The In's and Out's of Menu Design

 

 

Effective menu design comes down to numerous variables. In this article were going to review the steps needed to set up the perfect menu design. 

 

5 Menu Design Steps

 

Follow these six menu design tips to streamline the process.

 

1. Conclude your restaurant menu, make sure the items, descriptions, and prices are all accurate

2. Make sure your menu categories are set up; appetizers, specials, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc

3. Establish your brand's colors and theme

4. Review menu designs that fit your restaurant's branding requirements and look

5. Once your restaurant menu design is selected, begin inserting your menu items and customizing the menu layout

 

Restaurant Menu Design Customization

 

When it comes to your menu layout and how it is arranged, you will need to consider the natural eye-flow patterns of your guests. This means what your customers will look for and how they will review your menu template. To help optimize the flow, let's now go over menu engineering.

 

The Science Behind Menu Design

 

Known as the "Golden Triangle," menu experts have identified the top three sections of menus that receive the most attention.

 

1. Mid Center: 73% of the time, the mid-area of menus are looked at first; knowing this; we suggest listing your featured highest margin menu items in the area

2. Upper Right: after viewing the middle, your guest's eye's will wander to the upper right section; here, it would be wise to feature signature drinks or appetizers 

3. Upper Left: your guest's eyes will then do a quick scan across the top and end up in the upper left corner of your restaurant, here we suggest listings featured items, combos, and specials

 

How to Design for Maximum Effectiveness

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Once you've set up your golden triangle, it's time to focus on your menu categories. When it comes to setting up your categories, be as specific as possible. An example of this would be Chicken, Seafood, and Beef. When getting particular, you are making it easier for your guests to find exactly what they want.

 

How to Write Menu Descriptions

 

Often the most overlooked part of menu design is descriptions. The words you use and how the menu items are described directly impact your bottom line. When writing menu descriptions, it is essential to use descriptive, taste-invoking words. Make sure to list several critical ingredients used and offer a short sentence on preparing and cooking. 

 

An example of this would be:

 

"Seasoned with fresh cracked black pepper and mediterranean sea salt, the brisket marinates for 18 hours, then is slow-smoked with hickory for 12 hours."

 

Conclusion

 

Your menu and how the menu template is set up play an essential role in how your brand image is perceived and, more importantly, your bottom line. Make sure you take the time to honestly list out your menu and put some serious thought behind the descriptions, layout, and colors!

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