibility basics
Use descriptive titles optimized for local SEO like “Best Sushi in Denver” on your homepage and add alt text to all images. These small details can not only improve your search rankings and but also help customers with screen readers.
When you’ve gathered these essentials, you’re ready to begin your restaurant website creation journey — and platforms like the DoorDash Commerce Platform make it easy to bring your vision to life.
Step-by-step restaurant website creation guide
Let’s walk through each step, from concept to live site, in clear, actionable terms.
1. Pick the right platform
Generic website builders can be clunky for restaurants. They’re often designed for blogs or e-commerce, not interactive menus and online orders. A better option is a restaurant-specific platform like the DoorDash Commerce Platform, which lets you launch a branded website with commission-free* online ordering built by the DoorDash team.
2. Design for diners
Your restaurant website design should be easy for prospective customers to navigate. Keep these best practices in mind:
Use strong photography at the top of your homepage to draw customers in.
Include customer-friendly features like Smart “Order Now” Buttons on every page.
Make sure your site works well on mobile devices— with over 60% of searches happening on mobile devices in the US, it's likely that many guests are finding your site on their smartphones.
3. Add online ordering
Adding an online ordering system can turn your website into a key sales channel. With the DoorDash Commerce Platform, you get commission-free** ordering through your own channels — website, social media, and more.
Comienza con Órdenes en línea4. Connect your channels
Link your DoorDash-powered website with your Google Business Profile and add it to your social media accounts. That way, customers who search for you online or on social media can immediately place an order. And with 28% of Millennials relying on social media when making ordering decisions, adding your restaurant's website to your "link in bio" is a no-brainer.
5. Test and launch
Before publishing, test everything from the customer’s perspective. Check that:
Menu items are categorized and priced correctly.
Photos load quickly.
The checkout process is smooth and mobile-friendly.
Hours and address are accurate.
Once your restaurant website creation process is complete, announce your launch on your social channels and encourage regulars to try ordering from you directly.
Best practices for ongoing restaurant website creation success
Once your website is live, treat it as a living part of your business. Keep it up to date, optimized, and engaging with these ongoing strategies:
1. Update your menu regularly
Add new items seasonally, remove sold-out dishes, and feature specials to ensure customers have the most up-to-date information.
2. Promote events and specials
Use your website to let customers know about exciting business updates, community events, specials, and loyalty program rewards.
3. Encourage repeat site visits
Use automated email marketing available with the DoorDash Commerce Platform Boost and Pro packages to lead customers back to your website.
Explore automated email marketingRestaurant website creation isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing opportunity to attract, serve, and retain more customers.
Get started with restaurant website creation today
Your restaurant’s website is more than an online menu — it’s your story, your storefront, and your sales engine. With the DoorDash Commerce Platform, restaurant website creation becomes simple, scalable, and stress-free.
You bring your food and your brand — we’ll bring the technology, marketing, and support to help you grow on your own terms.
Get a Commerce Platform demo*Based on internal DoorDash data from Jan 2025 through May 2025
**2.9% + $0.30 payment processing fee applies
