QR Codes for Restaurants

QR codes became the standard in restaurants during COVID and they've stayed because they work. Digital menus save printing costs, WiFi codes end the password question forever, and review codes actually get customers to leave reviews. Here's how to set it all up — for free.

1. Digital Menu QR Codes

The most common use. Instead of printing physical menus that get dirty, outdated, and expensive to reprint, you link to a digital menu that can be updated anytime.

How to set it up

1. Put your menu online — a simple PDF on Google Drive works, or use a free menu service like Square's online menu, your website, or a Google Doc.
2. Generate a QR code pointing to that URL.
3. Print and place on each table.

Pro tips

• Don't use a PDF if you can help it — they're hard to read on phones. A responsive webpage or a menu service is much better.
• Use a URL shortener or your own domain — if you ever need to change the menu URL, a shortened link can be redirected without reprinting QR codes.
• Update seasonally — the beauty of digital menus is instant updates. New specials? Updated prices? Change the page, not the QR code.

2. WiFi QR Codes

"What's the WiFi password?" is the most asked question in every restaurant. A WiFi QR code ends it forever.

Customers scan the code, tap "Join," and they're connected. No spelling out passwords, no writing it on napkins.

1. Go to our WiFi QR generator.
2. Enter your guest network name and password.
3. Download and print.

Place it on table tents, near the entrance, on the counter, or on the wall. Everywhere someone might look for WiFi info.

Read our full WiFi QR code for business guide for detailed setup and security tips.

3. Google Review QR Codes

This is the underrated one. Most restaurants struggle to get Google reviews because the process is annoying — customers have to search for the restaurant, find the review button, tap it, then write. A QR code takes them directly to the review form.

How to get your Google review link

1. Search for your restaurant on Google.
2. Click your Google Business Profile.
3. Click "Ask for reviews" — Google gives you a direct link.
4. Or use: https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=YOUR_PLACE_ID

Generate a QR code with that link and put it on the check presenter, receipt, or a small card the server hands out. A simple "Enjoyed your meal? Scan to leave a review" goes a long way.

This alone can transform your Google rating. Most happy customers don't leave reviews because it's too much effort. A QR code removes the effort.

4. Social Media QR Codes

Want more Instagram followers? Put a QR code linking to your profile on the table. Same for TikTok, Facebook, or your website's mailing list signup.

You can link to:

• Your Instagram profile
• A Linktree or similar link-in-bio page
• Your email signup form
• A current promotion or event page

5. Payment QR Codes

Some restaurants use QR codes for tableside payment — scan to pay via Venmo, PayPal, Square, or your POS system. This is especially useful for:

• Food trucks (no card reader needed)
• Pop-up events
• Tip jars — a QR code for Venmo/CashApp gets way more tips than a physical jar

6. Printing and Placement Tips

• Size — at least 3cm × 3cm for table placement. Bigger for wall posters. See our size guide.
• Laminate everything — restaurant tables see spills. Laminated QR codes last months.
• Label every code — "Scan for Menu" / "Scan for WiFi" / "Leave a Review" — don't make people guess.
• Test after printing — always scan the printed code before putting it out. Printing errors, low resolution, and poor contrast can make codes unscannable.
• Dark on light — black QR code on white background scans best. Colored codes look cool but can cause scanning issues.

The restaurant QR code starter kit

Here's everything you need, all free on MakeQRCode.app:

1. Menu QR code — link to your digital menu
2. WiFi QR code — instant guest WiFi access
3. Review QR code — direct link to Google Reviews
4. Social QR code — link to your Instagram or Linktree

All free, no expiry, no watermarks. Generate them, print them, put them on tables. Done.