Top 9 Best Restaurant POS Systems of 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

Restaurant employee using POS system

When everything is becoming digitized, why would you keep your restaurant lagging behind? The easiest way to automate and digitize your restaurant operations is by merely implementing a POS at your restaurant. Now, all the newcomers in the industry might not know what a restaurant POS system is and how can it be beneficial for your restaurant. In this article, we talk about what exactly is a restaurant POS software, how it provides end-to-end management of your restaurant and compare the features of top 9 best restaurant POS Systems.

What Is a Restaurant POS System?

A restaurant POS software is a point of sale system that processes the transactions at a restaurant. Initially, a traditional point of sale was just a restaurant billing software that accepted orders and generated a receipt. However, with the advent of cloud technology, the humble POS system evolved into a complete restaurant management system. Armed with Stock & Inventory Management, Smart Reporting & Analytics, Customer Relationship Management and more, a restaurant POS reduces manual labor and simplifies operations. Add to this integrations with various third-party applications such as Online Ordering, E-wallets, Table Reservations, Loyalty Programs, etc., and the restaurant POS machine becomes an end-to-end solution for restaurant management.

The cloud-based restaurant POS software works both online and offline; hence even if your internet is not working, your POS will ensure that your restaurant operations never stop. 

Why do you need Restaurant POS System?

Let us look at the various ways a restaurant POS machine solves the daily challenges of restaurant operations and management.

  • Streamlined Billing Operations

A restaurant POS system simplifies billing, enables table-side menu viewing, allows split billing, and integrates orders from delivery platforms directly into the POS, enhancing customer experience.

  • Improved Stock & Inventory Control

A smart POS system with integrated Inventory Management alerts when stock items reach reorder levels, assists in managing physical and ideal stock, tracks stock consumption through recipe management, and supports central kitchen modules for multiple outlets.

  • Enhanced Customer Relationship Management

A restaurant POS helps manage customer databases, segment customers, send customized SMS and emails, and run loyalty programs for better customer retention.

  • Multi-Outlet Management

A restaurant POS system provides sales reports, stock availability, and sales comparisons across all outlets, facilitating better management and expansion.

  • Real-Time Reporting

A cloud-based POS system delivers real-time reports on restaurant operations across all outlets, enabling customization and graphical representation of data.

  • Theft Prevention

A restaurant POS system provides detailed reports on sales, bills, and stocks, reducing the risk of internal thefts and pilferage while allowing restaurant owners to manage their business remotely.

What are the best Restaurant POS Systems available for enterprise restaurant chains?

Choosing the best POS system for your restaurant is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your business’s overall efficiency and profitability. With numerous available options, it is essential to identify the best restaurant POS system that caters to your establishment’s specific needs. Based on the top rankings featured in G2, we have compiled a list of the top 9 restaurant POS systems for 2023, including their descriptions, pros, cons, and pricing comparisons.

  1. Posist

    Posist is a leading cloud-based restaurant management platform that offers a comprehensive solution for all types of restaurants and food outlets. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Posist ensures smooth operations, increased efficiency, and better profitability.

    The platform powers over 15,000 multi-unit restaurants worldwide with its cloud-based enterprise restaurant technology platform. It enables enterprise restaurant operators to scale their businesses, enhance bottom-line efficiency, and provide a consistent guest experience. Posist’s unified technology platform seamlessly integrates Front-of-House (FOH), Back-of-House (BOH), Out-of-House/Integrations, Analytics, and CRM, streamlining restaurant operations for maximum efficiency.

    Pros:

    • Intuitive interface for easy navigation and use
    • Customizable according to specific restaurant requirements
    • Offers multiple integrations with third-party software
    • Provides real-time analytics and reporting for better decision-making
    • Comprehensive reporting and analytics
    • Global 24×7 Support


    Cons:

    • Limited customization options in some reports


    Pricing
    : Posist offers customized pricing plans based on the requirements of the restaurant.
    Contact their sales team for a quote.

  2. Toast

    Toast is an all-in-one POS and restaurant management system designed specifically for foodservice businesses. It helps to streamline operations, improve customer experience, and drive revenue growth.

    Pros:

    • Customizable and easy-to-use interface
    • Good product for SBMs
    • Strong reporting and analytics tools
    • US wide customer support


    Cons:

    • Limited features for multi-chain restaurants
    • Limited third-party integrations


    Pricing
    : While restaurants can get started with Toast for free, their Basics package starts at $110/month and $4 per employee per month.

  3. HungerRush

    HungerRush is a restaurant management system designed to simplify and automate your restaurant’s daily operations. This solution offers an extensive range of features, including online ordering, delivery management, and customer loyalty programs.

    Pros:

    • Feature-rich and easy-to-use platform
    • Customizable menu and pricing options
    • Real-time reporting and data analytics
    • Strong customer support


    Cons:

    • Limited third-party integrations
    • May experience occasional performance issues


    Pricing
    :  The basic pricing starts at $99 a month

  4. Zenput

    Zenput is a cloud-based restaurant management system that helps businesses automate their daily operations, track inventory, and manage food safety compliance. It’s designed for restaurant chains and franchises that require advanced operational and reporting capabilities.

    Pros:

    • Centralized platform for managing multiple locations
    • Streamlined inventory and food safety management
    • Robust reporting and analytics
    • Strong customer support


    Cons:

    • May not be suitable for small businesses
    • Steeper learning curve for new users


    Pricing
    : Zenput offers customized pricing plans based on the restaurant’s size and requirements. Contact their sales team for a quote.

  5. NCR Aloha

    NCR Aloha is a powerful and versatile POS system that caters to businesses of all sizes, from small cafes to large chain restaurants. This platform offers a comprehensive suite of features, including tableside ordering, online ordering, and customer loyalty programs.

    Pros:

    • Comprehensive feature set for managing restaurant operations
    • Scalable to accommodate business growth
    • Strong reporting and analytics capabilities


    Cons:

    • Can be expensive for smaller businesses
    • May experience occasional performance issues


    Pricing
    : NCR Aloha offers customized pricing plans based on the restaurant’s needs. Contact their sales team for a quote.

  6. Oracle Micros

    Oracle MICROS provides stable, reliable, and secure point of sale (POS) systems for restaurants, hotels, resorts, casinos, stadiums, arenas, cruise ships, transportation hubs, and retail stores around the globe. As a global leader in POS hardware, software, open integrations, and innovation, Oracle MICROS also maintains a 40-year tradition of in consultation and support services for its cloud-based and on-premise POS customers across 180+ countries.

    Pros:

    • Robust and versatile platform for various restaurant types
    • Integrates seamlessly with other Oracle products
    • Strong reporting and analytics capabilities
    • Excellent customer support


    Cons:

    • Can be expensive for small restaurants
    • Steeper learning curve for new users


    Pricing
    : Oracle MICROS offers customized pricing plans based on the restaurant’s size and requirements. 

  7. Lightspeed Restaurant

    Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system designed to simplify the management of restaurant operations, from taking orders to managing inventory. Lightspeed’s one-stop commerce platform helps merchants innovate to simplify, scale and provide exceptional customer experiences. Its cloud commerce solution transforms and unifies online and physical operations, multichannel sales, expansion to new locations, global payments, financial solutions and connection to supplier networks.

    Pros:

    • User-friendly interface
    • Strong integration with third-party apps and services
    • Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools
    • Offers excellent customer support


    Cons:

    • Limited to iOS devices
    • May experience occasional performance issues


    Pricing
    : Lightspeed Restaurant pricing starts at $69 per month for a single register.

  8. Restaurant365

    Restaurant365 is an all-in-one restaurant management software that combines POS, accounting, inventory, and scheduling into one platform. This solution is designed to help businesses streamline their operations, save time, and increase profitability.

    Pros:

    • Comprehensive suite of restaurant management tools
    • Integration with popular POS systems
    • Strong reporting and analytics capabilities
    • Cloud-based for easy access from any device


    Cons:

    • Can be overwhelming for new users
    • May be more expensive than other solutions


    Pricing
    : Restaurant365 offers customized pricing plans based on the restaurant’s needs. Though the essential package starts at ​​$435 per month/ per location billed quarterly.

     

  9. Square for Restaruants

    Square for Restaurants is a flexible and powerful POS system that helps businesses manage their operations, from table layouts to menu management, and everything in between. It is designed for businesses of all sizes and types, from small cafes to large restaurants.

    Pros:

    • Easy to set up and use
    • Affordable and transparent pricing structure
    • Seamless integration with other Square products
    • 24/7 customer support


    Cons:

    • Limited advanced features for larger restaurants
    • Occasional system glitches


    Pricing
    : Square for Restaurants offers a free plan for small businesses, while paid plans start at $60 per month with the plus package.

Conclusion

Finding the best restaurant POS system for your establishment is crucial for ensuring smooth operations, enhanced customer experience, and increased profitability. This comprehensive guide to the top 9 restaurant POS systems of 2023 aims to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and requirements. By considering the descriptions, pros, cons, and pricing comparisons, you can confidently choose the best POS system for your restaurant.

Use this handy Restaurant POS checklist that would help you decide the best restaurant POS for managing your restaurant operations.

Restaurant POS Checklist

Rating: 4.5/5. From 4 votes.
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Nikunj is the Communications Lead at Restroworks, a global leader in cloud-based technology platforms. In his role, he oversees global marketing and branding initiatives for Restroworks across APAC, the Middle East, and the US.

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