Introduction
If you’re designing a menu whether for a restaurant, café, bar, or takeaway—the paper quality is one of the first things customers notice.
The wrong GSM makes menus look cheap, bend easily, or wear out within days. And replacing menus every week costs far more than choosing the right material from the start.
The good news? Choosing the best paper for menu cards is actually simple once you understand GSM, durability, lamination, and finish.
Let’s break it down in a clear, human way.
What Does “Best Paper for Menu Cards” Mean?
When people ask about the best paper, they usually care about three things:
- Quality — looks professional
- Durability — lasts longer
- Feel — premium, smooth, and clean
In the UK printing industry, menu cards are usually printed on 170gsm to 350gsm paper depending on whether they’re takeaway menus, dine-in menus, or bar menus.
If you need takeaway menus, you can also explore different paper types used at Social Media Max especially in their takeaway menu printing service where multiple thickness options are available.
Key Questions People Ask (PAA)
1. What GSM is best for menu cards?
- 170gsm–250gsm → Best for folded takeaway menus
- 300gsm–350gsm → Best for flat dine-in menus
- 400gsm+ laminated → Best for long-lasting restaurant menus
2. Should menu cards be laminated?
If your menus will be handled all day (like in cafés or restaurants), lamination is a must.
It protects against:
- Spills
- Greasy hands
- Tearing
- Fading
3. Is matte or gloss better for menus?
- Matte → Elegant, modern, easier to read
- Gloss → Vibrant colours, shiny finish
- Soft-touch matte → Luxurious and premium
4. Can menus be waterproof?
Yes, using lamination or synthetic waterproof paper.
Benefits of the Best Paper for Menus (FAB Method)
Feature: Thick paper (300gsm–350gsm)
Advantage: Feels premium and sturdy
Benefit: Makes your restaurant look more professional instantly
Feature: Lamination (matt or gloss)
Advantage: Resists spills, scratches, and fingerprints
Benefit: Menus last months instead of days
Feature: 170gsm–250gsm for large takeaway menus
Advantage: Easy to fold, cost-effective
Benefit: Perfect for bulk flyer-style menus and letterbox drops
Menu Paper Comparison Table
| Menu Type | Recommended GSM | Finish | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takeaway menus | 130gsm–170gsm | Gloss/Matte | Affordable for bulk |
| Folded menus | 170gsm–250gsm | Gloss | Smooth fold + strong |
| Dine-in flat menus | 300gsm–350gsm | Matte/Soft-touch | Premium feel |
| Long-lasting menus | 350gsm + Lamination | Gloss/Matte | Waterproof |
Mistakes to Avoid (Expert Tips)
❌ Using thin paper (below 130gsm)
Looks like a flyer, not a menu.
❌ Not laminating dine-in menus
They will get ruined by spills and daily handling.
❌ Choosing gloss when your menu has a lot of text
Gloss can reflect light and make reading harder.
❌ Printing too small**
Customers should NEVER struggle to read a menu.
How to Choose the Best Paper for Menu Cards
Use this simple rule:
- Takeaway menu?
Go for 170gsm affordable and folds beautifully.
(You can explore options here: takeaway menu printing) - Restaurant dine-in menu?
Choose 300gsm or 350gsm. - High-end menu?
Use soft-touch lamination for a luxury feel. - Kids or drinks menu?
Laminated 350gsm works best — wipeable and long-lasting.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
The best paper for menu cards depends on how you plan to use them, but in most cases:
- 170gsm–250gsm = takeaway menus
- 300gsm–350gsm = dine-in menus
- 350gsm laminated = long-lasting menus
If you want your menus to look polished, last longer, and match your branding, choosing the right GSM makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to print, you can check reliable menu paper options via professional takeaway menu printing services offered by Social Media Max.