In today’s digital age, online food delivery platforms have become an essential part of the restaurant industry. As a restaurant owner in Australia, choosing the right platform can significantly impact your business’s success. The best food delivery platform can expand your reach, increase orders, and improve your bottom line. At Grownomics Digital Marketing Agency, we've helped numerous restaurants optimize their presence on platforms like UberEats, Menulog, and DoorDash, enabling them to increase earnings and attract a wider customer base.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the top three food delivery platforms currently operating in Australia—UberEats, Menulog, and DoorDash—and rank them based on various factors such as restaurant reach, fees, delivery times, and customer service. Our goal is to provide restaurant owners with the insights they need to make an informed decision about which platform will best suit their business needs.

Overview of the Top 3 Food Delivery Platforms in Australia
Before diving into the specifics of the comparison, let’s briefly look at each of the top three food delivery platforms available in Australia:
UberEats
Launched in Australia in 2016, UberEats is one of the most popular food delivery services globally. It benefits from the established brand recognition of Uber, the ride-sharing giant. With a user-friendly interface, vast restaurant selection, and efficient delivery service, UberEats has become a go-to for many consumers and a leading platform for restaurants.

Menulog
As one of Australia’s oldest food delivery platforms, Menulog has been serving local restaurants since 2006. It has a broad reach, offering delivery options across major cities and regional areas. Menulog is known for its affordability, especially for budget-conscious customers, and frequently runs promotions like free delivery or discounts for first-time users.

DoorDash
DoorDash entered the Australian market in 2019 and has since grown rapidly in terms of both restaurant partnerships and customer base. Known for its focus on local eateries and competitive pricing, DoorDash is carving out a niche for itself in the food delivery landscape. It also offers a subscription service, DashPass, which provides additional benefits to customers and restaurants alike.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Food Delivery Platform
To determine which platform is best for your restaurant, you need to evaluate several factors that will impact both your operational success and your customer reach. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key considerations:

1. Restaurant Reach and Availability
The extent of a platform’s coverage is crucial for determining how many customers you can potentially serve. A platform with a wider reach can lead to more orders, but it’s also important to consider whether it reaches your specific location.
• UberEats has a broad national footprint and is available in almost all major cities across Australia. It also covers many regional areas, making it a strong option for restaurants seeking maximum exposure.
• Menulog has been around for longer and offers a wide range of restaurants in cities and suburban areas, but its reach can be more limited compared to UberEats, especially in smaller or more remote regions.
• DoorDash is growing rapidly and has coverage in key metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, but its availability in regional areas is still catching up.
Winner: UberEats for its broad national coverage.

2. Fees and Commission Structures
Understanding the fees charged by each platform is vital for calculating profitability. Platforms typically charge a commission on each order, and additional fees such as delivery fees, service fees, and marketing charges can impact your margins.
• UberEats typically charges commission fees ranging from 15% to 35%, depending on the service level and your restaurant’s partnership agreement. It also charges delivery fees, which vary based on the distance from your restaurant to the customer’s location.
• Menulog has a more competitive commission structure, often ranging from 5% to 15%. This lower fee can be beneficial for small restaurants or those operating on thinner margins.
• DoorDash operates on a commission model that is generally in line with UberEats, with fees ranging from 15% to 30%, depending on various factors. However, its DashPass subscription program, which allows customers to pay a monthly fee for free delivery, can lead to more consistent orders, benefiting restaurants.
Winner: Menulog, for its lower commission structure.

3. Delivery Speed and Efficiency
Fast delivery is essential for customer satisfaction, and each platform has a different system for ensuring that orders arrive on time.
• UberEats is generally reliable in terms of delivery times. Its large network of drivers allows for faster and more efficient delivery, especially in urban areas.
• Menulog has improved its delivery speed in recent years, but wait times can still be longer in less densely populated areas, as its driver network may be smaller in comparison to UberEats and DoorDash.
• DoorDash is often praised for its quick and reliable delivery, especially in cities. Its larger fleet of drivers helps minimize wait times, and the app’s efficient algorithm ensures that orders are assigned quickly.
Winner: UberEats and DoorDash, for their quick and reliable delivery in urban areas.

4. Customer Experience and Support
The quality of customer service and ease of use of the platform can directly impact your restaurant’s success on the delivery app. A seamless customer experience encourages repeat business and reduces complaints.
• UberEats provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy for customers to place orders, track deliveries, and communicate with restaurants. However, it’s worth noting that some restaurant owners report frustrations with its customer support, especially regarding disputes over fees and deliveries.
• Menulog offers an intuitive app for customers and a straightforward order management system for restaurants. Its customer support can be slow to respond in certain cases, but it does offer 24/7 service.
• DoorDash has a sleek app that offers a smooth ordering experience, and its customer service is generally rated highly for resolving issues quickly. DoorDash also provides restaurant owners with detailed insights and analytics to help them optimize their offerings.
Winner: DoorDash, for its superior customer support and overall user experience.

5. Promotions and Marketing Tools
Platforms with strong marketing tools and promotional opportunities can help increase visibility and attract new customers.
• UberEats regularly runs promotions for first-time users and offers dynamic pricing for delivery and service fees during peak hours. UberEats also offers a “Promo Code” feature for restaurants to create custom deals.
• Menulog is known for its frequent promotions, such as discounted delivery fees and special offers for customers. It also runs targeted marketing campaigns to help restaurants gain visibility, particularly for first-time users.
• DoorDash offers promotions, including a subscription model with DashPass, which gives customers free delivery and other perks. This can lead to more consistent orders for restaurants.
Winner: Menulog, for its frequent and diverse promotional offers.

Conclusion: Which Platform Is Best for Your Restaurant?
Choosing the best food delivery platform in Australia depends on your specific needs as a restaurant owner. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice will depend on factors like location, budget, and target customers.
• If you prioritize reach and exposure across a broad range of cities and regions, UberEats is the best option.
• If you are focused on reducing costs and maintaining competitive commission rates, Menulog stands out as the more affordable choice.
• If you are looking for faster delivery times, superior customer support, and valuable marketing insights, DoorDash may be the ideal platform to optimize your restaurant’s growth.
At Grownomics Digital Marketing Agency, we help restaurant owners navigate these platforms and optimize their presence to maximize revenue. By understanding the pros and cons of each delivery service, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your business goals.