Restaurant Menu QR Code: Best Practices for Fast Scanning & More Orders

Option A: Web menu page (best for mobile + SEO) ✅ Pros: • Fast loading (if optimized) • Easy to read on phones • Can rank on Google • Easy to update items/prices ⚠️ Cons: • Needs a properly built page Option B: PDF menu (easy to start) ✅ Pros: • Simple to upload and share • Looks like a designed menu ⚠️ Cons: • Can be heavy/slow on mobile • Text can be hard to zoom/read • Doesn’t help SEO much Recommendation: Start with PDF if needed, but move to a mobile web menu as soon as possible.

1. Upload your menu (PDF) or open your menu page URL 2. Copy the link 3. Paste it into SmartQR QR generator 4. Generate the QR code 5. Download as SVG (best for print) or PNG (high resolution) 6. Test on iPhone + Android CTA: <a href="/qr/create">Create your restaurant menu QR code now</a>.

Bad sizing is the #1 reason menu QRs fail. Recommended sizes • Table tent / tabletop: 3–4 cm minimum • Posters / wall menu: 8–12 cm depending on distance • Receipts: 2–3 cm minimum (bigger is safer) Tip: Use the 10:1 rule (QR width ≈ scan distance ÷ 10). (Internal link: <a href="/articles/qr-code-size-guide">Size Guide</a>)

Best placements: • Table tent on every table • On the counter (takeaway) • On receipts (repeat orders) • On delivery packaging (reorder link) • At entrance signage Avoid: • Very shiny surfaces (glare) • Curved surfaces that distort the QR • Placing QR too close to edges

• Use dark QR on light background • Keep a clear quiet zone (empty margin) • Avoid busy backgrounds or patterns • Avoid gradients and low-contrast palettes (Internal links: <a href="/articles/best-qr-code-colors">Colors</a>, <a href="/articles/qr-code-not-scanning-fix">Not Scanning</a>)

If you use a webpage menu, include: • Clear categories (starters, mains, desserts) • Prices visible without zoom • “Call waiter” / WhatsApp link (optional) • Allergens & spice indicators • Language switch (Arabic/English) If you use PDF: • Compress file size • Use readable font sizes • Add a simple “Back to top” or clear sections

Instead of linking only to the menu: Link to a landing page with: • Menu button • WhatsApp order button • Google Reviews QR/link • Location on Google Maps • Opening hours This increases conversions and keeps everything in one place.

Should I use a PDF or a web menu? A web menu is best for mobile and SEO. PDF is fine to start but can be slower and harder to read. What is the best size for a restaurant menu QR code? For tables, 3–4 cm minimum. For posters, 8–12 cm or more depending on distance. Why isn’t my menu QR scanning? Most common causes are small size, low contrast, missing quiet zone, glare, or blurry printing. Can I change the menu without reprinting the QR? Yes if your QR links to a menu page or a PDF link you update, or if you use a short/redirect link you control.