Introduction
Running a takeaway or restaurant means every order matters and yet many food businesses underestimate one of the most powerful tools for increasing sales: the takeaway menu.
Customers decide within seconds what to order. If your menu is confusing, poorly designed, or missing essential information, you’re losing orders without even knowing it.
But the good news?
A well-designed takeaway menu doesn’t just list food it increases average order value, boosts repeat customers, and strengthens your brand.
Let’s break down what a takeaway menu actually is, what it includes, and how to create a menu that makes customers hungry to order.
What Is a Takeaway Menu?
A takeaway menu is a printed or digital menu that customers use when ordering food for collection or delivery. Unlike a dine-in menu, it’s designed for quick decisions, clear communication, and convenience.
A takeaway menu typically includes:
- Food categories (starters, mains, sides, desserts)
- Prices
- Meal deals or combo offers
- Images or icons
- Contact number
- Opening hours
- Delivery/collection info
- Website or QR code for online ordering
In the UK, takeaway menus are usually printed as:
Door-drop menus for local marketing
A4 tri-fold menus
A5 leaflets
DL menus
Key Questions People Ask
1. What does a takeaway menu include?
It includes your full list of dishes, prices, deals, and key ordering details. Many businesses add allergens, special offers, and best-sellers to highlight popular choices.
2. Why do restaurants need takeaway menus?
Printed menus help customers remember your business, order again, and share with friends. They’re one of the most cost-effective marketing tools for restaurants, takeaways, and fast-food shops.
3. How do you design a good takeaway menu?
Use clear categories, readable fonts, brand colours, and high-quality images. Make deals stand out and avoid overcrowding the page.
4. What is the difference between a dine-in menu and a takeaway menu?
A takeaway menu is shorter, more compact, and focuses on fast-moving dishes. A dine-in menu is usually larger and includes more detailed descriptions.
5. What size is best for takeaway menus?
UK businesses commonly use A5 flyers, A4 tri-folds, or DL menus easy to hold, post, and hand out.
Benefits of Takeaway Menus
Feature → Advantage → Benefit
| Feature | Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Printed on high-quality paper | More durable & professional | Builds trust and encourages orders |
| Clear category layout | Easier to read | Faster ordering and fewer mistakes |
| Meal deals highlighted | Stands out visually | Increases average order value |
| QR code to order online | Instant access | Speeds up the customer journey |
| Brand colours & design | Strong brand recognition | More memorable and shareable |
Why takeaway menus matter
- Keep your brand in customers’ homes
- Increase repeat orders
- Perfect for leaflet drops and local promotion
- Affordable and high-impact for marketing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcrowding the menu
Customers get confused if there’s too much information.
❌ Hard-to-read fonts
Fancy fonts may look nice but reduce readability.
❌ Poor-quality photos
Low-resolution images make your food look unappealing.
❌ No highlighted best-sellers
People naturally choose faster when guided toward popular options.
Expert Tip:
Place high-profit dishes at the top right or centre this is where the eye lands first.
How to Choose the Best Takeaway Menu for Your Business
Consider:
- Menu size (A5, DL, A4 tri-fold)
- Your target audience (students, families, office workers)
- Printing quantity (start with 1,000–5,000 for local marketing)
- Paper quality (130gsm or 170gsm for a premium feel)
- Branding consistency (same colours and tone everywhere)
If you offer delivery or collection, always include:
- Phone number
- Website
- Opening times
- Delivery areas
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
A takeaway menu is more than just a piece of paper it’s a powerful marketing tool that helps customers choose you quickly, order confidently, and come back again and again.
A well-designed menu can transform your takeaway from “just another option” to the local favourite.
If you want professionally printed takeaway menus that look premium and attract more orders, just let me know I can help you craft the perfect design or copy.
Ready to create a menu that sells?
Tell me your business type and I’ll design your full menu content.