A well-designed restaurant website is vital for attracting customers and making a strong first impression. The article showcases examples that can inspire restaurant owners to create appealing sites that convert visitors into loyal customers. |
With diners increasingly turning to the internet to find their next dining experience, your restaurant’s website is crucial for making a memorable first impression. A thoughtfully designed site captures attention and influences whether a visitor becomes a loyal customer.
Whether you run a chic rooftop lounge, a cosy neighbourhood bistro, or an edgy food truck, the way your website functions and feels can be the deciding factor for hungry browsers.
In this post, we’ll highlight top restaurant websites and showcase design elements that turn visitors into loyal customers. We’ll also explore how visuals, navigation, and CTAs can create lasting connections with diners.
Why Website Design Matters
When potential customers search online for new places to eat, they often make quick decisions based on what they see.
A well-designed website can highlight your menu, convey your restaurant’s atmosphere, and seamlessly guide visitors toward booking a table or ordering online. On the other hand, a site that is cluttered, outdated, or slow to load might drive guests elsewhere.
Here are the key reasons why your website’s design is essential:
- First Impressions: A sleek, user-friendly layout sends a message about your restaurant’s professionalism
- Trust Building: Clear navigation and high-quality photos build customer confidence
- Increased Conversions: Easy-to-find reservation buttons or ordering links encourage visitors to take action
- Mobile Responsiveness: A design optimised for mobile devices ensures a seamless experience for customers on the go
- Brand Identity: Your website is an extension of your restaurant’s personality, showcasing your unique style and atmosphere
- Improved SEO: A well-structured website with fast loading speeds and relevant content boosts search engine rankings, making it easier for customers to find you
- User Engagement: Interactive features, like menus, events calendars, and social media links, keep visitors engaged and encourage them to return
If you’re aiming to stand out both locally and beyond, exploring top restaurant websites for design inspiration can offer valuable insights into what works—and how to apply those strategies to your own site.
Also Read – 15 Website Design Ideas to Inspire Your Creative Brief |
Best Restaurant Websites For Design Inspiration
Below are some of the best restaurant websites that successfully use design to attract and engage diners:
1. The Tailor’s Son
San Francisco, CA | thetailorssonsf.com
The Tailor’s Son, based in San Francisco, shows how to pull off a clean and modern design without sacrificing warmth. The homepage features subdued colours, soft background textures, and mouth-watering images of Italian dishes. Thanks to clear navigation tabs, visitors can jump straight to menus, reservations, or events.
Standout Features
- Muted Colour Scheme: It sets a calm tone and balances out the vibrant food photography
- Mobile-Friendly Layout: Everything—from the menu to the contact form—looks great on smaller screens
- Visual Consistency: Repeat textures and fonts for a cohesive look
When you are aiming to replicate something similar, remember that consistency is key. If your menu includes colourful cocktails and rustic pizzas, ensure your site’s colour palette resonates with those vibes.
2. Roman’s
New York, NY | romansnyc.com
Another gem on our list of the best restaurant websites for design inspiration is Roman’s in Brooklyn. Its striking, minimalist home page merges stylish typography with a graph paper background, reflecting both simplicity and elegance. A user landing on their site can quickly check the day’s specials and operating hours or make a reservation.
Standout Features
- Graph Paper Backdrop: The subtle grid is unique and underscores the restaurant’s artisanal vibe
- Daily Menu Highlights: Showcasing fresh or seasonal offerings keeps loyal patrons engaged
- Fast-Loading Images: While the site is image-rich, it’s optimised for speed, so visitors never feel stuck waiting
For your restaurant, emphasise what makes your menu special or seasonal. If your chef changes dishes daily, highlight that on the homepage—just as Roman’s does.
3. Big Gay Ice Cream
NYC & Philadelphia | biggayicecream.com
A pop of colour can go a long way, as Big Gay Ice Cream proves. Their website is a swirl of fun, featuring bold illustrations and plenty of bright photographs. Visitors are immediately greeted with an energetic design that mirrors the brand’s playful nature, making the site a destination in itself.
Standout Features
- Bold Colour Palette: Reflective of the brand’s lively mission and dessert-forward goodies
- Store Locator Tool: Helps customers find the nearest location in seconds.
- Light-Hearted Tone: From text descriptions to the alt text on images, every detail exudes fun
If your restaurant’s theme is more relaxed or child-friendly, don’t shy away from bold, bright visuals. Just make sure they load quickly and don’t overpower essential text or CTAs.
Pro Tip: When exploring restaurant websites for design inspiration, look for websites that tell a story with stunning visuals, smooth navigation, and irresistible CTAs that make you want to book a table instantly! |
4. Colletta
Alpharetta, GA | collettarestaurant.com
Colletta, located just outside Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its Italian fare with a twist. Its website welcomes visitors with crisp photography of beautifully plated dishes. The design stays streamlined with simple menus, space for event listings, and CTA buttons like “Make a Reservation” placed in prime spots.
Standout Features
- Call-to-Action Clarity: Reservation and private dining buttons are always visible
- Events Calendar: Showcases happy hours, holiday specials, and tasting events
- Scannable Layout: No bulky paragraphs or endless scrolls
For a balanced website, combine professional food photos with bullet-pointed text. Visitors appreciate brevity, so keep your essential info, from menus to contact details, front and centre.
5. High Street Market & Deli
San Luis Obispo, CA | highstdeli.com
High Street Market & Deli in San Luis Obispo exemplifies old-school charm merged with modern e-commerce. Their website’s whimsical branding draws the eye to the menu, catering services, and online store, where people can buy homemade sauces or branded merch.
Standout Features
- Online Merchandise Store: Great for generating extra revenue
- Illustrative Branding Elements: Fun doodles scattered across the pages add personality
- Streamlined Catering Request Form: Perfect for organising large orders or events
If you sell more than just food—for example, jarred sauces or branded T-shirts—an online store can really boost your restaurant’s profits. Just ensure the store link is clearly visible on your homepage.
6. Anton’s
New York, NY | antonsnyc.com
Anton’s in New York City shines with a neat sidebar navigation. This approach keeps the main content in the spotlight—like gorgeous photos of their comforting, European-influenced dishes—while letting visitors glide effortlessly between pages.
Standout Features
- Side Navigation: Frees up space for more immersive imagery in the main window
- Highlighted Reserve Buttons: Quick booking links reduce friction for eager diners
- Newsletter Opt-In: Encourages user engagement and drives repeat visits
Consider a layout on your restaurant’s site that places the menu or reservation system in constant view. This small tweak can yield bigger click-through rates because customers always see the CTA.
7. Disco Cheetah
Vancouver, BC (Canada) | discocheetah.com
Originating as a street food truck in Vancouver, Disco Cheetah’s website radiates the same energy as their bright, bold Korean grill.
The lively photography shows loaded bowls and sizzling meat, making it easy for visitors to be tempted by an online order. They also include a booking form for their food truck, enabling event organisers to quickly schedule a visit.
Standout Features
- Dynamic Photography: Emphasises the vibrant colours and textures of Korean cuisine
- Truck Booking Form: Ideal for corporate events or private parties
- Clear Location Details: Visitors can instantly see where they can find the truck or the main restaurant
In case your restaurant operates multiple sites or pop-up events, having a dedicated area on your homepage for up-to-date location info helps customers know exactly where to find you.
8. China Poblano
Las Vegas, NV | chinapoblano.com
China Poblano in Las Vegas is a playful fusion concept of Chinese and Mexican cuisine by Chef José Andrés. Their website highlights the dual heritage of the restaurant with bright, contrasting graphics, each representing a distinct cultural flair. A “Happenings” section lets visitors check out upcoming events and promotions.
Standout Features
- Cultural Mash-Up Design: Boldly showcases the fusion theme
- Event Highlights: Encourages repeat visits for special occasions or new tasting menus
- Showcasing Philanthropic Efforts: Adds a sense of community engagement and brand integrity
If your restaurant has a unique cultural concept or regularly hosts themed nights, emphasise that on your homepage. It is a surefire way to generate excitement among your guests.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide When Working With Web Designers |
Final Words
By analysing these top restaurant websites, you can draw inspiration for your own site, incorporating design elements that attract diners and provide a smooth, enjoyable user experience.
Whether you opt for minimalist elegance, bold creativity, or a straightforward, mobile-friendly design, remember that your website is an extension of your restaurant’s personality. The right design can transform casual visitors into loyal customers—so take the time to make your site reflect the best of what you have to offer. Crazy Domains is here to help you out, every step of the way.