Upgrading the restaurant delivery platform: 12 Must-Have Capabilities for the Year Ahead

In the rapidly changing landscape of digital ordering, customers demand quick service, precision, customization, and an effortless experience.

As global need for online food ordering expands—expected to reach over $466 billion by 2027—startups must remain competitive by upgrading their mobile delivery apps with the necessary mix of functionalities, user-centric design, and cutting-edge tech.

Whether you are developing a food delivery app like UberEats or launching your own white-label food delivery platform, understanding what drives retention and backend performance is non-negotiable.

1. Effortless Onboarding and Account Creation

First impressions matter. A simple sign-up process sets the tone for a frictionless user journey. Allow users to register using social logins, and offer smart customizations like order history to personalize future menus.

2. Real-Time Order Tracking with GPS

Today’s users need transparency. By building in live location updates, you increase trust. Let users to monitor:
- Live courier position
- Estimated delivery time
- Order progress updates

3. Advanced Search and Filter Functions

An effective search system is vital as your ecosystem scales. Use segmentation like:
- Food type
- Health filter
- Delivery time
- Budget

Pair it with AI recommendations for a unique user experience.

4. Secure In-App Payments

To streamline checkout, integrate:
- Debit/Credit
- UPI
- Rewards

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

5. Loyalty Programs & Referral Bonuses

User loyalty is more cost-effective than new acquisition. Add:
- Gamified incentives
- Membership clubs
- Invite bonuses

This can amplify customer stickiness.

6. Delivery Partner App + Route Optimization}

Drivers need a dedicated app to MoonFoods by Oyelabs complete tasks:
- Navigation
- Wallet
- Order details

Shortest paths save fuel.

7. Admin and Restaurant Dashboards

Equip your partners and team with:
- Inventory tools
- Reports
- Support

Restaurants should effortlessly add discounts.

8. Multi-Platform Support

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

Use React Native for scalability.

9. Push Notifications & Engagement Triggers

Keep users informed with:
- Order status
- Promotions
- Retention campaigns

Apps with strong notification strategies enjoy better click-through.

10. AI-Powered Personalization

Use AI to:
- Recommend dishes
- Analyze patterns
- Create upsells

This can increase average basket size.

11. Reviews & Ratings

Let modern food app features customers voice feedback with:
- Star ratings
- Written reviews
- Service recovery

Positive reviews build reputation.

12. Scalability & Cloud-Based Architecture

Use serverless solutions for:
- Data management
- App speed
- User traffic

This hardens your app start your food delivery app for multi-city rollout.

Summary

The online food market is about more than just getting mealsit’s about building loyalty.

By including these must-haves, your app can compete in the 2025 landscape.

Looking for a faster launch? **White-label solution** provides a customizable solution to help you dominate locally.