QR code menus for restaurants: the complete guide
A QR code menu lets guests scan a code on the table and see your menu on their phone — no app, no sticky laminated cards. The best part: with a dynamic QR code you can change dishes and prices anytime without reprinting a single code. Here's everything you need to set one up properly.
Why restaurants switched to QR code menus
QR menus are cheaper (no reprinting when prices change), more hygienic (nothing to pass around), and faster to update for daily specials or sold-out items.
They also give you something paper never could: data. With a dynamic QR menu you can see how many people scanned, when, and from where — useful to know which locations or table tents actually get used.
The two ways to build a QR menu
Option 1 — PDF menu: if you already have your menu as a PDF, upload it and get a QR code that opens it on any phone. When the menu changes, replace the PDF and the same printed code shows the new version.
Option 2 — Link menu: if your menu lives on your website or an ordering platform, use a website QR code that points to that URL. Because it's dynamic, you can repoint it later without reprinting.
How to create your QR code menu (step by step)
1. Pick the type: PDF if you have a file, or Website if it's online. 2. Upload the PDF or paste the link. 3. Customize it with your restaurant's colors and logo so it looks part of the table setting. 4. Download it as PNG for table tents or SVG for large prints.
Keep the printed code dynamic so you never have to reprint when the menu changes — that single decision saves the most money over time.
Tips to get more scans
Add a short call to action next to the code ("Scan for our menu") and make the code at least 2–3 cm wide so it scans from a comfortable distance.
Place one code per table, plus one at the entrance and one at the counter. Test every printed code with two or three phones before the print run.
Frequently asked questions
Do guests need an app to scan a QR menu?⌄
No. Every modern phone camera scans QR codes natively — guests just point the camera and tap the link. No app required.
Can I change the menu without reprinting the code?⌄
Yes, if it's a dynamic QR code. You replace the PDF or change the link, and the same printed code shows the updated menu instantly.
Is a QR code menu free to make?⌄
Yes. You can create a QR menu for free, including a dynamic one with scan tracking. Paid plans add your logo, unlimited codes and detailed analytics.