Finding the perfect POS system for your restaurant can be a game-changer, streamlining operations, improving customer service, and boosting profits. After evaluating the top options, here’s the quick verdict:
- Best for Small Restaurants: Square for Restaurants – Affordable, easy to set up, and highly flexible for small operations.
- Best for Delivery and Takeout: Toast POS – A robust solution with seamless delivery integration and advanced kitchen tools.
- Best for Fine Dining: Lightspeed POS – Sophisticated features like menu customization and advanced analytics make it ideal for upscale establishments.
- Best for Quick-Service: MYR POS – Designed for speed, making it perfect for fast-paced environments.
- Best for Budget-Conscious Businesses: Clover POS – A simple, cost-effective solution for new and small restaurants.
In the following guide, we’ll break down these systems and more, diving into their features, hardware, and pricing to help you make the best choice for your restaurant. Keep reading to discover which system aligns perfectly with your needs!
If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick bird’s eye view of the two most outstanding POS systems for restaurants:
Best POS Systems for Restaurants
No time to read? Here's our no.1 pick when it comes to the best restaurant POS system in the market:
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Summary
- A POS is required for managing orders, payments and restaurant operations.
- Look for inventory management, online ordering integration and flexible payment options.
- Top systems are Square, Toast, Lightspeed, TouchBistro and Revel Systems.
Comparison Table: Best POS Systems for Restaurants
| POS System | Best For | Key Features | Starting Pricing | Hardware Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square for Restaurants | Small Restaurants | Affordable, easy to use, flexible payment processing, mobile options | Free basic plan; Paid plans at $60/month | $49 for card readers; $169-$799 for bundles |
| Toast POS | Delivery and Takeout | Robust delivery integration, kitchen display systems, advanced analytics | $75/month per terminal | $799-$1,500 |
| Lightspeed POS | Fine Dining | Customizable menus, advanced analytics, multi-location management | $69/month basic; Pro at $399/month | $500-$1,200 |
| MYR POS | Quick-Service Restaurants | Speed-focused, intuitive interface, integrates with delivery platforms | $69/month per terminal | $500-$2,000 |
| Clover POS | Budget-Conscious Businesses | Simple setup, compact hardware, basic integrations | $39-$89/month | $499-$1,500 |
| Shopify POS | Hybrid Restaurant-Retail | Omnichannel sales, real-time inventory sync, mobile-friendly hardware | Lite: $39/month; Pro: $89/month per location | $49 for card reader; $150-$1,000 for bundles |
| TouchBistro | Small Restaurants | On-premise iPad-based, offline functionality, simple menu management | $69/month per terminal | $500-$2,000 |
| Lavu POS | Full-Service Restaurants | Highly customizable, detailed back-office management, supports third-party integrations | $69/month per terminal | $700-$2,500 |
What is a POS System?
A Point of Sale (POS) system is more than just a cash register. It’s a combination of hardware and software that allows restaurants to process transactions and manage other key aspects of their business.
Unlike generic POS systems, restaurant-specific POS systems are designed to meet the specific needs of foodservice businesses, including order management, menu customization and kitchen integration.
POS System Components:
- Hardware: Terminals, receipt printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, kitchen display screens.
- Software: Menu management, order tracking, customer relationship management (CRM), reporting.
How it Works in a Restaurant:
- A server takes an order on a tablet or terminal.
- The order goes to the kitchen display system or printer.
- Payment is taken at the table, counter or online.
- Inventory is updated and sales data is live.
By automating these processes POS systems save time, reduce errors and improve overall efficiency.
Why Restaurants Need a POS
Running a restaurant without a POS can be inefficient and error prone. Here’s why you need to invest in a modern POS:
1. Simplifies Order Management
- POS systems simplify the ordering process, so orders are communicated to the kitchen correctly.
- They reduce errors caused by handwritten tickets and track modifications or special requests.
2. Inventory
- A good POS system updates inventory levels automatically so you can track stock in real-time.
- It will notify managers when supplies are running low so you don’t run out of key ingredients.
3. Multiple Payment Options
- Modern POS systems accept credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets (e.g. Apple Pay) and contactless payments, making it more convenient for customers.
4. Reporting and Analytics
- They produce detailed reports on sales trends, peak hours and bestselling menu items.
- Owners can use this data to make informed decisions on staffing, menu pricing and marketing campaigns.
5. Online Ordering Integration
- Many POS systems integrate with third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash or Grubhub.
- They also allow restaurants to take orders directly through their website, saving on third-party commissions.
Case Study:
A small pizza restaurant implemented Toast POS and saw a 20% reduction in order errors in the first month. With inventory tracking they also reduced costs by optimizing their stock purchases.
What are the Best POS Systems for Restaurants?
1. Shopify POS
Shopify POS is a super flexible and customisable point of sale system so perfect for restaurants looking to tie in their in-store with online sales.
Shopify is of course best known for their ecommerce platform but Shopify POS has all the tools to manage in-store transactions, inventory and customer relationships.
It’s great for restaurants with retail components like selling branded merchandise, packaged food items or gift cards as it syncs online and offline inventory in real time.
One of the best features of Shopify POS is its omnichannel capabilities. Restaurants can create a seamless shopping experience where customers can order online, pick up in-store or even shop in-store and get their items delivered.
The system is mobile friendly, with compact hardware options like card readers and receipt printers so you can process payments on the go.
However Shopify POS doesn’t have some restaurant specific tools like kitchen display systems and table management so it’s not ideal for full service dining unless you pair it with 3rd party integrations.
Hardware
Shopify offers a range of hardware options, including card readers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, and iPad stands. For mobile use, their portable card reader is a popular choice.
Retail kits bundle these components for a complete solution that works seamlessly with Shopify POS software.
Pricing
Shopify POS comes in two tiers:
- Shopify POS Lite: Included in all Shopify e-commerce plans starting at $39/month, offering basic POS tools like inventory tracking and sales reporting.
- Shopify POS Pro: Costs $89/month per location, with advanced features such as detailed reporting, omnichannel management, and custom permissions.
Transaction fees range from 2.4% to 2.7% + $0.30 per transaction, depending on the e-commerce plan. Hardware costs start at $49 for a basic card reader, with bundled solutions ranging from $150 to over $1,000.
Shopify POS is ideal for hybrid restaurant-retail businesses or those prioritizing an omnichannel approach but may require additional integrations for complex restaurant-specific needs.
Further reading 📚
2. Square for Restaurants
Square for Restaurants is a simple and affordable POS system for small to medium sized restaurants, cafes and food trucks.
It’s easy to set up and has a free basic plan that covers menu management, table management and basic reporting.
It integrates with the Square ecosystem including payment processing and online ordering so it’s an all in one solution for small business owners.
It’s also super mobile so you can take orders and process payments anywhere, counter or tableside.
One of Square’s best features is its flexibility. It’s pay as you go for payment processing so you only pay for what you use with no long term contracts or hidden fees.
However its advanced features like detailed analytics and loyalty programs may require an upgrade to higher priced tiers.
So Square is a great starting point for smaller restaurants but may not be scalable for larger ones.
Hardware
Square for Restaurants has a range of modern and sleek hardware options. The basic package includes Square’s card reader for contactless and chip payments, a countertop terminal and optional accessories like cash drawers and receipt printers.
You can also add Square Stand for iPads which turns a tablet into a full POS terminal. For mobile orders Square Terminal is an all in one portable device.
Pricing
Free plan for basic features for very small restaurants or food trucks. Paid plans start at $60/month per location which includes advanced POS features like table management and reporting.
Transaction fees are 2.6% + $0.10 per in-person payment and 2.9% + $0.30 for online orders. Hardware costs vary, card readers start at $49 and bundles like the Square Stand kit start at $169-$799 depending on the configuration.
👉 Check out our detailed Square for Restaurants POS review.
3. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is an easy to use and affordable POS system for small restaurants and food trucks. Unlike most cloud based systems TouchBistro is an on-premise solution that runs on iPads.
This means it will keep working even during internet outages making it perfect for busy restaurants. The interface is easy to use so staff can take orders, process payments and manage tables without extensive training.
TouchBistro’s strength is its simplicity. It doesn’t overwhelm users with features they don’t need, it focuses on the core features like menu customization, reporting and inventory tracking.
But while it covers most of the essentials it may not have the scalability and integrations for larger restaurants. For small operations looking for a simple and reliable system TouchBistro is a great choice.
Hardware
TouchBistro uses iPad based hardware so it’s very portable and easy to use. Their core setup includes iPads, iPad stands, printers and card readers.
You can also add cash drawers and customer facing displays for a more robust setup. Since the hardware is not proprietary you can save money by using existing iPads or buying them separately.
Pricing
TouchBistro plans start at $69/month per terminal so it’s very affordable for small restaurants. Add-ons like loyalty programs and online ordering are extra and cost around $25-$50/month.
The initial hardware investment depends on the number of devices needed but usually ranges from $500 to $2,000.
👉 Check out our detailed Touchbistro POS review.
4. Lightspeed for Restaurants
Lightspeed is a premium solution for fine dining and larger restaurants that need customization. It excels with menu management, allowing restaurants to create complex menus with modifiers and pricing variations.
Table management tools help with seating and efficiency during peak hours. The cloud based system gives real-time data across multiple locations so it’s perfect for multi-unit or franchise restaurants.
What sets Lightspeed apart is its analytics and reporting. It gives restaurant owners granular insights into sales, employee performance and customer preferences.
This data can be used to make data driven decisions which can be very profitable. While the learning curve and pricing may not be for small restaurants Lightspeed’s functionality and scalability make it a great choice for growing restaurants.
Hardware
Lightspeed has a wide range of hardware options including iPads, Bluetooth card readers and countertop terminals. They also have restaurant specific tools like kitchen display systems and barcode scanners for inventory management.
Their hardware is compatible with 3rd party devices so restaurants can use existing setup or scale with new purchases.
Pricing
Lightspeed plans start at $69/month which includes basic POS features, menu management and reporting. The Pro Plan is $399/month which includes advanced analytics, online ordering and multi-location management.
Payment processing fees are 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction but restaurants can negotiate rates based on volume. Hardware bundles range from $500 to $1,200 depending on the components.
👉 Check out our detailed Lightspeed Restaurant POS review.
5: MYR POS
MYR POS is a QSR (quick-service restaurant) and fast-casual specific solution. Its main focus is speed and efficiency so restaurants can process high volume of orders quickly.
MYR POS has an intuitive interface so staff can manage orders, customize menu items and process payments with minimal training.
Its kiosk feature also allows customers to order themselves reducing wait times and improving the overall dining experience.
MYR POS has a unique ability to handle high demand scenarios like lunch rushes. It integrates with delivery platforms and supports online ordering so takeout and delivery orders are streamlined.
The system also has robust analytics so QSR owners can monitor sales trends and optimize their menu. While MYR POS is great for fast paced environments it may not be the best fit for full service restaurants or fine dining establishments that need more complex table management tools.
Hardware
MYR POS has lightweight and portable hardware for quick-service restaurants. This includes touchscreen terminals, card readers and kitchen printers. The system also has kiosks for self-ordering during busy hours.
Pricing
MYR POS starts at $69/month per terminal, additional costs for kiosk integrations or advanced analytics.
Payment processing rates are competitive at 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. Hardware costs range from $500 to $2,000 depending on number of devices and optional upgrades.
Further reading 📚
6. Lavu POS
Lavu POS is a restaurant specific system that works for all types of restaurants from small cafes to full service restaurants.
Known for its customizability, Lavu allows restaurant owners to tailor the system to their unique needs whether it’s creating detailed menus, managing tables or tracking sales in real-time. The system runs on iPads so servers can take orders or process payments tableside.
One of Lavu’s strengths is its back-office management tools. It has features like inventory tracking, employee scheduling and detailed sales reporting so it’s an all-in-one solution for restaurant owners.
Lavu also integrates with 3rd party apps for accounting, payroll and delivery services so it’s more functional.
While Lavu POS is highly customizable it has a steeper learning curve than simpler systems like Square or Clover so it’s better suited for restaurants that need advanced features and are willing to invest in staff training.
Hardware
Lavu POS runs primarily on iPads so it’s cost effective and easy to deploy. Additional hardware options include receipt printers, barcode scanners and kitchen display systems.
Lavu supports both proprietary and 3rd party hardware so restaurants have flexibility based on their budget and needs.
Pricing
Lavu’s plans start at $69/month per terminal, add-ons like online ordering or loyalty programs cost extra. Payment processing rates are 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction, volume discounts apply.
Hardware packages range from $700 to $2,500 depending on the restaurant’s needs.
Further reading 📚
7. Toast POS
Toast is built for restaurants so it’s one of the most comprehensive and powerful systems out there. It crushes delivery and takeout orders and integrates with 3rd party platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub.
Toast has robust kitchen display systems so orders are communicated clearly and efficiently to the back of the house.
It has a loyalty program and customer insights tools so restaurants can build relationships with customers and tailor their offerings to customer preferences.
Toast is best for mid-sized and high volume restaurants due to the feature set. While the hardware cost is higher than competitors the investment pays off in performance and reliability.
Toast’s reporting and analytics give you actionable insights into sales trends, staffing needs and menu performance so you can optimize your operations.
Hardware: Toast has proprietary hardware designed for restaurants. The core setup includes Toast Go 2 handheld devices for tableside ordering, kitchen display systems (KDS) for communication with the back of the house and countertop terminals.
Hardware is rugged and durable and built to withstand the restaurant environment (spills and drops).
Toast also offers payment processing hardware for contactless and chip card transactions.
Pricing:
Toast has a free software plan but most restaurants benefit from their paid plans which start at $75/month per terminal for the Essentials Plan which includes online ordering and analytics.
The hardware package for Toast ranges from $799 to $1,500 depending on the configuration. Payment processing rates are competitive at 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction but can vary based on contract.
8. Touchbistro
TouchBistro is an easy to use and affordable POS system for small restaurants and food trucks. Unlike most cloud based systems TouchBistro is an on-premise solution that runs on iPads. This means it will keep working even during internet outages making it perfect for busy restaurants.
The interface is easy to use so staff can take orders, process payments and manage tables without extensive training.
TouchBistro’s strength is its simplicity. It doesn’t overwhelm users with features they don’t need, it focuses on the core features like menu customization, reporting and inventory tracking.
But while it covers most of the essentials it may not have the scalability and integrations for larger restaurants. For small operations looking for a simple and reliable system TouchBistro is a great choice.
Hardware
TouchBistro uses iPad based hardware so it’s very portable and easy to use. Their core setup includes iPads, iPad stands, printers and card readers. You can also add cash drawers and customer facing displays for a more robust setup.
Since the hardware is not proprietary you can save money by using existing iPads or buying them separately.
Pricing
TouchBistro plans start at $69/month per terminal so it’s very affordable for small restaurants. Add-ons like loyalty programs and online ordering are extra and cost around $25-$50/month.
The initial hardware investment depends on the number of devices needed but usually ranges from $500 to $2,000.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best POS System for Your Restaurant
Selecting the right POS system for your restaurant is one of the most impactful decisions you can make to improve efficiency, enhance customer service, and grow your business.
From small cafés to high-volume quick-service chains, each POS system brings unique strengths to the table. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, advanced analytics, or scalability, there’s a solution tailored to your specific needs.
If you’re just starting, Square for Restaurants offers an affordable and flexible option, perfect for smaller establishments. For delivery-heavy or takeout operations, Toast POS stands out with its seamless integration and kitchen tools.
Fine-dining establishments will benefit from the advanced customization and analytics of Lightspeed POS, while quick-service restaurants can rely on MYR POS for speed and efficiency.
Lastly, Clover POS provides an excellent budget-friendly solution for new or smaller businesses.
Take the time to assess your restaurant’s requirements, including budget, type of service, and growth goals. Most of these systems offer free trials or demos, so you can test their features before committing.
With the right POS system in place, you’ll not only streamline operations but also set the foundation for long-term success in the competitive restaurant industry.
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