Neema opened a garden restaurant in Karen two years ago: grilled tilapia, nyama choma and fresh juices under the trees. On weekends it was full. On weekdays it was quiet, even though she appeared on Google Maps. People found her, tapped “Website”, and landed on a Facebook page last updated in March, with no menu.
The short answer
- Diners want three things fast: the menu with prices, the location and how to book.
- Your website and your Google Business Profile work together: Maps sends people to the website, and the website answers their questions.
- Use a real text menu, not a blurry photo or PDF, so Google can read it.
- A good restaurant site costs roughly KSh 50,000–120,000; with online booking, roughly KSh 80,000–180,000.
What a restaurant website needs
- The menu with prices, as text, updated when it changes.
- Opening hours, including holidays.
- Location and parking, with a Google Maps link.
- Booking: a simple form, a booking system or a WhatsApp button.
- Photos of the food, the space and real guests.
- Events: live music, brunch, private parties and corporate lunches.
- Reviews from Google.
For hotels and lodges
- Room types with photos, prices and what is included.
- Direct booking, so you pay less commission to booking sites.
- Conference and wedding packages.
- Getting there: directions from the city and the airport.
Google Maps and reviews
Most diners find restaurants on Google Maps. Make sure your Business Profile has the right hours, the menu link, photos and your website. Ask happy guests for reviews: they are the biggest reason people choose one restaurant over another. Read how to set up a Google Business Profile in Kenya.
What happened to Neema
Neema’s new site has her full menu with prices, a photo gallery, a booking form that sends her a WhatsApp alert, and a page for birthday and corporate lunches. Her Google profile now links to it, and she asks every happy table for a review with a QR card.
Weekday lunch bookings roughly doubled within two months, and corporate lunch enquiries now arrive every week from offices nearby.
Neema is a composite, based on situations we see often. The numbers are typical, not a promise.
Want more bookings from Google?
We build restaurant and hotel websites with menus, bookings and Maps set up properly. See web design, local SEO and prices. Websites start from KSh 65,000.
Restaurant websites: FAQs
How much does a restaurant website cost in Kenya?
Roughly KSh 50,000–120,000, or KSh 80,000–180,000 with online table booking.
Should my menu be a PDF?
No. Put it on the page as text so it loads fast on phones and Google can read it.
Do I need a website if I am on Google Maps?
Yes. Maps brings people to you; the website answers their questions about the menu, prices and bookings.
Can guests book on WhatsApp?
Yes. A WhatsApp booking button with a pre-filled message works very well in Kenya.
How do I get more Google reviews?
Ask in person and make it easy with a QR card on each table that links to your review page.
