In the sophisticated realm of catering, websites have evolved from mere digital brochures to lavish presentations, akin to unveiling a five-course gourmet meal.
While the culinary arts have seen a dynamic evolution over the decades, their online counterparts have undergone a revolution of their own.
In this comprehensive long-read, we’ll meander through the digital landscape, exploring the 30 finest catering websites, and serve you a recipe to craft your own digital masterpiece.
Why A Great Website Matters For Caterers
Think about that before a single hors d’oeuvre is tasted or a dish is presented, a potential client’s first encounter with a caterer is often online.
As per Stanford Web Credibility Research, 75% of users admit to making judgments about a company’s credibility based on their website’s design.
In the world of catering, where the feast begins with the eyes, this statistic takes on a heightened importance.
These websites are not just digital portfolios; they are virtual venues where chefs showcase their artistry, where event planners visualize their next grand event, and where patrons begin their culinary journey.
They help in narrating the brand’s story, all the while simplifying the intricate dance of booking, customization, and service details.
The 30 Best Catering Websites
Let’s step into the grand ballroom of catering websites, where each site offers a unique flavor and presentation.
Melbourne, Australia
- Fantastic color pallet
- The best online ordering solution in the bunch
- Easy to navigate all over
Auckland, New Zealand
- Website design driven to corporate sales and catering drop-off
- Clear looks, big pictures, buttons, well-organized menu
- The sliding cart makes it easy to use and gives it a contemporary feel
Sydney, Australia
- Great food photography that stands out with the white background
- The images help create the brand statement of “Restaurant Quality Food”
- Super easy to use main menu
Florida, US
- Beautiful and Joyful colors on this catering site
- Great flow of information leading to a call to action
- Spot on photography
Melbourne, Australia
- Catering website focused on online ordering conversion
- Great menu organization, consistent pictures
- Well-thought-out branding
- Chain with 3 locations
London, UK
- Great side opening menu and product listing page
- The photos are great, and the minimalist aspect
- Very pretty, Italian style, yet efficient site
Berlin, Germany
- Great artsy video header catches the eye
- Amazing photography
- Visible testimonial logos, easy navigation
Texas, US
- Site uses of card symbols for branding enhancement
- Consistent color palette throughout the catering site
- Nice explanation and photos on About Us page
Singapore
- Organised and well-structured
- Great to book chefs and their respective dishes
- Professional and minimalistic colour scheme
London, UK
- Clever use of a one-page design with lots of white space that guides the eye to the impressive testimonials and photos
- Focus on branding, not such much on conversion
- The most minimalistic in the bunch
Texas, US
- Interesting use of plates to show menus
- About Us page with team photo
- A unique style that highlights the food offering
California, US
- Clean design with classic looks with modern menu opening fullscreen
- Great display of images in PNG style
- Great conversion pages like Corporate Drop Offs
Königswinter, Germany
- Beautiful dark design with nice contrasts
- Catchy phrases and easy-to-read font
- Well-positioned lead generation page
London, UK
- Beautifully composed framing of the header picture
- Visible testimonials and social media
- Good call to action
Sydney, Australia
- Great branding consistently and elements throughout the site
- Chain with 2 locations and online ordering for corporate catering
- The online ordering was well thought out, with clear categories, easy navigation, and awesome filters for dietary requirements
New Plymouth, New Zealand
- Great use of images for branding across the site
- The homepage with video intro is exquisite
- Distinctive 4 Areas of service on home page helps client to find information fast
Sydney, Australia
- Event Caterer in Sydney
- Minimalistic website design, good use of white background combined with attractive colorful food photography
Battersea, UK
- Elegant and sophisticated design
- Easy to navigate and read
- It seems to have a shopping cart but we couldn’t reach the actual products for sale
New Zealand
- Lots of white space is easy on the eye, booking form directly on the front page makes the ordering as fast as possible
New Jersey & New York, US
- Captivated the evening/elegant atmosphere
- Use of video galleries is a very good tool for lead generation
- Good use of testimonials and awards pages
Auckland, New Zealand
- Clean Layout with a simple and straightforward navigation
- Straight to the point
- Well through online ordering
Texas, US
- Nice and pleasing thematic around the region style
- Great call to actions (order now, subscribe to newsletter)
- Beautiful photography and easy to navigate
Illinois, US
- High quality photography and vibrant colors
- Use of a big search box to ask what prospective customers are looking for
- Menu web page with pretty menu examples
London, UK
- Classic look
- Lots of big photos
- Clear call to action button
London, UK
- Sophistication and functionality.
- We love the tool that allows users to view and book the venues available based on filters Event Types, Locations and Capacity
- Complete venue information and easy to access booking form (great lead generation strategy!)
London, UK
- Simple, effective USP in the header
- Clean design
California, US
- Great branding and large photos. Focus on online ordering conversion. Good product layout with the options and quantity opening on a pop up: www.thelacafe.com
London, UK
- Again, beautiful dark design complemented by fitting dark pictures makes it look like luxury catering
- Good use of Instagram to promote past events and dishes
Minnesota, US
- Great website design for food ordering and catering
- Focus on the food and the easy navigation
- Allow to enter postcode prior to start choosing, so that the order is routed to the correct store
- Great menu organisation
North Carolina, US
- Interesting menu parallax (menu sticks to the top as you scroll through).
- Well positioned accomplishments
- Good structure of pages
Elements of a Top-Notch Catering Website
Embarking on the creation of a catering website? Consider these elements as the ingredients for your digital gourmet dish.
Visually Enticing Imagery
A culinary journey is sensory. Images, therefore, become the bridge between the virtual world and the tantalizing world of taste. National Geographic states that our brain can process images up to 60,000 times faster than text.
For caterers, this means having a portfolio of high-resolution, professionally-shot images can be the difference between a potential client staying on or leaving the site.
Responsive and Mobile-Friendly Design
In our modern digital era, over half of global website traffic is from mobile phones. A catering website that isn’t optimized for mobile is akin to serving fine wine in a paper cup.
Platforms like WordPress and Squarespace have made mobile optimization more accessible than ever, even offering plug-and-play themes tailored to the catering industry.
Clear and Concise Menus
A lesser-known fact: the average human attention span is just 8 seconds, shorter than that of a goldfish!
Catering websites, thus, need to present their menus and offerings clearly. No one wants to navigate through labyrinthine pages to find vegetarian or gluten-free options.
Effective Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons
A CTA is not just a button; it’s an invitation, a direction. Whether guiding visitors to book a consultation or view a menu, CTAs should be clear, concise, and compelling.
Studies show that personalized CTAs convert 202% better than default versions.
Integrated Booking and Contact System
We live in an era of immediacy. If a client wants to book a caterer, they won’t wait for back-and-forth emails.
Integrated systems, such as HoneyBook or Flex Catering, specifically cater to this industry, streamlining the booking process, managing orders, and enhancing user experience.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
In the vast digital marketplace, standing out is crucial. Catering websites need to be optimized not just for appearance but for search engines.
A little insider secret? Local SEO can significantly boost a caterer’s visibility in their region, making them the go-to choice for local events.
Conclusion
The above collection of catering websites, combined with the advice on crafting your unique online presence, provides a solid foundation for drawing inspiration. Examine this list, identify common design elements, and pinpoint features and aesthetics that resonate with you. Remember, the steps outlined above are critical to ensure your catering website can compete with the best in the business.
Nowadays, you have a lot of software solutions and tools to choose from to make website design straightforward. Catering Software, Event management CRM and online ordering software should be at the top of your investment list. See what’s out there, get the lay of the land and tilt the odds of success in your favor by investing in software solutions that will help you stand out from the crowd.
At this juncture, consider reaching out to Flex Catering. Our team specializes in supporting businesses like yours to succeed online. Let us help you navigate the path to a successful catering website. Contact us today, and let’s create a digital space that sets you apart in the catering industry.
Watch the Flex Catering website module built for catering businesses
FAQs
Why is having a good catering website important for my business?
A good catering website acts as your business’s digital storefront, offering potential clients a first impression of your services. It showcases your culinary expertise, style, and professionalism while also simplifying the booking and inquiry process for potential clients.
What are the essential elements of a top-notch catering website?
The essentials include visually enticing imagery, a responsive and mobile-friendly design, clear and concise menus, effective Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons, client testimonials, an integrated booking system, and robust search engine optimization (SEO) practices.
Can I design a catering website myself or should I hire a professional?
While many platforms offer user-friendly website design tools suitable for beginners, hiring a professional can ensure a unique, optimized, and tailored website that stands out in the competitive catering market. A professional can also help with advanced features and SEO best practices.
How often should I update my catering website?
Regular updates are crucial to keep your content fresh and relevant. Consider updating your website whenever you have new menu offerings, client testimonials, or event photos. Additionally, regularly checking for software or platform updates can ensure optimal performance and security.
Is SEO really essential for a catering website?
Absolutely. SEO ensures that your website is discoverable in search engine results, increasing visibility and attracting potential clients. Especially in a localized industry like catering, local SEO can significantly boost your site’s reach within your target region.
