Top 11 Restaurant Phone Systems in 2024

Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj

Published : May 22, 2023

Effective communication is crucial for businesses, especially in the restaurant industry. A reliable phone system can enhance customer interactions, improve order accuracy, and boost overall satisfaction.

Restaurants are adopting advanced phone systems with a variety of features tailored to their unique needs. Today we will take a closer look at the top 10 phone systems based on features, reliability, customer reviews, and industry reputation.

Whether you manage a small, family-owned eatery or a large restaurant chain, our list will help you make an informed decision. Phone calls from customers usually tend to increase during specific occasions and festivals. For instance, 20% of customers call restaurants more than usual for bookings and inquiries during festivals.

From customs integration with virtual phone numbers and automated attendants to seamless integration with popular restaurant management platforms, these systems optimize communication workflows and elevate the dining experience.

What Is a Restaurant Phone System?

A phone system for a restaurant primarily combines hardware and software so as to support effective communication between staff and clients. It efficiently controls incoming and outgoing calls. Some of its common features include caller ID, call forwarding, voicemail, intercom, and multiple phone lines.

Using these features, the best restaurant telephone system’s staff can take orders, answer questions, make missed calls, deal with customer questions, and plan tasks efficiently. Modern best restaurant phone systems employ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other advanced technologies.

A VoIP restaurant phone system allows calls to be transmitted over the Internet rather than traditional phone lines, resulting in cost savings and increased flexibility. It also supports video calls and conference calls for team meetings.

For phone systems in restaurants, integration is necessary. Other restaurant software, including POS systems, reservation systems, online ordering platforms, and delivery platforms, can exchange data with them.

Expert Advice

"Choose a restaurant phone system with essential features like call forwarding, voicemail, and call recording. Ensure it integrates with your reservation and POS systems. Opt for a cloud-based solution for scalability. Prioritize call quality and reliability. Consider pricing plans that fit your budget. Read reviews and seek recommendations for a reputable provider with excellent customer support."

11 Best Restaurant Phone Systems in 2023

Numerous call center solutions are created especially for restaurants and provide exceptional features that set them apart. Below mentioned are the top 11 restaurant phone systems. Let’s take a look at them! 

1. CallHippo 

CallHippo is an outstanding call-monitoring software that equips businesses with a wide range of powerful tools. These help boost customer service and agent productivity, streamline workflows, and closely monitor team performance.

This software provides businesses with real-time data on team performance and customer interactions. This data enables businesses to optimize their customer support operations in a variety of ways. Businesses that use this software can make data-driven decisions and proactively improve their customer service and support.

Key Features

• Call tracking
• Power dialer
• Reliable dashboard
• Interactive voice response

CallHippo Pros and Cons

It offers a 10-day free trial to explore the product.

Easily integrates with multiple platforms.

It can be quickly set up and very easy to navigate.

This software is highly customizable that suits different business needs.

It allows for only metered calling.

This software doesn’t log the call recordings into the CRM.

Pricing

• Bronze: $16 per user/month
• Silver: $24 per user/month
• Platinum: $40 per user/month

2. Dialpad 

Top-tier VoIP provider Dialpad offers businesses exceptional communication capabilities thanks to its robust Voice Intelligence feature.

This phone system for pizza restaurants offers a wide variety of integrations, making it one of the most flexible business solutions. Using prefixes like 888, 877, 855, 866, and 844, Dialpad offers businesses a unified communications platform across multiple devices. 

Key Features

• Inbound reporting
• Offers speech coaching
• Spam prevention
• Three-way calling

This software offers 24/7, reliable customer service.

It helps conduct unlimited video meetings.

It offers a 100% uptime service-level agreement.

This software offers AI-based voice intelligence features on all subscription plans.

This software charges an extra cost for 800 numbers.

It provides limited external connections.

Pricing

• Standard: $15/month (minimum one user)
• Pro: $25/month (minimum three users)
• Enterprise: Custom price (minimum 100 user license)

3. MightyCall

MightyCall is a reliable virtual phone system with basic call management options. This makes it an excellent choice for small businesses and solopreneurs looking for a robust communication platform.

This company offers significant assistance to small businesses, assisting them in expanding their bottom line and business lines of operations. Although the website does not list prefixes, MightyCall does provide 855 numbers to a variety of businesses.

You May Also Read : 16 Best Small Business Phone Systems

Key Features

• Custom call menus
• Call forwarding
• Email and task tracker
• Voicemail to text transcriptions

MightyCall Pros and Cons

It offers a free trial of 7 days and action-to-task conversion.

This software provides a dedicated cloud-based virtual application.

It offers live customer support with all pricing models.

It offers robust WordPress and social media integration.

This software is not suited for large-scale businesses.

In the basic subscription plan, relatively low calling minutes are offered.

Pricing 

• Basic: $19.99 per month 
• Standard: $39.99 per month
• Ultimate: $99.99 per month

4. Nextiva

Nextiva provides a comprehensive cloud-based suite of call center tools, offering businesses a complete solution for optimizing internal and client communications.

Being one of the best phone system for restaurants, it allows businesses to easily track calls, route them to specific agents, and access real-time reports on agent dispositions. With this level of visibility and control, call center operations are highly streamlined. 

Key Features

• Video calls
• Video conference recording
• Advanced reporting capabilities
• Interactive voice response

Nextiva Pros and Cons

This platform offers a minimum of 1,500 toll-free minutes per month.

It offers 24/7 customer support which helps resolve customer queries in no time.

Its user-friendly UI attracts multiple potential customers.

It provides screen recordings only in the Premium plan.

This software serves CRM integrations specifically as add-ons.

Pricing

• On request

5. DialerHQ

DialerHQ offers a feature-rich, cloud-based phone system tailored to restaurants’ unique communication needs. These phone systems include call routing, recording, texting, analytics, and more to streamline operations and boost customer satisfaction. With DialerHQ, restaurants can seamlessly integrate their point-of-sale and online ordering platforms while enabling staff to communicate efficiently. Our cost-effective, easy-to-use solutions are designed to meet the diverse communication requirements of single and multi-location restaurants.

Key Features

• Intelligent reports/analytics
• Call barging
• Call conferences
• Voicemail
• Global connect

DialerHQ Pros and Cons

DialerHQ easily automates the calling process

Various dialing modes keep agents continuously engaged with live calls.

DialerHQ's management features help call centers organize and prioritize contact lists effectively.

Real-time DialerHQ monitoring provides supervisors with valuable insights into agent performance and call progress.

Channel support beyond voice calls on DialerHQ is limited.

Some functionalities may require additional integrations.

Call quality problems, including dropped calls and call lags, have been encountered by users.

Pricing 

• Basic – $0 per user/ month
• Bronze – $7.99 per user/ month
• Silver plan- $11.99 per user/ month
• Platinum plan – $19.99 per user/ month

6. 3CX

3CX is a software-based phone system that adheres to open standards. It can easily be installed on-premises, in the cloud, or virtually on existing servers using Vmware or HyperV. 3CX users can take advantage of advanced communication features such as voicemail and fax delivery via email. It also makes it simple for organizations to hold online meetings and webinars. 

In addition, by eliminating fees for each extension, 3CX modifies the way billing and licensing operate. By enabling users to place calls directly from all these platforms, communication is highly facilitated.

Key Features

• Self-installation and management
• Automatic phone number detection
• Click to call and CRM integration
• WebRTC web conferencing

3CX Pros and Cons

3CX makes it simple to connect supported SIP trunks, gateways, and IP phones.

This platform offers a Click to Call extension that users can easily add to their leading browsers.

This software offers an intuitive UI which makes it very easy to use.

At times, technical support needs improvement.

When a new user is added, the phone book of some phones can get delayed.

Pricing

• Startup Pro: $175/year
• Dedicated Pro: $295/year 
• Dedicated Enterprise: $330/year

7. OpenPhone 

OpenPhone is a complete phone system created with teams in mind. It combines business calls, texts, and contacts into a user-friendly app that functions well on a variety of devices. OpenPhone simplifies collaboration by allowing teammates to work together using shared phone numbers, ensuring uninterrupted customer support. 

Moreover, OpenPhone provides a user-friendly CRM tool that helps teams efficiently manage contacts and cultivate stronger relationships. By integrating with popular tools, OpenPhone automates multiple tasks, which results in increased productivity and efficiency.

Key Features

• Call monitoring
• Call logging
• IVR / Voice recognition
• Call routing

OpenPhone Pros and Cons

This software offers a dedicated list of separate contacts.

It offers a robust Windows desktop application with cost-efficient pricing.

It can easily be set up and is super easy to operate.

It offers automated texts within a certain set of business hours.

This software doesn’t provide a customizable ringtone.

At times, this software leads to the dropping of calls and sound difficulties.

Pricing

• Standard: $13 per month
• Premium: $20 per month
• Enterprise: On request

8. RingCentral

RingCentral Contact Center is a leading software solution for automating call center operations. Its primary goal is to improve customer service and streamline problem resolution. With its vast set of advanced features, this software enables service teams to provide exceptional customer support in an efficient manner.

Key Features

• Single Sign-on (SSO)
• Robust call monitoring
• Interactive voice response (IVR)
• HD audio and video conferencing tools

Ringcentral Pros and Cons

This platform provides highly advanced APIs along with integrations.

It operates seamlessly across various devices like desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Its third-party integrations provide a smooth experience for users.

This software supports over 30 digital channels.

This software doesn’t provide any kind of free trial.

This software offers multiple integrations with popular CRMs only as add-ons.

Pricing

• Essentials: $19.99 per month 
• Standard: $27.99 per month 
• Premium: $34.99 per month 
• Ultimate: $49.99 per month

You May Also Read: The Best 10+ Commercial Phone System for 2024

9. 8X8 

The 8×8 Business phone line system is well-known in the business communication services world. It’s an all-in-one platform for communication called the “eXperience Communication Platform,” or XCaaS.

Basically, 8×8 is a digital phone system and app that takes care of all communication for businesses. It handles transfer calls and both internal and external communication in one app, accessible on different phone devices. With the right person and 8×8, your whole company can stay connected using a smooth digital phone system that works on desktop and mobile devices.

Key Features

• One-click subject matter expert access
• Built-in CRM integration and APIs
• Queued and web callback
• Advanced speech & interaction analytics

8X8 Pros and Cons

With this platform, one can easily receive phone calls, instant message employees, and video chat with potential customers.

This software offers various kinds of third-party integrations.

This phone system boasts about 99.99% uptime for all its communication services.

With 8×8, all your communication stays secured within the cloud.

At times, this software can take time to set up the system.

Not good for newbies since it requires time to learn and efficiently use this phone system.

Pricing

• 8×8 Express: $15 per user/month
• X2: $32 per user/month
• X4: $57 per user/month

10. Ooma 

Ooma offers a range of options to help customers set up a complete phone system while accommodating different needs and budgets. Ooma ensures accessibility for everyone by providing a free plan in addition to reasonable pricing for plans with more features. 

In order to facilitate seamless communication, voicemail, call forwarding, and call blocking are included as standard features. Ooma also provides additional customization options, which help users adapt the system as per their unique needs.

Key Features

• Auto attendant
• Presence detection
• Email audio attachments
• Video conferencing

Ooma Pros and Cons

This platform offers highly encrypted communications.

It offers dedicated 24/7 customer support to help its customers resolve all their concerns in minimal time.

It offers efficient monitoring of the phone system through a dedicated web-based portal.

It is very easy to use and supports all kinds of analog phones.

This platform offers weak security and authentication features.

Once you subscribe to their second pricing tier, only then can you use their desktop software.

Pricing

• Ooma Office Essentials: $19.95/month 
• Ooma Office Pro: $24.95/month 
• Ooma Office Pro Plus: $29.95/month

11. ZoiPer 

ZoiPer is a versatile VoIP softphone app that adheres to open standards and can be used by internet service providers, call centers, VoIP integrators, and mobile operators. It provides users with access to a software development kit (SDK) and over-the-top (OTT) applications. This allows for greater flexibility and customization.

Users can enjoy an intuitive user interface with ZoiPer, which supports drag-and-drop functionality for making calls and a simple setup for video chats. The platform prioritizes security by utilizing end-to-end military-grade encryption to keep communications private and secure.

Key Features

• Analytical reports
• Incoming call ID
• Call center management
• Call queuing

Zoiper Pros and Cons

It is easy to install and is compatible with multiple operating systems.

This software offers a free trial.

With Zoiper, integrating softphone software is quite easy and doesn’t require a separate VPN or other connections.

It is quite budget-friendly and offers a user-friendly interface.

This software’s compatibility with certain communication features demands more specific configurations.

Sometimes this software locks up and leaves calls on hold, which causes difficulties.

Pricing

• Free version
• ZoiPer Pro: $43.39 (one-time)

Importance of Having a Restaurant Phone System

A restaurant telephone system allows busy employees to concentrate on their main tasks by efficiently handling phone calls. Features like call forwarding and automated attendants ensure calls are directed to the appropriate staff or department, reducing interruptions. This boosts productivity and enhances the overall customer experience.

1. Streamline Waitlisting and Reservations

A restaurant’s ability to manage reservations and waitlists is highly important. A restaurant phone system makes these processes more efficient and organized. 

You can easily manage reservations, track guest preferences, and optimize seating arrangements with automated reservation management and real-time table availability updates. 

2. Reduce Unnecessary Calls

A restaurant phone system reduces unnecessary calls, which benefits both customers and staff. Features such as automated messaging and interactive voice response (IVR) systems provide critical information without the need for direct staff interaction. 

The integration of online ordering and delivery provides additional channels for placing orders or making inquiries that route calls to a phone company. By reducing unnecessary calls, employees and callers can focus on more important tasks and provide better service to clients who require individualized assistance.

3. Caller Identification

Caller identification is especially useful for VIPs and repeats customers because it allows for personalized greetings and quick recognition of preferences. It enables employees to provide more attentive and personalized service to customers, increasing customer satisfaction. 

4. Save Extensive Money

Installing a restaurant phone system can save substantial costs. Traditional phone systems involve expensive hardware, long-distance charges, and complex maintenance. The use of the Internet for calls in modern systems, particularly VoIP-based ones, lowers or completely eliminates long-distance fees. 

They are also scalable, making it simple to add or remove phone lines in accordance with business requirements. Large-scale hardware installations are eliminated by cloud-based systems, which lowers initial costs and maintenance needs. 

By implementing a restaurant phone system, productivity improves, customer satisfaction increases, more sales are made, and communication processes become streamlined, contributing to the success and profitability of all business lines of your restaurant.

You May Also Read : 11 Best Hospital Phone System in 2023

Types of Phone Systems Used in the Restaurants

When it comes to phone systems used in restaurants, the list can be a long one. These systems cater to various needs and provide a variety of features to improve communication within the restaurant. Some of the most common types of phone systems used in restaurants are written below. Let’s dig deep!

KSU (Key Service Unit) Telephones

Traditional telephone systems frequently found in small to medium-sized restaurants are the KSU system of telephones, also referred to as key system telephones. They need an inbound and outbound call management system known as the Key Service Unit. KSU systems are appropriate for small businesses with moderate communication needs because they frequently support multiple lines and extensions.

Non-KSU Telephones

Non-KSU telephones, also known as keyless systems or direct lines, are basic telephone systems. These are commonly found in smaller restaurants or establishments with limited phone needs. These systems, unlike KSU telephones, lack a central control unit. 

PBX or Private Branch Exchange Systems

PBX systems are commonly used in larger restaurants or other establishments with high call volumes and more sophisticated communication needs. A private branch exchange (PBX) is a central hub for managing and routing incoming and outgoing calls used by PBX systems. 

By providing features such as call transferring, call routing, voicemail, and extension dialing, these systems facilitate effective internal and external communication. 

VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol Systems

VoIP for restaurant systems have recently grown in popularity due to their adaptability and low cost. Because they transmit voice data over the Internet, these systems enable voice calls over the Internet rather than traditional telephone lines. 

VoIP systems include numerous features such as call forwarding, call recording, voicemail to email, and virtual receptionist capabilities. 

How To Choose the Right Restaurant Phone Systems?

Selecting the right phone system is important for the success of any restaurant. It ensures effective communication with callers and customers, streamlined operations, and improved customer service. 

With so many options available, it can be difficult to make the right choice. One should consider certain factors when choosing the best restaurant phone systems. Some of them include:

1. Features and Functionality

Look for a phone system that can easily scale as your restaurant grows. Consider your current phone line requirements and anticipate future needs. 

Evaluate the features and functionality offered by different phone systems and match them to your restaurant’s specific needs. Common features include call forwarding, call routing, voicemail, caller ID, call recording, and online ordering integration. 

2. Integration with Existing Systems

Make sure the chosen phone system integrates seamlessly with your CRM tools, and restaurant management software. Integration reduces the need for manual data entry, increases productivity, and improves customer satisfaction.

3. Reliability and Call Quality

Choose a phone system that offers dependable service and increased call quality at all times. Dropped calls or bad sound quality can cause customer annoyance and loss of revenue. Research service providers, read client testimonials, and ask for references to assess key service unit trustworthiness.

4. Cost and Pricing Structure

Consider upfront costs, ongoing maintenance fees, and additional phone system charges. To find the most cost-effective solution, compare pricing structures such as hardware costs, licensing fees, and monthly service charges. Also, keep an eye on their long-term contracts and cancellation policies to choose the best phone system for restaurants. 

5. Customer Support

For resolving technical issues or concerns, a reliable customer support system is essential. Select a service provider with a track record of providing prompt and efficient assistance and 24-hour customer support.

By considering all the above-mentioned factors, you can choose a restaurant phone system that meets your specific needs, enhances communication, and contributes to the overall success of your restaurant. 

Conclusion

The top 10 restaurant phone systems of 2023 written above provide a variety of features to boost customer service, streamline operations, and improve communication. 

All sizes of businesses can use these systems, including small to medium-sized ones with traditional KSU telephones, businesses with simple needs that use keyless systems, bigger businesses with high call volumes that use PBX systems, and flexible and affordable VoIP systems. Connect with our experts to learn more about restaurant phone systems today!

FAQs

1. How Much Does a Restaurant Phone System Cost?

The cost of a restaurant phone system can vary depending on factors. These mainly include the type of system, the number of lines and extensions needed, desired features, and the chosen vendor. 

Apart from the initial equipment costs, there may be monthly service fees, installation charges, and maintenance costs to consider. It’s recommended that restaurant owners research different options, get quotes from multiple vendors for one location, and assess their communication needs to determine a budget and service and maintenance plan that suits them.

2. What Are the Features To Look Out for When Choosing a Restaurant Phone System?

When choosing a restaurant phone answering system, always look for multiple lines and extensions to meet your needs. Consider call management features like call transferring, forwarding, routing, and voicemail. Integration with other tools, such as CRM systems and online reservation platforms, can streamline operations. 

If you have a remote staff or multiple locations, mobility features like mobile apps or softphone clients can be beneficial. Scalability is essential for future growth. By considering these features, you can select a phone system that enhances communication and efficiency in your restaurant.

3. What Is a Premise Phone System?

A premise phone system, also known as an on-premises phone system, is a traditional system. In this system, the hardware is physically installed and maintained on-site at the restaurant. 

Premise phone systems are suitable for larger establishments or those with complex communication needs. They offer control and customization options but require an upfront investment in equipment and may have ongoing maintenance costs.

4. How Do I Set up a Small Business VoIP Phone System?

Setting up a small business VoIP phone system involves several steps. Start by assessing your communication requirements, including the number of lines and extensions needed, desired features, and integration with other systems. 

Research and choose a reputable VoIP service provider that offers suitable plans and features. Ensure you have a reliable and high-speed Internet connection to support VoIP calls, considering bandwidth requirements. 

Select VoIP phones that are compatible with your provider’s system and offer the features you need. Set up your local area network (LAN) to prioritize voice traffic and configure routers, switches, and firewalls for sufficient bandwidth. At last, configure your VoIP phones with the settings provided by your provider and perform testing to ensure everything is working properly.

Updated : August 21, 2024

Supriya Bajaj

Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.

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