How to Create a QR Code for Your Restaurant Menu

QR code menus have become a staple of the modern dining experience. What started as a contactless solution during the pandemic has evolved into a permanent upgrade for restaurants of all sizes. A QR code on each table lets guests scan with their phone and instantly view your full menu — no app download required.

Why restaurants are switching to QR code menus

There are several compelling reasons to adopt QR code menus:

Instant updates. Changed a price or added a seasonal special? Update the digital menu and every QR code in your restaurant reflects the change immediately. No reprinting, no wasted paper.

Cost savings. Printing menus is expensive, especially when you update them frequently. A dynamic QR code is a one-time setup with unlimited free updates.

Better hygiene. Shared physical menus can harbor germs. A personal phone screen is a cleaner alternative.

Analytics. Track which menu items get the most views, what time of day people scan, and which tables are the busiest — data you never had with paper menus.

Multilingual support. Link to menus in multiple languages to serve international guests without printing separate copies.

Step-by-step: Creating your restaurant QR code

Here is the process to get your menu QR code up and running:

1. Prepare your digital menu. Upload your menu as a PDF, create a web page, or use a menu hosting platform. The key is having a stable URL where your menu lives.

2. Create a dynamic QR code. Sign up for Qrafted and select "URL" as your QR type. Paste your menu URL. Choose a dynamic QR code so you can update the destination later without reprinting.

3. Customize the design. Match the QR code to your restaurant's branding. Add your logo in the center, pick colors that match your decor, and choose a frame with a call-to-action like "Scan for Menu."

4. Test before printing. Scan the QR code with multiple devices — iPhone, Android, different browsers. Make sure the menu loads quickly and is easy to read on mobile.

5. Print and place. Print table tents, stickers, or cards with your QR code. Place them where guests can easily reach them: on each table, at the entrance, or on the counter.

Design tips for restaurant QR codes

A well-designed QR code is more likely to get scanned:

• Add a clear call-to-action. "Scan to view menu" works better than a naked QR code with no context.
• Size matters. Print the QR code at least 2x2 inches (5x5 cm) for table tents. Larger for wall posters or window displays.
• Keep good contrast. Dark pattern on a light background scans the best. Avoid light-on-light or dark-on-dark.
• Include your logo. A branded QR code looks professional and builds trust. Most modern QR scanners handle logos in the center without any issues.
• Laminate your prints. Restaurant environments involve spills and grease. Laminated QR codes last much longer.

Static vs. dynamic: Which to choose?

For restaurant menus, always choose dynamic QR codes. Here is why:

A static QR code has the URL baked into the pattern itself. If your menu URL changes, you need to reprint every QR code. A dynamic QR code redirects through a short URL that you control, so you can update the destination anytime.

With Qrafted's Pro plan, dynamic QR codes also give you scan analytics — you can see how many guests scanned the code, when peak scanning times are, and track engagement over time.

Getting started

Setting up a QR code menu takes about 10 minutes with Qrafted. Start with a free account to test the basics, then upgrade to Pro for dynamic QR codes and analytics. Your guests and your printing budget will thank you.