Running a restaurant involves juggling inventory, managing tables, and keeping customers happy. Below, I review the top 5 POS systems that help streamline these tasks.

Running a restaurant comes with numerous challenges—tracking inventory, managing tables efficiently, and ensuring customers are happy. 

A good restaurant POS system makes these tasks easier by combining order management, payment processing, and insights into customer behavior.

If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.

Our Top Picks

  1. Good for detailed inventory management and Connecteam integration

  2. Good for affordability and ease of use for small businesses

  3. Good for hardware flexibility and app integration

Why trust us?

Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology

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Tools considered

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How I Chose the Best POS Systems for Restaurants

Below are the main features I analyzed while creating this list of the top restaurant POS systems.

Must-have core features

  • Order management: Streamlines the process of taking, tracking, and fulfilling orders in real time.
  • Menu management: Enables staff to directly create, adjust, and customize the menu to ensure items, prices, and descriptions are current and accurate.
  • Table management: Provides a visual layout of the restaurant to manage seating arrangements and maximize space utilization.
  • Kitchen display system (KDS): Sends orders directly to kitchen displays, reducing errors and speeding up food preparation.
  • Payment processing: Enables the restaurant to accept and process multiple payment methods securely, including credit cards, cash, and digital wallets.
  • Basic inventory management: Keeps track of ingredients and supplies, updating in real time as menu items are ordered to prevent shortages and overstock situations.

I also made sure the software has usability features:

  • User-friendly interface: Simplifies training and daily operations, reducing errors.
  • Hardware compatibility: Ensures the POS system works seamlessly with standard POS hardware, such as printers, card readers, and cash drawers.
  • Mobile device support: Enables compatibility with tablets and smartphones, allowing staff to manage orders, payments, and service directly from these devices.

Finally, I checked for features that make these POS tools great:

  • Employee management: Offers features for management staff, such as tracking work hours and scheduling shifts.
  • Customer relationship management (CRM): Collects and analyzes customer data to offer insights into customer behavior and preferences.
  • Online ordering interface: Integrates with the restaurant’s website or mobile app to handle online orders seamlessly, expanding sales opportunities.
  • Reporting and analytics: Generates comprehensive reports that provide insights into sales trends, cost management, and customer preferences.

The 5 Best POS System for Restaurants of 2025

  1. Lightspeed Restaurant — Good for detailed inventory management and Connecteam integration

    Screenshot of the Lightspeed Restaurant webpage

    Lightspeed POS is a cloud-based restaurant management system that originated in the retail sector but now offers rich restaurant-specific features. 

    Why I chose Lightspeed POS: Lightspeed stands out for its extensive reporting capabilities and advanced inventory tracking. Its ability to handle complex restaurant operations and its integration with Connecteam—a comprehensive restaurant staff management platform—attracted me.

    Menu and table management

    Using menu management, restaurant staff can quickly add new items, change existing ones, or delete items that are no longer available. Plus, each menu item can be customized with descriptions, ingredients, and pricing. I like that features include ingredient-level cost tracking and automatic price updates. There are also helpful menu templates and menu design guides.

    What stood out to me? The menu management system is integrated with inventory management. When menu items are ordered, the system automatically deducts the corresponding ingredients from the inventory, helping manage stock levels and reduce waste.

    Moreover, the system provides a real-time graphical layout of the restaurant floor, allowing staff to see the status of each table at a glance—whether it’s occupied, reserved, or ready for new guests. I found this visual tool helpful for effectively managing the flow of diners, optimizing seating arrangements, and reducing wait times. 

    Order anywhere

    Lightspeed’s “Order Anywhere” feature lets customers place orders from their mobile devices.

    This feature supports takeout and delivery options. But it works with in-house dining, too—I like how it allows customers to scan a QR code, view the menu, and order without waiting for a server. This is great for increasing table turnover rates and boosting sales in casual dining establishments.

    Kitchen display system (KDS)

    Lightspeed’s KDS integrates perfectly with the Lightspeed POS. Orders entered into the POS instantly appear on the kitchen display, allowing staff to prioritize orders and prepare food effectively. 

    I loved color-coded alerts that help staff quickly identify the status of each order—whether they’re new, in progress, or completed. Plus, the KDS offers customizable layouts that can be adjusted to suit your needs.

    Staff and labor management with Connecteam integration 

    Lightspeed’s integration with Connecteam creates a powerful combination for labor management. Connecteam—a powerful and affordable restaurant staff management software—offers tons of tools, including scheduling, an employee time clock, and checklists. 

    Lightspeed’s system syncs sales data directly with Connecteam’s staff scheduling data, showing you estimated labor costs based on scheduled shifts before they happen. I found this incredibly helpful for making staffing decisions based on expected sales patterns.

    The integration automatically transfers time clock data and sales performance metrics between systems. You can see exactly how labor costs compare with sales in real time—and adjust staffing levels accordingly. This deep integration sets Lightspeed apart from competitors that offer more basic labor management tools.

    The only downside? Lightspeed tends to be more expensive than some competitors, especially when adding advanced features or multiple terminals.

    What users say about Lightspeed POS

    What I like most about Lightspeed Restaurant is the data and reports you need are in there and you can easily pull them out because it’s easy to navigate.

    Liezel T.
    Admin assistant, Hospitality

    Inventory is limited and not suitable for businesses with a big listing of products.

    Rocco S.
    Operations Manager

    Key Features

    • Order anywhere
    • Menu and table management
    • KDS
    • Inventory management

    Pros

    • Integration with Connecteam for labor management
    • Great customer support

    Cons

    • Higher cost compared with competitors
    • Limited hardware compatibility

    Pricing

    Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No

  2. Square — Good for affordability and ease of use for small businesses

    Available on

    Screenshot of the Square webpage

    Square POS is a versatile payment processing system that’s evolved into a complete restaurant management platform. It offers a free POS software and a premium restaurant-specific version called Square for Restaurants.

    Why I chose Square POS: Square stood out as one of the cheapest POS systems for restaurants. I appreciate its user-friendly interface and quick setup.

    Menu and table management 

    The menu builder lets you organize items into categories and add modifiers (like sauce options), forced choices (such as cooking preference), and optional add-ons. You can create custom layouts for different service times and apply bulk price changes. Photos on menu items help new staff learn the menu faster.

    Table management includes a customizable floor plan where you can drag and drop tables to match your layout. I appreciated how servers can assign orders to specific seats and transfer them between tables.

    KDS and kiosk

    Square’s KDS integrates directly with the restaurant POS, showcasing real-time order information on digital screens in the kitchen. This system helps chefs and kitchen staff keep track of order times, prioritize meal preparation, and reduce the risk of errors. 

    Additionally, Square’s kiosk software is a self-service ordering system where customers can scan the menu, place orders, and make payments through an interactive kiosk within the restaurant. However, I was disappointed to learn it works only on iPad devices.

    Payment processing and inventory

    Square’s payment system works with most credit cards and digital wallets, and you can start taking payments with just a card reader and smartphone. The system calculates tax and tips automatically, and you can split checks in multiple ways—by seats, custom amounts, or specific items.

    With the inventory management feature, you can track ingredient usage as you sell menu items, and it alerts you when stocks run low. You can set up automatic purchase orders and track food costs against sales. The system lets you add vendors and manage multiple ingredient sources.

    What users say about Square POS

    Easy for employee to use and ability to maintain payment records.

    Shalawn C.
    Office Manager, Restaurant

    No pre-authorization of credit cards so you have to hold cards behind bar. This is a real problem on busy nights.

    Dave L.
    Restaurant Owner

    Key Features

    • Menu and table management
    • Kitchen display system
    • Self-service kiosk
    • Online ordering and delivery

    Pros

    • User-friendly interface and setup
    • Free basic plan available

    Cons

    • Basic inventory features lack depth
    • Kiosk runs only on iPads

    Pricing

    Starts at $69/location/month Trial: No Free Plan: Yes

  3. Clover — Good for hardware flexibility and app integration

    Available on

    Screenshot of the Clover POS website highlighting tools for guest experiences and operational efficiency, with an image of a chef cooking.

    Clover is a flexible POS system that offers custom hardware and software combinations for different restaurant types.

    Why I chose Clover POS: Clover brings together powerful hardware options with customizable software, making it suitable for both quick-service and full-service restaurants.

    Menu and floor management

    The menu builder lets you set up complex modifier systems with forced choices, optional add-ons, and item 86-ing. You can create different menus for different times of day and special events. I liked how the system handles price variations for delivery versus dine-in and can automatically apply happy hour pricing.

    The floor plan editor lets you create custom layouts and manage sections for servers. You can track table status, move parties between tables, and manage wait lists. Servers can assign specific seats for orders, which helps with course timing and check splitting.

    Kitchen display system 

    Orders entered into any Clover device are automatically displayed on Clover’s KDS, enabling kitchen staff to quickly see color-coded order statuses, the times orders were placed, and more.

    Payment and tips 

    Clover processes all major payment types and includes features like split payments, tip adjustments, and automated gratuity for large parties. I liked the intuitiveness of the customer-facing display, which shows order details and tip suggestions to help increase tip amounts.

    A minor gripe: Clover requires you to use its payment processing service. While the rates are competitive, you can’t negotiate rates with different processors or switch processors if you find better rates.

    Another limitation? You’re stuck with Clover hardware. Clover devices are expensive upfront—you must buy them through authorized sellers. Once you’ve invested in Clover hardware, you’re locked into Clover’s ecosystem—you can’t repurpose the devices if you switch systems later.

    What users say about Clover POS

    I appreciate the versatility that Clover provides for my clients. If you are a restaurant, retail store, service industry it’s great for you.

    Jason W.
    Consultant, Restaurant

    Missing many useful and common restaurant/bar features. Just tripled price to maintain access to certain apps.

    Dan C.
    Restaurant Owner

    Key Features

    • Menu management
    • Floor and tableside management
    • KDS
    • Payment and tips processing

    Pros

    • Extensive hardware options
    • Expansive app marketplace enhances functionality

    Cons

    • High initial cost for hardware
    • Requires purchasing hardware from authorized dealers

    Pricing

    Starts at $165/mo for 36 months Trial: Yes — 90 days Free Plan: No

  4. SpotOn — Good for integrated marketing and loyalty programs

    Available on

    Screenshot of the SpotOn POS website showcasing customizable solutions for various restaurant types, with images of happy diners and staff working in casual dining settings.

    SpotOn is a modern restaurant POS system that combines traditional POS features with integrated marketing and loyalty tools. 

    Why I chose SpotOn POS: SpotOn made my list for its integration of digital marketing tools. 

    Order and service management 

    The ordering interface in SpotOn POS lets servers customize items with detailed modifiers and direct orders to specific kitchen stations. It supports automatic coursing for fine dining and rapid-fire mode for quick service—and combines dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders on one screen. 

    I was impressed by how the system handles complex orders, including split items and timed meal coursing. That said, the interface can appear cluttered with large or modified orders.

    SpotOn POS also features an integrated online ordering and delivery system, allowing customers to place orders directly through the restaurant’s website or a customized app.

    Kitchen operations and communication 

    The SpotOn KDS organizes orders by station and tracks preparation times. Chefs can communicate with servers through the system, sending alerts when items are 86’d or when orders are ready. The system includes recipe viewing and portion guidelines right on the kitchen screens.

    The kitchen management system includes production scheduling and prep lists. However, the system works best with SpotOn’s own hardware, so using third-party kitchen displays can be problematic.

    Marketing and customer engagement 

    I was impressed with SpotOn’s built-in marketing tools, which many other POS systems offer only through integrations. You can manage customer databases, send targeted promotions, and run loyalty programs directly from the system. The platform tracks customer preferences and order history.

    The system helps you collect customer feedback and manage your restaurant’s online reputation. However, some of the more advanced marketing features require additional monthly fees.

    What users say about SpotOnPOS

    The customer service has been great and the variety of features it has will be helpful as we grow.

    Jackie O.
    Restaurant Owner

    Wish there was a way to add more than one button at a time to the menu screens list at the bottom of each screen.

    Zoe C.
    Assistant Manager

    Key Features

    • Order and service management
    • KDS
    • Payment processing
    • Loyalty and rewards programs

    Pros

    • Customizable for various dining formats
    • Strong customer engagement features

    Cons

    • Interface can be cluttered for complex orders
    • Higher total cost with advanced marketing features

    Pricing

    Starts at $99/month Trial: No Free Plan: No

  5. Toast — Good for full-service restaurants and scalability

    Available on

    Screenshot of the toast webpage

    Toast POS is a restaurant management system built for restaurants of all sizes.

    Why I chose Toast POS: Toast offers restaurant-specific functionalities rather than trying to be a general retail solution.

    Menu and order management 

    Toast’s menu builder allows for different breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with automatic switching. You can add modifiers for items or groups and set automated discounts for happy hours or special pricing for online orders. I love how it shows item photos on the ordering screen, helping new staff quickly identify items and reducing errors during busy periods.

    Additionally, Toast POS provides a real-time layout of the restaurant’s seating, showing which tables are occupied and reserved—as well as how long guests have stayed—enabling efficient table management.

    Kitchen operations 

    Toast’s KDS organizes orders by preparation time and station. Chefs can tap items to mark them as started or done, and the system adjusts expected wait times shown to servers. The screens are heat and splash-resistant—a must for busy kitchens.

    I was impressed by how the system routes orders to different kitchen printers based on item type. For example, bar drinks print at the bar while hot items go to the kitchen screen. However, if your kitchen loses internet connection, the KDS screens won’t update until connectivity returns.

    Digital ordering and delivery 

    Toast’s online ordering works through a branded website for your restaurant. Customers can order directly without going through third-party apps. I appreciate that the system includes a delivery management tool to set delivery zones by zip code and assign drivers. The delivery interface shows driver locations and estimated delivery times.

    What users say about Toast POS

    Easy daily use and modifier options and report options.

    Heather B.
    Restaurant Owner

    Menus for serving customers can get a little much drilling sometimes 2-3 levels deep to do an 8 oz brown ale.

    Robert B.
    Owner, F&B

    Key Features

    • Menu and order management
    • Table management system
    • KDS
    • Digital ordering and delivery

    Pros

    • Features for restaurants that deliver food
    • Extensive customization options for menus and service

    Cons

    • Proprietary hardware required
    • Limited third-party integration options

    Pricing

    Starts at $69/month Trial: No Free Plan: Yes

Compare the Best POS System for Restaurants

Topic
Reviews
4.4
4.3
3.8
4.3
4.2
Pricing
Contact vendor for price
Starts at $69/location/month
Starts at $165/mo for 36 months
Starts at $99/month
Starts at $69/month
Free Trial
yes
no
yes
90 days
no
no
Free Plan
no
yes
no
no
yes
Use cases
Good for detailed inventory management and Connecteam integration
Good for affordability and ease of use for small businesses
Good for hardware flexibility and app integration
Good for integrated marketing and loyalty programs
Good for full-service restaurants and scalability
Available on
Web, iOS, Android
Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
Web, iOS, Android

What Is a POS System for Restaurants?

A restaurant POS system is essentially a digital network that combines software and hardware to facilitate your restaurant’s sales transactions and help manage related aspects of your business operations. It helps you take orders, process payments, and manage your inventory all in one place. 

This system lets you keep track of what’s selling well and what’s not, adjust your menu accordingly, and more. Many systems also include options for gift cards and customer loyalty programs, enhancing customer engagement and retention. 

Whether you run a small café or a large dining establishment, integrating a POS system can enhance your restaurant operations.

How Does a POS System for a Restaurant Work?

A restaurant POS system acts as a central digital hub, connecting various operational aspects of your restaurant. You set up your menu, table layout, and staff accounts. Servers (or sometimes even customers) use tablets or touchscreen terminals to take orders, which are instantly sent to kitchen displays or printers. The kitchen staff monitors these orders and marks them off as they prepare them, while the system alerts servers when dishes are ready.

Customer payments can be processed at any point—typically at the end of their meals or as they order.

For managers, the POS system functions as a control center. You can watch sales in real-time, track inventory levels, manage staff performance, and update menus and pricing directly from the system.

At the end of shifts, the system simplifies closing processes by calculating tips and generating comprehensive sales reports.

Benefits of Restaurant POS Systems

A restaurant POS system offers several key advantages.

Better control over your restaurant

A POS system gives you a clear view of everything happening in your restaurant at any moment. You can spot problems early, like high food waste or low-performing menu items. This helps you make quick decisions to protect your profits. 

Improved staff performance

Your POS system shows you exactly how each server performs—their sales, tips, and speed of service. You can identify which staff members need extra training and who deserves recognition. The system also helps prevent theft by tracking every transaction and void, protecting your bottom line.

Make smart business decisions

POS reports show you which dishes make the most money, when you’re busiest, and how much you spend on ingredients and other costs. This data helps you make better decisions about your menu, staffing, and inventory. For example, you might discover that your Tuesday lunch special isn’t profitable or that you need more staff on Friday evenings.

Enhanced customer experience

With faster service, accurate orders, and flexible payment options, your customers have a better dining experience. Many POS systems also let you create loyalty programs and collect customer feedback, helping you build a loyal customer base that returns more often.

How Much Do Restaurant POS Systems Cost?

Restaurant POS systems typically have 3 cost components: monthly software fees, payment processing fees, and hardware costs. Monthly software fees range from $69 to $200+ per terminal, depending on features. 

For example, Toast and Square start at $69, while more comprehensive solutions like Lightspeed can go up to $189. Most providers require you to use their payment processing, with fees typically ranging from 2.49% to 2.99% plus $0.15-$0.30 per transaction.

Hardware is a significant upfront cost. A complete setup with POS terminals, card readers, printers, and kitchen displays can cost $2,000-$5,000 per location. Many providers offer hardware leasing options to spread this cost out over time.

The Bottom Line on POS for Restaurants

Choosing the right POS system is crucial for boosting your restaurant’s efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

Square suits small to medium-sized restaurants with its ease of use, Clover is ideal for those wanting customizable hardware, SpotOn shines with marketing tools, and Toast excels in managing large, full-service settings. 

My top pick is Lightspeed, which I appreciate for its detailed inventory control, flexible menu management options, and integration with Connecteam. This integrated solution is perfect for restaurant operations and staff management.

Try out Connecteam for free today!