5 examples of NYC restaurant websites that drive revenue

Your restaurant’s digital curb appeal matters. However, it should go beyond esthetics and be fully functional. According to Forbes:

“to deliver digital results, a website must offer an engaging, dynamic user experience.”

From sheer functionality and convenience to an impactful encounter, restaurant sites with a compelling design gain more than traffic—they earn a customer’s trust. Research by Blue Corona explains that:

48% of people view website design as the most important factor when determining the credibility of a business.

So what specific elements attract new customers and retain loyal restaurant guests?

Revenue-generating design elements

When looking at websites, we’ve found that successful restaurants use a variation of these elements on their sites to create the perfect user experience:

Storytelling. From intriguing snippets on the home page to a compelling story about your restaurant’s history, HeadStream found that consumers are 55% more likely to buy a product when they love your brand’s story.
Functionality. On the consumer end, this translates into convenience. Fast loading, responsive sites keep customers engaged.
Social Proof. Social sharing buttons, recommendations from online reviews, and user-generated content impacts restaurant sales.
CTA. Choose a call to action that encourages users to reserve, order now, or try a new cocktail. Focusing on one call to action influences purchasing decisions.
Website content and copy. On-page SEO optimization, including non-PDF menus, improves visibility and helps your restaurant appear in search engine results.
Design. A study by Blue Corona shows a whopping 38% of consumers leave websites when the content or layout is unattractive.

Get inspired by these multidimensional New York restaurants showcasing effective, intuitive design.

1. Sakagura

Sakagura’s stunning site keeps customers focused on a single call to action—make a reservation. Visually stimulating images encourage potential guests to reserve now. Sakagura’s use of a CTA follows Adobe’s website guidelines:

Above all else, the most common goal for a restaurant website is to convince people to either make a reservation right there on the site or do so over the phone. Everything else is second in importance.

Along with a strong CTA, Sakagura’s scrollable site provides all the information a guest needs to make a purchasing decision.

2. Freemans Restaurant

Freemans Restaurant displays a stark white text box that contrasts sharply with the dark header above and enticing food images below. The home page includes:

Short and succulent origin story.
Description of cuisine.
Hours and contact information.
Daily special.
Precise directions, including a button for those who find themselves lost.

Optimized web copy earns Freemans Restaurant a spot on the first search engine results page (SERP) for New York restaurants.

3. The Spaniard

The Spaniard narrows customer focus and captures attention by showcasing a new beverage first. This design tactic generates interest which translates into purchases. A simple one-page design displays a compelling tagline followed by contact information and a prominent “get directions” button.

4. Claudette

Claudette’s crisp website design focuses on storytelling that keeps consumers scrolling. Users learn about Claudette’s history, the chef, menu, wines, and the origins of the restaurant’s name. According to Adobe:

65% of consumers ranked display as the most important aspect.

Claudette hits the mark with beautifully designed menus that tie into their restaurant’s atmosphere.

5. Beauty and Essex

Beauty and Essex boost interest by showcasing their unique atmosphere. Toast research found that:

61% of adults would rather spend money on an experience, such as a restaurant.

The high-resolution photos draw the viewer’s eyes down where they are greeted with a “Make a Reservation” button. You’ll notice the social media buttons prominently displayed directly under the reservation button.

Purposeful website design drives traffic to your restaurant. A Yelp study found that 80% of people are looking up your restaurant online before leaving their house. An intuitive website isn’t optional. It’s essential.