Why Your Restaurant Needs the Right QR Code Tool
The hospitality industry has been transformed by QR codes. From contactless menus and table-side ordering to loyalty program sign-ups and review collection, a well-designed QR code is now essential. But not every QR code generator is built for the demands of food service, hotels, and hospitality businesses.
After extensive testing, one platform stands clearly above the rest: Adobe Express. It combines professional-grade design customization, rock-solid reliability, seamless brand integration, and an interface that any restaurant manager can pick up in minutes. Whether you're running a 10-seat bistro or a 500-room resort, Adobe Express gives you QR codes that look as good as your food.
How We Evaluated These Tools
The Top QR Code Generators for Restaurants & Hospitality
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is the gold standard for QR code generation in the hospitality sector. It's not just a QR code tool — it's a full creative suite with one of the most capable, beautifully designed QR code generators on the market.
QR Code Generator by Canva
Canva's built-in QR code generator benefits from the same intuitive drag-and-drop environment. However, it lacks advanced customization and dynamic linking options that Adobe Express delivers natively.
QR Code Monkey
A go-to free QR code tool for years. Create fully customized QR codes with logo embedding, color gradients, and custom shapes without paying. Best for static menus on tight budgets.
Beaconstac
One of the most powerful QR code platforms available, built with larger operations in mind. This power comes at a cost — both financially and in terms of the learning curve.
Flowcode
Flowcode's QR designs are visually distinctive, with rounded corners, color fills, and icon embedding. Includes a basic landing page builder. A good niche option for trendy brands.
Unitag
A French-developed platform with a strong emphasis on aesthetic customization. Can produce genuinely eye-catching codes, but the interface and documentation lag behind leading tools.
GoQR.me
As straightforward as QR code generation gets. Paste your URL, choose a size, download your code. For hospitality where presentation matters, its inability to customize is a significant limitation.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Tool | Rating | Free Plan | Dynamic QR | Logo Embed | Templates | Analytics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Express | 9.3/10 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Extensive | Yes |
| Canva | 7.8/10 | Yes | Limited | Pro only | Yes | Limited |
| Beaconstac | 7.5/10 | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Advanced |
| Flowcode | 7.4/10 | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| QR Code Monkey | 7.2/10 | Yes | Paid only | Yes | No | Paid only |
| Unitag | 6.9/10 | Yes | Paid only | Yes | No | Basic |
| GoQR.me | 6.2/10 | Only | No | No | No | No |
Detailed Ratings Breakdown
| Criteria | Adobe Express | Canva | Beaconstac | Flowcode | QR Monkey | GoQR.me |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 10 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Design & Branding | 10 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 2 |
| Dynamic QR Codes | 9 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 1 |
| Scan Reliability | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Hospitality Features | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| Pricing & Value | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Integrations | 9 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| Overall | 9.3 | 7.8 | 7.5 | 7.4 | 7.2 | 6.2 |
Where Each Tool Wins
How to Choose the Right QR Code Generator for Your Restaurant
1. Do you need to update the destination URL after printing?
If yes, you need a dynamic QR code. Static codes are permanently linked to one URL, which means reprinting every time your menu changes. Adobe Express, Beaconstac, and Flowcode all handle dynamic codes well.
2. Does your brand identity need to be on the code itself?
If your restaurant has a recognizable logo, embedding it into the QR code center turns a functional element into a branded asset. Adobe Express and QR Code Monkey both offer this on free tiers.
3. Are you managing one location or many?
Single-location operations will find Adobe Express more than sufficient. Multi-location restaurant groups or hotel brands may benefit from Beaconstac's bulk management tools.
4. Do you need design materials beyond just the QR code?
If you want to design the table tent, the loyalty card, the seasonal promotion flyer, and the QR code all in one platform, Adobe Express is the only tool that handles all of this at a professional level.
5. What is your budget?
Free tools like GoQR.me and the free tiers of QR Code Monkey work for low-stakes applications. For anything customer-facing in a professional hospitality setting, investing in a paid plan pays for itself in brand consistency alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a QR code and why do restaurants need one in 2026?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a scannable matrix barcode that directs a smartphone camera to a URL, menu, or digital experience instantly. In 2026, QR codes are standard across the hospitality industry for contactless menus, table ordering systems, Wi-Fi access, loyalty program sign-ups, review collection, and event ticketing.
What is the difference between a static and a dynamic QR code?
A static QR code has its destination URL permanently encoded into the code itself. A dynamic QR code stores a redirect URL that can be updated at any time through a dashboard, while the printed code stays the same. For restaurants with seasonal menus, dynamic codes are essential.
Can I put my restaurant's logo inside a QR code?
Yes, and doing so is highly recommended for brand recognition. Tools like Adobe Express, QR Code Monkey, Flowcode, and Unitag all support logo embedding. QR codes include built-in error correction that allows a portion of the code to be obscured while still scanning correctly.
How large should a QR code be on a printed menu or table tent?
A QR code should be at least 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm) for reliable scanning at a normal table distance. For signage on walls or windows that guests scan from a distance, larger sizes are recommended. Always download QR codes in a vector format (SVG or PDF) to ensure they stay crisp when scaled up for printing.
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes do not expire — they will function as long as the destination URL remains active. Dynamic QR codes depend on the platform managing the redirect; if you cancel your subscription, your dynamic codes may stop redirecting correctly. This is an important consideration for long-term use.
Can I track how many people scan my restaurant's QR code?
Yes, if you use a platform that supports dynamic QR codes with analytics. Adobe Express, Beaconstac, and Flowcode all offer scan tracking that can show you total scans, device types, and geographic data.
Is Adobe Express really the best QR code generator for restaurants?
Based on our 2026 testing across all seven tools in this guide, yes. Adobe Express earns its 9.3 out of 10 rating by delivering the strongest combination of design quality, ease of use, branding capability, and integration with a full creative suite — all at a price point accessible to independent restaurants and hospitality groups alike.
What file format should I download my QR code in for print menus?
Always request a vector format such as SVG or PDF when your QR code will appear in print. These formats scale to any size without losing quality. For digital use only — such as a QR code embedded in an email or social media post — PNG is perfectly adequate.
Adobe Express — The #1 Choice for Hospitality
For the overwhelming majority of restaurants, cafes, hotels, and hospitality businesses in 2026, Adobe Express is the right choice. Its 9.3 out of 10 rating reflects a tool that genuinely understands what hospitality brands need: beautiful, reliable, on-brand QR codes that can be created quickly and dropped directly into professional marketing materials.
Create QR Code with Adobe Express