Top 5 best delivery platforms for a restaurant

Since the Covid 19 health crisis, the meal delivery sector has experienced explosive growth. The rise of foodtech and the evolution of consumer habits have transformed the restaurant industry.

Today, many restaurant owners rely on delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo or Just Eat, but profitability remains a real challenge with commissions reaching up to 30 % !

👉 This guide presents the 5 profitable delivery platforms for your restaurant in 2025, their real costs, their concrete advantages, and practical tips to boost your sales without sacrificing your margins.

Home delivery : key figures and trends to know in 2025

- On average, 1 out of 3 restaurants now generates a significant share of its revenue from home delivery.

- Dark kitchens are expanding : they allow restaurants to reduce costs and test new concepts without a physical dining room.

- Delivery platforms are increasingly relying on automation and artificial intelligence to optimize routes and orders.

- Ethical delivery is gaining momentum : riders’ working conditions, environmental impact, and fairer business models.

- Click and collect is becoming a profitable complement to avoid commissions and build loyalty among local customers. 

The 5 best delivery platforms for restaurateurs in 2025 

1. Uber Eats : The power of brand recognition 

Uber Eats has become one of the leaders in the French market. Launched by the American ride hailing giant, the platform benefits from exceptional brand recognition and massive marketing investments (including Ligue 1 sponsorship, for example). 

Advantages : 

• Maximum visibility : with a huge user base, you reach a very large audience
• Intuitive interface : order management is simple and efficient
• Detailed statistics : you gain access to performance analytics to optimize your offer
• Large rider fleet : strong delivery coverage in major French cities
• Promotional campaigns : the platform regularly launches marketing operations to boost sales

Disadvantages : 

• High commission : around 30 % per order on average
• Intense competition : you compete directly with McDonald’s and other major fast food chains
• Total dependency : you rely entirely on their riders and their system with no alternative

👉 Commission : around 30 % (negotiable depending on volume)

Ideal profile : burger restaurants, fast food concepts, and quick service establishments seeking maximum visibility in major cities. If your strategy relies on volume and your margins allow it, Uber Eats is a relevant option. 

 Register your restaurant on Uber Eats

2. Deliveroo : The quality driven image 

Deliveroo positions itself as the platform that prioritizes quality. Well established in France for several years, it targets a loyal urban clientele that values diversity and high quality offerings.

Advantages :

• Quality selection : unlike Uber Eats, Deliveroo tends to highlight independent restaurants with original concepts
• Fast delivery : commitment to delivering in under 30 minutes
• Responsive customer service : available 24 / 7 to resolve issues
• High end clientele : users are often willing to spend more for quality
• Deliveroo Plus subscription : a loyalty program that encourages frequent orders

Disadvantages :

• High commission : between 25 and 32 %, depending on the services selected
• Sign up fee : around 299 € (negotiable)
• Limited availability : service mainly operates in major urban areas

👉 Commission : 25 to 32 % per order

Ideal profile : traditional restaurants, gourmet establishments seeking to preserve their brand image, vegetarian or specialty cuisine (gluten free, organic, etc.). If you focus on quality rather than mass volume, Deliveroo may be more suitable than Uber Eats.

Register your restaurant on Deliveroo

3. Just Eat (Allo Resto) : The well established pioneer 

A pioneer in the French market with 20 years of experience, Just Eat (formerly Allo Resto) stands out thanks to its exceptional geographical coverage. 

Advantages :

• Wide coverage : strong presence in small and medium sized cities, not only major metropolitan areas
• Lower commissions : between 14 and 30 % depending on the contract and zone
• Pickup option : ability to offer click and collect in addition to home delivery
• No sign up fees : unlike many competitors
• High quality commercial support : dedicated assistance for partner restaurants

Disadvantages :

• Lower visibility : less popular than Uber Eats and Deliveroo in big cities
• Advertising costs : additional fees may apply to improve your ranking
• Less modern interface : some users find it less smooth

👉 Commission : 14 to 30 % depending on the contract

Ideal profile : brasseries, traditional restaurants located in medium or small cities, businesses seeking better profitability. If your restaurant is located outside major metropolitan areas, Just Eat often offers better local visibility and more advantageous conditions.

Register your restaurant Just Eat

4. Glovo : Versatility as a strength 

Glovo stands out thanks to its versatility. Beyond meal delivery, the platform also offers grocery delivery, pharmacy products, and other everyday items.

Advantages :

• Diverse user base : reaches different customer segments beyond food delivery users
• Presence in France : well established in several major cities
• Additional sales opportunities : possibility to offer drinks, desserts, or complementary products
• Flexible offering : you can expand your range beyond classic restaurant dishes

Disadvantages :

• Less specialized : the app is less focused on restaurants, which may reduce your visibility
• High commissions : 25 to 30 %, similar to major competitors
• Lower brand recognition : not as well known as Uber Eats and Deliveroo in France

👉 Commission : 25 to 30 %

Ideal profile : restaurants looking to diversify their offer (for example, gourmet groceries, premium drinks), and establishments located in areas where Glovo is strongly established. If you provide an original offer that goes beyond simple meals, Glovo can be a valuable option.

Register your restaurant on Glovo

5. Stuart : The tailor made logistics solution 

Stuart is not a traditional ordering platform, but an on demand delivery service. Created in 2015, this European leader allows you to internalize your deliveries while keeping full control over the customer relationship.

Advantages :

• Total flexibility : you manage your orders through your own system (website, phone)
• Fast delivery : efficient service in more than 100 European cities
• Customer autonomy : you retain your customer data and the commercial relationship
• Complementary solution : can be used alongside other platforms for your direct orders

Disadvantages :

• No marketplace : Stuart does not provide visibility or new customers
• Integration required : you must already have your own online ordering system
• Cost per delivery : from 5 € per order (varies depending on distance)

👉 Price : from 5 € per delivery

Ideal profile : restaurants that already have their own online ordering system and only want to outsource delivery logistics. Perfect for establishments that want to break free from platform dependency without hiring an internal fleet of riders.

Register your restaurant on Stuart

Local and ethical alternatives 

Beyond these major players, two alternatives deserve your attention : 

Eatself : a cooperative platform with reduced commissions (around 10 to 15 %), operating on a fairer model for both restaurateurs and riders. 

Frichti : a hybrid model between dark kitchen and delivery platform, offering a premium selection.

These alternatives attract customers who care about ethical values and local business. If your positioning aligns with these principles, they can become interesting partners to complement your presence on market leaders.

Why use a delivery platform for your restaurant 

A must have digital storefront 

Delivery platforms act as a virtual shop window for your restaurant. They allow you to be present where customers are actively searching for at home meal options.

With millions of active users, these apps provide exposure that would be difficult to achieve on your own, even with an optimized website and a strong marketing strategy.

1) Immediate visibility

As soon as your restaurant is listed on a platform, you benefit from its user base and marketing campaigns. Uber Eats’ advertising budget, for example, is incomparable to that of an independent restaurant.

2) Acquisition of new customers

You reach people who might never have walked past your restaurant. This additional customer base complements your on site activity.

3) Simplified logistics

Automated systems make order management easier, from acceptance to delivery. You save time on phone orders and reduce the risk of mistakes.

4) Time saving

No more overwhelmed phone lines during peak hours. The interface allows you to process multiple orders simultaneously without extra effort from your dining room team.

A coherent omnichannel strategy

Integrating delivery into your business model means adopting an omnichannel approach : dine in, take away, and home delivery. This diversification makes you less vulnerable to fluctuations (weather, reduced foot traffic, special events) and maximizes your sales potential.

👉 Many restaurateurs testify that offering delivery has helped them retain loyal customers by giving them more flexibility, while also attracting new consumers drawn to the convenience of the service.

Hidden costs and pitfalls to anticipate 

High Commissions That Weigh Heavily

The economic reality of delivery platforms is simple : commissions are high. On average, expect to give back 25 % to 35 % of the amount of each order. These rates vary depending on the platform, your order volume, and your negotiation power, but they remain significant.

👉 In practical terms, if a customer places a 30 € order, you will give between 7,50 € and 10,50 € to the platform.

From what remains, you must still deduct your production costs, including ingredients, packaging, and overhead expenses.

Additional Fees That Are Often Overlooked

Beyond the base commission, several other costs can apply :

• Listing fees : Some platforms charge onboarding fees, including the tablet, professional photos of your dishes, and the upload of your menu. These fees can range from 0 € to 600 €, depending on the provider.
• Advertising costs : To improve your visibility on the app and appear at the top of search results, you will often need to invest in the advertising options offered by the platforms.
• Equipment costs : Although equipment is often provided, certain items such as tablets or stands can generate extra or replacement costs.

Dependence on Algorithms 

Your visibility on a delivery platform largely depends on its internal algorithm. These systems prioritise restaurants that display :

• A high customer satisfaction rating
• Fast preparation and delivery times
• A high volume of orders
• Strong customer reviews

This mechanism can create a vicious cycle : without initial visibility, you generate fewer orders, which further reduces your ranking in search results.

Payout Delays and Cash Flow Challenges 

Platforms do not transfer your earnings immediately. Depending on the company, payments may be issued weekly or every two weeks. For restaurants with tight cash flow, this delay can become problematic, especially when starting out on the platform. 

How to Calculate Your Real Profitability 

Before launching on any platform, calculate the profitability of each dish using this method :

• Selling price on the platform - Commission (around 30 %) = Net amount received
• Net amount received -Cost of ingredients -Packaging -Share of overhead expenses= Net margin

👉 If this net margin is lower than the margin you make from dine in service, you will either need to increase your prices on the platform, which may reduce competitiveness, or accept lower profitability while relying on higher order volume.

A neighbourhood restaurant with limited volume can sometimes be more profitable on Just Eat, which charges lower commissions in some areas, than on Uber Eats, despite the larger visibility of the latter.

How to Choose the Right Delivery Platform for Your Restaurant Type 

Fast Food and Quick-Service Restaurants

If you offer burgers, pizza, sushi, or other quick-service dishes, Uber Eats and Deliveroo are your best options. These platforms dominate this segment and attract customers who frequently order fast food. Their visibility and high order volume often compensate for the higher commissions.

Concrete example :
An artisanal burger restaurant in downtown Lyon will likely generate more orders on Uber Eats thanks to its massive user base, even with a 30 % commission rate.

Brasseries and Traditional Restaurants

For traditional cuisine or family-style meals, Just Eat and Glovo may be a better fit. Just Eat, in particular, performs very well in mid-sized cities where competition is less intense than on Uber Eats.

Concrete example :
A neighborhood brasserie in Bordeaux with low delivery volume will often be more profitable on Just Eat (15 to 20 % commission) than on Uber Eats, even if it receives slightly fewer orders.

Dark Kitchens

If you operate a kitchen dedicated exclusively to delivery, a multi-platform strategy is essential. Combine Deliveroo (for speed and premium image), Uber Eats (for volume), and Just Eat (for broader coverage).

This approach helps you reach diverse customer segments and smooth out fluctuations in demand.

Gastronomic Restaurants

For high-end establishments, delivery comes with specific challenges : maintaining quality, presentation, and flavor integrity. Deliveroo is usually the best option thanks to its premium positioning and selective customer base.

You can also consider running your own delivery system with Stuart to maintain full control over the customer experience and protect your brand identity.

👉 Tip : Adapt your menu for delivery. Some dishes simply do not travel well, so offering a reduced and optimized menu is better than disappointing your customers.

How to Negotiate Your Conditions with Delivery Platforms 

5 key points you absolutely must discuss 

Contrary to what many believe, the conditions offered by delivery platforms are not always fixed. Depending on your situation, several elements can be negotiated :

1. The commission rate : if you generate a high volume or if your brand is well known, you can obtain a reduction of 2 to 5 points on the standard commission.

2. Exclusivity : some platforms offer lower rates in exchange for territorial or time exclusivity. Be careful with these commitments, as they reduce your flexibility.

3. Listing fees : negotiable depending on the platform, especially if you join several services at the same time.

4. Advertising : instead of paying for promotional campaigns, negotiate free advertising credits when you join.

5. Contract duration : avoid long contracts (more than 6 months) until you have validated the profitability of the partnership.

Best practices for a successful negotiation 

Compare systematically : contact several platforms at the same time and let them know you are evaluating different options. This competition works in your favor.

Highlight your strengths : if you have excellent online reviews, strong customer ratings or a unique concept, use these arguments during negotiation.

Negotiate based on volume : if you expect a large number of orders (more than 100 per week), ask for preferential conditions.

Test before committing : choose 3-month trial periods to assess actual profitability before signing a yearly contract.

Ask for support : some platforms offer personalised onboarding, menu optimisation and advice on photo quality. Do not hesitate to request these services.

3 mistakes to avoid

1. Rushed exclusivity : never commit exclusively to one platform without testing several options. This dependence reduces your flexibility.

2. Long commitments : a 12- or 24-month contract can become a trap if the platform does not generate enough orders.

3. Ignoring the fine print : read carefully the clauses on penalties, notice periods and termination conditions.

How to improve your visibility on delivery platforms 

Optimise your visuals and descriptions 

On a delivery platform, your customers cannot smell or taste your dishes before ordering. Your photos are your best salesperson. Invest in a professional photoshoot or, if not possible, follow these rules :

• Natural and bright lighting
• Clean styling with a simple background
• Appetising and generous presentation
• Visual consistency across all your dishes

👉 Descriptions should be clear, precise and mouthwatering. Mention the main ingredients, any potential allergens, and what makes your dish unique.

Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction 

The algorithms used by platforms such as Uber Eats or Deliveroo prioritise restaurants with :

• A high satisfaction rate : aim for at least 4,5 out of 5
• Reliable preparation times : announce a realistic time and stick to it
• Few cancellations : every refused order negatively affects your visibility

To achieve this :

• Adjust your opening hours on the platform according to your real capacity
• Temporarily close your restaurant on the app during peak service
• Train your team to prioritise delivery orders without neglecting dine in customers

Respond to customer reviews 

Customer reviews have a direct impact on your internal ranking. Responding to every comment, both positive and negative, shows that you care and improves your image. Platforms value this interaction.

For positive reviews : simply thank the customer and invite them to order again.

For negative reviews : respond quickly, apologise if necessary, and offer a commercial gesture for the next order. This proactive attitude limits damage and can even turn a disappointed customer into a loyal one.

Platforms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo or Just Eat now consider average rating, response rate and customer satisfaction when ranking restaurants in their results.

💡 Pro tip : to strengthen your visibility on delivery platforms and on Google, take care of your online reputation too.

 With Up Review, you can centralise all your Google reviews, automate customer follow ups and showcase your best ratings directly on your digital channels. 

👉 Want to regain control of your visibility ? Discover the solution here. 

Use promotions wisely 

Promotions are an excellent lever to boost your sales, but they must be used strategically :

• Target the right time slots : offer discounts during slow hours, for example 14h 18h, to smooth your activity
• Test different offers : “Buy 1, get 1 free” on desserts, “20 % off the first order”, “Free delivery from 25 €”… Analyse what works best
• Avoid permanent promotions : they devalue your offer and reduce your margins without necessarily increasing loyalty
• Favour volume : a promotion that increases your average basket is more profitable than a simple discount

Alternatives to food delivery through platforms 

Create your own in house delivery service 

Développer votre propre système de livraison vous offre un contrôle total sur l'expérience client, de la commande à la réception du repas.

This approach offers several advantages :

• Complete independence : you set your prices, your schedules, your delivery zones, and your conditions
• No commission : every euro earned stays in your pocket, except for the actual delivery cost
• Full control of your customer relationship : you collect customer data, build your own database, and develop customised loyalty programmes
• Stronger brand image : your delivery staff represent your restaurant, which enhances consistency in your brand identity

 However, this solution requires investments and constraints : 

• Recruiting and managing a team of delivery drivers
• Purchasing or renting a fleet of vehicles, scooters, bikes, cars
• Insurance and legal responsibilities
• Developing or purchasing an online ordering system
• Marketing efforts to promote your service 

Tip : if you choose this path, start gradually. Begin with one part time delivery driver and a limited delivery zone before making large investments. 

Launch a Click and Collect service 

Click and Collect, online ordering with in store pickup, is becoming increasingly successful. This hybrid model offers several benefits :

• Zero delivery fees for the customer
• Zero commission for you
• Fast for customers, no waiting time linked to delivery
• Simple logistics, no delivery drivers to manage

👉 Solutions like Obypay or Innovorder allow you to easily integrate Click and Collect into your website. 

You can also offer this option directly from your Google Business Profile page or through your social media.

Tip : combine Click and Collect with a small incentive, free coffee, 10 % discount, to encourage your customers to choose this option instead of ordering through delivery platforms.

Compare the ROI, in house vs platforms 

To determine which option is more profitable, use this simple comparison :

Platform scenario :

• Delivery revenue : €10,000 per month
• Average commission 30 % : €3,000
• Net result before expenses : €7,000

In house service scenario :

• Delivery revenue : €8,000 per month, lower visibility
• Delivery driver salary plus charges : €1,800
• Vehicle cost plus insurance : €300
• Ordering software : €150
• Net result before expenses : €5,750

In this example, the platform is more profitable despite the commission, because it generates more volume. But if you develop your own customer base and reach €10,000 in in house delivery revenue, you earn around €3,000 more per month.

The hybrid model, the best of both worlds

Many restaurant owners choose a hybrid strategy : they remain on platforms for visibility while developing their own delivery service.

Concretely :

• You use Uber Eats and Deliveroo to attract new customers
• You promote your own ordering service on site and through social media
• You gradually encourage platform customers to order directly from you, for example with a flyer inside delivery bags

This approach allows you to :

• Maximise your global revenue
• Gradually reduce your dependence on platforms
• Increase your margins in the long run

⚠️ Warning : some platforms forbid soliciting customers for direct orders. Check your contract and keep your communication discreet.

Conclusion : Best food delivery platforms 

Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat, Glovo and Stuart each offer advantages depending on your restaurant type, location, and strategy. But their use must be thoughtful : commissions reduce margins, and dependency can weaken your business model.

The key is finding the right balance between visibility, volume, and profitability.

A traditional restaurant in a small town will likely benefit more from Just Eat, while a fast food restaurant in a city centre will prioritise Uber Eats to maximise exposure. Dark kitchens, on the other hand, exploit multi platform strategies to reach every market segment.

FAQ : Your questions about delivery platforms

What is the best delivery platform for a restaurant ?

• There is no single answer, it depends on your type of restaurant, your location, and your goals.
• Uber Eats is ideal for maximising visibility in large cities, especially for fast food and burger restaurants.
• Deliveroo is better suited to restaurants with a qualitative positioning and an original offer.
• Just Eat is often more profitable for restaurants in small and medium sized cities, thanks to lower commissions.

For the best strategy, many restaurant owners combine several platforms.

What is the average commission charged by Uber Eats, Deliveroo or Just Eat ?

Commissions vary depending on the platform and the negotiated contract :

• Uber Eats : around 30 % per order
• Deliveroo : between 25 and 32 %
• Just Eat : between 14 and 30 % depending on the area and the type of service, with or without fleet
• Glovo : 25 to 30 %

These rates can be negotiated down if you generate strong volume or if you have strong arguments, reputation, unique concept, long term commitment.

How can I know if a delivery platform is profitable for my restaurant ?

Calculate your net margin per dish using this formula :

Sale price - Commission - Ingredient cost - Packaging - Share of overhead = Net margin

If this margin is positive and acceptable for you, the platform is profitable. Also consider volume : a lower margin per order can be offset by a large number of orders.

Test the platform for 2 to 3 months before committing long term.

Can delivery commissions be negotiated with these food delivery platforms ?

Yes, in many cases. Negotiable elements include the commission rate, especially if you expect high volume, onboarding fees, commitment duration, and advertising credits.

Platforms are more flexible if your restaurant has a strong reputation, an original concept, or if you commit for several months. Put platforms in competition to secure better conditions.

How can you improve your ranking and visibility on Uber Eats or Deliveroo ?

Several factors influence your position in search results :

• High customer satisfaction : aim for at least 4,5 out of 5
• Preparation times : always respect the times you announce
• Customer reviews : respond to all comments, positive and negative
• Order frequency : the more you sell, the better you rank
• Promotions : temporary offers boost your visibility
• Quality photos and descriptions : a strong presentation matters

Paid advertising options offered by the platforms can also temporarily boost your exposure.

Should you prioritise platform delivery or an in house delivery service ?

Both models have advantages.

Platforms offer immediate visibility, simplified management, and require no heavy initial investment, but they charge high commissions, 25 to 35 %.

An in house service gives you full control, zero commission, and ownership of your customer data, but requires investments, delivery drivers, vehicles, software, and marketing to acquire customers.

The hybrid approach, platforms plus your own service, is often the smartest choice : you benefit from platform visibility while gradually developing your own profitable channel.

Nathanaël Butet, pour l'équipe Up Review ❤️