When it comes to running a successful restaurant, the menu is one of the most important elements. It’s what customers use to decide what they want to order, but have you ever considered how accessible your menu is?

When sitting in a restaurant it can be easy for customers to get overwhelmed by the menu. With so many choices, all presented in a long list of complex words and descriptions, it can be hard to decide which dishes are worth trying.

Making your restaurant menu accessible to customers will make it easier for them to order a dish they will enjoy, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips for making your menu more inviting, creative, and easy to understand.

An organised menu will be easier for your customers to navigate. Creating categories and grouping similar items together will allow your customers to find the dishes they’re more interested in.

Organising items by course helps customers to find exactly what they’re in the mood for. Whether they want to skip straight to something sweet and indulgent for dessert or prefer a vegetarian option, they can easily scan through the relevant section of your menu.

Grouping similar items on the menu will make it much easier for customers to navigate through their options without feeling overwhelmed, and means they don’t have to read through every single item on the menu before finding something they like.

To make your menu more accessible you need to carefully consider the images and descriptions you include.

With high-quality images you can make your menu more appealing. People eat with their eyes first, and photos give customers a visual idea of what each dish looks like before placing their order. Think about how images can enhance the experience of reading through the menu.

Detailed descriptions provide useful information about each item so that customers know exactly what ingredients are included and how each dish is prepared. This helps them make informed choices, especially those with dietary restrictions or allergies who need to be extra cautious about ingredients used in certain dishes. Make sure to explain what each dish is in simple terms to help customers quickly understand what each item is without having to ask too many questions about it.

One of the best ways to make your restaurant menu more accessible is by creating a digital experience.

Creating a digital experience, either by having your menu on your website or accessible via an app, customers can easily see what options you have and decide what they want before they even arrive at your venue. As well as making your menu accessible from anywhere at any time, switching to a QR code menu will also allow customers to place their orders on their own devices, streamlining the ordering experience for both customers and wait staff.

Social media can be a valuable tool for making your menu more accessible. It allows customers to view your food and the type of experience they can expect at your venue. This can help them determine if it suits what they’re after and caters to any dietary needs they may have.

While it can cause some inconvenience in the kitchen, being flexible with your menu is important if you want to keep customers satisfied.

Offering substitutions and modifications on menu items will ensure that all of your guests can enjoy their meals. It’s also important for restaurants with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options to mark which items fall under those categories so customers know exactly what’s available for them.

Catering for customers' dietary needs, and offering menu substitutions and modifications will ensure your customers have a positive experience, and they will be more likely to come back again and again.

Making your restaurant menu accessible should be a top priority for any restaurant and hospitality business looking for success. By creating an inclusive dining experience, your customers will feel comfortable with their options and confident in their choices, and will be more likely to come back again soon.

If you’re looking to improve your front-of-house experience, Yesterday provides intuitive technology designed for hospitality venues wanting to take their dining experience online.