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Why is design important in a restaurant menu?
The menu design is the first impression customers have of the gastronomic offer of a restaurant. A well-designed menu can attract customers' attention and make them feel drawn to the dishes on offer. In addition, an attractive menu can increase the perceived value of the dishes and make customers more willing to spend more on their meal.
Types of restaurant and bar menus
There are various menu formats that adapt to the needs and styles of each establishment:
Classic paginated menu
This traditional format presents dishes spread across several pages, generally organised into categories such as starters, main courses and desserts. It is ideal for restaurants with a wide variety of options.
Disposable menu
Mainly used in contexts where hygiene is essential, such as during pandemics, these single-use menus ensure customer safety. They are common in fast-food establishments or temporary events.
Downloadable QR menu
With digitalisation, many restaurants offer menus accessible via QR codes. Customers scan the code with their mobile devices and access the digital menu, reducing physical contact and allowing frequent updates without printing costs.
Single-page menu
Ideal for establishments with a limited but select offer. This format simplifies the customer’s decision-making process and stands out for its simplicity and clarity.
Menu with images
Including high-quality photographs of dishes can help customers visualise the options and increase their appetite. It is especially useful in ethnic restaurants or those offering less familiar dishes.
Other menus
Wine list
A detailed selection of wines, organised by type, origin or vintage, which complements the gastronomic offer and enriches the customer experience.
Dessert menu
Highlights the available sweet options, often with tempting descriptions and sometimes images to attract dessert lovers.
Gluten-free menus and lists
Offers clearly identified gluten-free options, ensuring that customers with food intolerances can choose with confidence.
Vegan menus
Presents dishes free from animal products, catering to the growing demand for vegan options and demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to diverse dietary preferences.
Characteristics of a well-structured menu
An effective menu should meet the following characteristics:
Clear and direct
Dish descriptions should be concise and easy to understand, avoiding culinary jargon that could confuse customers.
Organised
A logical structure, grouping dishes into coherent categories, makes navigation and decision-making easier for customers.
Corporate design
The menu should reflect the brand identity, using colours, typography and graphic elements consistent with the restaurant’s image. This helps strengthen brand recognition in the customer’s memory.
Allergies and cross-contamination
It is essential to clearly indicate allergens present in each dish and take measures to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring the safety of customers with food allergies.
Languages
In tourist areas or places with international clientele, offering the menu in several languages improves accessibility and the customer experience.
Notes on additional charges and special fees: terrace, cover charge...
Transparent information about extra charges, such as terrace service supplements or cover costs, avoids misunderstandings and enhances the establishment’s perception of honesty.
Tools with templates for menus
There are various online tools that facilitate the creation of attractive and professional menus:
Canva
Canva offers a wide variety of customisable restaurant menu templates. Its intuitive interface allows you to adjust designs according to the specific needs of the establishment.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express provides easily customisable menu templates, enabling users to create professional designs without requiring graphic design experience.
Menu Maker
Menu Maker is a graphic design tool that helps create menus in a matter of minutes, offering a selection of pre-designed templates that can be customised according to the restaurant’s needs.
Microsoft Create
Microsoft Create offers professionally designed menu templates that can be customised in Word, making it easy to create attractive menus consistent with the restaurant’s image.
Dmenu
Dmenu is a tool that allows the creation of interactive digital menus, facilitating updates of dishes and prices, and offering a modern experience to customers.
Design tips for creating an attractive menu
To design a menu that catches attention and enhances the customer experience, consider the following tips:
Colour palette aligned with the company’s branding
Use colours that reflect the restaurant’s identity and are consistent with its décor and style. This reinforces the brand image and creates a cohesive experience for the customer.
High-quality, real images
Including real, high-quality photographs of dishes can increase customers’ appetite and help them make decisions. Make sure the images accurately reflect the real presentation of the dishes to meet expectations.
Use simple, easy-to-read fonts
Choose clear and legible typography, avoiding overly decorative fonts that may hinder readability, especially in low-light environments.
Leave spacing between sections to improve readability
Using white space and ensuring clear separation between sections makes the menu easier to read and less overwhelming, enhancing the customer’s experience when browsing the available options.
A well-designed menu is a powerful tool for any restaurant. It not only enhances the customer experience but also reinforces the brand identity and can boost sales. By using the tools and tips mentioned above, restaurateurs can create menus that delight their customers and maximise their business success.
