TOP Menu Board Ideas — Best Practices for Restaurant

Imagine that every visitor who looks at your menu becomes more prone to impulse orders and purchasing your higher-margin positions. Sounds fantastic? That scenario could turn into reality, but only if one condition is met. You should create a well-designed board that fits your venue’s ambiance and reveals lucrative offers or top positions. 

InkoHoreca marketing experts are here to explain how to make your menu not just a list of meals and prices but an effective tool that encourages orders. We’ll describe the most sought-after types of menus, provide some secret gimmicks to spur your sales, and toss out fresh menu board ideas. 

Why Menu Board Design Matters for Your Restaurant

The design of your menu plays a crucial role in shaping your establishment’s brand identity and elevating the customer experience. Over 74% of individuals consider an easy-to-read board one of the most important criteria when selecting a dining spot. 

Let’s observe the top three reasons to pay particular attention to your board visual:

1. To make a good first impression on a potential client and turn them into a regular customer. Creative restaurant signage and a well-elaborated menu reflect your unique corporate identity and professionalism. On the other hand, a structured board with seamless navigation lets visitors quickly choose appropriate options and shows you appreciate clients, enhancing customer satisfaction.
2. To encourage impulse buys. According to the 2019 Menuboard Survey Report, about 56% of consumers are influenced by the menu board. The visual appeal and clarity of the menu stimulate visitors to make spontaneous purchases, especially when intriguing offers or bestsellers are highlighted with color or motion.
3. To create a holistic and harmonious interior Menu boards might complement the restaurant's style organically, ensuring a single aesthetic image. The menu’s balanced mix of colors, materials, and fonts acts as a finishing touch to the overall interior composition. 

To find out more about the impact of restaurant accessories on the sales volume, read our expert article based on InkoHoreca’s real experience. 

Best menu board ideas for restaurants in 2025

Here are some creative restaurant menu board ideas that can be combined with each other. 

Chalkboard menus – A rustic classic

Chalkboard menus are a perennial classic, perfectly matching the ambiance of homey cafés, coffee shops, and relaxing bars. Given their cheapness compared to innovative digital displays, such traditional boards are an affordable way of promoting your positions and events. They are seamlessly and quickly updated. You can instantly wipe away any outdated data and add information about new specials or limited-period offers. 

A rustic menu board also provides room for imagination. Highlight customer favorites with bright shades, draw eye-catching pictures, and add other advertising elements without the help of a professional designer. 

Digital menu boards – For modern hospitality

According to surveys, digital menu boards draw ten times more attention than conventional static ones. Even minimal motion attracts customers, motivating them to familiarize themselves with new items, discounts, time-limited deals, combos, seasonal specials, bestsellers, etc. You can achieve about 30% more unplanned purchases with a well-thought-out menu board idea. 

Hospitality menu displays are a powerful solution for hotels, fast-food chains, and large restaurants. Chain establishments also benefit from streamlined management across different locations. They can optimize content centrally and maintain brand consistency. 

The integration of POS systems allows for making real-time updates. For instance, if a meal is sold out or a price changes, that information is immediately shown on the board. Menu displays for restaurants can even include QR codes; visitors scan them to explore available positions and place orders while avoiding annoying queues. 

Modular

Modular menu boards consist of interchangeable panels that allow for easy customization and updates according to the kitchen’s current offerings. They are practical for restaurants with frequently changing menus, seasonal offerings, or special promotions. The modular design also enables restaurants to experiment with different layouts and configurations.

Illustrated

Incorporating illustrations for restaurant menu board design can add a unique and playful element. Illustrated menus work well in family-friendly restaurants or establishments that want to emphasize creativity and fun. Hand-drawn illustrations can highlight signature dishes or themes, making the menu more engaging.

Minimalist designs

A minimalist menu board focuses on simplicity and clarity. Using clean lines, ample white space, and a limited color palette can make the menu easy to read and navigate. Minimalist designs are suitable for modern and upscale restaurants that prioritize a sleek and sophisticated look.

Interactive touchscreens

Interactive touchscreen menu boards offer a high-tech solution that enhances customer engagement. These boards allow customers to browse the menu, view detailed descriptions and images, customize their orders, and even make payments. Interactive touchscreens are particularly useful in fast-casual and quick-service restaurants.

Themed

Themed menu boards align with the restaurant’s concept or cuisine, creating a cohesive and immersive dining experience. For example, a seafood restaurant might use nautical elements in its menu board designs, while a pizzeria could incorporate Italian motifs. Themed menu boards help reinforce the brand identity and create a memorable impression.

Vertical

Vertical menu boards utilize wall space efficiently and can be an excellent choice for small or narrow spaces. They draw the eye upward and can be designed to include both menu items and decorative elements. Vertical boards are versatile and can be adapted to various styles and themes.

Eco-friendly

For environmentally-conscious restaurants, eco-friendly menu boards made from recycled or sustainable materials can convey a commitment to sustainability. These unique boards not only reduce environmental impact but also appeal to eco-minded customers. Bamboo, reclaimed wood, and biodegradable materials are popular choices for eco-friendly menu boards.

Hanging & framed menu boards – For stylish spaces

If you’re looking for aesthetic menu board ideas for sophisticated fine-dining establishments, consider utilizing magnificent hanging or framed items. Such menus ensure the perfect equilibrium of visual appeal and practicality, creating a clean, organized presentation of your offers without overwhelming the setting. Hanging menu boards also provide flexibility in placement.

Searching for the most advantageous menu board ideas for restaurant venues with haute cuisine? Consider positioning menus at the entrance, near the dining area, or over the bar. 

Outdoor menu boards – Catch attention before entry

Numerous surveys confirm outdoor menu signs can significantly boost sales, especially regarding fast-food and drive-thru spots. The latter establishments might enhance customer traffic by 9.1% thanks to street boards, according to Systems Analysis Services. 

Such menus attract the eye immediately and even stimulate impulse purchases. People can pay attention to your daily specials board just passing by your restaurant. Moreover, bystanders might instantly familiarize themselves with your venue’s pricing policy. Outdoor boards also reduce decision-making time. Modern menus are waterproof and durable. 

Special boards for daily promotions or happy hours

When elaborating effective restaurant menu board ideas, focus on highlighting your brand’s key strengths and distinguishing the venue from competitors. Let’s look at the freshest statistics. About 52% of consumers are more likely to visit establishments providing limited-time offers. Approximately 91% of individuals are more inclined to go to a restaurant with new positions. Make your benefits visible with the help of separate boards for daily promotions, happy hours, or novelties in the menu. Such an approach also assists you in encouraging repeat visits since customers eventually associate your establishment with lucrative offers. 

Creative Restaurant Menu Board Design Ideas to Try

To make the menu work in your favor, deliberate on its design beforehand. We’ve compiled the most effective menu sign ideas, assisting your business to stand out from the competition:

• Using LED backlighting. Such a trick enhances the visibility of your proposals, emphasizes the modernity of the atmosphere, and ensures an inviting ambiance. LED backlighting is a must-have for dimly-lit spots like nightclubs or lounge cafés. Upscale restaurants striving to create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere might also benefit from illuminating the menu in a gentle glow.
• Engraving on wood or metal. Wood engraving menus are a go-to solution for cozy and family cafés, wine bars, and healthy eating venues. A restaurant board design with metal engraving suits industrial and contemporary establishments like cocktail bars. You might personalize both options with logos and other elements to showcase your brand’s prestige.
• Instagram-style menus. Consider these menu board designs if your restaurant or pub is aimed at a youthful audience, and you endeavor to increase visibility on social media. You can use bright colors, bold contrasts, juicy photos with overlay texts, hashtags, call-to-action phrases encouraging visitors to tag the café on Instagram, etc. Experiment with playful fonts, geometric shapes, and emojis.
• 3D effects plus backlighting. Add a layer of futurism to your menu boards by implementing LED backlighting with jaw-dropping 3D effects. The latter liven up the most essential elements and immediately capture customer attention in the top positions, new items, and limited-time offers. LED backlighting highlights the 3D features, ensuring a visually striking experience. Such a restaurant menu board design is a rock-solid choice for high-end establishments and stylish bars. 

To strengthen your marketing strategy, don’t overlook other interior details. Click here to learn the secrets of selecting the right table accessories for your establishment. 

How to Choose the Right Menu Board for Your Venue

Selecting an appropriate menu board is vital for setting the right ambiance for your establishment and bringing in more visitors. Our experts have put together practical recommendations to assist you in opting for truly sales-boosting boards that resonate with your restaurant’s vibe. 

• An optimal format. If you manage a large modern restaurant or fast-food establishment with frequent menu updates, consider installing a digital or modular board to make changes and switch between proposals hassle-free. Minimalistic and chalkboard menus are a versatile solution for coffee shops, family diners, and small bars with a limited budget. Elegant frame menus, LED-backlit signs, or state-of-the-art acrylic panels suit hotel cafés and breakfast zones. For fine-dining establishments and luxurious wine bars, opt for exquisite engraved menus, creating a refined atmosphere.
• Choice of materials. While looking for menu board design ideas for cozy cafés, sophisticated restaurants, wine bars, or vintage coffee shops, pay attention to wooden items. Such menus recreate a warm, rustic feel and associate with comfort, and they might harmonize with the shades of the furniture. Panels made of reclaimed wood are the best fit for eco-conscious spots. Durable metal boards suit loft bars, pubs, breweries, steakhouses, industrial-style restaurants, etc. They also work perfectly outdoors. Minimalistic and lightweight acrylic menus are easy to care for and are a great option for hotels, fast-food chains, and more. Furthermore, acrylic boards are impeccably combined with LED lighting, grabbing customer attention.
• Placement recommendations. Locating menus above the counter is a win-win solution for fast-food establishments and coffee shops. Visitors can make instant choices while standing in line or even already communicating with the staff. Take care of good lighting and large fonts. Do you puzzle over special board ideas? Consider placing a panel with promo deals near the entrance of a casual restaurant or café. Such an approach can lure visitors with limited-time offers before settling at a table. Outdoor boards will help you catch foot traffic, and it’s especially beneficial for restaurants on lively streets. 

Here is the table to help you select the best board format lightning-fast:

Compare the above restaurant signage solutions and find the optimal one depending on your business specifics. 

Tips for Designing Your Own Custom Menu Sign

Here are some cool menu board ideas for effective menu board management:

• Keep It Simple. Avoid overcrowding the menu board with too much information. Focus on key items and use concise descriptions. Simplicity enhances readability and helps customers make decisions more quickly.
• Use High-Quality Images. Invest in professional photography to showcase your dishes. High-quality images can make the food look more appetizing and entice customers to try new items.
• Update Regularly. Ensure that the menu board is always up-to-date with current offerings and prices. Regular updates can highlight new dishes, seasonal specials, and promotions, keeping the menu fresh and interesting.
• Consider Typography. Choose fonts that are easy to read from a distance. Use a hierarchy of text sizes to differentiate between headings, categories, and descriptions. Avoid using too many different fonts, as this can make the menu look cluttered.
• Optimize Layout. Arrange menu items logically, grouping similar dishes. Place high-margin items in prominent positions to boost their sales. Use borders, boxes, and spacing to separate sections and create a clean layout.
• Incorporate Branding. Reflect the restaurant’s brand identity in the board menu design. Use consistent colors, logos, and styles that align with the overall decor and theme of the restaurant.
• Engage with Seasonal Themes. Update the menu board to reflect seasonal changes and holidays. This can create a sense of excitement and anticipation among customers and provide an opportunity to introduce limited-time offers.
• Test Different Designs. Experiment with different menu board designs to see what resonates best with your customers. Gather feedback and make adjustments based on customer preferences and behavior to find the best restaurant menu design.
• Highlight Specials and Combos. Use eye-catching elements like icons, borders, colors, and even accessories to draw attention to daily specials, combos, or chef’s recommendations. This can help promote specific items and increase sales.
• Ensure Accessibility. Make sure the menu board is accessible to all customers, including those with visual impairments. Use clear fonts, and high contrast colors, and consider adding braille or audio options for inclusive access.

Let’s summarize the data above:

 

Creating customizable menu signs and other accessories on your own is daunting, but InkoHoreca is always in touch! Reach out to our live chat managers to learn more about our products and get expert advice on choosing the perfect solution. Get modern menu board ideas and boost your sales right away.

Boost Your Revenue with Smart Price Board Ideas

Intelligently designed price boards can significantly enhance your revenue by guiding visitors to profitable choices and additional purchases. Memorize these tactics for the best results:

1. Adopt price boards for upselling. For instance, you can present a limited-time deal and show a countdown on your digital display to create a sense of urgency. Alternatively, you might offer various extras to customers. Suggest visitors order a double cheese portion with their burger, for example.
2. Highlight premium positions. Use your high-margin or signature meals/beverages as the key part of your menu board. Place those positions at the top right of the menu and utilize visual cues (fonts, frames, icons) to distinguish them from other offers.
3. Implement cross-selling through the menu design. Motivate visitors to order complementary items by placing related dishes/drinks near each other. Furthermore, you can focus on combo deals that include popular items at a slightly lower cost. Also, you might recommend a new dessert to visitors as a great conclusion to the meal. 

These price board ideas can drive your sales in the first days after updating the menu. If you need additional inspiration, read this article and familiarize yourself with the photos of our custom menu boards.

Why Choose Our Menu Board Accessories

InkoHoreca is a manufacturer of exclusive, marketing-driven accessories for restaurants, cafés, and hotels. Established in 2012, our company specializes in creating menu boards, holders, covers, table signs, and other items from leather, wood, acrylic, and paper. With us, you can expect the following benefits:

• Warranty and hassle-free returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery;
• Fast shipping to 45+ countries around the globe;
• Customization options: We adjust the design, content, and style of accessories to your needs and preferences. 

Our team takes pride in our partnership with prestigious establishments worldwide. We’ve crafted elegant accessories for NAPA restaurant, The Mayflower by A.M. Scott Distillery, 1803 NYC, and multiple other spots. Please navigate to the Portfolio page for more examples of our work. 

Whether you manage a local coffee shop or a network of luxury hotels with top-tier restaurants, InkoHoreca’s skilled designers and craftsmen are ready to create products tailored to your business goals. Open our catalog, select a desired item type, material, and size, and upload your files for personalization to take the first step toward increasing your marketing effectiveness.