Introduction
If you run a restaurant, café, bar, or takeaway, your menu is more than a list of dishes—it’s your first sales tool.
But many business owners feel confused when printers ask:
“Do you want a bi-fold or tri-fold menu?”
The wrong choice can make your design look cramped, hard to read, or unprofessional—costing you sales.
A bi-fold menu is one of the most popular formats in the UK because it’s clean, simple, and easy for customers to navigate.
Let’s break down exactly what it is, why restaurants prefer it, and how to choose the right size and paper.
What Is a Bi-Fold Menu?
A bi-fold menu is a menu that is folded once in the middle, creating two panels on the inside and four sides in total.
Think of it like a small booklet:
- Front cover
- Back cover
- Two inside pages
It’s ideal for restaurants that want a simple, stylish layout without overwhelming customers.
Common bi-fold menu sizes:
| Size (Flat) | Size (Folded) | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| A4 → A5 | 210 × 148 mm | Standard restaurant menu |
| A3 → A4 | 297 × 210 mm | Cocktail menus, full dine-in menus |
| A5 → A6 | 148 × 105 mm | Small café menus, dessert menus |
Key Questions People Ask About Bi-Fold Menus
1. What does a bi-fold menu mean?
It means the menu is folded once in half—simple, clean, and easy to design.
2. How many panels does a bi-fold menu have?
It has four panels (front, back, plus two inside pages).
3. Is a bi-fold better than a tri-fold?
Bi-fold = cleaner, more premium, easy to read
Tri-fold = more space, good for takeaways
If you hate clutter, choose bi-fold.
4. What is the best paper for bi-fold menus?
For restaurants, 350gsm silk or laminated menus last longer.
For takeaways, 150gsm–170gsm silk works well.
5. What size is a bi-fold menu?
The most common UK size is A4 folded to A5.
Benefits of Bi-Fold Menus
Feature: Single fold design
Advantage: Cleaner and more structured layout
Benefit: Customers read faster and order more confidently.
Feature: Four clear sections
Advantage: Organised categories (starters, mains, drinks, desserts)
Benefit: Reduces overwhelm and improves upsells.
Feature: Premium look
Advantage: Feels like a booklet
Benefit: Enhances your brand and customer perception.
Why restaurants prefer them
- Easy to handle
- Look modern and minimal
- Perfect for dine-in menus
- Work well for laminated menus
If you need printing, you can check menu and leaflet printing options directly on Social Media Max:
👉 We print folded leaflets, menus, and takeaway menus here:
https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/flyers-leaflets-printing/
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Bi-Fold Menus
❌ Too much text
Bi-fold menus look best with clean spacing.
❌ Using low GSM paper
Menus wrinkle quickly if paper is thin.
Go for 250–350gsm for dine-in menus.
❌ Poor design hierarchy
Use headings, spacing, and pricing alignment.
❌ No laminate on restaurant menus
Laminate adds durability—especially with food spills.
How to Choose the Right Bi-Fold Menu for Your Business
✔ Choose your size
- A4 → A5 (standard)
- A3 → A4 (premium restaurants)
- A5 → A6 (desserts/drinks)
✔ Choose your paper
- 350gsm silk + lamination for dine-in
- 170gsm silk for takeaways
- Matt lamination for luxury menus
- Gloss if you want shine and vibrant colours
✔ Choose a good printer
In the UK, fast local printing helps with reorders:
You can place menu orders here:
https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/flyers-leaflets-printing/
Conclusion
A bi-fold menu is the perfect blend of simplicity and style.
It keeps your dishes organised, enhances customer experience, and makes your restaurant look more professional.
If you want sharp colours, thick paper, and clean folded menus for your business, you can order directly with Social Media Max.
👉 Get fast, high-quality bi-fold menu printing today
☎️ +44 161 399 3517
📍 121a Gibbet St, Halifax HX1 5BP, UK
📩 projects@socialmediamax.co.uk