Best Restaurant Ordering System Software Features

A good restaurant ordering system connects your front of house, kitchen, and online channels into one seamless workflow. The right software helps you manage orders, track inventory, and deliver faster, more accurate service.

Here are the key features to look for in a restaurant ordering system.

10 Best Online Ordering System Software Features

The best online ordering system software features are included with our best restaurant POS systems.

Modifiers & Prompts

Modifiers let customers customize orders, like “no lettuce” or “extra cheese.”

The best POS systems automatically prompt staff to ask about upgrades or add-ons (e.g., combo meals), improving accuracy and boosting revenue.

Seat & Table Management

Seat and table management tools make it easy to split checks, move guests, or assign orders by seat.

Systems like Toast POS excel here, especially for restaurants with multiple sections or servers.

Menu & Inventory Management

Good menu software lets you:

• Create separate menus or pricing for dine-in and online orders
• Schedule time-based menus (like breakfast or limited-time promos)
• Create different menus for multi-location restaurants
• Track menu performance with built-in reports

Strong inventory tools should:

• Sync with your menu manager
• Auto-deduct items as orders are fulfilled
• Track liquids and perishable goods
• Flag waste and low-stock items

Pay-At-Table

Handheld POS devices let customers pay right at the table via card or mobile wallet. They can sign, tip, and receive a digital receipt instantly. Some systems even prompt loyalty program signups.

Kitchen Display System (KDS)

A KDS replaces paper tickets with digital screens that display orders and modifiers in real time.

Kitchen staff can manage order flow, mark items as “86’d,” and handle delivery or online orders more efficiently.

Customer Relationship Manager (CRM)

Built-in CRM tools track customer behavior for targeted marketing. Send discounts, loyalty rewards, or birthday offers, and measure campaign success with built-in analytics.

Server & Customer Notifications

Servers get instant alerts for new orders, arrivals, or table status updates.

Customers can receive texts or emails for order pickup, reservations, or promotions.

Digital Wallet Payments

Accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other contactless options to give customers faster, more secure checkout.

Email & Text Receipts

Digital receipts save paper and open the door for subtle marketing. Add loyalty invites, feedback links, or social media prompts (with customer consent).

Online Reservations & Waitlists

POS systems like Toast and TouchBistro offer integrated reservation tools.

Restaurants can manage online bookings, send reminders, estimate wait times, and notify guests when their table’s ready.

How To Choose Restaurant Ordering System Software

To use restaurant ordering software, you’ll need a complete POS setup: software plus compatible hardware to take and manage orders.

Here’s how to choose the right system for your restaurant:

• Identify Your Must-Have Features: Focus on what matters most for your restaurant type, whether it’s quick-serve speed, tableside ordering, or advanced inventory tracking.
• Set Your Budget: Determine what you can spend each month on POS software and payment processing.
• Check Hardware Compatibility: Make sure your POS software supports the tablets, terminals, or printers you plan to use.
• Test Before You Commit: Use free trials or demos to see how intuitive the software feels for your team.
• Review The Contract: Read your agreement carefully, noting term length, cancellation fees, and hardware warranties.
• Order & Set Up Hardware: Once you’ve chosen a system, order your POS hardware and confirm warranty coverage before installation.

For a deeper breakdown, check out our full guide on how to choose a restaurant POS system.