- By Charlotte Brown
- August 05, 2025
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving to accommodate customer preferences—but few changes have taken hold as quickly as contactless dining. What started as a safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed into a lasting shift in how guests interact with restaurants.
In fact, around 80% of eateries now utilize some form of contactless dining. This includes mobile ordering and payment, self-service kiosks, QR code menus, and table-side payment devices. Quick service restaurants (QSRs) have the highest adoption rate, with 92% implementing at least one form of contactless technology.
From scanning a code to view a menu to paying the check through a smartphone, technology is streamlining the dining experience in a variety of ways. For restaurant owners and operators, understanding what contactless dining is and why it’s gaining momentum is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity.
By learning how contactless dining works, what early adopters are getting right, and how to integrate it into your own operations, you can position your business to thrive in a rapidly changing hospitality landscape. Let’s dive in.
What is Contactless Dining?
Contactless dining refers to a dining experience designed to minimize (or completely eliminate) direct physical contact between guests and staff. While traditional service still plays an essential role in hospitality, contactless options use technology to streamline ordering, payment, and even food pickup, making the process faster, more convenient, and often more hygienic.
The most common features of contactless dining include:
- QR code menus and digital ordering – Guests scan a code with their phone to view the menu, place orders, and even request refills without waiting for a server.
- Mobile payment systems – To avoid cash or card handoffs, customers pay securely through smartphones.
- Tabletop ordering devices – Small screens at each table allow diners to browse, order, and pay directly from their seats.
- Self-service kiosks – Often found in quick-service and fast-casual settings, these stations let guests place and customize orders independently.
- Contactless pickup and delivery options – Orders are prepared for easy retrieval without direct interaction, whether from a designated pickup shelf or a curbside handoff.
While the idea first gained traction in quick-service and fast-casual chains, contactless dining restaurants now span a wide range of formats. Upscale eateries, hotel dining rooms, breweries, and even neighborhood cafés are adopting these solutions to meet evolving guest expectations.
Why Contactless Dining is Gaining Prominence
Technology-assisted dining isn’t entirely new, but several major factors have pushed contactless dining into the mainstream—and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Pandemic Acceleration
The COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for widespread adoption. What began as a safety necessity to limit physical contact quickly proved to be a more efficient, guest-friendly way of operating.
A Friction-Free Experience
Contactless dining removes common pain points such as no waiting for menus, no flagging down servers to pay the bill, and no delays in placing an order. Guests enjoy a smoother, more autonomous experience, and restaurants benefit from faster table turnover.
Changing Consumer Expectations
Today’s diners expect technology to be woven seamlessly into every aspect of their lives—including their meals out. The convenience they enjoy in online shopping and mobile banking now extends to dining, and some people might prefer it.
Staffing Shortages
Labor challenges remain a top concern for many operators. Contactless solutions can help bridge staffing gaps by automating routine tasks and freeing up staff.
Tech-Savvy Demographics
Millennials and Gen Z (two of the most influential dining demographics) are digital natives. They value speed, customization, and flexibility, making them more inclined to choose restaurants that embrace modern, contactless options.
In short, contactless dining isn’t just a passing phase—it’s becoming a normalized part of how guests interact with restaurants.
4 Things Early Adopters Are Doing Right With Contactless Dining
Some forward-thinking restaurants have embraced contactless dining in ways that enhance both efficiency and the guest experience. Their success comes down to thoughtful implementation—not just adding technology for technology’s sake.
1. Mobile-First Platforms
These operators ensure their ordering and payment systems are seamless on smartphones, with intuitive navigation and fast load times. A smooth mobile experience is key to guest adoption.
2. Customizing the Experience
Rather than offering a generic digital menu, they use technology to highlight specials, suggest pairings, or integrate loyalty programs. This creates opportunities for upselling and personalization.
3. Balancing Tech with Hospitality
The best examples don’t replace human service entirely—they blend it with digital convenience. Staff remain available to answer questions, offer recommendations, and connect with guests who prefer more traditional interactions.
4. Leveraging Data for Smarter Decisions
Contactless systems provide valuable insights into customer behavior, popular menu items, and peak ordering times. Early adopters use this information to refine their menus, pricing, and promotions.
That said, contactless dining isn’t for everyone. Some restaurants—particularly those built around high-touch, personalized service—may find that a fully contactless approach detracts from their guest experience. The key is to know your clientele and choose a level of adoption that supports your brand.
How Restaurant Owners Can Get Started with Contactless Dining
Adopting contactless dining doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire service model overnight. The key is to introduce it in ways that fit your brand, your team, and—most importantly—your guests.
- Assess Your Current Setup
Review your POS system, internet reliability, and existing ordering processes. Some restaurants may already have tools in place that can support QR menus or mobile payments with minimal changes. - Choose the Right Technology Partners
Look for solutions that integrate smoothly with your current systems, whether that’s a mobile ordering app, a payment processor, or a table-side device. Prioritize ease of use for both staff and guests. - Start Small and Scale
You don’t need to go fully contactless from day one. Many restaurants begin with one element, like a QR code menu, before expanding into mobile payments or self-service ordering. This allows you to gauge guest response and adjust. - Train Staff for Tech + Service
Technology should never replace hospitality. Make sure your team can confidently guide guests through the process and accommodate those who prefer traditional ordering. A friendly, helpful staff member remains one of your best assets. - Promote Your New System
Clear signage, social media announcements, and menu notes help customers understand and embrace the change. Highlight the benefits (ex., speed, convenience, safety, etc.) without making it feel mandatory for those who prefer the old way.
At the end of the day, contactless dining is a tool—not a requirement. Some restaurants thrive by fully embracing it, while others find that a hybrid model works best. The right choice is the one that aligns with your restaurant’s identity and keeps your guests coming back.
Is Your Business Ready for the Future of Contactless Dining in Restaurants?
Contactless dining isn’t just a post-pandemic novelty—it’s a service model likely to play a long-term role in the restaurant industry.
That said, full adoption isn’t the only path forward. Many operators are succeeding with a hybrid approach, blending technology for efficiency with human interaction for warmth and hospitality.
For example, when speed is key, you might use QR codes for lunch service, then offer traditional printed menus and tableside ordering during dinner to encourage a slower, more personal experience.
Looking ahead, expect to see:
- More integration between ordering, payment, and loyalty programs to create seamless customer journeys.
- AI-driven personalization, suggesting menu items based on guest history.
- Smarter kitchen operations, with orders routed automatically for better accuracy and timing.
By making thoughtful choices now, you’ll be better prepared to adapt as the industry changes. The real question isn’t whether contactless dining will shape the future of restaurants…it’s how you’ll make it work for your business and your guests.
The Bottom Line: Find the Right Fit for Your Restaurant
Contactless dining has evolved from an emergency solution into a lasting shift in how guests and restaurants interact. The most successful operators understand their guests, evaluate their operational needs, and implement technology in a way that enhances, not replaces, great hospitality.
Whether you go fully contactless or adopt a hybrid model, the goal is the same: create a dining experience that keeps customers satisfied and coming back. By staying informed about trends, testing new tools, and adjusting based on guest feedback, you can ensure your restaurant is ready for whatever the future holds.
At Paris Gourmet, we stay ahead of industry trends and are always happy to share insights, resources, and ideas to help your restaurant thrive.