Turn Your Restaurant Menu Into a QR Code
Create a free QR code for your restaurant menu in 1 minute. Perfect for contactless dining. Link to your PDF menu, website menu, or online ordering system. Save $200/month on menu printing.
Quick Answer
To create a restaurant menu QR code: Upload your menu PDF to Google Drive or link to your website menu, paste the link in the generator above, click Generate, and download. Takes 1 minute. 100% free.
Why Restaurant Menu QR Codes Work
of diners prefer digital menus over physical menus
average monthly savings on menu printing costs
of restaurants now use QR code menus
How to Create a Link for Your Restaurant Menu (1 Minute)
OPTION 1: Link to Your Website Menu Page
Go to your restaurant website's menu page
Copy the URL from the address bar
OPTION 2: Link to a PDF Menu
Upload your menu PDF to Google Drive or Dropbox
Right-click the file and select 'Share' or 'Get shareable link'
Set permissions to 'Anyone with the link can view'
Copy the shareable link
OPTION 3: Link to Online Ordering (DoorDash, UberEats, etc.)
Copy your restaurant's ordering link from the platform
TIP: Update your menu regularly and the QR code will always show the latest version
Why Create a Restaurant Menu QR Code?
Menu QR codes became essential during COVID-19 for contactless dining and remain popular for their convenience. Research shows 88% of diners prefer digital menus, and restaurants save an average of $200/month on menu printing costs. Customers can browse your menu on their phones without waiting for physical menus. You can update prices and items instantly without reprinting.
Where to Use Your Restaurant Menu QR Code
Physical Menus vs QR Code Menus
| Feature | Theirs | Ours ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Printing costs | $200-500/month for reprinting | Free forever - update digitally |
| Update frequency | Expensive to change prices/items | Update instantly without reprinting |
| Hygiene | Shared, needs constant cleaning | Contactless, no physical contact |
| Space for content | Limited by physical pages | Unlimited - add photos, descriptions |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
PDF not set to public/viewable
✅ Solution: In Google Drive, set sharing to 'Anyone with the link can view' not 'Restricted'
Menu image quality too low to read on phones
✅ Solution: Use high-resolution PDFs (at least 150 DPI) or responsive website menus
Not updating QR code when menu changes
✅ Solution: If using website/cloud PDF, just update the file - QR stays the same. If using static PDF, generate new QR
QR codes placed where they're hard to scan (glare, too high/low)
✅ Solution: Place at eye level on tables, use matte finish to avoid glare, test scanning angle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this restaurant menu QR code generator free?
Yes, completely free with no limits, no watermarks, and no subscription. Create QR codes for your full menu, drink menu, specials, dessert menu, and more. Download as many times as you need.
What's the best format for a menu QR code?
Best option is linking to your website menu page for the best mobile experience. Second best is a PDF menu uploaded to Google Drive or Dropbox. Website menus load faster, can be more interactive, and are easier to read on phones.
Can I update my menu without changing the QR code?
Yes! If you link to your website or a cloud-hosted PDF (Google Drive/Dropbox), you can update the menu content anytime and the QR code stays the same. This is the biggest advantage - update prices, add items, fix typos without reprinting QR codes.
Where should I place menu QR codes in my restaurant?
Put them on every table (table tents or table toppers are most popular), at the entrance for people waiting, on receipts for future orders, in takeout bags, on outdoor dining signs, and at the bar/counter. Make them clearly visible and at easy scanning height.
Do menu QR codes work for all types of restaurants?
Yes! Works for all: fine dining, casual dining, cafes, bars, food trucks, bakeries, delis, pizzerias, and fast casual. Even high-end restaurants now use QR menus as customers have become accustomed to them since 2020.
How do I make my PDF menu look good on phones?
Use a single-column layout (not wide multi-column), larger fonts (at least 12pt), high contrast text, and save at high resolution. Test it on your own phone first. Alternatively, use a mobile-responsive website menu for the best experience.
Can I have separate QR codes for food and drinks?
Absolutely! Many restaurants create separate QR codes for: food menu, drink menu, wine list, dessert menu, and specials. This lets customers jump directly to what they want.
Should I still have physical menus available?
It's good to have 1-2 physical menus as backup for customers who prefer them or have dead phone batteries. But most (70-80%) of customers will use the QR code if it's prominently displayed.
How do I handle customers without smartphones?
Keep a few physical menus or tablet devices available. However, smartphone ownership is 85%+ in most countries, so this affects only a small percentage of customers. Staff can also help these customers order.
Can I link to my online ordering system?
Yes! You can link to DoorDash, UberEats, your own ordering system, or any other platform. Some restaurants have separate QR codes: one for viewing the menu, one for ordering online.
What size should the menu QR code be?
For table tents: 2-3 inches square is ideal. For window signs: 4-6 inches square so people can scan from outside. For receipts: 1.5-2 inches. Always test that your QR code scans easily from a seated position.
Do QR code menus save money?
Significantly! Restaurants save $200-500/month on menu printing costs. Plus you save on frequent reprinting when prices change, items run out, or seasonal menus rotate. The QR code pays for itself immediately (and it's free!).
Can I track how many people scan my menu QR code?
Our basic QR codes don't include tracking. However, you can use analytics on your website menu, or use a URL shortener with analytics (like Bitly) before creating the QR code. Google Drive doesn't provide scan analytics.
What if my menu PDF is too large to load quickly?
Compress your PDF using tools like Adobe Acrobat or free online PDF compressors. Aim for under 5MB for quick loading. Better yet, use a mobile-responsive website menu which loads much faster than PDFs.
Should I include allergen information in my QR menu?
Absolutely! This is a major advantage of digital menus - unlimited space for detailed allergen info, dietary tags (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), and ingredient lists. Physical menus don't have room for all this critical information.