40 Must Have Applications for Restaurants

Tripadvisor, Uber, TheFork... Apps are a key part in hospitality.

They can help boost online visibility, attract more customers or help you make more sales.

👉 Here's our selection of the 40 must-haves applications for restaurants looking to grow and be unmissable.

Why list your restaurants on applications and platforms?

Our expertise at Malou: supporting restaurants in their digital communication. And for a simple reason: the digitalization of the sector is an opportunity for attract customers and increase your income.

👉 First good practice that we recommend to all our customers: register your restaurant on platforms.

In particular, this allows:

1. To improve local referencing of your establishment. The principle is simple: the more your establishment is present in directories and platforms, the more you strengthen its legitimacy online. You are thus sending positive signals to search engine algorithms: “my restaurant is present and recommended through several sources;
2. To extend your customer base. It's logical: by listing your restaurant on as many platforms as possible, you multiply potential contact points, including with of tourists and international customers ;
3. To attract more customers. Thanks to the various functionalities offered by platforms (“reservation”) and applications (“delivery”), you diversify and extend the means of consuming at home.

At Malou, we connect all our customers to over 60 platforms (old and new) to promote our customers.

40 essentials applications and platforms for restaurants to attract more customers

Top applications to manage your restaurant's growth, marketing and attract more customers

Malou

Malou is THE marketing digital solution that helps restaurant owners improve their local SEO, manage their social networks and optimize their e-reputation. The application, the MalouApp, makes it possible to automate many tasks related to the management of the online marketing, while offering tools to analyze and improve the digital performance of your restaurant.

The MalouApp also help managing and collecting more Google reviews.

Why it is essential : Because 80% of Americans chose a restaurant online and restaurants groups need to centralize client acquisition.

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Store Locator

Store Locators used to be website tools for big chains to help users find a location. However, its core structure : a dynamic map + one local pages per location makes it an amazing SEO and local SEO tool, especially for restaurant groups and franchise. Hospitality businesses now use state-of-the-art Store Locators as top restaurant finders apps.

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OpenTable

OpenTable is one of the most widely used restaurant reservation platforms in the United States. It allows customers to book tables in real-time and gives restaurant owners access to tools for managing reservations, reducing no-shows, and analyzing guest behavior.

Why it is essential: OpenTable connects you to millions of users every month, especially travelers and business diners. It's a core platform to boost online visibility, drive bookings, and reach new customers through trusted search results. You can extract datas for top KPI readings.

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Owner

Owner (formerly known as Owner.com) is a modern all-in-one platform built for independent restaurants. It centralizes your website, online ordering, email marketing, loyalty program, and guest data into a single dashboard to grow direct sales and reduce reliance on third-party platforms.

Why it is essential: Owner is built to maximize your direct customer acquisition. It helps you keep your data, reduce commissions, and increase repeat visits—all while improving SEO through owned channels.

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Toast

Toast is a leading POS system designed specifically for restaurants. Beyond transactions, Toast offers an entire suite of tools—online ordering, loyalty programs, marketing automation, staff management, and delivery integration—tailored for multi-location growth.

Why it is essential: Toast powers thousands of restaurants across the US and fuels scalable operations and digital growth. Its ecosystem supports better SEO, faster service, and data-driven decisions.

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SevenRooms

SevenRooms is a reservation, waitlist, and guest experience platform used by upscale restaurants, hotel dining venues, and hospitality groups. It enables advanced guest profiling, automated campaigns, and powerful CRM integrations.

Why it is essential: SevenRooms gives restaurants full ownership of the guest journey, helping you increase lifetime value, personalize experiences, and improve direct visibility without relying on third-party discovery apps.

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Tock

Tock is a reservation and event management platform built for high-end restaurants and culinary experiences. Whether it’s prepaid tasting menus, wine tastings, or standard reservations, Tock allows flexible booking models and powerful guest management.

Why it is essential: Tock stands out for high-end and experiential restaurants, offering tools to monetize every guest touchpoint while boosting SEO through structured events and search-friendly listings.

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BentoBox

BentoBox is a website builder and digital marketing solution tailored to restaurants. It helps you create SEO-optimized websites, manage menus, run campaigns, sell merchandise, and track online orders, all from one place.

Why it is essential: A BentoBox-powered site is your SEO engine. It gives restaurants control over their branding, improves conversion, and increases visibility in search engines without relying on marketplaces.

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Top platforms for referencing your restaurants (SEO) and help customers find you

Google My Business

Google My Business (now Google Business Profile), it is the essential application to list your restaurant online. It allows you to manage your Business card on Google, first contact between you and potential customers. Via this form, you can add photos, respond to customer reviews and update all your information such as opening hours. Being well referenced on Google My Business considerably increases your chances of appearing in local search results, especially on Google Maps.

Why it is essential : today, 8 out of 10 people choose an online restaurant! With an optimized Google My Business listing (Google Business Profile), your restaurant is more visible and attracts more potential customers.

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How do I create a business card? And above all, how do you optimize it to boost your restaurant at the top of the search results? Answers in the Malou guide below!

Tripadvisor

TripAdvisor is one of the most popular platforms for finding and booking restaurants. The application allows you to manage your profile, publish photos and respond to customer reviews, while benefiting from global visibility, especially among tourists.

Why it is essential : TripAdvisor is often the first resource for travelers looking for a good restaurant! Being referenced on this platform is excellent for your SEO, but also for attracting international customers.

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TheFork

Formerly known as LaFourchette, TheFork is the most used restaurant reservation application in Europe. It allows customers to book a table in a few clicks and offers management functionalities for restaurant owners, such as access to a reservation calendar or the possibility of offering exclusive promotions.

Why it is essential : TheFork not only allows you to fill your tables, but also to reach an ultra-large audience that uses the application to discover new restaurants. On the SEO side, it is also essential!

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Yelp‍

Yelp is the leading application in the United States. Here, users can leave reviews, add photos, and see reviews from other customers.

Why it is essential : A good presence on Yelp greatly improves your online reputation and increases the number of visitors to your restaurant. You are also sending positive signals to the Google algorithm that sees you as well known in the United States.

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Apple Business Connect

Apple Business Connect allows restaurant owners to manage their presence on Apple cards and iOS devices. This includes updating property information, managing reviews, and adding photos.

Why it is essential : Being well referenced on Apple Maps is crucial to attracting users of iPhone and other Apple products.

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Michelin Restaurant

The Michelin Guide is synonymous with culinary excellence. Being listed in the Michelin Guide, whether in print or on their website, brings great credibility to your restaurant and can attract demanding customers looking for unique gastronomic experiences.

Why it is essential : Recognition by Michelin is a guarantee of quality that can increase your visibility and attract international customers.

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The Yellow Pages

Exit the old-fashioned yellow pavement! The Yellow Pages remain a reference for local searches.

Why it is essential : Listing your restaurant on this Yellow Pages is a huge boost for local SEO.

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Time Out

Time Out is an urban guide that highlights the best restaurants, bars and events in the world's major cities.

Why it is essential : To focus on PR and visibility. Time Out is particularly influential in large cities, which makes it an excellent channel for attracting “foodist” customers and a way to improve your SEO abroad.

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Amazon Alexa

Amazon Alexa allows users to search for nearby restaurants via voice commands. By integrating your restaurant into this platform, you make your establishment accessible to users of connected devices who prefer voice searches. Voice searches is also a great SEO tip (because people now ask orally) as well as a great way for a restaurant to be found on ChatGPT and other AI.

Why it is essential : With the rise of voice assistants, being listed on Amazon Alexa allows you to capture a new audience that uses voice search to find restaurants. This is what we call referencing on “long tail” (long sentences like”find a vegan brunch with a terrace nearby”.

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Around Me

Around Me is an application that helps users find restaurants around them. The app shows what's around the user, with information and reviews about each location.

Why it is essential : Around Me is a popular app for on-the-go users looking for a place to eat fast. Being listed increases your chances of attracting local and visiting customers.

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Top Social Media or Social Networks Applications for Hospitality Brands

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Facebook Business

Facebook is not just a social network! The Facebook Business tool allows you to create a professional page for your restaurant, interact with your customers, and share menus, photos, and events. It's also a great tool for targeted advertising.

Why it is essential : With millions of active users every day, Facebook is a direct communication channel with your potential customers.

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Instagram (and Instagral Business)

Not only is Instagram the ultimate social media application for foodie to find restaurants, but it's now indexed by Google which means your posts can appear on any SEO keyword.

Why it is essential : Instagram is a powerful clients acquisitions tool that we allow you to attract new clients and enhance client retention through the building of a community.

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TikTok

TikTok is now one of the top platforms for restaurant discovery, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Viral food content drives real foot traffic, and users often search directly on TikTok to find new spots.

Why it is essential: TikTok is a new search engine for food culture and restaurant. A viral video can lead to a surge in visits, while consistent content boosts awareness and relevance.

TikTok Maps

TikTok Maps is a feature that allows users to explore restaurants featured in videos, discover places nearby, and search by location. It bridges content and geolocation, turning entertainment into real-world action.

Why it is essential: With TikTok Maps, you can appear directly in local discovery searches powered by algorithmic content, not just keywords. It’s great for GEO (GPT Engine Optimization) in action, where engaging content meets foot traffic.

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Snapchat

Did you know it? Snapchat offers features for businesses, including restaurants, to connect with users through geofilters And commercials. Users can also share their location when they visit your restaurant.

Why it is essential : Snapchat is particularly effective in targeting a young and connected audience, while attracting customers through innovative advertising campaigns.

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Foursquare

Foursquare is a social recommendation platform that allows users to discover restaurants through recommendations based on their location. Users can leave reviews, photos, and rate the establishments they visit.

Why it is essential : Foursquare is particularly popular among tech-savvy and young users. Being present on this platform makes it possible to capture a connected, but above all, knowledgeable audience, who easily share personalized recommendations.

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Mapstr

Mapstr is an application (but also a social network) that allows users to create and share personalized maps of their favorite restaurants. Users can follow other people's maps to discover their selections of favorite places.

Why it is essential : Mapstr is ideal for attracting customers looking for personalized recommendations. An active presence on the application also promotes your chances of being spotted by influencers.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a neighborhood social network that allows residents to share local restaurant recommendations.

Why it is essential : Restaurant owners can sign up to interact directly with a local community and receive recommendations.

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Resy

Resy is an online reservation platform for restaurants. It also offers customer relationship management tools and solutions to optimize bookings.

Why it is essential : Widely used in big cities and for gastronomic establishments, Resy is still a way to get more bookings, while boosting your SEO

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Top delivery applications to get more revenue through online orders

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is the go-to food delivery app! It allows restaurants to reach customers who prefer to order take-out or have them delivered to their homes. The application also offers tools for order management and real-time tracking.

Why it is essential : Delivery has become an essential service to increase your income by diversifying your offer.

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ChowNow

ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform that empowers restaurants to take back control from third-party delivery apps. It lets you accept pickup and delivery orders directly from your own website and app.

Why it is essential: ChowNow helps you increase profits from delivery without giving up customer data or paying hefty fees, making it a smart move for both revenue and retention.

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Grubhub

Grubhub is one of the largest food delivery apps in the United States. It provides restaurants access to a massive customer base and tools to manage orders, promotions, and menu visibility.

Why it is essential: Listing your restaurant on Grubhub improves reach, generates more online orders, and strengthens your presence in search results—especially for local delivery queries.

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DoorDash

DoorDash is the leading food delivery platform in the US, with a strong presence in both urban and suburban markets. Restaurants can leverage DoorDash for delivery, marketing, and even logistics with DashPass and Drive.

Why it is essential: DoorDash boosts visibility for restaurants looking to scale delivery, reach new customers fast, and optimize fulfillment without hiring drivers.

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Top applications used by foreigners to attract international tourists

Yandex

Yandex is the most used search engine in Russia. It offers a mapping and location service similar to Google Maps. Being listed on Yandex can help attract Russian customers, especially tourists.

Why it is essential : If your restaurant attracts an international clientele, especially Russian ones, being present on Yandex is crucial to capture this market. On the other hand, referencing, once again, you are telling Google that you are listed internationally!

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Navmii

Navmii is a navigation application that also includes points of interest, including restaurants. Being listed on Navmii allows users to discover your establishment when they are looking for places to eat en route.

Why it is essential : Navmii users are often on the go. Being present on this platform can help you attract passing customers.

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Mapquest

Mapquest is an online mapping service that offers information about restaurants and other points of interest. Users can search for restaurants and get directions to them.

Why it is essential : Being present on Mapquest is complementary to Google Maps! This can help attract users who prefer this service to Google Maps.

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TomTom

TomTom, famous for its GPS navigation systems, also offers information on points of interest, including restaurants. Being listed on TomTom can help users find your restaurant using their GPS devices.

Why it is essential : For local referencing, but also to attract GPS users.

Opendi

Opendi is an online directory that lists local businesses in numerous sectors, including catering. Registering on Opendi makes it possible to reach customers who use this directory to find restaurants.

Why it is essential : Like most online directories, Opendi is a useful tool for improving your restaurant's online presence.

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Yalwa

Yalwa is an international online directory network that lists local businesses in a wide range of sectors, including catering, professional services, retail, and more. Founded in 2006, Yalwa is present in more than 60 countries and allows businesses to create an online profile to increase their visibility. Users can search for businesses by category or location, making it easy to discover nearby establishments.

Why it is essential : By being listed on Yalwa, your restaurant can increase its visibility in more than 60 countries.

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Dianping

Dianping is one of the largest online recommendation and booking platforms in China. Often described as “Chinese Yelp,” it allows users to search for restaurants, read reviews, and book tables. As a restaurant owner, being listed on Dianping allows you to reach a vast Chinese audience, whether residents or tourists.

Why it is essential : If you attract Chinese customers or if you are located in a tourist city, being present on Dianping is essential!

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Mango Plate

Mango Plate is the reference application in South Korea for finding restaurants. It offers restaurant reviews, recommendations based on user preferences, and geolocation features to find nearby establishments.

Why it is essential : For restaurant owners looking to attract Korean customers or who are located in areas frequented by South Korean tourists, being present on Mango Plate is a great way to improve your visibility.

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