Best Restaurant POS Systems in 2026

Restaurants, cafés and other food and beverage establishments need technology that helps them deliver excellent customer service while keeping operations running smoothly. That’s where restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems come in. While the best POS systems can handle essential tasks like processing payments and tracking sales, restaurant-specific solutions go further. They’re designed to meet the unique needs of the food service industry, whether you run a fine-dining restaurant or a corner coffee shop.

The best restaurant POS systems offer intuitive ordering features, inventory tracking, staff scheduling tools, customer loyalty programs and more. In a competitive market, the five solutions highlighted here stood out in business.com’s rigorous testing and analysis.

The best restaurant POS systems, like this one from Toast, include terminals, kitchen displays, laptop software and mobile apps. Source: Toast

A restaurant point-of-sale (POS) system is designed specifically for food and beverage businesses. Unlike general POS software, restaurant POS systems have features that support the day-to-day needs of restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, bakeries, bars and other food service establishments.

Restaurant POS systems do much more than process payments. Depending on the provider and plan, they can help you create menus, track ingredients and popular dishes, schedule employees, manage reservations and table assignments, coordinate takeout and delivery orders, and run customer loyalty programs. Many also support restaurant-specific hardware, such as kitchen display systems, handheld ordering devices and self-service kiosks. Together, these tools can help your staff take orders, communicate with the kitchen and serve customers more efficiently.

Some POS providers, including Clover, offer systems for multiple industries, such as restaurants, retail stores and service businesses. However, it’s important to choose software designed for your particular needs. A restaurant POS system will generally offer more useful tools for managing food service operations than a basic retail POS system.

Restaurant POS systems can make everyday operations easier for food and beverage businesses. Beyond taking orders and processing payments, they can help you manage inventory, track employee performance and build relationships with repeat customers. Here are some of the biggest benefits.

• Streamlined ordering and sales processes: Restaurant POS systems like Toast combine software and hardware to make ordering and checkout easier. For example, servers can use handheld devices to take orders tableside and send them directly to the kitchen. Integrated payment processing can also simplify checkout and help reduce manual entry errors. Having orders and transactions recorded in one system makes it easier to keep track of sales.

• Automated inventory and productivity monitoring: Keeping track of ingredients and employee performance can take up a lot of time. Restaurant POS systems can handle some of that work automatically. For example, TouchBistro’s inventory management tools can track ingredient usage as customers place orders, helping you see when supplies are running low. Many systems also track employee hours, sales and other performance metrics, giving managers a better idea of how their teams are doing.
• Increased customer engagement: Many restaurant POS systems include tools to help you stay connected with customers. Depending on the provider, you may be able to send text messages, offer gift cards, create loyalty programs and run email marketing campaigns. These features can encourage customers to return and help you build stronger relationships with regular diners.
• Cloud access and software integrations: Cloud-based POS systems store business data in the cloud, allowing you to check sales reports and other information when you’re away from the restaurant. Some also use hybrid technology to keep essential functions running during internet outages. Integrations can connect your POS system with accounting, payroll, scheduling and time-tracking software, reducing the need to enter the same information in multiple places.
• Valuable business insights: Restaurant POS systems can give you a clearer picture of how your business is performing. POS reports can show sales trends, popular menu items, payment methods and employee performance. Some platforms also offer sales forecasting tools to help you plan staffing, inventory purchases and other expenses.

Restaurant POS systems can start at $0 per month, although many entry-level paid plans cost around $50 to $90 per month. However, the advertised starting price doesn’t always tell you what you’ll actually spend. POS charges and fees depend on several factors, including the software and hardware you choose, payment processing rates and any extra features your restaurant needs.

Here are the main costs to consider when shopping for a restaurant POS system:

• Monthly software fees: Many restaurant POS providers charge a monthly subscription fee. For example, TouchBistro starts at $69 per month, while Clover’s restaurant plans start at $89.95 per month, plus hardware. Other providers have different pricing models. Toast offers a $0 Starter Kit, while CAKE includes its software, hardware and support costs in its payment processing rates. These options can help reduce your upfront expenses, but that doesn’t mean the service is entirely free.
• Payment processing fees: You’ll typically pay a percentage of each transaction plus a fixed amount to accept credit cards, debit cards and digital payment methods. Rates vary by provider and whether customers pay in person or online. Some POS companies require you to use their payment processing services, while others let you choose a third-party processor. If your restaurant handles a lot of transactions, even a small difference in processing rates can add up.
• Hardware costs: A basic POS setup might include a terminal, card reader and receipt printer. Depending on your restaurant, you may also need kitchen display systems, handheld ordering devices or self-service kiosks. A complete hardware setup can easily cost more than $1,000, although some providers offer financing or bundle equipment into their monthly plans. You can also start with a few devices and add more as your business grows.
• Add-on features: Online ordering, loyalty programs, advanced inventory management and employee scheduling are useful tools, but they’re not always included in the base subscription. Some providers charge separately for these features, while others offer them in higher-tier plans. Before signing up, make sure you know what’s included and what will cost extra.
• Setup and contract fees: Depending on the provider, you may have to pay for installation, onboarding or other setup services. Some companies also offer discounts if you agree to a longer contract, but that could mean paying an early termination fee if you decide to cancel. Be sure to ask about these costs before committing.

We appreciate POS providers that publish their prices, but it’s still worth speaking with a sales representative to understand exactly what you’re getting. Ask for a quote that includes software, hardware, payment processing and any add-ons you’re considering. Comparing the total cost from a few providers will give you a much better idea of which system fits your restaurant’s needs and budget.

Clover’s kitchen display system organizes incoming orders by service type, helping kitchen staff manage orders from multiple channels. This feature may cost extra. Source: Clover

Choosing the right restaurant POS system starts with understanding what your business needs. Think about the features your staff will use every day, the equipment you’ll need and how much you can afford to spend. From there, you can compare providers to find a system that fits your restaurant.

We also spoke with restaurant owners to learn what mattered most when they chose their POS systems. Here’s what they told us.

Cost and credit card processing rates

Julie King, the longtime owner of Villa México Café, upgraded her restaurant’s POS terminal and looked for a provider that doesn’t “charge fees for everything” and offers “competitive” credit card processing rates.

“Right now, owning a restaurant is a labor of love, not money. Therefore, find the best tools and equipment at the best price,” King advised. “Ask providers what they bring to the table. Do you really need all the bells and whistles they’re trying to upsell you on? Most likely not, but they do need your business, so get a good deal.”

Integrations

Malisse Sinito of Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar chose her restaurant’s POS system “due to the integration with our reservation system, Tock.”

Integrations were also important to King, who wanted a system that would “integrate with third-party ordering apps like Ritual and ChowNow so we don’t have to get more printers for those kitchen tickets.”

Added services

Some POS providers, including Clover and Square, offer services beyond ordering and payment processing. King appreciated that her chosen provider also offered “business benefits like loans and payroll [processing].”

Customer support

You’ll probably need the most help when you’re first setting up your restaurant POS system, but it’s important to have reliable support afterward, too. Jonathan Gillespie, a partner at Adalina Prime, recommended, “Make sure you know what long-term support and services will come with the POS for the life of your partnership.”

Because “support, documentation and implementation resources” factored into his buying decision, Gillespie has been pleased to see that, several years later, his provider’s “continued support and desire to build out new features that meet our business needs remain unwavering.”

Restaurant POS systems offer more than the basic tools you need to take orders and process payments. They can also help you manage your menu, keep track of ingredients, schedule employees and stay connected with customers. When comparing providers, look for the POS features that make the most sense for your restaurant. You may not need every available tool, especially if you’re running a smaller operation.

Features can generally be put into two categories: software and hardware.

Software features

Here are some of the most useful software features to look for:

• Order management: Send orders directly to the kitchen, track their progress and manage orders from different channels, including dine-in, takeout and delivery.
• Inventory management: Monitor food and beverage supplies, track ingredient usage and get alerts when you’re running low on certain items. Some systems also help you calculate food costs and identify waste.
• Employee management: Create schedules, track hours, assign staff permissions and monitor employee performance. Depending on the system, you may also be able to manage tips and payroll.
• Guest management: Manage reservations, waitlists and table assignments. Some systems also let you communicate with customers by text and keep track of their preferences.
• Payment processing: Accept credit cards, debit cards and digital payments. Some POS providers have their own payment processing services, while others let you work with a third-party processor.
• Online ordering and delivery: Accept orders through your website or connect with third-party delivery platforms. Some providers also offer tools to coordinate deliveries and manage incoming orders.
• Customer loyalty programs: Reward repeat customers with points, discounts or special offers. Some systems also include email and text message marketing tools to help you stay in touch with diners.
• Reporting and analytics: Track sales, popular menu items, employee performance and other business metrics. More advanced systems let you customize reports to get a closer look at specific areas of your restaurant.

CAKE’s digital restaurant layout tools help staff manage seating arrangements and table assignments without relying on paper charts. Source: CAKE

Hardware features

You’ll also need equipment that works with your restaurant POS software. The right setup depends on how your restaurant operates. A small coffee shop might only need a countertop terminal and card reader, while a busy full-service restaurant may benefit from handheld devices and kitchen displays.

Here are some common types of restaurant POS hardware:

• POS terminals: Let employees enter orders, process payments and manage transactions at a central station.
• Card readers: Accept credit cards, debit cards and contactless payments, including digital wallets.
• Handheld POS devices: Allow servers to take orders and accept payments tableside or anywhere else they’re serving customers. These can also be useful for food trucks and outdoor events. Mobile POS systems can give your staff more flexibility without requiring a traditional checkout station.
• Self-service kiosks and tablets: Let customers browse menus, place orders and sometimes pay without waiting for an employee. Restaurant tablets can be especially useful for tableside ordering.
• Kitchen display systems: Show incoming orders on screens in the kitchen, helping staff keep track of what needs to be prepared and when.
• Other equipment: Depending on your needs, you might also want receipt printers, customer-facing displays or digital menu boards.

Many restaurant POS providers offer hardware designed to withstand the spills, heat and frequent use that come with working in a busy kitchen or dining area. You don’t need to purchase every device at once, either. It’s often more practical to start with the essentials and add equipment as your restaurant grows.

Setting up a restaurant POS system involves more than plugging in a terminal and creating an account. You’ll also need to configure your menus, connect your equipment and make sure your staff knows how to use everything. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks, depending on the system and the size of your restaurant.

Here are the main steps to follow:

1. Set up your account and software. Create your account, enter your business information and configure your payment processing settings. You’ll also want to add your menu items, prices, modifiers, taxes and any discounts you offer.
2. Connect your hardware. Install your POS terminals, card readers, receipt printers and other equipment. If you’re using kitchen display systems or handheld devices, make sure they’re connected and communicating with your main POS system.
3. Configure your restaurant’s operations. Set up table layouts, employee accounts and permissions, and any integrations you need for online ordering, reservations or delivery services. If you’re switching providers, you’ll also need to transfer relevant data from your old system.
4. Train your employees. Give your staff time to practice entering orders, splitting checks, processing refunds and handling other common transactions. Many POS providers offer tutorials and training resources, while some include personalized onboarding or charge extra for implementation assistance.
5. Test everything before going live. Run a few practice orders to make sure payments work, kitchen tickets appear correctly and orders reach the right stations. It’s also worth checking how the system handles internet outages and what your staff should do if something goes wrong.

If you’re opening a new restaurant, try to have your POS system ready and your employees trained before your first day of service. If you’re replacing an existing system, consider making the switch during a slower period so you have time to address any issues without disrupting customers.

Before choosing a provider, ask what kind of setup assistance is included in your plan. Some offer dedicated onboarding specialists or account managers, while others expect you to handle most of the installation yourself.

Our top restaurant POS picks aren’t the only options worth considering. Depending on your budget and the features you need, these providers may also be a good fit.

Lightspeed

Lightspeed offers POS systems for several industries, including restaurants. Its restaurant plans range from $69 to $399 per month, with custom pricing available for larger businesses. Even the entry-level Starter plan includes menu and floor plan management, dine-in, takeout and delivery ordering, advanced reporting and Lightspeed AI. However, payment processing rates and options vary by plan, so it’s worth comparing the total cost before signing up. Learn more in our Lightspeed review.

Shift4 Dine

Shift4 Dine is a restaurant POS system with tools for taking orders, processing payments and managing daily operations. Restaurants can choose from countertop terminals, handheld devices, self-service kiosks and kitchen display systems. We also like its built-in loyalty and marketing tools, which can help restaurants encourage repeat visits without relying on separate software. The system supports online ordering, reservations and employee management, making it worth considering if you want to handle more of your restaurant’s operations in one place.

Square

Square offers a flexible POS system for restaurants, with a Free plan that has no monthly subscription fee, a Plus plan for $49 per location per month and a Premium plan for $149 per location per month. All three plans include restaurant-specific tools for managing menus and orders, with more advanced features available at higher tiers. Square also offers restaurant hardware, including self-service kiosks and kitchen display systems, although some equipment and features cost extra. We especially like its offline payment capabilities, which let restaurants continue accepting eligible card payments during an internet outage. However, you’ll still pay payment processing fees, and some features, including loyalty tools, require a paid plan. Learn more in our Square review.

Epos Now

Epos Now offers restaurant POS software for everything from coffee shops and food trucks to full-service restaurants. The system supports dine-in, takeout and delivery orders, with hardware options that include POS terminals, card readers and kitchen display systems. We especially like that restaurants can use Epos Now Payments or connect with a third-party payment processor, giving them more flexibility when comparing processing rates. However, some hardware and features cost extra, so it’s worth checking what’s included in your package. Learn more in our Epos Now review.

Brilliant POS

Brilliant offers restaurant POS solutions built around Clover hardware, including the countertop Clover Station Solo and portable Clover Flex. Restaurants can choose equipment that fits their needs while using Brilliant’s Dining POS software to manage orders and daily operations. We especially like its employee management tools, which help restaurants schedule shifts, track hours and manage payroll. Brilliant also offers dedicated onboarding assistance and ongoing training, which can make it easier to get your staff up to speed. See our Brilliant POS review for more information about features and pricing.

To determine the best restaurant-specific POS systems on the market, our team of sales experts and software analysts began by evaluating an initial list of 112 POS solutions suitable across industries. We narrowed our list down to 10 options after identifying the most promising systems designed especially for food and beverage businesses. From there, our hands-on testing, interviews with vendors and in-depth research helped us determine the five best POS programs for food and drink establishments.

Our decision-making process involved examining the unique features each system offered for a variety of restaurant settings and considering whether the software and hardware would work just as well in a fine-dining restaurant as in a food truck. We weighed the quality of the equipment and whether it was proprietary to the vendor or sold through a partner like Clover. We looked into whether each POS company provided native payment processing or allowed businesses to work with the third-party processor of their choosing. In addition to studying payment processing rates, we compared every available plan and package tier, looking at price differences and what would cost restaurateurs extra.

In addition to taking into account other aspects like usability, integrations and customer support options, we found it important to read through independent user reviews and customer testimonials to see if their experiences matched up with ours. Ultimately, we judged each restaurant POS system on more than 25 factors.

These factors were weighted differently in our overall conclusion. The weights were determined based on how much business owners prioritize these criteria when shopping for business software and services and making purchasing decisions.

• Pricing (30 percent): Our experts and analysts compared and contrasted each vendor’s plans, judging which packages offered the best bang for your buck. We took into account monthly software fees, credit card processing rates, equipment charges and the costs of add-on services like loyalty programs, gift cards and peripheral hardware.
• Features (25 percent): We looked for standard restaurant POS system functions like order management, inventory management, guest management and employee management. We also assessed the available integrations and awarded extra points for advanced services, like integrations with Google and popular delivery services.
• Ease of use (25 percent): We tested the hardware and software ourselves, gauging each solution’s learning curve, user-friendliness and customization options. We also considered how easy it was for waitstaff to take and process orders tableside and for customers to order online.
• Customer service (20 percent): We evaluated the range of customer service options, including whether phone assistance was provided with all package tiers. We also examined each vendor’s online resources for businesses interested in self-guided help.

Based on these criteria, we not only determined which restaurant POS systems our readers could trust but also the ways in which each solution could best serve different food and beverage business needs. Some solutions were better at certain tasks than others or more suited to a particular type of restaurant. These takeaways informed the “Best for” use cases you see on this page.

To learn more about our methodology, see our full editorial process.