Whether you’re running a cozy café or managing a fast-paced chain of restaurants, one thing is certain — the world is going mobile. In 2025, customers expect to place orders, make reservations, and browse your menu right from their phones. That’s where having your own restaurant mobile app can make all the difference.
But here’s the big question we get from restaurant owners, startups, and even seasoned hospitality professionals:
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How much does it actually cost to build a restaurant app?
As a leading web and app development company, we’ve built many restaurant apps—ranging from simple food ordering platforms to fully customized multi-vendor delivery ecosystems. So let’s break down the costs, features, and important details in plain, human language.
Why a Restaurant App Is No Longer Optional
Let’s be honest—customer expectations have changed.
People want:
- Fast access to food
- Real-time order tracking
- Easy payments
- Loyalty rewards
- A personalized experience
- And as a restaurant owner, you want:
- More orders (both online & in-house)
- Streamlined operations
- Direct connection with your customers
- Reduced dependency on aggregator apps (like Swiggy or Zomato)
That’s why a dedicated mobile app helps you stay ahead of the competition and own your customer base.
What Affects the Cost of Building a Restaurant App?
Let’s get straight to it. The cost of restaurant app development depends on multiple factors, such as:
1. The Features You Want
Basic features are easy to implement and less expensive. But if you want advanced tools like real-time delivery tracking or AI-based menu recommendations, that adds to the cost.
2. Design & User Experience
A simple design costs less. But if you want custom branding, animations, and high-end UI/UX, that requires more hours from designers.
3. Platform (Android, iOS, or Both)
Are you targeting Android users only? Or both iOS and Android? Building for both platforms typically doubles the effort unless you’re using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native.
4. Who Builds It
Hiring a freelance developer, an agency, or an in-house team also changes the cost. For instance, companies like Next Big Technology in India offer top-notch services at cost-effective rates compared to U.S. or UK-based teams.
5. Backend Infrastructure
Your app’s server, database, APIs, and admin panel also influence the overall budget.
Must-Have Features in a Restaurant App
Here’s a look at common features that most restaurant owners request. Depending on your business model, you can pick the ones that suit you best:
Customer App
- Easy sign-up/login (Email, Google, OTP)
- Browse menu with images & prices
- Add to cart & modify orders
- Online payment (UPI, Cards, Wallets)
- Order tracking with ETA
- Table reservation
- Loyalty points & rewards
- Push notifications for offers
Restaurant Admin Panel
-
- Dashboard to view all orders
- Menu & pricing management
- Coupon/promo code creation
- Staff & delivery agent management
- Real-time inventory updates
- Earnings reports
Delivery Agent Panel (Optional)
- Order pickup/delivery status
- Navigation & route optimization
- Daily earnings summary
- Support & contact options
So… How Much Does It Actually Cost?
Here’s a ballpark estimate for different app levels based on current 2025 industry standards (prices in INR):
| App Complexity | Description | Estimated Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic App | Basic ordering, menu, and payments | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | 1 to 2 months |
| Standard App | Includes loyalty, order tracking, admin panel | ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 | 2 to 3 months |
| Advanced App | Chat support, AI suggestions, table bookings | ₹8,00,000 – ₹15,00,000+ | 3 to 5 months |
Keep in mind: Actual cost may vary depending on your app features, number of screens, custom requirements, and post-launch support needs.
Want to Save Costs? Consider These Smart Tips:
- Start small with MVP (Minimum Viable Product) – just the key features. You can always scale later.
- Go cross-platform to reach both iOS and Android users in one go.
- Use pre-built modules (like payment gateways or push notifications) instead of building from scratch.
- Hire an experienced development company with proven restaurant app experience (like us ).
Ready-Made vs. Custom-Built Restaurant Apps
Some restaurants ask: “Should we just use third-party apps or aggregators instead?”
Here’s the truth:
| Criteria | Third-Party Apps | Custom-Built App |
|---|---|---|
| Branding | Limited control | Full control |
| Monthly Charges | High commission fees | No commission |
| Customer Data | You don’t own it | 100% yours |
| Flexibility | Limited | Fully customizable |
| Long-term ROI | Low | High |
Custom apps give you freedom, control, and brand loyalty.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Building a restaurant app isn’t just about following a trend — it’s about making your business future-ready.
When you develop a tailored app for your restaurant, you:
- Offer better service
- Own your brand
- Increase your revenue
- Build lasting customer relationships
Whether you’re planning your first app or upgrading an existing one, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s Talk About Your Restaurant App Idea
Thinking of launching a food delivery or restaurant app?
Want to get a personalized cost estimate?
Get in touch with our expert team at Next Big Technology
Schedule a free consultation
