Takeaway Menus for Every Type of Hospitality Business

A professionally printed takeaway menu is one of the simplest and most effective marketing tools available to hospitality businesses. It gives customers an easy way to browse your food and drink choices, compare prices and decide what to order—all while keeping your business name and contact details close at hand.

Takeaway menus are not just for traditional takeaway shops. They can be used by cafés, restaurants, bakeries, pubs, clubs, food trucks, caterers, hotels and many other businesses that sell prepared food or beverages.

Whether handed to a customer, included with an order or distributed throughout the local area, a well-designed menu can help generate repeat business and introduce your food to new customers.

Restaurants and Takeaway Food Businesses

Restaurants and takeaway outlets are the most obvious users of printed takeaway menus. Customers may want to order food to collect, arrange delivery or simply look through the choices before deciding where to eat.

A printed menu allows you to clearly present your:

• Entrees, main meals, sides and desserts
• Meal deals and family packs
• Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
• Children’s meals
• Drinks and extras
• Collection and delivery details
• Opening hours and contact information

Restaurants can include a takeaway menu with every completed order. This gives customers something to keep on the fridge, in a kitchen drawer or near the phone for the next time they want an easy meal.

Cafés and Coffee Shops

Cafés can use takeaway menus to promote much more than coffee. A menu can feature breakfast choices, sandwiches, salads, wraps, cakes, smoothies, juices and catering platters.

For cafés located near offices, schools or busy shopping areas, a takeaway menu can encourage customers to order ahead for collection. Including a QR code linking to your online ordering page can make the process even easier.

Cafés can also create smaller menus for seasonal promotions, such as summer drinks, winter soups, Christmas catering or special breakfast packages.

Bakeries and Patisseries

Bakeries, cake shops and patisseries can use printed menus to showcase their everyday range and made-to-order products. These might include breads, pies, pastries, sandwiches, celebration cakes, cupcakes, dessert boxes and catering trays.

A takeaway menu is particularly useful when customers need time to consider their choices or discuss an order with family members or colleagues. It can include serving sizes, flavour choices, lead times and ordering instructions.

Photographs of beautifully presented cakes or baked goods can also help customers visualise the finished product and encourage higher-value orders.

Pizza Shops and Burger Bars

Pizza shops and burger bars often have extensive menus with different sizes, combinations, toppings and extras. A printed menu makes it easier for customers to compare these options without scrolling through multiple screens.

Menus can be designed with clear sections for pizzas, burgers, sides, drinks, desserts and package deals. Popular choices, chef’s recommendations and value meals can be highlighted to make ordering faster.

These menus are ideal for letterbox distribution because they can reach households within the business’s delivery or collection area.

Food Trucks and Mobile Food Vendors

Food trucks, market stalls and mobile food businesses may change locations, but a printed menu can still be a valuable promotional tool.

A compact menu or flyer can list regular locations, trading times, signature dishes and social media details. A QR code can direct customers to a page showing the latest schedule or upcoming events.

Printed menus can also be handed out at markets, festivals and community events to encourage customers to follow the business and visit again.

Pubs, Clubs and Bars

Pubs, sporting clubs, RSL clubs and bars can use takeaway menus to promote meals that are available for collection. This can be especially effective for family dinners, weekend meals, sporting events and busy weeknights.

The menu might feature pub favourites, pizzas, burgers, children’s meals, family packs and weekly specials. It can also advertise dine-in facilities, membership offers, entertainment or function rooms.

A professionally designed menu helps communicate that takeaway meals receive the same care and attention as food served inside the venue.

Hotels, Motels and Accommodation Providers

Hotels, motels, resorts, caravan parks and serviced apartments can provide takeaway menus for their own restaurants, cafés or room service facilities.

Menus can be placed in guest rooms, at reception or inside welcome folders. They can also include information about breakfast packs, picnic lunches, poolside food, late-night snacks or meals for guests arriving after regular dining hours.

Accommodation providers without their own kitchen may also work with nearby hospitality businesses to provide guests with a selection of trusted local takeaway menus.

Catering Businesses

Caterers can use printed menus to explain their packages and make the ordering process easier. Menus may cover corporate lunches, sandwich platters, grazing boxes, morning teas, weddings, parties, funerals and community events.

A catering takeaway menu can include minimum quantities, serving sizes, dietary choices, delivery areas and notice requirements. It can be provided to offices, schools, medical centres, event venues and local organisations.

Because catering orders are often planned in advance, customers are more likely to keep a well-presented menu for future use.

Delicatessens, Butchers and Specialty Food Stores

Delicatessens, gourmet grocers, butchers and specialty food shops increasingly offer ready-made meals and take-home food. Printed menus can promote items such as family pies, lasagnes, salads, roast meals, barbecue packs, antipasto platters and heat-and-serve dinners.

Menus are also useful for seasonal ordering, including Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and major sporting events. Providing an order deadline and collection details creates a clear call to action.

School Canteens and Community Organisations

School canteens, sporting clubs, churches and community groups can use takeaway-style menus for regular food services, fundraising events and special occasions.

A clear printed menu makes it easy for families to see the available food, prices, ordering method and collection time. Menus can be distributed through schools, handed out at training sessions or included in community newsletters.

Use Your Menu as a Marketing Tool

A takeaway menu should do more than list food and prices. It should make ordering easy while reinforcing the identity of your business.

An effective menu can include:

• Your logo and brand colours
• Address, telephone number and opening hours
• Website and social media details
• Delivery and collection information
• QR codes for online ordering
• Dietary symbols and allergen information
• Popular meals and package deals
• A discount or incentive for the next order
• A request for customers to leave a review

Menus can also be used to promote loyalty programs, catering services, gift vouchers, function packages and special events.

Choosing the Right Takeaway Menu Format

Takeaway menus can be printed in many different sizes and folding styles. Popular formats include DL, A4 folded to DL, A3 folded to DL, six-page menus, eight-page menus and custom designs.

The best format depends on how much information you need to include, whether you want to use photographs and how the menus will be distributed. A compact folded menu is easy for customers to keep, while a larger format provides more space for extensive food choices and promotional content.

Good organisation is essential. Clear headings, readable type, logical sections and enough white space will help customers find what they want quickly.

Professional Takeaway Menu Printing Australia-Wide

Emerald Print can design and print high-quality takeaway menus for hospitality businesses throughout Australia. Our prices include professional artwork, full-colour printing, GST and courier delivery, so there are no hidden artwork or setup costs.

We can produce DL menus, Double DL menus, six-page A4 menus, eight-page menus and many other custom sizes and folding styles. If you do not see the size, paper weight or finishing option you need, please contact us for a free customised quote.

A professionally printed takeaway menu keeps your business in front of customers, makes ordering easier and helps turn a first purchase into repeat business.