10 Best Restaurant Billing Software in 2024

Introduction

The necessity for restaurant billing software has become increasingly apparent as the industry acknowledges advanced software solutions’ crucial role in managing day-to-day operations.

For instance, with labor costs rising and the price of ingredients increasing by about 5% in 2023, restaurants are under pressure to streamline operations to maintain profit margins. Effective billing software can help manage these costs by automating tasks, reducing errors, and providing detailed analytics to help make informed menu pricing and inventory management decisions.

With online food delivery sales projected to reach $86 billion in 2023, restaurants must be able to capture and retain a digital-savvy customer base. Restaurant billing software, with its seamless integration with various online platforms, ensures a smooth service experience from order taking to payment processing, thereby meeting this pressing need and contributing to the restaurant’s success.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of restaurant billing software and explore how it can transform your business.

Quick Read: What is it Billing and their Types, Process, How it Works & Format

List of 10 best restaurant billing software

Here are the top 10 restaurant billing software:

1. Toast POS
2. TouchBistro
3. Square POS
4. Lightspeed Restaurant
5. Upserve
6. Clover POS
7. Oracle MICROS
8. NCR Silver
9. Revel Systems
10. ShopKeep

Best restaurant billing software – Detailed explanation 

1. Toast POS

Toast POS is a cloud-based point of sale and restaurant management platform designed to help restaurants streamline operations, increase revenue, and enhance the guest experience. The software offers a wide range of features, including online ordering, inventory management, employee scheduling, and loyalty programs.

1.1 Benefits

• Simplifies restaurant management tasks
• Improves order accuracy and speed
• Provides real-time analytics and reporting
• Enhances customer engagement and loyalty
• Offers integrated online ordering

1.2 Key features

• Online ordering
• Inventory management
• Employee scheduling
• Loyalty programs
• Menu management
• Reporting and analytics
• Contactless payments
• Gift card management

1.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Limited customization options
Excellent customer support	Limited integrations with third-party apps
Robust reporting and analytics	Can be expensive for smaller businesses
Versatile and scalable platform

1.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software:

• Wahlburgers
• Jamba Juice
• Blaze Pizza
• First Watch

1.5 Pricing

Toast POS offers customized pricing based on the needs of the business. However, their website indicates that their software starts at $69/month per terminal.

1.6 Reviews-

Toast POS has received positive reviews from users, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Capterra and 4.6 out of 5 on G2.

2. TouchBistro 

TouchBistro is a popular restaurant billing software that offers a range of features designed to streamline restaurant operations and enhance the dining experience for customers.

2.1 Benefits

• Improved efficiency and speed of service
• Enhanced accuracy in order-taking and billing
• Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Simplified inventory and staff management

2.2 Key features

• Tableside ordering and payment processing
• Menu customization and management
• Sales and inventory tracking
• Employee scheduling and management
• Customer relationship management tools

2.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Limited customization options for some features
Comprehensive feature set	Can be expensive for larger establishments
Excellent customer support	–
Integrates with a range of providers	–

2.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software:

• Pizza Locadeli, Toronto, Canada
• Lula Cafe, Chicago, USA
• The Commoner, Pittsburgh, USA

2.5 Pricing

TouchBistro’s pricing varies based on the number of licenses required and the specific features needed. The company offers custom quotes based on each restaurant’s unique needs.

2.6 Reviews –

TouchBistro has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on software review site Capterra, with users praising its user-friendly interface, extensive feature set, and excellent customer support.

3. Square POS

Square POS is a versatile point-of-sale system that provides businesses of all sizes with a range of tools and features to streamline their operations. It offers robust inventory management, sales reporting, and employee management features, and is known for its ease of use and affordability.

3.1 Benefits

• Easy to use and intuitive interface
• Offers a range of tools and features to streamline operations
• Affordable pricing plans
• Customizable and scalable to fit a variety of business types and sizes
• Integration with popular payment methods and other third-party apps

3.2 Key features

• Inventory management
• Sales reporting and analytics
• Employee management
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Customizable and scalable
• Integration with a range of payment providers and third-party apps

3.3 Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use and intuitive interface	Limited customization options for certain features
Affordable pricing plans	Customer support can be slow at times
Customizable and scalable to fit various businesses	Only available in certain countries and regions
Integration with popular payment methods and apps	May not offer all features needed for larger businesses

3.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used Square POS:

• Blue Bottle Coffee
• Even Stevens Sandwiches
• Dirty Lemon Beverages
• The Halal Guys
• The Meatball Shop

3.5 Pricing

Square POS offers various pricing plans, including a free plan for businesses just starting out. The paid plans range from $60-$299 per month, depending on the features and functionality needed.

3.6 Reviews –

Square POS has generally positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on various review sites. Customers praise its ease of use, affordability, and range of features, while some criticize its limited customization options and slow customer support.

4. Lightspeed Restaurant

Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed for the restaurant industry. It offers features such as menu management, tableside ordering, and real-time reporting.

4.1 Benefits

• Efficient order taking and processing
• Accurate inventory management
• Easy menu customization and pricing changes
• Streamlined payment processing
• Real-time reporting and analytics

4.2 Key features

• Tableside ordering and payment
• Menu management and customization
• Table and order management
• Inventory management
• Employee management and scheduling
• Reporting and analytics
• Loyalty program integration
• Online ordering integration

4.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Limited integrations with third-party services
Comprehensive feature set	Some features may require additional fees
Excellent customer support	Can be expensive for larger establishments
Efficient tableside ordering and payment processing	–
Accurate inventory management and reporting	–

4.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software

• The Grey in Savannah, Georgia
• Barley Swine in Austin, Texas
• The Tuck Room in Los Angeles, California

4.5 Pricing

Lightspeed Restaurant offers three pricing plans: Basic ($69/month), Standard ($129/month), and Advanced ($229/month). Additional fees may apply for certain features and services.

4.6 Reviews –

Lightspeed Restaurant has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on various review sites. Customers praise its user-friendly interface, comprehensive feature set, and excellent customer support.

5. Upserve

Upserve is a cloud-based restaurant management platform that offers a range of tools and features to help streamline operations, improve guest experiences, and boost sales.

5.1 Benefits

• Streamlined ordering and payment processing
• Advanced analytics and reporting tools
• Customizable loyalty and rewards programs
• Integrated online ordering and delivery management
• Automated inventory management and menu updates

5.2 Key features

• Tableside ordering and payment processing
• Customizable menu and pricing options
• Real-time sales tracking and performance analytics
• Automated inventory tracking and alerts
• Integrated online ordering and delivery management
• Customizable loyalty and rewards programs

5.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Limited customization options for some features
Advanced analytics and reporting tools	Can be expensive for larger establishments
Integrated online ordering and delivery management	–

5.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software

• Field & Main Restaurant (Kentucky, US)
• Swine & Sons Provisions (Florida, US)
• Osteria Morini (New York, US)

5.5 Pricing

Upserve offers customized pricing based on the specific needs of each business. Interested customers can request a quote on the company’s website.

5.6 Reviews –

 Upserve has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Capterra based on over 1,000 reviews.

Quick Read: Billing Statement: What is it, Components, Formats & How to Create?

6. Clover POS

Clover POS is a cloud-based point of sale (POS) system designed to help businesses manage their operations, streamline workflows, and process payments.

6.1 Benefits

• Easy-to-use interface
• Customizable for different business types and sizes
• Robust reporting and analytics
• Accepts multiple payment types, including EMV chip cards and mobile payments
• Offers add-ons for inventory management, employee management, and loyalty programs

6.2 Key features

• Accepts multiple payment types
• Customizable interface
• Inventory management
• Employee management
• Loyalty programs
• Reporting and analytics
• Third-party integrations

6.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Customer support can be slow to respond
Customizable options	Can be expensive for some businesses
Robust reporting and analytics	Limited third-party integrations compared to some other POS systems
Accepts multiple payment types	–

6.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software:

• Beehive Kitchen in Florida
• The Sandwich Spot in California
• Sunshine Provisions in Texas

6.5 Pricing

Clover POS offers a variety of hardware and software options with different pricing plans. The software pricing starts at $69 per month.

Note: Prices may vary based on location and other factors. It is best to check with the vendor for the latest pricing information.

6.5 Reviews –

According to various online reviews, Clover POS has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

7. Oracle MICROS

Oracle MICROS is a cloud-based restaurant point-of-sale (POS) system that offers a comprehensive set of features to help manage all aspects of a restaurant business. It is designed to improve efficiency, increase profitability, and enhance customer experience.

7.1 Benefits

• Streamlined operations with automation and optimization of processes
• Increased efficiency and productivity with real-time access to data and insights
• Enhanced customer experience with personalized service and faster transactions
• Improved inventory management with real-time tracking and alerts
• Better decision-making with data-driven insights and analytics

7.2 Key features

• Tableside ordering and payment processing
• Online ordering and delivery management
• Menu and recipe management
• Inventory and stock management
• Employee scheduling and management
• Loyalty and gift card programs
• Reporting and analytics

7.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive feature set	Expensive pricing for small businesses
Robust reporting and analytics	Steep learning curve for some users
Efficient inventory management	Limited customization options for some features
Flexible payment options	May require additional hardware for full functionality

7.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software:

• P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
• Cheesecake Factory
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts

7.5 Pricing

Pricing for Oracle MICROS is not publicly available and is based on specific business needs and requirements. Interested businesses can contact Oracle for a quote.

7.6 Reviews

8. NCR Silver

NCR Silver is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry. It offers a range of features including payment processing, inventory management, marketing tools, and employee management.

8.1 Benefits

• Easy to use and set up
• Affordable pricing
• Robust inventory management capabilities
• Marketing tools to help grow your business
• Multiple payment processing options

8.2 Key features

• Payment processing
• Inventory management
• Employee management
• Marketing and loyalty tools
• Reporting and analytics

8.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use and set up	Limited customization options
Affordable pricing	Limited integrations compared to some other POS systems
Robust inventory management capabilities	–
Marketing tools to help grow your business	–
Multiple payment processing options	–

8.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software:

• Humble Pie, a pizza restaurant in Arizona
• Farmhouse Tacos, a Mexican restaurant in Missouri
• The Toy Room, a toy store in California

8.5 Pricing

NCR Silver offers several pricing plans starting at $79 per month. Additional features like inventory management, employee management, and marketing tools are available for an additional cost.

Note: Pricing may vary depending on location and specific needs of the business.

8.6 Reviews

9. Revel System 

Revel Systems is an all-in-one cloud-based point of sale (POS) system designed for restaurants and retail businesses. It provides a suite of features for managing orders, inventory, employee scheduling, customer management, and more.

9.1 Benefits

• Helps streamline restaurant operations
• Improves order accuracy and speed
• Provides real-time insights into business performance
• Increases customer satisfaction through faster service and personalized experiences
• Supports multiple payment options

9.2 Key features

• Menu management
• Tableside ordering
• Inventory management
• Employee scheduling and management
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Loyalty program management
• Reporting and analytics
• Mobile ordering and payment

9.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Robust feature set	Can be expensive for small businesses
Flexible pricing plans	Some features require additional fees
24/7 customer support	Steep learning curve for some users
User-friendly interface	Limited integrations compared to some competitors

9.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software

• Smoothie King
• Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard
• Tocaya Organica

9.5 Pricing

Revel Systems offers customized pricing plans based on individual business needs. Contact their sales team for a quote.

9.6 Reviews –

Revel Systems has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Capterra based on 810+ reviews, and 3.8 out of 5 on G2 based on 460+ reviews.

10. ShopKeep

ShopKeep is a cloud-based point of sale system designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers features such as inventory management, staff management, and sales analytics to help businesses operate more efficiently.

10.1 Benefits

• Easy-to-use interface
• Customizable reports
• Inventory tracking and management
• Staff management tools
• Integration with third-party apps and services
• Excellent customer support

10.2 Key features

• Sales tracking and reporting
• Inventory management
• Staff management and time tracking
• Customer relationship management
• Integration with QuickBooks and other accounting software
• Online ordering and payments
• Loyalty program management

10.3 Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Limited customization options
Customizable reports	Limited features compared to some competitors
Inventory tracking and management	Can be expensive for some businesses
Staff management tools	Limited integrations with third-party services
Integration with third-party apps	–
Excellent customer support	–

10.4 Real-life examples of businesses that have used the software

• The Meatball Shop
• The Halal Guys
• Peet’s Coffee & Tea
• The Bagel Store
• The Little Beet

10.5 Pricing

ShopKeep offers three pricing plans: Basic ($69/month), Essential ($99/month), and Advanced ($199/month). There are also additional fees for hardware, such as the point of sale terminal and card reader.

10.6 Reviews –

ShopKeep has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on popular review sites such as Capterra and Software Advice.

Quick Read: Billing Cycle: What is it, Types, Duration and How Does it Work?

What is a restaurant billing software?

Restaurant billing software is a computer program designed to streamline the payment and transaction process in a restaurant. It enables restaurant staff to quickly and accurately process orders, manage inventory, and accept various payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and mobile payments. 

Additionally, it can generate detailed reports on sales, inventory, and customer behavior, providing insights to help restaurants make informed decisions. Overall, restaurant billing software can increase efficiency, accuracy, and profitability for restaurants of all sizes.

Importance of having a billing software in restaurant

Having a billing software in a restaurant has become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced and competitive market.

Here are some key reasons why:

• Faster and more efficient billing: With a billing software, the billing process becomes much faster and more efficient. Waitstaff can quickly and easily input orders, and the software can automatically calculate the total cost, including taxes and tips.
• Improved accuracy: Manual billing can be prone to errors, which can lead to discrepancies in the restaurant’s revenue. With a billing software, accuracy is improved as the software automatically calculates the cost of each order and ensures that all charges are accounted for.
• Better customer experience: Customers today expect quick and efficient service, and a billing software can help provide that. With faster billing and accurate calculations, customers can be served more quickly and leave satisfied with their experience.
• Simplified inventory management: Many restaurant billing software comes with inventory management features that allow restaurant owners to track their stock levels in real-time. This helps them manage their inventory more efficiently and avoid running out of popular items.

Overall, having a billing software in a restaurant can help improve operational efficiency, reduce errors, enhance the customer experience, and simplify inventory management.

What are the benefits of using a restaurant billing software?

Here are the benefits of using a restaurant billing software:

1. Streamlined billing process

Restaurant billing software helps to streamline the billing process by automating the calculations and allowing servers to easily split bills and add gratuities. This reduces the time taken to process a bill and improves the overall speed of service.

2. Improved accuracy

Billing software ensures that all calculations are accurate, reducing the risk of errors that can occur with manual calculations. This results in fewer mistakes on bills and eliminates the need for staff to manually check the calculations.

3. Reduced human errors

Automated billing software can reduce the risk of human error by eliminating the need for staff to manually calculate bills. This means that customers are less likely to be overcharged or undercharged, reducing the chances of disputes or refunds.

4. Increased efficiency

With automated billing processes, staff can process orders and payments faster, improving the overall efficiency of the restaurant. This results in faster table turnover, which can lead to increased revenue for the restaurant.

5. Better customer service

Billing software can help to improve customer service by reducing wait times and minimizing errors on bills. Customers can receive accurate bills in a timely manner, which enhances the overall dining experience.

6. Time-saving

Restaurant billing software saves time by automating the billing process and eliminating the need for staff to manually calculate bills. This frees up time for staff to focus on other tasks, such as providing better customer service or preparing food.

7. Enhanced security

Billing software offers enhanced security features, such as secure payment processing and user access controls, which protect sensitive customer information from theft or fraud.

8. Cost-saving

By automating the billing process and reducing the risk of errors, billing software can help to save costs associated with disputes, refunds, and staff time spent on manual calculations. Additionally, many billing software options offer features such as inventory management and analytics, which can help reduce waste and increase profitability.

Quick Read: What is e-Billing? A Comprehensive Guide for Electronic Billing

What are the features of a restaurant billing software? 

1. Customizable billing templates

A good restaurant billing software should allow the user to customize billing templates to fit the brand image of the restaurant. This feature enables the user to create and use templates that have the restaurant’s logo and specific billing details. This not only makes the billing process more professional and organized but also helps to strengthen the restaurant’s brand identity.

2. Inventory management

Inventory management is a critical feature of restaurant billing software that helps to keep track of inventory levels and stock. The software should be able to track inventory levels in real-time, helping the restaurant manager to know when it’s time to reorder products. This feature also helps to eliminate food waste and reduce food costs by allowing the restaurant to keep track of inventory levels and usage patterns.

3. Integration with payment gateways

The integration of a billing software with payment gateways enables customers to make payments using various payment methods. The software should be able to integrate with different payment gateways such as credit cards, debit cards, mobile payment apps, and online payment platforms, among others. This feature allows for convenient and seamless payment processing, enhancing the customer’s experience.

4. Real-time reporting and analytics

The real-time reporting and analytics feature allows the restaurant to track sales, generate reports, and analyze trends in real-time. This feature enables restaurant managers to make informed decisions, identify areas that need improvement, and optimize operations. Real-time reporting and analytics can help restaurants to forecast demand, reduce food waste, and increase efficiency.

5. Menu management

Menu management is a crucial feature of restaurant billing software that allows restaurants to create and manage menus easily. The software should allow for the creation of different menu categories, items, prices, and descriptions. This feature makes it easy to add, edit, or remove items from the menu, ensuring that the restaurant’s menu is always up-to-date.

6. Order management

Order management is an essential feature of restaurant billing software that allows restaurants to manage orders efficiently. The software should be able to process orders from different sources, including online orders, phone orders, and in-person orders. This feature enables restaurants to manage orders in real-time, ensuring that orders are fulfilled efficiently.

7. Table management

Table management is another essential feature of restaurant billing software that enables restaurants to manage their seating capacity efficiently. The software should allow for table assignments, table status updates, and waitlist management. This feature enables restaurants to optimize table turnover, reduce wait times, and enhance the customer experience.

Factors to consider when choosing a restaurant billing software

Here are the factors that restaurant owners should consider while choosing a restaurant billing software: 

1. Budget

The first and foremost factor to consider is the budget. Restaurant owners need to determine how much they can afford to spend on the billing software. There are various pricing models, such as one-time payment, monthly subscription, or transaction-based pricing. It’s essential to find a billing software that fits within the budget.

2. Type of restaurant

Different types of restaurants have different requirements. For instance, fine dining restaurants may require a more sophisticated billing system compared to fast-food chains. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a billing system that caters to the specific needs of the restaurant type.

3. Size of the restaurant

The size of the restaurant also plays a significant role in choosing the billing software. Small restaurants may not need a complex billing system compared to larger restaurants. The software should be able to handle the number of orders, tables, and staff that the restaurant has.

4. Business requirements

Each restaurant has different business requirements. Some restaurants may require table management and inventory management, while others may require online ordering and delivery management. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify the restaurant’s unique business requirements before choosing a billing software.

5. Scalability

The billing software should be scalable to accommodate the restaurant’s growth. The software should be able to handle the increasing number of orders, tables, and staff as the restaurant grows.

6. Integration with other systems

The billing software should be able to integrate with other systems such as accounting software, inventory management software, and payment gateways. Integration with other systems will help streamline operations and reduce errors.

7. Ease of use

The billing software should be user-friendly and easy to use. The restaurant staff should be able to use the software with minimal training. The software should have an intuitive interface and easy navigation.

8. Customer support

The billing software vendor should provide excellent customer support. The vendor should offer timely support in case of any issues. The support should be available through multiple channels such as phone, email, or chat.

How to choose the best restaurant billing software?

Choosing the best restaurant billing software requires careful consideration of several factors.

Here are some steps to follow:

• Identify your business needs: Before you start looking for software, determine the features you need based on the type and size of your restaurant.

• Consider your budget: Set a budget for the software and stick to it. Look for software that offers the features you need at a price that is within your budget.

• Evaluate scalability: Consider if the software can scale with your business as it grows. Look for software that can easily add new features or expand to accommodate more users.

• Assess ease of use: Look for software that is easy to set up and use. Consider software that offers user-friendly interfaces and requires minimal training for staff.

• Check for integrations: Determine if the software can integrate with other systems that you currently use or plan to use in the future, such as accounting or inventory management software.

• Look for customer support: Choose software that offers reliable customer support, such as phone, email, or chat support. Ensure the software vendor offers ongoing support, such as software updates and bug fixes.

• Read reviews and get recommendations: Check online reviews from other restaurant owners or managers who have used the software. Get recommendations from industry peers and consider their experiences with the software.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best restaurant billing software that meets your business needs and helps streamline your operations.

FAQs