How to set up a QR code for a restaurant?

Q: How to set up a QR code for a restaurant?

To set up a QR code for your restaurant, first create and publish your digital menu on Dishtup. Download the QR code image from your dashboard, then print and laminate it for table placement. Place one card on every table and test it with your phone before service starts. The QR code stays valid permanently — any menu changes you make in Dishtup are reflected immediately when customers scan, so you never need to reprint.

Setting up a QR code for your restaurant is more than just generating an image — it involves choosing where to place it, how to display it, and how to keep it accurate over time. With Dishtup, the technical side is handled for you, so you can focus on the physical setup in your dining room.

This guide covers the complete restaurant QR code setup: from creating the digital menu to placing laminated cards on your tables and training your staff on how to handle customer questions.

Create and publish your digital menu on Dishtup (dishtup.com). Add all categories, items, prices, and descriptions. This gives you the hosted URL your QR code will point to.
Download your QR code from the Dishtup dashboard. Choose SVG format if you plan to print at various sizes, or PNG if you just need one standard size.
Decide on your display format: table tent cards (fold-over cards that stand on their own), flat laminated cards, vinyl stickers affixed to tables, or a dedicated QR code stand.
Print your QR codes at a minimum of 4 cm × 4 cm for table cards. Add a short instruction line beneath: 'Scan to view our menu'. Laminate the cards for durability.
Place QR codes on every table before opening. Also consider adding one at the entrance or on your takeaway counter so customers can browse before being seated.
Scan each code with both an iPhone and an Android phone to verify they work. Have a staff member do the same test the first week to catch any issues early.

A key advantage of the Dishtup setup is that your QR code never needs to be reprinted when you update the menu — whether you're adding a seasonal dish, changing a price, or marking an item as sold out. Your dining room setup stays the same; only the digital content changes. This saves significant cost and time compared to reprinting laminated cards every time your menu evolves.

Planning your QR code placement before you print

Before printing anything, walk through your dining room and identify every touchpoint where a customer might want to access the menu. The obvious one is each table, but don't overlook: the bar counter, the front entrance (pre-viewing), your takeaway window, and high-foot-traffic walls near the entrance. Each location may need a different physical format — table cards work on flat surfaces, but you might want a printed sign or window cling for wall or glass placement.

Choosing the right physical format for your tables

The format you choose affects both aesthetics and practicality:

Tent cards: Fold-over cards that stand upright on the table. Easy to produce, portable, and can be removed when not needed. Best for restaurants that occasionally remove them during events.
Laminated flat cards: Durable, wipe-clean, and professional-looking. Good for high-turnover venues where tables get cleared and wiped frequently.
Table stickers: Vinyl stickers directly on the table surface. Permanent but highly visible. Works well if you own your tables and rarely change the QR code.
Menu board integration: Adding the QR code to your existing printed menu boards at a larger size (10–15 cm) for customers walking past.

Training your staff on QR menu etiquette

A QR menu changes the customer interaction. Staff should know: always greet customers and point to the QR code as they arrive, offer to help anyone who seems to have trouble scanning, and be prepared for customers who prefer a physical menu (keep a few printed backups for those who ask). Remind staff to never say "just scan the code" and walk away — the human touch still matters even with digital menus.

Ongoing maintenance: keeping the setup accurate

Once your QR codes are deployed, the setup is only valuable if the linked menu stays current. Assign one person (the manager or head chef) as the menu accuracy owner — responsible for updating Dishtup whenever an item changes. With Dishtup's dashboard, updates take under 2 minutes and go live instantly. A well-maintained QR menu reduces customer complaints about unavailable items and increases staff efficiency by minimizing "what's available today?" questions from tables.

Set up your free QR menu