Web Design

QR Code Menus Done Right: Best Practices for Perth Venues [2025 Guide]

13 December 2025 • Amplify Creative Lab • 10 min read

Web Design
Perth Hospitality
Digital Marketing
Restaurant Technology
Accessibility

QR code menus became ubiquitous during COVID-19, but many Perth venues still use the same hastily-implemented systems from 2020. The result? Frustrated customers squinting at tiny text, slow-loading PDFs, and staff constantly helping confused guests scan codes.

Done right, QR code menus enhance the dining experience, reduce costs, and enable instant updates. Done wrong, they become a barrier to sales. This guide shows Perth cafés, restaurants, and bars how to implement QR menus properly.

Why QR Code Menus Still Make Sense

Despite the initial pandemic-driven adoption, well-implemented QR menus offer genuine benefits:

Benefit	Impact
Instant menu updates	No reprinting costs for price changes or seasonal items
Reduced printing costs	Save $500-2,000+ annually on menu printing
Multi-language support	Easily offer menus in multiple languages for tourists
Environmental sustainability	Reduces paper waste—appeals to eco-conscious Perth diners
Analytics	Track which dishes get the most views
Upselling opportunities	Highlight specials, pairings, and add-ons dynamically

However, these benefits only materialise with proper implementation. A PDF scan of your paper menu uploaded to Dropbox doesn’t cut it.

Before diving into best practices, let’s examine what goes wrong at many Perth venues:

1. Linking to PDF Menus

The problem: PDFs are designed for print, not mobile screens. Customers pinch and zoom endlessly, text is unreadable, and loading takes forever on mobile data.

The fix: Create a dedicated mobile-optimised menu page on your website, or use purpose-built digital menu software.

2. Tiny QR Codes

The problem: Codes smaller than 2cm often fail to scan, especially in dim restaurant lighting.

The fix: Use 4x4cm codes minimum for table placement. Include your logo in the centre for branding.

3. No Paper Backup

The problem: Elderly customers, dead batteries, broken phone cameras, or simply personal preference—many guests don’t want to use QR menus.

The fix: Always have paper menus available on request. Train staff to offer alternatives proactively.

4. Poor Mobile Experience

The problem: The menu loads slowly, isn’t responsive, or requires scrolling horizontally to see prices.

The fix: Design mobile-first. Test on actual phones, not just desktop browsers.

5. No Clear Instructions

The problem: Not everyone knows how to scan a QR code, especially older demographics.

The fix: Include brief instructions: “Scan with your phone camera” or “Open camera app and point here.”

The best approach for most Perth venues is a dedicated /menu page that’s designed specifically for mobile viewing.

Requirements:

Fast loading time (under 3 seconds on 4G)
Mobile-responsive design
Large, readable text (16px minimum)
Clear price display right-aligned
Logical category organisation
Proper contrast for readability
No horizontal scrolling required

If your current website isn’t mobile-optimised, this is a priority fix. A poorly designed menu page reflects directly on your venue.

Several platforms offer purpose-built digital menus:

Platform	Best For	Starting Price
Square	Venues already using Square POS	Free with Square
GloriaFood	Online ordering integration	Free tier available
Untappd	Bars with rotating tap lists	From $29/month
Lightspeed	Full POS integration	From $69/month
Custom solution	Complete control and branding	From $800 one-time

Consider your needs: simple menu display, online ordering integration, or POS connectivity?

For higher-end Perth restaurants, smart menu systems offer:

Digital wine lists with tasting notes
Allergen filtering (show only gluten-free options)
Multi-language support with automatic translation
Calorie and nutritional information
Integration with table ordering systems

QR Code Best Practices

Choosing the Right QR Code Type

Static QR Codes: Point to a fixed URL. If you change your menu URL, you must reprint all codes.

Dynamic QR Codes: Point to a redirect URL you control. Update the destination anytime without reprinting.

Recommendation: Always use dynamic QR codes. Services like Bitly, QR Code Generator, or your website’s built-in URL management let you change destinations anytime.

Designing Your QR Code

Modern QR codes don’t have to be boring black squares:

Add your logo to the centre (up to 30% coverage without affecting scannability)
Use brand colours (ensure sufficient contrast—dark codes on light backgrounds)
Round the corners for a softer look
Include a call-to-action frame (“Scan for Menu”)
Test every design on multiple phones before printing

Optimal QR Code Sizing

Placement	Minimum Size	Recommended Size
Table stand	3 x 3cm	4 x 4cm
Wall poster	4 x 4cm	8 x 8cm
Window sticker	5 x 5cm	10 x 10cm
Business card	2 x 2cm	2.5 x 2.5cm

Pro tip: The further the scanning distance, the larger the code needs to be. A code scanned from 30cm needs to be at least half the distance in centimetres (15cm = 6 inches minimum for wall signage viewed from a distance).

Placement Strategy

Table Placement (Cafés and Restaurants)

Use angled acrylic stands, not flat on the table (shadows kill scannability)
Position away from table centrepieces and condiments
Ensure adequate lighting
One code per table, clearly visible from all seats

Bar Placement

Backlit signs work well in dim bar environments
Position at eye level when seated
Consider multiple points for long bars
Include beer tap options for rotating selections

Counter Service (Cafés)

Display prominently near the register
Consider ceiling-hung signs for queue visibility
Combine with physical menu boards

Accessibility Considerations

QR code menus can create barriers for some customers. Ensure inclusivity:

Visual Accessibility

Minimum 16px font size on your digital menu
4.5:1 colour contrast ratio (WCAG AA standard)
Resizable text that doesn’t break layout
High contrast mode option

Motor and Dexterity

Large tap targets (44px minimum)
No hover-only interactions
Scrollable without precision gestures

Cognitive Accessibility

Clear, simple language
Logical menu organisation
Consistent navigation
Avoid auto-playing media

Alternative Access

Always offer paper menus
Staff should be trained to assist and read menus
Consider large-print paper versions for elderly guests
Ensure your website meets WCAG guidelines

Multi-Location Considerations

For Perth hospitality groups with multiple venues (Fremantle and Northbridge locations, for example):

Use separate QR codes for each location
Dynamic codes let you manage all locations centrally
Consider location-specific specials and pricing
Ensure branding consistency across venues

Tracking and Analytics

Digital menus provide data paper menus can’t:

What to track:

Menu page views vs. cover counts
Most-viewed dishes
Average time on menu
Drop-off points (where customers stop scrolling)
Peak viewing times

How to use the data:

Move popular items to prime positions
Investigate underviewed sections
Adjust descriptions for poorly-converting dishes
Optimise menu length based on engagement

Use Google Analytics, your website’s built-in stats, or menu platform analytics to gather this data.

Integrating with Your Overall Digital Presence

Your QR code menu should integrate with your broader digital marketing strategy:

Use the same professional food photography across menu, website, and social
Ensure pricing consistency across all platforms
Link to your booking system or phone number from the menu
Include links to your Google Business Profile

A Mount Lawley café approached us after their QR menu was causing customer complaints. Issues included:

PDF menu took 15 seconds to load on 4G
Text was 10px—unreadable without zooming
No prices visible without horizontal scrolling
Paper menus had been completely removed

Our solution:

Created a dedicated mobile-first menu page
Implemented dynamic QR codes for easy updates
Added professional food photography to key dishes
Restored paper menu option for those who prefer it
Trained staff on when to offer alternatives

Results after 3 months:

Customer complaints about menu: Down 90%
Average table turn time: Improved 8 minutes
Dish photo requests: Menu items with photos ordered 23% more
Staff time helping with QR issues: Near zero

Implementation Checklist

Ready to improve your QR code menu? Follow this checklist:

Planning Phase

Audit current QR menu experience on multiple devices
Decide on menu platform (website page vs. third-party)
Plan dynamic QR code strategy
Budget for quality table stands and signage

Design Phase

Design mobile-first menu page
Ensure accessibility compliance
Add professional food photography
Test on iOS and Android devices
Verify fast load times (under 3 seconds)

Implementation Phase

Create dynamic QR codes
Design branded QR code graphics
Print and install table stands
Train staff on assisting customers
Prepare paper menu alternatives

Ongoing Maintenance

Update menu and prices as needed
Monitor analytics monthly
Refresh QR code materials when worn
Gather customer feedback
Test periodically on new devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Do QR code menus actually improve restaurant efficiency?

When implemented correctly, yes. QR menus reduce printing costs, enable instant updates, and can speed up ordering. However, poorly designed QR menus often frustrate customers and slow down service as staff help confused guests.

What size should a QR code be for restaurant tables?

QR codes should be at least 2x2cm for reliable scanning. For table stands, 4x4cm is ideal. Codes smaller than 1.5cm often fail to scan properly, especially in low light conditions typical of Perth bars and restaurants.

Should Perth restaurants still offer paper menus alongside QR codes?

Absolutely. Best practice is to offer both. Some guests prefer physical menus, elderly customers may struggle with QR technology, and dead phone batteries happen. Having paper backups prevents frustration and lost sales.

How often should I update my QR code digital menu?

One major advantage of digital menus is instant updates. Update prices and dishes as needed—no reprinting required. For seasonal menus, you can update weekly. Always keep your online menu in sync with what you actually serve.

What’s the best way to display QR codes in a Perth café?

Use sturdy acrylic stands at each table, include brief instructions, and ensure adequate contrast between the code and background. Avoid placing codes flat on the table where shadows make scanning difficult.

Can QR code menus work offline?

The QR code itself works offline (it’s just a URL), but your menu needs internet to load. Venues with poor mobile reception should consider offline-capable PWA menus or ensure strong WiFi coverage.

How do I make my QR code menu accessible for customers with disabilities?

Ensure your digital menu is responsive, uses adequate font sizes (16px minimum), has proper colour contrast (4.5:1 ratio), and works with screen readers. Always offer a physical menu alternative.

Should I use a static or dynamic QR code for my restaurant menu?

Always use dynamic QR codes. Static codes point to a fixed URL that can’t change. Dynamic codes let you update the destination URL without reprinting, perfect for seasonal menu changes or special events.

Need help creating a mobile-optimised menu page for your Perth venue? Our web design team specialises in hospitality websites that convert visitors into guests. Get in touch to discuss your digital menu needs.