How to Design a Catering Menu in Ireland (with Free Template)

This article walks you through the process of designing a catering menu that works — from structure and pricing to photos, templates, and tech tools. We’ve included insights from Irish restaurateurs and diners, backed by the latest Toast data, so you can build a menu that not only looks good but also helps grow your business.

Why Your Catering Menu Matters in Ireland

A well-designed catering menu does more than just list your offerings. In today’s competitive Irish hospitality scene, it acts as a powerful sales tool, brand touchpoint, and operational aid. Menus help your team upsell, shape guest experience, and reflect your unique approach to food and service.

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, in which 200 Irish restaurant-goers were polled on their restaurant design and menu preferences, 73% prefer printed menus, while photos, icons, and visual layout scored highest in terms of importance for decision-making. A bold, clear design could be the edge that helps you win more event contracts or group bookings.

Step-by-Step: How to Design a Catering Menu in Ireland

1. List Every Item

Grab a notebook (or open a spreadsheet if you're that organized) and write down everything you can make. Don't overthink it - just get it all down on paper. For each dish, jot down what it is, roughly what it costs you to make, and whether it contains common allergens like nuts or gluten. You'll thank yourself later when someone calls asking about dairy-free options.

2. Categorise Menu Sections

Irish customers prefer course-based menu formats, especially for weddings and large events. Common categories include:

• Starters

• Mains

• Desserts

• Vegetarian/Vegan

• Beverages

For corporate catering, add a “Lite Bites” or “Gluten-Free” section to meet modern dietary needs.

3. Set Prices Wisely

Many Irish diners still rely on price to guide their decision. 43.5% of respondents said they sometimes choose items based on cost alone, with whole numbers preferred over €X.99-style pricing.

Use Toast’s menu engineering worksheet to ensure your pricing balances costs and margins.

4. Write Compelling Descriptions

Use vivid, sensory language (“slow-cooked”, “zesty”, “creamy”) while also highlighting:

• Local ingredients

• Special cooking methods

• Allergen info

Menu stories resonate in Ireland. Guests love hearing about where a dish came from or why it’s a “house favourite” — something 43% say makes them more likely to order.

5. Choose a Colour Scheme That Reflects Your Brand

Keep it clean, modern, and brand-aligned. The majority of Irish respondents prefer bold colours and readable fonts — so long as they don’t distract.

Recommended tools:

• Canva’s Menu Creator

• Adobe Express

6. Add Strategic Menu Highlights

Use layout psychology (“The Golden Triangle”) to highlight profitable dishes. Icons, boxes, or borders can help draw attention to:

• Bestsellers

• Seasonal specials

• Chef’s recommendations

Try callouts like:

• “Locally sourced”

• “House-made”

• “Award-winning”

7. Include Photos — But Sparingly

Photos matter to Irish diners: 53% ranked photos as a key influence, but overly busy menus were one of the top annoyances. Include 2–3 high-resolution images of standout dishes, especially those booked most often.

8. Keep the Layout Clean

The ideal menu length? 6–8 items per section, with one to two pages maximum. Avoid single-price columns — these encourage comparison over preference.

9. Review, Proofread and Print

Use built-in spelling tools or Grammarly, and get at least two people to proof it. When printing, choose high-GSM matte paper for premium events or laminated options for food trucks and casual settings.

Popular Irish printers:

• Snap Printing Ireland

• DigitalPrinting.ie

10. Update Regularly

Seasonality and value matter more than ever. Nearly 50% of Irish diners are more likely to return if the menu changes seasonally. Use Toast’s reporting tools to spot bestsellers and update your menu accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Your catering menu is a live asset — a blend of marketing, branding, and operational efficiency. When paired with smart technology and updated regularly based on customer insights, it becomes a key part of driving loyalty and increasing event bookings in Ireland’s evolving foodservice landscape.