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Common Menu Design Mistakes to Avoid in Your Restaurant

Even the best dishes can lose appeal if your menu is poorly designed. At DesignMyMenu (DMM), we’ve identified the most common mistakes restaurants make—and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding Items

• Too many items overwhelm customers
• Keep your menu concise and organized
• Highlight signature dishes and promotions

Mistake 2: Hard-to-Read Fonts or Low Contrast

• Poor font choices reduce readability
• Low contrast between text and background frustrates customers
• At DMM, we use legible, attractive fonts that match your brand

Mistake 3: Ignoring Section Hierarchy

• Organize items into logical categories: appetizers, mains, desserts, beverages
• Highlight chef’s specials and best sellers
• Helps customers navigate menus quickly

Mistake 4: Poor Quality Images

• Low-quality or irrelevant images damage credibility
• Only include high-resolution visuals that enhance the menu
• Images should guide, not distract

Mistake 5: Not Considering Menu Size or Format

• Choose the right format: single-page, double-sided, bi-fold, tri-fold
• Menu format impacts readability, handling, and user experience
• DMM designs both print and digital menus optimized for your restaurant

Bonus Tips for Effective Menus

• Use callouts or boxes to feature specials
• Keep pricing clear and aligned
• Use white space effectively to avoid clutter
• Incorporate brand colors and logo for consistency

Conclusion

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your menu improves customer experience and drives sales. At DesignMyMenu (DMM), we specialize in creating menus that are beautiful, functional, and profitable.