Online ordering will be mandatory for restaurants in 2026. Customers expect to use smart phones or laptops to browse menus, place orders, and make fast payments.

But one big question restaurant owners still ask is:

👉 What software do restaurants actually use for online ordering?

The answer is complicated since, depending on their size and goals, restaurants increasingly utilize a combination of POS systems, dedicated ordering platforms, and all-in-one restaurant management software.

👉 If you’re just getting started, read this first:
➡️ Online Ordering System for Restaurants: Complete Setup Guide (2026)

What Is Online Ordering Software for Restaurants?

Online ordering software is a digital system that allows customers to place food orders directly from a restaurant’s website or app.

It typically includes:

• Digital menu display
• Cart and checkout system
• Payment processing
• Order tracking
• Kitchen notifications

Modern systems also integrate with POS systems, delivery tools, and marketing platforms.

👉 Related:
➡️ Restaurant Ordering System Comparison: Features, Pricing & ROI

Types of Software Restaurants Use in 2026

Restaurants don’t rely on just one type of software anymore. They usually choose from these categories:

1. POS-Based Online Ordering Systems

Many restaurants use POS systems that include built-in ordering features.

Popular examples:

• Toast POS
• Square for Restaurants
• Clover POS
• Lightspeed Restaurant

These systems allow restaurants to manage:
✔ In-store orders
✔ Online orders
✔ Inventory
✔ Payments

Pros:

✔ All-in-one system
✔ Strong POS integration
✔ Reliable for dine-in + online

Cons:

Monthly fees
Hardware dependency
Limited branding control

👉 Compare options:
➡️ Best POS Systems with Online Ordering Integration for Restaurants

2. Third-Party Delivery Platforms

Many restaurants still rely on delivery marketplaces.

Examples:

• DoorDash
• Uber Eats

These platforms bring customers but come with major trade-offs.

Pros:

✔ High customer reach
✔ No setup required
✔ Fast onboarding

Cons:

15%–30% commission fees
No customer ownership
Weak brand identity

👉 Full breakdown:
➡️ How Much Money Are You Losing to Delivery Apps? (Real Breakdown)

3. Dedicated Online Ordering Platforms

These platforms focus only on online ordering (not full POS systems).

Examples:

• ChowNow
• GloriaFood
• UpMenu
• BentoBox

These tools help restaurants build their own ordering website without coding.

👉 Example insight: Some platforms allow restaurants to launch branded ordering websites quickly with built-in menu management tools.

Pros:

✔ Faster setup
✔ Branded ordering pages
✔ Easier than POS systems

Cons:

Limited advanced features
Extra marketing tools often missing
Subscription-based pricing

4. All-in-One Restaurant Management Software

This is the fastest-growing category in 2026.

These systems combine:

• Online ordering
• POS
• Marketing
• Delivery integration
• Analytics

👉 Example: modern systems combine ordering, loyalty, and analytics in one platform for restaurants.

Why Restaurants Are Moving Away From Traditional Tools

Restaurants are shifting because older systems have major problems:

High Costs

POS systems + delivery apps = multiple fees stacked together

No Unified System

Restaurants end up using 3–5 different tools

Low Profit Margins

Third-party apps take a large share of revenue

👉 Related:
➡️ Why Restaurants Are Switching to Commission-Free Ordering Systems

The Rise of Commission-Free Ordering Software

In 2026, one of the biggest trends is commission-free ordering systems.

These platforms allow restaurants to:
✔ Accept direct orders
✔ Avoid per-order commissions
✔ Own customer data
✔ Build branded websites

Modern Example of Restaurant Software Stack (2026)

A typical restaurant today uses:

✔ POS System

Handles payments and in-store orders

✔ Online Ordering System

Direct website orders

✔ Marketing Tools

SMS, email, promotions

✔ Delivery Integration

Optional third-party delivery support

What Makes the Best Online Ordering Software?

When choosing software, restaurants should look for:

✔ Commission-free or low fees
✔ Easy menu management
✔ Mobile-friendly ordering
✔ POS integration
✔ Built-in marketing tools
✔ Customer data ownership

👉 Full guide:
➡️ How to Choose a Restaurant Ordering System Without Paying High Commissions

Why Custom and Flexible Systems Are Growing

Flexible systems are becoming more and more popular among restaurants in place of rigid platforms.

The reason is simple:

👉 They want control over their brand, customers, and profits

Technology companies like ABSE Tech, which build custom digital solutions for restaurant businesses, are also driving this shift.

Custom systems allow restaurants to:
✔ Build unique ordering experiences
✔ Scale without limitations
✔ Integrate multiple tools into one system

Real-World Example

Let’s compare two restaurants:

Restaurant A (Third-Party Apps):

• Pays 25% commission
• No customer data
• Depends on external platforms

Restaurant B (Direct Ordering Software):

• Pays minimal fees
• Owns customer list
• Runs promotions directly

👉 Over time, Restaurant B grows faster and keeps more profit.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, what software are restaurants using for online ordering?

👉 The answer is:
They use a combination of delivery platforms, POS systems, and increasingly, all-in-one commission-free ordering systems.

But the clear trend is shifting toward:
✔ Direct ordering
✔ Full ownership
✔ Lower fees
✔ Integrated systems

Take Control of Your Restaurant Ordering

Stop depending on high-commission platforms.

With myRestro, you get:
✔ Direct online ordering system
✔ Branded restaurant website
✔ Built-in marketing tools
✔ No monthly fees
✔ 90-day free trial

Start Your Free Trial TodayContact: +1 (562) 366-0646
Email: info@myrestro.io
Website: https://myrestro.io