Restaurant Website and Graphic Design

Restaurant branding and website design help communicate what diners can expect before they arrive, connecting the online impression with the experience in the restaurant. As a general expectation from both parties, a respectable restaurant needs to provide ‘the experience’. There are a number of factors that contribute to this ‘experience’, such as food quality, guest relations, customer service, table etiquette, restaurant décor and ambience. These are all elements with high expectations for the restaurateur to achieve and what the customer is looking for. Many restaurant businesses are aware of such expectations and have or are achieving such goals. However, in an era where technology can favour the growth of a business, a restaurant’s website design deserves the same attention as its printed menus, signage and other customer communications.

The first impression online

The online experience can play an important part in a customer’s decision to visit. From a consumer’s point of view, in deciding a meal out with family or friends, many would search online for a restaurant for the event. The website may therefore provide the first impression a customer will have of that restaurant. And of course, first impressions count. Thus, it is extremely important to have the right website design for a restaurant business.

Combining identity with usability

A restaurant website should present a clear visual identity. Consistent graphic design and branding, including colour, typography and imagery, can connect the site with the venue. Once the viewer’s attention has been attained, website usability then becomes the key factor, which is a fundamental component in building any website. However, for the purposes of a restaurant business, other guidelines should be considered to create a successful website design that reflects the essence of the restaurant.

Such guidelines are important to follow because they help create a professional website design, which should in turn help deliver ‘the experience’ that the restaurant is capable of providing. For instance, Wagamama’s website combines its visual identity with practical routes to menus, restaurant locations and online ordering. These features illustrate how an established restaurant presents information alongside its brand.

For detailed planning advice, read our restaurant website design checklist, covering the information and features diners need.

Contact Dreamkatcha today to discuss a start-up business, web design or logo design project.