How To Add An Ordering System Directly Into Your Restaurant Website

A customer looking to eat at home visits your website, looks at your menu, gets interested, and wants to order.

But they have to be redirected to a third-party app where you’ll pay hefty commissions on every sale. 

Or worse, they don’t get any option.

Today’s customers expect convenience. 

They don’t want to call. They don’t want to download another app. 

They want to order food directly from your website in just a few clicks.

Therefore, without an integrated ordering system, your restaurant website is just a digital brochure. 

With one, it becomes a powerful sales tool that works for you.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to integrate an ordering system into your restaurant website, even if you’re a beginner.

What is an Ordering System?

An ordering system is a digital tool that allows customers to browse your restaurant’s menu, place orders, and make payments directly through your website.

The customers don’t need to call or use third-party apps.

Why Your Restaurant Website Needs an Ordering System

Adding an ordering system isn’t just a “nice-to-have” feature anymore. 

It’s essential for growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Here’s why you need one:

a) You increase direct sales and keep more of your revenue 

Third-party platforms charge commissions that can eat into your profits. 

By allowing customers to order directly from your website, you can increase direct sales and keep more of your revenue.

b) You improve customer experience

Customers prefer simplicity and convenience. 

When they can browse your menu and place an order in one place, they’re more likely to complete the purchase.

c) You build your brand

Third-party apps promote their brand, not yours. 

A direct ordering system ensures customers stay within your platform, strengthening your brand and building loyalty.

d) You gain valuable customer data

When orders come through your website, you can collect insights like:

• Customer preferences
• Order frequency
• Popular menu items

This data helps you make smarter business decisions.

e) You reduce dependency on third-party platforms

Relying solely on delivery apps puts your business at risk. 

Algorithm changes, higher fees, or competition can affect your visibility. 

A direct system gives you control.

f) You enable better marketing opportunities

With direct access to customer data, you can run promotions, offer discounts, and build email or SMS campaigns that drive repeat orders.

How Does an Online Ordering System Work?

An online ordering system connects your customers, your website, and your kitchen in a seamless workflow.

Here’s how this typically works:

a) Customer browses the menu

A customer visits your website and views your digital menu.

b) Customer places an order

The customer then selects items and adds them to a cart. They then proceed to check out.

c) Checkout process

The system collects:

• Delivery or pickup details
• Contact information
• Payment (online or cash on delivery)

d) Order is processed

Once submitted, the order is instantly sent to your system. 

This could be:

• A kitchen display system
• A POS system
• A tablet or email notification

e) Kitchen prepares the order

Your staff receives the order in real time and begins preparation.

f) Order tracking and confirmation

Customers may receive confirmations via email or SMS. In some systems, they can also track their order status.

The entire process is automated, reducing manual errors and saving time for both your staff and customers.

g) Delivery or pickup

Once the order is ready, the customer is notified. They either pick up the food or receive it through your delivery setup.

Key Features of an Online Ordering System

While not all ordering systems are the same, the right one should include features that improve efficiency and enhance user experience.

Here’s what to look for:

1) User-friendly menu interface

Your menu should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. 

Customers should find what they want quickly.

The menu should also have real-time management, where you can easily update prices, add new items, or mark dishes as unavailable.

2) Customization options

The ordering system should allow customers to personalize their orders, such as:

• Adding extras
• Removing ingredients
• Choosing portion sizes

3) Secure payment integration

The system must support multiple payment methods while ensuring that all transactions are secure. 

This builds trust and encourages customers to complete their purchases.

Include payment methods like:

• Credit/debit cards
• Mobile payments
• Cash on delivery

4) Automated notifications and tracking

The system should automatically send order confirmations and updates via email or SMS to keep customers informed.

Customers should also see how their order is being processed, from start to finish.

5) Order management system/Integration with POS systems

You should also be able to view, track, and manage orders in real time without confusion.

Integrating the ordering system with your point-of-sale system ensures that all transactions are synchronized, minimizing errors and improving workflow efficiency.

6) Mobile responsiveness

Most users will order from their phones. The system must work perfectly across all devices.

7) Multiple order types 

Your ordering system should support delivery, pickup, and dine-in orders under one system

Give customers the flexibility to choose how they receive their orders.

8) Analytics and reporting

The ordering system you have should enable you to track performance metrics, such as:

• Sales volume
• Best-selling items
• Peak ordering times

9) Promo and discount tools

The system should also have built-in capabilities for discount codes, loyalty points, or bundle deals to encourage repeat orders.

Integrating an Online Ordering System on Your Restaurant Website

There are several methods you can use to integrate an ordering system into your website.

Each has its own advantages and limitations.

i) Direct Link

A direct link method involves adding a button on your website that redirects users to an external ordering platform. 

While this approach is simple to implement, it takes customers away from your website, which can disrupt the user experience and reduce brand consistency.

ii) The iFrame Widget

The iFrame widget method involves embedding an external ordering system into your website using a small piece of code. 

This approach allows customers to place orders without leaving your website, creating a smooth experience while remaining relatively easy to implement.

iii) Plug-in

A plugin is a pre-built solution that can be installed on content management systems (CMSs) such as WordPress.

This method allows you to add ordering functionality without coding. 

However, plugins may have limitations in customization and can sometimes affect website performance depending on their quality.

iv) API Integration

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that allows two software systems to talk to each other. 

Some ordering platforms offer a developer API, which allows a web developer to build a fully custom ordering experience directly into your website. 

This method offers the highest level of control over design and functionality. 

However, it requires technical expertise and can be more time-consuming and costly to implement.

The iFrame Widget

An iFrame (inline frame) is a web element that allows you to display content from another source within your webpage.

This method has become increasingly popular because it strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality. 

It does not require advanced development skills, yet it provides a professional and integrated user experience.

Another key advantage of using an iFrame widget is that it keeps users on your website throughout the ordering process. This reduces friction and increases the likelihood of completed transactions.

The iFrame method is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants that want a reliable solution without investing heavily in custom development.

How to Add an Online Ordering System with an iFrame Widget

Follow these steps to create an online ordering system on your restaurant website with an iFrame widget.

Step 1) Choose Your Online Ordering Platform

Before anything else, you need to select an ordering system that supports iFrame embedding. 

Popular options include Square Online, Flipdish, Bopple, and Olo.

When comparing platforms, consider:

• Monthly fees and transaction charges
• Whether it supports your order types (delivery, pickup, dine-in)
• Payment gateway options available in your country
• The menu management dashboard
• Quality of customer support

Sign up for a free trial where possible before committing.

Step 2) Set Up Your Menu and Restaurant Profile

Once you’ve chosen a platform, log in to your dashboard and set up your restaurant profile. 

This typically includes:

• Restaurant name, logo, and contact details
• Operating hours and delivery zones
• Payment methods you want to accept

Then build your digital menu. 

• Add your categories (e.g., Starters, Mains, Desserts)
• Upload item photos
• Write descriptions
• Set prices

Take your time here. A well-structured, visually appealing menu directly influences order values.

Step 3) Configure Your Ordering Settings

Before generating your iFrame code, make sure your ordering settings are properly configured:

• Set minimum order amounts (if applicable)
• Define delivery fees and pickup options
• Enable or disable order scheduling (e.g., pre-orders for a specific time)
• Set up your payment gateway by connecting your bank account or payment processor

Test the ordering flow yourself from start to finish using a test transaction to make sure everything works before going live.

Step 4) Generate the iFrame Embed Code

Inside your ordering platform’s dashboard, look for the iFrame embed code.

Every platform names this slightly differently, but it is usually found in the Settings or Integrations section.

The option will be labeled something like “Embed on Website,” “Widget,” “Website Integration,” or “iFrame Code.” 

Click to generate the embed code.

Copy the code, you’ll need it in the next step.

Step 5) Add the iFrame Code to Your Website

Now it’s time to actually embed the code into your website. 

The exact process of doing this will depend on your website builder.

• For WordPress: Go to the page where you want the ordering system to appear. Switch the page editor to “HTML” or “Code” view and paste the iFrame snippet where you want it to display. Save and publish the page.
• For Wix: Go to your page editor, click “Add,” select “Embed,” then choose “HTML iFrame.” A box will appear where you paste your code.
• For Squarespace: Edit the page, add a “Code Block” element, and paste the iFrame snippet inside it.
• For a Custom HTML site: Open your page’s HTML file, navigate to the section where you want the ordering widget, and paste the code directly.

Once saved, preview the page to make sure the ordering widget is displaying correctly.

Step 6) Test the Full Ordering Experience

Before you announce, walk through the entire customer journey yourself:

• Visit your website as a customer would (preferably using a different email)
• Navigate to the ordering page
• Browse the menu and add items to the cart
• Go through checkout and place a test order
• Confirm the order appears in your restaurant dashboard
• Check that the confirmation email or SMS is sent correctly

Fix any issues before promoting the feature.

Additional Step: Promote Your Online Ordering to Customers

Once your system is live, you’ll need to let people know. 

Update your website’s navigation to include a prominent “Order Online” link. 

Announce it on your social media channels. 

Add a call to action on your Google Business Profile. 

Print table cards or flyers pointing customers to your new online ordering page.

The more you promote, the faster the online ordering system becomes part of your regular revenue stream.

Important Note

Even the best-designed ordering system won’t work for a restaurant website hosted in a slow, unreliable, or poorly configured environment.

At Truehost, we understand your needs and aim to provide solutions that’ll keep your restaurant running smoothly.

We offer:

• Different, tiered hosting plans to match your website’s traffic and growth, ensuring your site performs smoothly even during peak hours.
• 24/7/365 technical support because we understand that technical issues can happen any time.
• 99.97% uptime guarantee to ensure that your customers can always access your menu and place orders.
• Pricing in INR for complete transparency and affordability.
• SSL certificates, website builders, domains, email hosting, and much more to give your website a professional and secure foundation.

By combining Truehost’s solutions with a fully integrated online ordering system, you can transform your restaurant website into a full-service digital storefront. 

Start today to provide your customers with a convenient, professional, and secure online ordering experience.

To learn more about restaurant websites, read this article.