Almost every restaurant you visit has a mobile app now — and for good reason!
Restaurant mobile apps can do a lot for your business, from boosting average order value (AOV) to helping build customer loyalty with rewards.
Not all apps are built the same, though.
In this blog, we’re breaking down the 10 key features that can make or break your restaurant’s mobile app, why each of these features is important, and how you can launch a mobile app with everything included.
Let’s get started.
How to know when your restaurant is ready for a mobile app
Maybe you’ve been considering a restaurant mobile app, but you’re unsure whether it’s the right move. How can you tell if now is the right time? Or if your restaurant is ready? Or if your customers even want a restaurant mobile app?
Here are five signs your restaurant is ready to take the leap and get a mobile app.
You already have strong sales
A restaurant mobile app can help you increase customer loyalty and visit frequency… but it won’t necessarily help you get new customers. So, if sales are already slow, an app won’t necessarily fix that. But if business is booming (or at least reliably steady)? Then a restaurant mobile app can help you take things to the next level.
Your business model lends itself to repeat business
If you’re a sit-down restaurant saved for special occasions, or a touristy spot where vacationers come and go, you’re probably not app-ready — because the potential for repeat customers just isn’t there. But if you’re a cafe or a grab-and-go lunch spot where people could visit multiple times a week, then a restaurant mobile app is a great idea.
You’re losing 30%+ of your profits to third-party delivery apps
Did you know that commissions for third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats start at 15%? Using third-party apps for delivery means relying on their algorithm, letting them own your customer data, paying insane commissions, and also giving up 30%+ of your profits. The solution? Your own restaurant mobile app (with delivery capabilities).
You always have a long line-up at peak times
Even the most seasoned restaurant staff can struggle to keep up with never-ending lines and constant rushes. A restaurant mobile app can save your staff the overwhelm (and potential for mistakes) that comes with the non-stop service at peak times, so they can focus on what’s most important: providing top-tier service, no matter how busy things are.
You have loyal regulars who you want to reward
If you’ve got die-hard fans who rave about your business, they deserve to be rewarded for their loyalty! That’s where a restaurant mobile app comes into play. You can create a loyalty program to recognize your regulars with rewards and discounts, early access to new launches, priority ordering… whatever you want to give them to say “thanks.”
- When you’re ready to share your new restaurant mobile app with the world, check out our seven-step process for successfully launching an app!
10 essential restaurant mobile app features
So, you’re on board with getting a restaurant mobile app. Now what?
Now it’s time to pick which company you’ll go with for your mobile app, a decision you should make based on which restaurant mobile app features they have to offer.
These are the 10 restaurant mobile app features you need to look out for — because every good app has them, and yours should too.
1 — Mobile ordering
The first restaurant mobile app feature you need is mobile ordering.
Mobile ordering gives your guests different ordering options, like scheduling an order for a future date or simply timing their order pick-up perfectly. Plus, mobile ordering lets your guests skip any line-ups your restaurant might have for in-person ordering, too.
2 — POS integration
The second restaurant mobile app feature you need is POS integration.
A mobile app with seamless POS integration can streamline your ordering process, increase operational efficiency, and track data (like sales and inventory). You don’t have to do any of these tasks manually, and your customers get a better user experience. Win-win!
- Not sure which POS system is right for you? Check out our blog, “The 5 Best Restaurant POS Systems in 2026 & How to Choose.”
3 — Delivery integration
The third restaurant mobile app feature you need is a delivery integration.
Enabling customers to order directly from your restaurant mobile app means you don’t pay commissions, you keep all your profits, and you own your customer data. It’s also easier to avoid third-party delivery app refund abuse when you do your own delivery!
4 — Loyalty program
The fourth restaurant mobile app feature you need is a loyalty program.
A restaurant loyalty program helps you thank your customers with deals, discounts, and rewards. Then, because they get rewarded for visiting, they’ll keep coming back. Then you reward them again, they come back again, and it becomes a cycle where everyone wins.
- Pro tip: Take loyalty to the next level with a membership or subscription!
5 — Push notifications
The fifth restaurant mobile app feature you need is push notification capability.
Push notifications are a direct line of contact to your guests. You can send out push notifications about limited-time deals, new menu items, community engagement opportunities… anything you want your customers to know, you can tell them in real-time through the app.
6 — Upsells & add-ons
The sixth restaurant mobile app feature you need is upsell/add-on capabilities.
A restaurant mobile app with upsell/add-on/modifier options can gently encourage customers to add more to their cart each visit, boosting average order value (AOV) without being pushy. With in-app upsells and add-ons, the opportunity for higher sales is never lost.
7 — Saved favorites
The seventh restaurant mobile app feature you need is saved favorites.
When you let customers save their favorite orders, it accomplishes two things. One, it encourages repeat orders because customers can reorder with just one tap, and two, it helps personalize the customer experience because their favorites are always in sight.
8 — Order customizations
The eighth restaurant mobile app feature you need is order customization capabilities.
Customizations can encourage guests to spend more on their meals, because an extra dollar or two to create a one-of-a-kind meal is an easy sell. Plus, customizations give customers the power to order what they want, how they want it — and that is priceless.
- Did you know? Customization is one of Starbucks’ top revenue generators. Modifiers earn them over $1B in annual sales!
9 — Google food ordering
The ninth restaurant mobile app feature you need is Google food ordering integration.
With Google food ordering, your direct online ordering link appears on Google Search, on maps, and on yourGoogle Business Profile. That allows your customers to go directly to your online ordering page, or straight to your mobile app if they’re using a mobile device.
- Learn how to make the most of your Google presence with our blog, “Local SEO for Restaurants: How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile.”
10 — Gift cards
The tenth (and final!) restaurant mobile app feature you need is the option for gift cards.
With gift card capabilities, guests can easily buy and send gift cards without having to leave your restaurant’s mobile app. Gift cards can also increase your customers’ average spend, boost your cash flow, and introduce new customers to your restaurant!
- For more insight on what makes a good restaurant mobile app (beyond these 10 features), check out our blog “All-Time Best Restaurant Apps & Why They Work.”
How to launch a restaurant mobile app with all of these features
So, you’re ready to launch a restaurant mobile app with all the features you need to succeed.
What now?
Well, when you launch with Craver, you can get started right away!
Our restaurant mobile apps offer all the features you just learned about, from commission-free delivery and unlimited push notifications to Google Food Ordering capabilities and loyalty program options your customers will love.
FAQ
A restaurant mobile app allows your customers to order directly from your restaurant, and it lets your restaurant own the entire mobile experience, start to finish. No more commissions or restrictions from third-party apps, no more restricted access to customer data, and no more limitations — you decide the restaurant mobile app features you offer.
What makes a good restaurant mobile app?
A good restaurant mobile app integrates with your tech stack, offers customization options and modifiers, rewards your guests with a loyalty program, and helps you communicate through push notifications. The custom branding that Craver offers doesn’t hurt, either!
What are the benefits of restaurant mobile apps?
For you, a restaurant mobile app can boost AOV, improve your bottom line, and help you better reach your guests. For your guests, a restaurant mobile means easier access to their favorite restaurant, rewards and loyalty points, and a faster, more enjoyable customer experience.
Will customers actually switch from Uber Eats or DoorDash to ordering on a restaurant’s mobile app?
Yes! Many customers prefer ordering directly from their favorite restaurants — especially when they know they’re supporting the business directly. Plus, with promotions, loyalty programs, and a seamless experience, you can easily encourage them to order through your restaurant’s mobile app.
How do I get customers to download my restaurant’s mobile app?
There are tons of ways to get mobile app downloads, like in-store posters and QR codes, website links, and download incentives like discounts or rewards. Craver also gives you a free in-store marketing package to get you started!
