Updated: 2 days ago
Restaurant website costs run from $0 to $70 or more per month if you manage the site yourself on a website builder, and a one time fee of $500 to $10,000 or more if you hire a web developer. Where you land inside those ranges depends on how much of the work you hand off and how many features your restaurant needs.
Wix is a powerful restaurant website builder that gives you everything you need to build something you're proud of. Premium plans include hosting and built-in security, so a self-managed restaurant website stays at the lower end of that range. This article prices every piece of the build, from the domain to website design and ongoing maintenance, so you can budget before you start.
TL;DR: how much does a restaurant website cost
A restaurant website budget is made up of 10 line items, most of which start free and scale with the features your restaurant needs. Online ordering, branding and maintenance move the total the most, since each one is billed monthly or as a one time design fee. The table below gives the average range for each.
Cost item | Average range |
Domain name | $0 to $1,000+ per year |
Web hosting | $0 to $250 per month |
Website security | $0 to $200+ per year |
Website builder | $0 to $70+ per month |
Logo and branding | $0 to $10,000+ one time |
Ecommerce integrations | $0 to $100+ per month |
SEO tools | $0 to $100+ per month |
Email marketing tools | $0 to $100+ per month |
Social media tools | $0 to $100+ per month |
Maintenance and updates | $50 to $200+ per month |
Hiring a web developer | $500 to $10,000+ one time |
How much does a restaurant website cost?
If you are creating a website on your own, basic restaurant websites can cost as little as $17 per month. However, if you're exploring how to make a website from scratch with advanced features or need professional assistance from photographers, copywriters or designers, costs can exceed $10,000. Let's examine the variables that can impact the cost of building a restaurant website.
10 Restaurant website costs
The cost of a restaurant website can vary greatly depending on the features and services you choose for your website. It's like ordering from a restaurant menu. There are different dishes with various prices, and you have the freedom to pick and choose according to your business plan budget and preference. Every restaurant website is unique, and the services included in web design and development for your restaurant depend on your needs, goals and preferences.
The breakdown below covers the considerations that influence restaurant website costs. Included in each section, we've outlined the average cost ranges to help you estimate expenses.
01. Domain name
Average cost range: $0-$1,000+ per year
Think of your domain name as the address of your restaurant website. It's what people will type in their browsers to find you, like "www.myrestaurant.com." If you need inspiration, a domain name generator can help you think of creative ideas. Use a domain name search to check availability and purchase one from a registrar like Wix. Costs can vary based on the domain extension (.com, .net, .org), length of registration (yearly or multi-year), website privacy protection plan and whether it's a new or previously owned domain. Prices vary by ending, and the best domains for restaurants lays out which food extensions earn the premium over a plain .com. Wix is a domain registrar trusted by millions of businesses, offering clear first-year and renewal pricing with no hidden costs.
Tip: Wix annual premium plans include a free domain for the first year, so no need to worry about upfront domain name costs.
Extension choice affects price and recall, and the Wix Domains team sees that play out in the data.
"Everyone reaches for .com out of habit, but familiarity and performance aren't the same thing. In our data, extensions that clearly signal what a business does are associated with stronger results. If your ideal .com is already registered, you can usually get your exact brand under a more creative extension that fits. Consider a yoga studio on .yoga, a bar on .bar or a company on .co." - Inbal Geva, Product Lead & GM, Wix Domains
Learn more: How much does a website builder cost?
02. Web hosting
Average cost range: $0-$250 per month
Website hosting ensures your restaurant website is accessible to hungry diners anytime, anywhere. Whether they're checking out your menu pricing or making reservations, reliable hosting keeps your digital doors open for business. The cost of a hosting website varies based on the provider, package and level of service. Some providers, like Wix, include free website hosting as part of their website builder package. Pick a provider that caters to your restaurant's needs, offering the right features to enhance customer experience and keep your site running smoothly. Wix offers secure, scalable web hosting built in when you create your website. That removes hosting from your monthly budget on a paid plan.
03. Website security
Average cost range: $0-$200+ per year
Ensuring the security of your restaurant website is like securing your restaurant's front door, especially if you'll be taking orders and accepting online payments. Some providers offer basic website security measures at affordable prices, while others may charge more for advanced protection against potential cyberattacks. Being proactive in protecting your restaurant website can ultimately save you money and avoid the cost of dealing with a security breach.
Tip: With Wix, website security is already included when you create a restaurant website. Enjoy 24/7 monitoring to spot vulnerabilities and safeguard your info and visitors.
04. Website builder
Average cost range: $0-$70+
A drag and drop website builder is a software platform that lets you create and manage your restaurant website even without technical knowledge. Wix's templates are ready-made layouts that help shape your site's look and feel without the need to code every detail from scratch. Templates can be handy for nailing down your brand's visual identity while effectively organizing your site's content.
Using an AI website maker can further enhance the website building experience. Wix Harmony is a hybrid editor where you describe the restaurant you run and get a responsive, business-ready site, then keep shaping it by chatting with Aria, its built-in AI agent, or by editing by hand. Wix provides an AI website builder that generates beautiful, fully customizable sites.
Check out these totally customizable and free restaurant website templates to help you get started.
05. Logo and branding
Average cost range: $0-$10,000+ one time fee
Your restaurant's logo and branding are essential for creating a recognizable and memorable brand. Your brand identity should be cohesive throughout all of your marketing channels, including your restaurant website, social media and print materials. Depending on the complexity of your brand design, creating a memorable logo can range in cost. Consider using a restaurant logo maker tool to achieve the perfect branding look for your restaurant website atmosphere.
Learn more: How to make a restaurant logo easily
06. Ecommerce integrations
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
If your restaurant offers online ordering or reservations, you'll need to integrate restaurant and ecommerce functionality into your restaurant website. Wix supports rentals, donations and restaurant ordering. This service allows guests to make transactions directly on your site, making it convenient and efficient for both parties. Consider using apps from the Wix App Marketplace, such as DoorDash Drive for delivery with a flat fee rate, or apps for building a birthday and loyalty club to grow sales and customer lists. The cost of these features can vary depending on the provider and what type of tools you need.
Tip: Wix Restaurants is made up of 3 apps, Menus, Orders and Table Reservations, plus additional integrations to help you best run your restaurant. Choose a restaurant template or add Wix Restaurants to another site by adding the Wix Restaurants Orders app.
Alfred, the Wix AI Phone Agent, answers calls 24/7, takes messages and flags the ones that need a call back, with a summary and transcript after each call. Juno, the Front Desk Agent, prioritizes incoming messages across your channels and drafts on-brand replies. Wix Ecommerce includes four native AI agents, Aria for design, Kleo for marketing, Juno for customer support and Omni for automation.
07. SEO tools
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
If you want to rank high in Google searches, so potential diners can find your restaurant's website easily, you need a search engine optimized (SEO) website. Utilize a variety of SEO tools, both free and paid, to pinpoint the best keywords, generate fresh content ideas and understand your target market better. Wix SEO provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage your restaurant's SEO strategy. Other tools like Ahrefs, Semrush and Keywords Everywhere can assist in finding relevant keywords for your restaurant's content. Consider starting a blog to boost your online presence and help with the SEO efforts. Kleo, the Wix AI Marketing Agent, handles keyword research, SEO suggestions for your main pages and a monthly content plan for your blog, social and email. Every task waits for your approval before it goes live.
08. Email marketing tools
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
Restaurant email marketing is a powerful tool for restaurants to keep in touch with customers and promote their latest deals, menu items and cocktail trends. By utilizing email marketing tools, you can easily create professional-looking newsletters and send them to targeted lists. The cost to your restaurant website budget can range depending on the number of subscribers you have and the frequency of emails you send.
09. Social media tools
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
Social media is vital for restaurants to market themselves, helping you reach new patrons and showcase your brand. By using restaurant social media marketing tools, you can streamline your online presence by scheduling posts, analyzing data and managing multiple accounts all in one spot. The cost of these tools will depend on the scale of your social media efforts. Look for tools that not only schedule content but also monitor conversations online and analyze your data effectively.
10. Maintenance and updates
Average cost range: $50-$200+ per month
Once your restaurant website is up and running, it's important to regularly maintain and update it. This can include adding new menu items, updating business hours or even refreshing the design. While you can choose to handle these tasks yourself, hiring a professional web developer can save you time and ensure that your site is always functioning properly. Consider setting aside a budget for regular maintenance and updates to keep your website running smoothly.
See more examples: Catering website examples and inspiration
Advantages of having a restaurant website
A restaurant website provides a platform for your customers to learn more about your brand, explore menu options, make reservations or place orders at their convenience. Beyond those basics, the list below covers the additional advantages of having a business website:
Enhanced online visibility: With a restaurant website, potential diners can easily discover your establishment via search engines using keywords related to your cuisine and location.
Professional image boost: A well-designed, informative website enhances a restaurant's professionalism, building credibility and customer retention. It's ideal for presenting a cohesive brand image, incorporating the restaurant logo, branding colors and overall aesthetic.
Standing out in competition: In a competitive market, a restaurant website helps your business differentiate itself and compete effectively. Today's consumers expect businesses to have websites, making them more inclined to choose a restaurant that has one.
Cost-effective marketing: A website is a good way to promote your restaurant compared to traditional marketing strategies, reaching a broader audience. Additionally, a restaurant website is the perfect platform to showcase essential information like the online menu, operating hours, contact details, the head chef and positive customer reviews.
Insightful analytics: By leveraging analytics tools, you can gain valuable insights into your Wix website performance and user behavior, empowering you to make informed decisions for your business.
The payoff is measurable for local businesses that take their online presence seriously.
“Gone are the days of 'If you build it, they will come.' Local brick-and-mortar businesses that do not have a strong website, a managed Google My Business profile and relevant SEO and online commerce tools for their industry, like bookings and online ordering, will struggle to survive and compete in a digital world. A Google research analysis found that businesses that leverage Wix's online presence and commerce tools see a 15% lift in in-store revenue, a 15% lift in website traffic and a 24% increase in ecommerce GPV.” - Sean Barkulis, Strategic Partner Sales, Wix
Using a website builder vs. professional services
When it comes to creating a restaurant website, you have two options. You can hire a professional web developer who can tailor the website to your specific needs or utilize a website builder that can offer a more cost-effective solution that allows for easier updates and maintenance. Both routes have their distinct advantages and cost considerations to weigh before making a decision on how to best represent your restaurant online.
Hiring a web developer
Average cost range: $500-$10,000+ one-time fee
If you have specific design ideas in mind for your restaurant website and want to ensure complete customization and control over every aspect, hiring a website designer may be the best option for you. A professional web developer can bring your vision to life and incorporate any advanced features or integrations that you require. However, this option can add to how much does a website cost and ongoing maintenance costs may also apply.
Using a website builder
Average cost range: $0-$70+ per month
A website builder is a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to hiring a web developer. With drag-and-drop tools and pre-designed templates, you can easily create your website without any prior coding knowledge. Additionally, many website builders provide SEO tools and integrations to build an ecommerce site, making it a one-stop-shop for all your website needs.
Read more for your restaurant business
How much does a restaurant website cost FAQ
I already have regular customers and business is going well. Do I still need a website?
Having a website can still benefit your restaurant. A website provides a platform for new diners to discover your restaurant and learn more about it, potentially bringing in more business. It also allows for easier communication with current customers, making it convenient for them to access menu options, make reservations or place orders.
My restaurant has multiple locations. Can we list them all on one website?
Yes, you can list multiple locations on one website through the use of interactive maps or individual pages for each location. This is beneficial for users who may be searching for a specific location or want to see all available options in one place. It also helps with search engine optimization (SEO) and increases online visibility for your restaurant.
Is a restaurant website necessary even with a Facebook page?
Having a Facebook page can be beneficial for reaching and engaging with customers, but having a website provides additional benefits. A website allows for more control over your online presence and branding, as well as providing a platform for showcasing essential information like menus, operating hours and contact details. It also allows you to reach those who may not use social media or prefer to search for businesses through search engines. Having both a Facebook page and a website can complement each other and help your restaurant reach a wider target audience.
Can I add new features to my restaurant website after it’s been developed?
This depends on the chosen option for building your website. If you used a website builder, you can easily add new features through their platform. However, if you hired a web developer who created a fully customized website, adding new features may require additional coding and incur extra costs. It is important to discuss this with your web developer beforehand and plan for any future changes or updates you may want for your website. Having a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of your restaurant website can help you make informed decisions about its development and ongoing maintenance.
How long does it take to develop a restaurant website?
The time it takes to develop a restaurant website can vary depending on the complexity and features required. For example, a basic website built with a website builder may only take a few days, while a fully customized website may take several weeks or even months to complete. It is essential to discuss your timeline expectations with your web developer and factor in additional time for testing and revisions before the website is launched. Market research and proper communication between you and your web developer can help ensure that the website is developed efficiently and meets your expectations.
Does a restaurant website need to be mobile friendly?
Yes, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial for any business in today’s digital age. With more and more people using their smartphones to search for and access information online, having a website that is optimized for mobile devices can greatly improve user experience and increase the chances of converting visitors into customers. It also boosts SEO rankings and helps your restaurant stay competitive in an increasingly digital market.
