Your menu design can have a profound effect on customer satisfaction as well as your servers ability to upsell additional items. Your menu should reflect the theme of your restaurant and provide enough information for your guests to make educated selections.

Nutritional Information

With the number of people on special diets rising every day, people want to know calorie counts as well as how much protein, fat and carbs are in each of your dishes. Many people will avoid a restaurant completely without having access to this knowledge. You want your diners to enjoy their experience, and for many, that can only be done with the comfort of knowing they’re sticking to their diet. It’s also important to note, not every dieter is simply trying to lose weight. Some are battling diseases that restrict their diet and they cannot risk straying away from it for even one meal.

Detailed Ingredient Lists

We live in an increasingly health conscious society and people want to know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies. Including a detailed list of ingredients as well as the origins of those ingredients will give your guests the confidence to dine without remorse.  Doing so also reduces the risk of illness from food allergies. While you don’t want to give up your exact recipe or secrets, the ultimate goal here is transparency. If you have ingredients on your menu that you’re afraid to share, you may want to change that particular recipe. 

Appropriate Colors And Fonts

You don’t want your menu to be too busy, but it should be aesthetically attractive. You’ll want to use a minimal number of colors, preferably those related to your brand. Fonts should be easy to read, yet elegant. Avoid using dollar signs if you include prices on your menu. Leave enough whitespace so it is easy to read and digest. Be sure to include a cover page with your company logo.

Organized Sections

The sections you use will be largely dependent upon your menu offerings. Some break things up according to proteins, diet or the origin of the dish. Whichever you choose, make sure it is logical and easy to consume. Including sections for vegans, vegetarians and those with food allergies will add a personalized touch that will make those customers feel like they’re being catered to.

Multiple Menus

While you do want one main menu for your restaurant, including a variety of specialized menus can add variety and freshness to your selections. Vegan menus, children menus, bar menus, seasonal menus and holiday specific menus are all ways you can keep your restaurant menu fresh and exciting. Each one should have their own design and purpose.