4 Essentials Every Restaurant, Bar, and Café Needs on Their Homepage

Your website’s homepage is often the first impression potential customers will have of your restaurant, bar, or café. It’s the place to answer key questions your visitors are asking: Where are you? When are you open? What’s on the menu? How can I get in touch? To create a the best possible experience and keep people engaged, these four elements should feature prominently on your homepage.

1. A Clickable Phone Number

Making it easy for customers to contact you is crucial. A clearly visible, clickable phone number is a simple but powerful tool. Whether someone wants to book a table, check availability for a large group, or ask about dietary options, the ability to call you instantly is key.

Ensure your phone number is:

• Clickable: On mobile devices, a single tap should initiate the call.

• Prominent: Display it in the header or a sticky navigation bar for maximum visibility.

• Correct: Double-check your number regularly. Typos can cost you customers.

2. An Embedded Location Map

If your customers can’t find you, they can’t enjoy what you offer. Including a map – preferably an interactive one – is a game-changer.

Embed a Google Map so users can:

• Get accurate driving or walking directions.

• View your location in context, such as nearby landmarks or parking.

• Easily switch to their preferred mapping app for navigation.

3. An Up-to-Date Menu

The menu is the star of your website. It’s what draws customers in and helps them decide if you’re the right fit for their next meal or drink outing.

Ensure your menu is:

• Current: Outdated menus with incorrect prices or missing items frustrate customers.

• Easy to Read: Avoid uploading a PDF that forces users to pinch and zoom on mobile. Instead, opt for a web-friendly design that’s mobile-responsive.

• Enticing: Include high-quality photos of your dishes, but use these sparingly to avoid overwhelming visitors or slowing down your site.

Bonus points for adding details like dietary symbols (vegan, gluten-free) and allergens to show you care about customer preferences and safety.

4. Clear Opening Hours

Nothing is more frustrating for a potential customer than not knowing when you’re open. Displaying your opening hours directly on your homepage removes this guesswork and ensures visitors can plan their visit confidently.

Design Tips:

• Visible Placement: Position your opening hours near your contact details or as part of your homepage footer.

• Day-to-Day Hours: Break them down for each day of the week.

• Special Hours: Call out any changes for public holidays or special events.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Google Business Listing Updated

Your website works hand-in-hand with your Google Business Profile to give customers a complete picture of your venue. Ensure your Google listing is up to date with accurate details about:

• Address and Phone Number: These should match exactly what’s on your website.

• Opening Hours: Include special hours for holidays and events.

• Photos: Add high-quality images of your space and popular menu items.

• Customer Reviews: Respond promptly to reviews, both positive and negative, to show you value feedback.

An updated Google Business Profile improves your visibility in local search results and gives potential customers confidence in choosing your venue.

By featuring a clickable phone number, interactive map, current menu, and clear opening hours on your homepage – along with maintaining an accurate Google Business Profile – you make it easy for customers to find you, contact you, and plan their visit.

Is your website lacking these elements? Let’s chat about designing you a site to attract more customers!