How to Create a QR Code Menu for Your Restaurant
A QR code menu is a scannable code that opens your full menu on a customer's phone. Here is exactly how to set one up - from creating your menu to printing the code.
Free to start · No credit card · Ready in under 10 minutes
Create your menu online
A QR code is just a shortcut to a web page. Before you can have a QR code, you need a live menu page for it to point to.
Sign up at 1food.menu
Takes 2 minutes. Enter your email, name your restaurant page. No credit card, no payment info.
Add categories and items
Create sections (Starters, Mains, Drinks), then add your items with names, prices, descriptions, and photos.
Set your hours and address
Customers see when you're open and where you are. Updates go live as you type - nothing to publish separately.
Your page is live immediately
As soon as you add your first item, your menu is live at 1food.menu/@restaurant-name and your QR code is ready.
Download your QR code
Once your menu is live, your QR code is ready. No separate QR code generator needed - it's included automatically.
Go to your dashboard → QR code
Download a high-resolution file suitable for print at any size - table cards, window stickers, flyers, or menus.
Important: the QR code never changes.
When you update your menu - change a price, add a dish, mark something sold out - the QR code stays exactly the same. It always points to your live menu. Print it once and you're done.
Test before you print
Before ordering print materials, scan the code with at least two different phones.
Test on iPhone and Android
Both cameras should read it instantly. If one fails, download the QR code file again at a higher resolution.
Test in your actual lighting
Bright daylight and dim restaurant lighting behave differently. Test in both conditions before printing.
Confirm the menu looks right
Open the link and check categories, photos, prices, and hours. This is what every customer sees.
Print and place it
The QR code file from 1food.menu is print-ready at any size. A few practical guidelines:
Minimum size
3×3 cm for a table card. 5×5 cm is more comfortable to scan from a distance.
Finish
Matte for indoor use - it reduces glare in restaurant lighting. Laminate table cards for durability.
Context
Add a short line of text above the code: 'Scan to view our menu' or 'Our menu on your phone.' First-time users appreciate the prompt.
Testing after print
Scan a printed copy before putting any on tables. Printing sometimes compresses quality - if it doesn't scan reliably, reprint at a larger size.
Where to put your QR code
One code works everywhere. The most effective placements:
Every table
A small card or tent at each table. Customers scan while they wait and decide what to order before the server arrives.
Your front window
People walking by scan and see your full menu before deciding to come in. A QR on the window works 24 hours a day.
Printed flyers and receipts
One code works on everything. Add it to takeout bags, delivery menus, business cards, or printed flyers.
Instagram and Google
Your menu link works anywhere online. Instagram bio, Google Business Profile, WhatsApp - one link, everywhere.
Common questions
How do I make a QR code for my restaurant menu?
Create your menu at 1food.menu (free, no credit card). Once your menu is live, your QR code is ready to download from the dashboard as a print-ready file. Point it at your tables, window, or flyers. The whole setup takes under 10 minutes.
Is a QR code menu free?
Yes. With 1food.menu, your QR code and full menu page are free. No credit card required, no time limit. The QR code is included automatically with every account.
Does the QR code change when I update my menu?
No. The QR code stays exactly the same. Your menu page updates instantly when you make changes, but you never reprint the QR code. Print once, update anytime.
Do customers need an app to scan a QR code?
No. On iPhone and Android, the built-in camera app reads QR codes automatically. Customers just point their camera at the code and tap the link that appears. Nothing to install.
How big should I print the QR code?
At least 3×3 cm (about 1.2 inches) for a table card. Larger is better - 5×5 cm is a safe minimum for any indoor use. Always test the printed code with your phone before distributing it.
Can I use the same QR code on multiple surfaces?
Yes. One QR code works on tables, windows, flyers, receipts, and social media. It always points to the same live menu page.
Also on 1food.menu: QR code menu for restaurants · Digital menu for restaurants · Free restaurant menu
Create your QR code menu today
Free forever. Your QR code is included. Ready in under 10 minutes.