QR Code for Restaurant Tables: Placement, Printing, and Design Tips

You have built your digital menu and generated your QR code. Now comes the part that most guides skip: getting that code in front of customers in a way that actually works. The placement, print format, and design of your QR code for table use can make the difference between 90% adoption and 30% adoption.

Where to Place Your QR Code Menu

On the Table: The Primary Spot

The most effective location for a QR code for table use is right where customers sit. Place it where it is visible without moving anything — not hidden under a napkin holder or behind a condiment caddy. The center of the table or near the edge facing the seat works best. Customers should spot it naturally within the first few seconds of sitting down.

At the Counter

For cafes, bakeries, and fast-casual spots where customers order at a counter, place the QR code at eye level near the register. A small acrylic stand works well here. Customers can scan while they wait in line and have their order ready when they reach the front.

On the Window or Door

A QR code on your window lets passersby check your menu before deciding to come in. This is especially powerful in tourist areas or busy streets where people browse multiple restaurant windows before choosing. Make the code large enough to scan from a comfortable distance — at least 6 cm x 6 cm for window placement.

On Takeaway Bags and Packaging

Print your QR code on takeaway bags, boxes, or stickers. Customers who enjoyed their delivery meal can scan the code at home and browse your full menu for next time. It is a low-cost way to encourage repeat orders.

Print Formats: Sticker, Acrylic Stand, or Laminated Card?

Each format has its strengths. The right choice depends on your restaurant type and how much wear and tear your tables see.

• Stickers — Cheapest option. Apply directly to the table surface. Durable if you use waterproof vinyl stickers, but they can look worn after a few months of heavy cleaning. Best for casual spots.
• Acrylic stands — Professional look. A small clear stand with a printed insert sits on the table and is easy to clean. Easy to replace the insert if your QR code changes. Best for mid-range to upscale restaurants.
• Laminated cards — Middle ground between sticker and stand. Wipeable, durable, and easy to reprint. Can be placed in a menu holder or left flat on the table. Good for most restaurant types.
• Wooden or metal table inserts — Premium option for restaurants that want the QR code built into the table design. More expensive upfront but very durable and professional.

Design Tips for Your QR Code

Size Matters

The minimum scannable size for a QR code is about 2 cm x 2 cm, but that is too small for practical use. For table placement, use at least 4 cm x 4 cm. For window or wall placement, go larger — 6 cm x 6 cm or more. When in doubt, bigger is better. No customer has ever complained that a QR code was too easy to scan.

Contrast Is Everything

A QR code needs strong contrast to scan reliably. Dark code on a light background is the universal standard. Avoid placing a dark QR code on a dark wood table without a white backing. If your brand colors are dark, print the code with a generous white border around it.

Add a Short Call to Action

Do not assume every customer knows what to do. Add a simple line of text near the code: 'Scan for Menu' or 'See Our Menu.' This small prompt increases scan rates noticeably. If you serve tourists, add translations: 'Escaneie para ver o menu' or 'Escanea para ver el menu.'

Brand Your QR Code

A plain black-and-white QR code works, but a branded one looks more intentional. EatQR lets you customize QR codes with your brand colors. This small touch signals to customers that scanning is part of your planned experience, not an afterthought.

Testing: Make Sure It Works on Every Phone

Before you print hundreds of QR codes, test thoroughly. Here is a quick checklist:

1. Test on at least three different phones — one iPhone, one recent Android, and one older or budget Android.
2. Test in the lighting conditions of your restaurant. Dim lighting can affect camera performance on older phones.
3. Test at the distance customers will actually scan from. If the code is on the table, test from a seated position, not standing directly over it.
4. Test with the printed version, not the screen version. Printing can affect contrast and scannability.
5. Verify the menu loads quickly after scanning. If it takes more than three seconds, something is wrong.

If you are still deciding which digital menu platform to use, our complete guide to QR code menus includes a features checklist that covers what to look for beyond just QR code generation.

Replacing QR Codes Without Reprinting

One advantage of a good QR code menu platform is that your QR code stays the same even when your menu changes. With EatQR, the QR code points to a permanent URL. You can update every item on your menu without touching the printed code. The only time you need to reprint is if you change your menu slug — which most restaurants never do.