So, you’ve bitten into this apple thinking it would be easy to do in very few steps. Yes, you’ve agreed to produce a menu for a restaurant in your client list, thinking you could have the thing wrapped up in a number of hours. Sadly, you’re now waking up to the fact that menu design is perhaps one of the more challenging parts of being a graphic designer. If this is the case, don’t despair quite just yet! Instead, go ahead and check out our choice tips below. These will set you on the straight and narrow as far as your designs go, and will give you a sense of direction if you’ve been struggling. So, without further ado, head on down below the break to see our top ways in which you can improve your restaurant menu design!

  1. Make it Readable: How do your font choices look? Can you read all the text clearly without any issues? Furthermore, how have you arranged the items? Can you clearly read the descriptions, titles, pricing changes, prices, etc.? Try to envision the menu as your viewers will see it: Under dim lighting with hungry stomachs and a few mates sitting around to distract them. You’ll want to make the menu a simply-read work of art, and the only way to do that is to adjust the elements until you’re absolutely sure they’re the best they’re going to be.
  2. Does it Flow? Remember also that there’s a definite flow to the way a menu should be read. This directly follows the course of a meal: Appetizers, entrees, desserts, beverages. This is the tried and true method of arranging things, and if you disregard it, you’ll be breaking the mold your clients will expect. Feel free to adjust the scenery in a creative way, but always ensure the menu flows in a way that makes sense to both you and the viewer. Sure, that creative illustration looks great right in the middle of the design, but if it throws off the journey from cover to cover, it will have to go.
  3. Choose Pictures Wisely: Next, be sure you pick your pictures wisely. Choose items that show the best of the menu, and try not to overload the design with too many photos. A picture says a thousand words, which in the case of a menu, is a bit too much.