Enhancing the restaurant delivery platform: 12 Must-Have Capabilities for 2025

In the fast-evolving space of online food delivery, customers require speed, precision, personalization, and an effortless experience.

As worldwide demand for food delivery services continues to surge—expected to hit over $466 billion by 2027—businesses must remain competitive by enhancing their food delivery apps with the necessary mix of features, intuitive UI, and modern tools.

Whether you're developing a food delivery app like UberEats or starting your own rebrandable ordering system, understanding what fuels retention and scalability is essential.

1. Seamless Onboarding and Account Creation

First impressions matter. A simple sign-up process sets the tone for a smooth user journey. Enable users to register using social logins, and offer bonus preferences like favorite cuisines to enhance future offers.

2. Real-Time Order Tracking with GPS

People expect transparency. By including map-based tracking, you boost retention. Let users to see:
- Driver’s location
- Estimated delivery time
- Order progress updates

3. Smart Search and Filter Options

An effective search system is essential as your ecosystem grows. Use filters like:
- Oyelabs restaurant ordering system Cuisine
- Health filter
- Speed filter
- Budget

Pair it with AI recommendations for a unique user experience.

4. Smart In-App Payments

To simplify checkout, integrate:
- Cards
- Google Pay
- Coupons

Ensure security with industry standards. Contactless payment is a must.

5. Loyalty Programs & Referral Bonuses

User retention is more valuable than new acquisition. Add:
- Gamified incentives
- Tier levels
- Refer-and-earn

This can boost customer trust.

6. Delivery Partner App + Route Optimization}

Drivers need a dedicated app to fulfill tasks:
- Turn-by-turn directions
- Wallet
- Order details

Optimized routes save time.

7. Admin and Restaurant Dashboards

Empower your partners and team with:
- Menu management
- Reports
- Conflict online food delivery resolution

Restaurants should instantly update menus.

8. Device Responsiveness

Your app should work seamlessly on:
- iOS
- Android
- Web

Use React Native for scalability.

9. Push Notifications & Engagement Triggers

Keep users engaged with:
- Live delivery
- Coupons
- Retention campaigns

Apps with strong mobile alerts enjoy better conversion.

10. AI-Powered Personalization

Use AI to:
- Suggest meals
- Study behavior
- backend solutions for food delivery startups Create upsells

This can increase order value.

11. Reviews & Ratings

Let customers rate their experience with:
- Star ratings
- Written reviews
- Complaint escalation

Positive reviews build credibility.

12. Scalability & Cloud-Based Architecture

Use cloud computing for:
- Real-time syncing
- App speed
- User traffic

This prepares your app for high demand.

Final Thoughts

The digital food economy is about more than just getting mealsit’s about building loyalty.

By including these 12 key features, your app can thrive in the modern landscape.

Looking for a faster launch? **Oyelabs’ UberEats clone** provides a customizable solution to help you scale fast.