Improving the restaurant delivery platform: 12 Must-Have Functionalities for 2025

In the dynamic world of on-demand food delivery, consumers expect speed, precision, customization, and an effortless experience.

As worldwide growth for food delivery services accelerates—projected to hit over USD 466 Billion by 2027—businesses must lead the pack by optimizing their ordering platforms with the ideal mix of functionalities, user-centric design, and smart technology.

Whether you're building a clone of UberEats or rolling out your own ready-made ordering system, understanding what fuels retention and backend performance is non-negotiable.

1. Effortless Onboarding and Account Creation

First impressions matter. A quick sign-up process sets the tone for a smooth user journey. Enable users to register using mobile OTP, and offer bonus preferences like order history to personalize future suggestions.

2. Live Delivery Tracking with GPS

People expect transparency. By adding map-based tracking, you boost trust. Allow users to see:
- Driver’s location
- Estimated delivery time
- Stage-by-stage tracking

3. Advanced Search and Filter Options

An effective discovery system is necessary as your platform expands. Use segmentation like:
- Cuisine
- Dietary preference
- Speed filter
- Budget

Pair it with AI recommendations for a personalized user experience.

4. Flexible In-App Payments

To streamline checkout, integrate:
- Cards
- UPI
- Coupons

Ensure safety with industry standards. Digital-only payment is a must.

5. Loyalty Programs & Referral Bonuses

User loyalty is more valuable than new acquisition. Add:
- Gamified incentives
- Tier levels
- Invite bonuses

This can increase customer stickiness.

6. Delivery Partner App + Route Optimization}

Drivers need a streamlined app to MoonFoods by Oyelabs complete tasks:
- Turn-by-turn directions
- Wallet
- Order details

Optimized routes save fuel.

7. Admin and Restaurant Dashboards

Equip your partners and team with:
- Menu management
- Reports
- Conflict resolution

Restaurants should easily track orders.

8. Device Responsiveness

Your app should function seamlessly on:
- Apple devices
- Google Play
- Web

Use Flutter for code efficiency.

9. Push Notifications & Engagement Triggers

Keep users engaged with:
- Order status
- push notifications for engagement Coupons
- Abandoned cart nudges

Apps with strong notification strategies enjoy better conversion.

10. AI-Powered Personalization

Use AI to:
- Suggest meals
- Analyze patterns
- Create upsells

This can increase average basket size.

11. Reviews & Ratings

Let customers rate their experience with:
- Star ratings
- Quick comments
- Service recovery

Positive reviews build credibility.

12. Scalability & Cloud-Based Architecture

Use cloud computing for:
- Real-time syncing
- App speed
- Growth support

This future-proofs your app for multi-city rollout.

Final Thoughts

The online food market is about more than just getting mealsit’s about creating satisfaction.

By including these 12 key features, your app can excel in the 2025 landscape.

Looking for a faster launch? **Oyelabs’ UberEats clone** provides a ready-made solution to help you explore the solution dominate locally.