Online ordering isn’t just a nice-to-have convenience, it’s now a key driver of revenue, loyalty, and customer engagement for restaurants of all sizes. But not all restaurant online ordering systems are created equal.
This guide walks you through what to look for in a restaurant online ordering system and why more independent operators are choosing flexible, commission-free tools that put them in control.
Why Online Ordering systems matter more than ever
Customers want to order directly—in fact, according to the 2025 DoorDash Delivery Trends Report, 41% prefer ordering directly from a restaurant's website or app. And when restaurants make it easy to do so—whether from their website, branded mobile app, or even Google—they not only meet demand but also grow repeat business.
An effective online ordering system can help:
Increase sales through branded digital channels
Cut out middleman fees and retain more margin
Build direct relationships with customers
Reinforce your restaurant’s brand identity
What is a restaurant online ordering system?
A restaurant online ordering system is a digital tool that allows customers to place pickup or delivery orders directly from a restaurant’s website, mobile app, or third-party platform. These systems manage menus, track orders in real-time, and often integrate with a restaurant's POS system.
Key features to look for in a restaurant online ordering system
1. Commission-free ordering that preserves your profits
Many third-party platforms take a cut of each order, sometimes as high as 30%. But direct online ordering systems offer commission-free ordering. With the DoorDash Commerce Platform Starter package, restaurants get access to a branded, commission-free* online ordering system without paying a monthly platform fee.
Get started with Online Ordering2. Branded website built to drive orders
Look for systems that include or integrate seamlessly with a branded website that reflects your identity. DoorDash’s Commerce Platform, for example, builds and hosts your site, optimizing it for SEO and ordering. In fact, merchants who optimize their website with a Smart "Order Now" Button and customizable pop-up can see up to a 30%** increase in web sales.
Check out our guide on building a restaurant website that converts.
3. Seamless setup and POS integration
Running a restaurant is complex—your tech should make it easier, not harder. Choose a system that:
Works with your existing POS system
Can go live in under a week
Offers real-time menu updates and customer syncing
DoorDash Commerce Platform’s Online Ordering system lets you receive online orders via your tablet, email, phone, or integrated POS with real-time syncing between your online menu and order dashboard.
4. Tools that drive repeat business automatically
Getting that first order is only half the battle. A great system includes built-in tools to bring customers back without adding to your workload.
Automated email marketing campaigns that target different customer milestones, like winbacks and reorders, can boost order frequency by 15% on average.*** And a cross-channel loyalty program helps turn casual visitors into regulars by rewarding them no matter what channel they order on, whether in-store, online, on your mobile app, or on DoorDash.
Explore automated email marketing5. Mobile app ordering, with your brand front and center
With the DoorDash Commerce Platform Pro package, restaurants get a branded mobile app. App users order more frequently, reorder more often, and spend more on average. In fact, customers who switch from web ordering to a branded mobile app order 30% more frequently.****
DoorDash builds your restaurant's app using the same tech behind its core platform and includes features like:
Apple Pay and one-tap checkout
Reorder carousels
Push notifications for promotions or loyalty rewards
3Natives saw a 26% increase in sales after combining branded online ordering with a mobile app.
"We had teetered with the idea for a while but didn't really look too far into it. You guys had really impressed us when Online Ordering launched that we fully trusted it be the same great results if we went with you for the app!"
What to avoid in an online ordering system
Systems that limit branding
Systems that make it hard to access customer data
Complex onboarding or required hardware
Platforms that don’t support real-time menu updates or multi-channel marketing
Compare Online Ordering packages: Starter, Boost, and Pro
Not sure where to start? Learn more about DoorDash Commerce Platform packages.
Real results from restaurants like yours
After switching to Online Ordering in April 2024, Fiorella saw a 12% increase in online order volume
By adding the Smart Button and its pop-up feature to their website, Taqueria Arandas saw their total Online Ordering order volume increase by 135%
In the first four weeks of using Online Ordering, Biscuit Love saw a 23% aggregate increase in sales
Bowls of Rice set up a branded mobile app in two calls with DoorDash
Ready to power your restaurant’s online ordering?
If you’re looking for a restaurant online ordering system that puts your brand first, protects your margins, and helps you grow on your terms, DoorDash Commerce Platform can help.
Get started with the DoorDash Commerce Platform
