Free restaurant management software: is it really usable?
TaoMenu's free plan runs a small shop day to day: 1 staff seat, 1 menu language, manual entry. No POS, inventory or accounting.
Yes. The free plan is enough for a small shop to run daily: 1 staff seat, 1 menu language and manual menu entry — it does not include POS, inventory or accounting.
What the free plan does
- Takes orders from tables or the counter: guests scan a QR code and orders arrive on the shop's phone.
- 1 staff seat (2 total including the owner) — enough for a small shop or a one-person operation.
- Hand-built menu with 1 language, including photos, prices and options.
- Call-server, payment requests and cash payment recording.
- No time limit: Free is not a trial.
What the free plan does not do
- No inventory management, financial reports or accounting — this is not a full POS.
- Only 1 menu language; serving foreign guests needs Pro — see multi-language menus.
- No photo/PDF menu import; every item is entered by hand.
- TaoMenu does not collect payments: guests pay the shop directly.
When to upgrade to Pro
- Need more staff taking orders together (4 staff seats).
- Want a 5-language menu and photo-based menu import.
- Want reviewed AI translation, dish photo enhancement and premium QR templates.
Start free, or compare plans in detail on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does the free plan include?
1 staff seat (2 total including the owner), 1 menu language and manual menu entry.
What does Pro add?
4 staff seats, up to 5 languages, AI menu import, reviewed AI translation and dish photo enhancement, plus premium QR templates.
Will free disappear after a trial?
No. Free stays free; you upgrade only when you need more.
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Last updated: 2026-08