How to create an interactive restaurant menu that sells?7 min read

How to create an interactive restaurant menu that sells? Blog post by Dot.vu

Are you one of those people who checks the menu before going to a restaurant? You’re not alone! If you’ve ever done that, you’ve probably encountered digital menus in the form of PDFs or images. 

But what if you could recreate a physical restaurant menu and make it even better? Imagine a virtual menu with a flip page effect, animations, and clickable images where people can zoom in to see the details. Add links to order online, reservation forms, and even the sound of turning pages, and you’ve got an interactive dining experience. 

All this is possible in our digital world – with Dot.vu on your side. Keep reading to learn how to create an irresistible interactive restaurant menu that will leave your customers craving more. 

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What is an interactive restaurant menu?

An interactive restaurant menu is a virtual flipbook that showcases your menu items alongside interactive elements, such as: 

  • Clickable images 
  • Links 
  • Slideshows 
  • Product Finders 
  • (Call-to) Order buttons 
  • Reservation forms  
  • Food videos 
  • Marketing Games 
  • And more!  

This type of menu transforms passive viewers into active participants. Instead of just reading a list of dishes, your customers can explore clickable images, answer questions, and even make a reservation in seconds. Imagine the excitement of expanding images, watching food videos, and playing games—all within your menu! 

An interactive menu doesn’t just recreate the physical experience of flipping through pages; it enhances it. Think about it: potential customers can dive deeper into each item, see detailed images with a zoom effect, and interact with the menu in ways that make them feel more connected to your restaurant. 

Interactive menus are a type of Interactive Flipbook. Did you know you can easily turn your PDFs into Interactive Flipbooks that captivate viewers? If you have a PDF menu, you can convert it into an interactive one in just a few simple steps! 

Why make your digital menu interactive?

Did you know that more than 70% of organizations, including restaurants, perceive digital transformation as a top priority? Having a virtual menu on your website is a great step to digital transformation. It makes your restaurant more popular, helps people get to know your food options, and gives them a feel for your brand. Furthermore, an interactive menu can make your restaurant stand out. According to the National Restaurant Association, competition among restaurants is tough. In 2024, nearly 50% of operators expected competition to be more intense than last year. This should come as no surprise. The total food services and drinking places sales reached 975 billion US dollars in 2022, in the US alone. So, you really need to use innovative content that will encourage people to choose your restaurant.  

Let’s explore some of the benefits of bringing your menu to life:  

  • Increase engagement. An interactive menu will invite users to engage actively with your content and brand.  
  • Attracting outside-of-town visitors. When tourists are doing research for a nice place, they check out restaurants too. An interactive menu will attract them.  
  • Save costs. Producing and launching an online menu is cost-effective. Some platforms like Dot.vu even offer free customizable templates!  
  • Being greener. Distributing your menus online is a more sustainable choice than printing. You can invite restaurant visitors to scan a QR code to access your digital menu.  
  • Easy to update. When you create an interactive menu (not PDF), you can make real-time changes that reflect immediately. On the other hand, when you use a PDF, once printed, it is impossible to change.  
  • Collect data. An interactive restaurant menu software allows you to track every click and interaction, giving you a better perspective on your customers’ preferences. 
  • Reach more people. Do you still rely on your physical menu or images only? Online ordering is exploding. Digital ordering has grown 300% faster than dine-in for the past 8 years. Therefore, an online menu and delivery system will help you skyrocket sales and orders like never before.  
Explore various flipbook examples, each easy to customize and tailor to your menu.

Interactive restaurant menu examples

Now, let’s explore three stunning digital restaurant menu examples. If you are looking for interactive restaurant menu software, look no further than Dot.vu. With just a few clicks, you can easily recreate and customize any of these examples and turn them into your memorable digital menu.  

1. Restaurant Menu

Starting with a simple example, this Restaurant Menu is a stunning flipbook that showcases food images and price. Featuring a page flip effect, animations, and clickable images with slideshows, this menu successfully catches people’s attention (and appetite!).  

The search function also allows your customers to explore specific dishes they have in mind.  

Create your own Restaurant Menu using this template. Drag & Drop pages, add more clickable elements and animations, and bring it to life for your customers to enjoy.  

2. Restaurant Menu Booklet 

Now, let’s get more interactive! This Restaurant Menu Booklet goes beyond animations and clickable elements and invites users to scratch a card to reveal the item of the day or even make a reservation!  

The search function also allows your customers to explore specific dishes they have in mind. 

Create your own Restaurant Menu using this template. Drag & Drop pages, add more clickable elements and animations, customize your reservation form, and bring it to life for your customers to enjoy. 

3. Product Catalog Flipbook – Food 

This catalog is specifically designed for B2B companies. Easy to navigate, this flipbook showcases different menus with clickable images and order buttons. Users can even take advantage of a menu finder that helps them discover the best menu for their requirements.  

If your company is a food provider or in the catering business, this is the interactive menu for you. Create your own Food Catalog using this template. Drag & Drop pages, add more clickable elements and animations, customize your order form, and bring it to life for your customers to enjoy. 

Interactive Flipbook updates

Create your interactive restaurant menu with Dot.vu!

Can you already envision what your virtual menu should look like? Do you fancy a realistic page-flip effect, stunning animations, call-to-order buttons, and even Interactive Videos or food item recommenders for those who hesitate?  

Dot.vu is an easy-to-use Interactive Content platform that enables marketers like you to create immersive experiences that sell. You can make an unforgettable interactive menu using our customizable templates or by converting your existing PDF menu.  

Get started on our 14-day free trial today! 


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