A practical guide for restaurant owners on free qr code generator restaurants.
Generate a QR code that links to your restaurant menu. No signup required. No expiration.
Two options for your QR code
Option A: QR code + hosted menu (recommended)
Build your menu on EasyMenus and get a QR code automatically. The QR links to a mobile-friendly menu page that you can edit anytime. When you update your menu, the QR code stays the same.
This is the better option because:
- Your QR code links to a menu that looks good on any phone
- You can update prices, items, and specials without reprinting the QR
- Customers see a professional menu page, not a raw PDF
- Google can read your menu for search visibility
- You get scan tracking so you know how many people are using it
Build your menu and get a QR code free
Option B: QR code for an existing URL
If you already have a menu page on your website and just need a QR code that links to it, any free QR generator will work:
- QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com): Simple, no signup required. Generates a static QR code for any URL.
- QRCode Monkey (qrcode-monkey.com): Free with customization options (colours, logo in centre).
- GoQR.me: Minimal interface, generates codes instantly.
Paste your menu page URL, download the QR code image, and print it.
Important: If your menu URL ever changes, the QR code will break and you will need to reprint. A hosted menu tool avoids this because the URL is permanent.
QR code specifications for printing
Minimum size: 3 cm x 3 cm (about 1.2 inches) for table cards at arm's length. Larger for wall posters or window displays.
Resolution: Download the QR code as a PNG at the highest resolution available, or as an SVG file for print. Low-resolution QR codes become blurry when printed and may not scan.
Contrast: Dark code on a light background. Black on white is the most reliable. Avoid placing QR codes on dark or patterned surfaces.
Quiet zone: Keep a margin of white space around the QR code. Do not crop it tight or place text right next to the edges.
Test before printing: Scan the QR code from your screen with your phone before ordering any prints. Test on both iPhone and Android if possible.
What to print the QR code on
Table cards: Acrylic stands or laminated cards. The most common placement for dine-in restaurants.
Window stickers: Let passersby scan your menu before coming in.
Takeout stickers or bag inserts: Customers take your menu home.
Business cards: A QR code on the back links to your full menu.
Receipts: Many POS systems let you add a QR code or URL to printed receipts.
For a full placement guide: Where to Put QR Codes in Your Restaurant
Add a call to action
A QR code by itself is not self-explanatory to everyone. Add a short text prompt near the code:
- "Scan for our menu"
- "View our full menu and specials"
- "Point your camera here to see what we serve"
This increases scan rates, especially among customers who are less familiar with QR codes.
Tracking scans
Generic QR code generators do not track how many people scan your code. If you want scan data (how many scans per day, which devices, peak times), you need either a dynamic QR code from a paid generator or a hosted menu tool with built-in analytics.
EasyMenus includes scan tracking on all plans. You can see how many people viewed your menu, what device they used, and which items they looked at.
Get a free menu with QR code and analytics
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