Restaurant menu printing guide: laminated, waterproof or disposable?
Choosing the right menu depends on how often it will be handled, whether it needs to be wiped clean and how regularly your prices or dishes change.
Which type of menu should you choose?
Durable indoor menus are suitable for everyday restaurant, café and pub use. They can be produced on laminated card or thick waterproof plastic paper for regular handling and cleaning.
Waterproof plastic paper is tear-resistant, wipeable and more flexible than a laminated sheet. The thicker 280-micron option works well for food menus, drinks lists and wine lists.
Disposable menus and placemats are better when menus change frequently or a fresh copy is needed for every table. A4 works well for standard menus, while A3 can be used as a combined menu and placemat.
Before choosing, consider how often the wording changes. Durable menus cost more initially, but disposable menus may be more practical for seasonal dishes, daily specials or frequently changing prices.
How to design a menu that is easy to use
Customers should be able to find dishes and prices quickly. Use clear headings, readable type and enough space between sections. Avoid squeezing too much wording onto one page or placing text over busy photographs.
Check:
- Dish names, descriptions and prices
- Opening times and contact details
- Allergen and dietary information
- QR codes and website addresses
- Page order and folding direction
- Whether the text can be read in low lighting
A folded menu provides more space without taking up too much room on the table. Separate drinks, dessert or children’s menus can also make a large main menu easier to follow.
Posters, signs and promotions
Use indoor posters to promote special offers, events, new menus and seasonal opening times. Backlit posters are designed for illuminated menu boxes and lightbox displays, while roller banners and outdoor banners can advertise events, live music, food festivals or new openings. For entrance signs, table plans and event information, indoor foamboards provide a lightweight rigid display.
Table, event and business printing
For weddings, private dining and ticketed events, place name cards can be personalised with each guest’s name. NCR pads and business forms are useful for duplicate order sheets, receipts, event bookings and stock records. For letterheads, business cards and other everyday items, see our business stationery. Labels for takeaway packaging, bottles or promotions are available through our labels and stickers range.
Preparing your artwork
A press-quality PDF is the preferred format. Include 3mm bleed where colours or images reach the edge, and keep important wording safely inside the trimmed edge and away from folds. We check the artwork and send a PDF proof before printing. Check every price, description, page and fold carefully before approving it. Our Artwork Guide explains how to prepare files in Canva, Adobe and Microsoft Office. View restaurant menu printing options or see all printing for pubs and restaurants.