How QR and NFC Table Ordering Works: A Complete Guide for Restaurants

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Customers do not enjoy waiting to see a menu, place another drinks order or ask for the bill.

Your restaurant team does not enjoy rushing between tables, rewriting orders and correcting mistakes during the busiest part of the day.

QR and NFC table orderingcan make this process easier for both sides.

Customers scan a QR code or tap an NFC tag placed on their table. Your restaurant’s digital menu opens on their phone. They can browse, customise their food, place an order and pay without downloading an app.

The order is then connected to the correct table and sent to the restaurant’s ordering or kitchen system.

This does not mean removing waiters or replacing hospitality with screens. It means giving customers another convenient way to order while allowing staff to spend more time serving food, answering questions and looking after guests.

This guide explains how QR and NFC table ordering works, how the two technologies differ and what restaurants should consider before introducing them.

What Is QR Table Ordering?

QR table ordering allows customers to open a restaurant’s digital menu by scanning a QR code with their smartphone camera.

QR stands for Quick Response.

A QR code is a square image that contains digital information, usually a web address. When customers scan it, their phone opens the restaurant’s ordering page in a web browser.

The QR code can be printed on:

• A table stand

• A menu

• A sticker

• A receipt

• A table number

• A coaster

• A counter display

Each table can have a different QR code. This allows the ordering system to identify where the order should be delivered.

For example, a customer sitting at Table 12 scans the code. The ordering page opens with Table 12 already selected. When the customer submits the order, the kitchen and service team can see that it belongs to Table 12.

No separate app is required when the system uses a browser-based ordering page.

What Is NFC Table Ordering?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication.

It is a short-range wireless technology that allows a smartphone to exchange small amounts of information with a nearby NFC tag.The NFC Forum states that NFC normally works over a very short distance and is designed around a simple tap-based experience. NFC tags can also operate without their own battery because power can be supplied through the connecting device.

For restaurant ordering, a small NFC tag is placed on the table.

The customer holds their phone near the tag. The phone detects the stored web address and opens the restaurant’s digital menu.

There is no need to:

• Open the phone camera

• Position a QR code correctly

• Type a website address

• Download a restaurant app

• Connect the phone manually

The customer taps and the menu opens.

OrderApps allows restaurants to place QR codes and NFC tags together on the same table display. Customers can then use whichever method feels more familiar.

QR Ordering vs NFC Ordering

QR and NFC ordering usually lead customers to the same digital menu. The main difference is how they open it.

QR table ordering

The customer:

1. Opens the smartphone camera.

1. Points it at the QR code.

1. Taps the link shown on the screen.

1. Opens the restaurant menu.

NFC table ordering

The customer:

1. Holds the phone near the NFC tag.

1. Taps the notification that appears.

1. Opens the restaurant menu.

QR codes are widely recognised and inexpensive to print. NFC can feel faster because the customer does not need to open the camera or align the phone with a printed code.

Using both methods gives customers more choice and provides a backup if one method is not working correctly.

How QR and NFC Table Ordering Works Step by Step

A complete table-ordering process normally follows these steps.

Step 1: The Customer Sits at a Table

Each table has a unique table number.

A table display contains:

• A QR code

• An NFC tag

• A short instruction

• The restaurant’s branding

• A visible table number

• An alternative way to request service

The instruction could say:

Scan or tap to view our menu, order and pay.

Clear instructions are important because not every customer will have used table ordering before.

Step 2: The Customer Scans or Taps

The customer scans the QR code or taps the NFC tag.

Both methods open the restaurant’s branded ordering page.

With OrderApps, customers do not need to download an app. The menu opens directly on a compatible smartphone.

The system can recognise the table automatically because the QR code or NFC tag is connected to a specific table number.

Step 3: The Digital Menu Opens

The customer can browse the restaurant’s menu from their phone.

A good digital menu should display:

• Menu categories

• Product names

• Clear descriptions

• Prices

• Food photographs

• Available options

• Add-ons

• Allergen information

• Dietary labels

• Sold-out items

• Special offers

Customers should be able to move between categories without repeatedly loading new pages.

The menu also needs to work well on different screen sizes.

Step 4: The Customer Customises the Order

The customer selects food and drinks and chooses any available options.

For example, someone ordering a burger might select:

• Cooking preference

• Cheese

• Extra toppings

• Sauce

• Side dish

• Drink

• Allergen requests

The ordering system should clearly show which choices are required and which cost extra.

This can reduce misunderstandings because customers select the options themselves.

However, restaurants must still make it easy for customers to ask staff about allergies, ingredients or special requirements. Digital forms should never replace a direct conversation when food safety is involved.

Step 5: The System Suggests Relevant Extras

A table-ordering system can display relevant additions before checkout.

For example:

• Add chips to your burger

• Add garlic bread

• Make it a meal

• Add another drink

• View today’s dessert

• Upgrade to a larger portion

These suggestions can help customers discover items they might otherwise miss.

OrderApps supports menu add-ons, meal deals and suggested items within its table-ordering experience.

The offers should remain useful and relevant. Too many pop-ups can make ordering frustrating.

Step 6: The Customer Reviews the Order

Before submitting, the customer should see:

• Selected items

• Quantities

• Customisations

• Item prices

• Service charges

• Discounts

• Taxes where applicable

• Total cost

• Table number

There should be a simple way to edit or remove an item.

The table number should normally be set automatically rather than asking customers to enter it manually. This reduces the risk of food being sent to the wrong place.

Step 7: The Customer Pays

Depending on the restaurant’s setup, customers may:

• Pay immediately online

• Add items to an open table bill

• Pay after the meal

• Split the bill

• Request payment from a member of staff

OrderApps promotes order-and-pay-at-table functionality, including the ability to split bills and pay without queueing at the till.

The restaurant should clearly explain when payment is taken. Customers should not be unsure whether the order has been paid for or merely submitted.

Step 8: The Order Reaches the Restaurant

After the order is confirmed, it enters the restaurant’s ordering system.

The order should include:

• Order number

• Table number

• Ordered items

• Product options

• Special notes

• Payment status

• Order time

OrderApps states that table orders are tagged with the relevant table number and sent directly to the kitchen workflow.

Depending on the setup, the order may appear on a screen, print in the kitchen or enter a point-of-sale system.

Step 9: Staff Prepare and Serve the Order

Kitchen staff prepare the items in the same way they would handle an order taken by a waiter.

The service team then delivers the food or drinks to the table shown on the order.

Staff can focus on:

• Welcoming customers

• Answering menu questions

• Checking satisfaction

• Serving food

• Clearing tables

• Handling special requests

• Supporting customers who do not want to order digitally

Technology manages the repetitive order-entry process. People continue providing hospitality.

Step 10: Customers Can Reorder

Customers may want another drink, an extra side or dessert after the first order.

With digital table ordering, they can reopen the menu and place an additional order without waiting to catch a waiter’s attention.

OrderApps presents this as one of the main benefits of the system because guests can reorder drinks and extras when they are ready.

This can be particularly useful in:

• Pubs

• Bars

• Busy cafés

• Food halls

• Casual restaurants

• Hotel lounges

• Large outdoor dining areas

What Equipment Does a Restaurant Need?

A QR and NFC table-ordering setup does not normally require complicated customer hardware.

Restaurants generally need:

• QR codes for each table

• NFC tags for each table

• Printed table stands or stickers

• A mobile-friendly digital menu

• A reliable internet connection

• A restaurant order-management system

• A kitchen screen or printer

• A supported payment setup

QR codes can be printed, while NFC tags are small physical chips programmed with the menu address.

OrderApps describes its NFC discs as durable, wipe-clean tags connected to individual table numbers. It also allows restaurants to use a QR code and NFC tag on the same table display.

Benefits of QR and NFC Table Ordering

Faster Ordering

Customers can place an order as soon as they are ready.

They do not need to wait for someone to:

• Bring a menu

• Return to take the order

• Bring the card machine

• Print the bill

This can reduce delays during busy periods.

Easier Reordering

Customers can order another drink or side without finding a member of staff.

This can make the experience more convenient, especially in busy venues or large dining areas.

Improved Order Accuracy

Customers choose their items and options directly.

This can reduce mistakes caused by:

• Misheard orders

• Unclear handwriting