Touchbistro
$69.00
jason.feemster
- Easy iPad interface
- Built-in tableside ordering
- Strong offline mode
- Restaurant-focused features
- Add-ons get pricey
- Limited integrations
- Contract required
Touchbistro POS Review 2025: Features, Pricing, and Pros & Cons
Updated as of: July, 2025 • ⏱️ Estimated Read Time: 15 minutes
TouchBistro leverages familiar iPad technology to deliver restaurant-focused POS functionality with strong offline capabilities and intuitive table management. The iPad-based system minimizes staff training time while providing reliable operations even during connectivity issues. Starting at $69/month, it offers an all-in-one approach that reduces third-party integration needs while covering essential restaurant operations.
👉 Get TouchBistro Free Demo
TouchBistro caught my attention because it takes a different approach than many restaurant POS systems. While others try to reinvent the wheel with proprietary hardware, TouchBistro leverages the iPad’s proven design and iOS reliability to create a system that just works.
After evaluating how TouchBistro handles real restaurant scenarios — from busy dinner rushes to staff training — it’s clear this platform was designed by people who understand hospitality operations. The iPad-based interface feels natural, the offline capabilities provide peace of mind, and the restaurant-specific features address genuine pain points without unnecessary complexity.
Table of Contents
- 1 Quick Specs
- 2 🎥 Our TouchBistro POS Video Review
- 3 Overview
- 4 Pros & Cons of TouchBistro POS
- 5 Pricing & Payment Processing
- 6 TouchBistro vs Other POS Systems
- 7 Ease of Use
- 8 TouchBistro Hardware & Setup
- 9 Key Integrations
- 10 Core Features Deep Dive
- 11 Reporting & Analytics
- 12 Customer Support & Training
- 13 Security & Compliance
- 14 Who Should Use This?
- 15 Real-World Success Stories
- 16 TouchBistro User Reviews
- 17 FAQ
- 18 Final Verdict
Quick Specs
| Feature | TouchBistro POS |
|---|---|
| Best For | Full-Service Restaurants, Quick Service, Cafes, Bars |
| Starting Price | $69/month per terminal |
| Hardware Platform | iPad-based (iOS) |
| Free Trial | Demo available (contact required) |
| Payment Processor | TouchBistro Payments or third-party options |
| Multi-Location Support | Yes |
| Offline Mode | Yes (hybrid system) |
| Contract Required | Typically 1-3 years |
🎥 Our TouchBistro POS Video Review
This comprehensive video review walks through TouchBistro’s core functionality and shows how the iPad-based system performs in real restaurant environments.
Overview
TouchBistro has served over 29,000 restaurants globally since 2010, focusing exclusively on hospitality technology. Based in Toronto with international offices, the company has earned industry recognition including LinkedIn’s Top Startups award and maintains an A+ BBB rating, though user feedback on support quality remains mixed.
TouchBistro’s key differentiator is its commitment to the iPad platform. While competitors use proprietary hardware, TouchBistro leverages Apple’s proven iOS ecosystem to deliver a POS experience that staff can master quickly and rely on consistently.
The iPad-only approach has trade-offs. Verified user reviews indicate some operators find the hardware requirements costly and limiting, especially when scaling rapidly or replacing damaged equipment during peak periods.
🔍 View All Key Features (Click to Expand)
- Tableside Ordering: Staff can input orders directly from customers’ tables, increasing service speed and preventing costly mistakes
- Complete Menu Management: Build menus, send orders to kitchen, make on-the-fly changes, and handle tabs and split orders effortlessly
- Hybrid Architecture: Full offline functionality ensures operations continue during connectivity issues while maintaining cloud benefits
- Floor Plan & Table Management: Drag-and-drop visual layout tools help manage reservations and seating efficiently
- Kitchen Display System (KDS): Streamlines communication between front-of-house and back-of-house for order accuracy
- Staff Management & Scheduling: Track employee hours, FOH performance, and BOH efficiency with integrated scheduling tools
- Inventory Management: Real-time tracking prevents menu shortages and helps avoid customer disappointment
- Self-Service Kiosk: Additional POS terminal that integrates with KDS and payment processing
- Online Ordering: Integrated system accepts orders from your website with no third-party fees
- Customer Facing Display: Lets guests see and confirm orders in real-time to avoid errors and keep lines moving
- Gift Cards & Loyalty: Built-in programs for customer retention without needing separate apps
- 24/7 Support: Restaurant-focused specialists available around the clock
Pros & Cons of TouchBistro POS
- Familiar iPad interface
- Reliable offline mode
- Restaurant-focused features
- Excellent customer support options
- iPad-only platform
- Customized pricing model
- Feature add-ons available
- Contract-based commitment
Pricing & Payment Processing
TouchBistro uses a license-based pricing structure starting at $69/month, with costs scaling based on the number of user licenses and selected features. This approach allows restaurants to pay for exactly what they need while providing room to grow.
TouchBistro Pricing Structure
- Solo (1 User License): $69/month
- Dual (2 User Licenses): $129/month
- Team (Up to 5 User Licenses): $249/month
- Unlimited (Unlimited User Licenses): $399/month
**Add-on Features:** TouchBistro offers various add-on modules including online ordering, reservations, gift cards, loyalty programs, self-serve kiosks, and digital menu boards. Pricing for these features is quote-based and customized based on your specific restaurant needs and requirements.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | User Licenses | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | $69/month | 1 License | Small cafes, single-terminal operations |
| Dual | $129/month | 2 Licenses | Small restaurants, counter + tableside service |
| Team | $249/month | Up to 5 Licenses | Full-service restaurants, multiple stations |
| Unlimited | $399/month | Unlimited | Large restaurants, multi-location operations |
Payment Processing
TouchBistro Payments is required for new customers and is powered by Chase. This integrated solution combines hardware, software, and support services, enabling restaurants to accept various payment types seamlessly.
Key benefits of TouchBistro Payments:
- Seamless POS integration eliminates double entry and reduces errors
- Built-in offline mode allows payment processing during internet outages
- Streamlined operations with single-source support for payments and POS
- Competitive processing rates with transparent pricing
The integrated approach means all payment data flows directly into your reporting and analytics, providing a complete view of your restaurant’s financial performance without manual reconciliation.
💡 Tip: TouchBistro’s license-based pricing means costs scale with your team size rather than number of terminals. The Unlimited plan offers excellent value for larger restaurants with multiple iPads, as there’s no limit on devices once you’re in that tier. All plans are billed annually, and contracts are required rather than month-to-month options.
TouchBistro vs Other POS Systems
Here’s how TouchBistro compares to major restaurant POS competitors:
| Feature | TouchBistro | Toast | Square | Clover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | iPad-Based Restaurants | Full-Service Restaurants | Small Cafes | Quick Service |
| Starting Price | $69/month | $0/month (free starter kit) | $0/month (with fees) | $44.95/month |
| Hardware Platform | iPad (iOS) only | Proprietary Android | Multiple options | Proprietary Android |
| Payment Processor | TouchBistro Payments required | Toast only | Square only | Multiple options |
| Offline Mode | Full hybrid capability | Limited offline | Basic offline | Limited offline |
| Contract Terms | No lengthy contracts | 3-5 year contracts | Month-to-month | Varies by provider |
TouchBistro: Leverages familiar iPad technology with restaurant-focused features. Great for operations that value iOS reliability and flexible payment processing.
Toast: Comprehensive restaurant features but locks you into their ecosystem. More expensive but purpose-built for restaurants.
Square: Easy to start with and cost-effective for small operations, but the basic Square POS has limited restaurant-specific features. Square for Restaurants provides more functionality like advanced menu tools and kitchen integration, though it comes at a higher cost and still doesn’t match TouchBistro’s restaurant-focused depth.
Clover: Good for quick service with flexible hardware options, though not as restaurant-focused as TouchBistro.
Ease of Use
TouchBistro’s biggest advantage is leveraging the iPad’s intuitive interface that most staff already understand. The familiar iOS experience significantly reduces training time compared to proprietary systems that require learning entirely new interfaces.
The restaurant-specific customizations feel natural within the iOS framework. Servers can quickly navigate between tables, modify orders, and process payments using gestures and workflows that feel familiar from everyday iPad use.
Setup and onboarding are streamlined through TouchBistro’s guided process, with dedicated specialists helping configure menus, floor plans, and staff permissions. The drag-and-drop interface for table management makes it easy to adjust layouts as your restaurant evolves.
TouchBistro Hardware & Setup
TouchBistro’s iPad-based approach offers unique flexibility in the restaurant POS space. You can use existing compatible iPads or purchase new ones through TouchBistro, giving you control over hardware costs and timing.
The iPad platform provides several operational advantages:
- Familiar interface – reduces staff training time
- Proven reliability – from Apple’s mature hardware platform
- Regular iOS updates – ensure security and feature improvements
- Flexible deployment – from handheld to countertop configurations
Compatible hardware includes:
- iPads (most recent models recommended)
- Receipt printers and cash drawers
- Card readers and payment terminals
- Kitchen display screens
- Customer-facing displays
The setup process includes hardware compatibility verification and assistance with optimal configuration for your restaurant layout and workflow.
Key Integrations
TouchBistro takes an “all-in-one” approach by building most functionality directly into their platform rather than relying heavily on third-party integrations. This strategy reduces complexity and potential integration issues while ensuring smoother operations.
While TouchBistro doesn’t offer as many integrations as some competitors, it provides what you need to build a fully functioning restaurant management system.
Available integrations include:
- Accounting: QuickBooks, Xero, Sage (via MarginEdge and Shogo)
- Staff Management: 7shifts restaurant scheduling software, Push Operations for payroll
- Inventory: Multiple restaurant-specific inventory management systems
- Analytics: MarginEdge for cost control and analytics
- Online Ordering: Built-in TouchBistro Online Ordering or third-party delivery platform connections
- Payment Processing: TouchBistro Payments (powered by Chase) required for new customers
Built-in loyalty program: TouchBistro includes an in-house loyalty system that you can fully customize for your business needs. This eliminates the need for separate loyalty platform integrations and provides seamless customer relationship management capabilities.
The focused integration approach means fewer moving parts and more reliable operations, with TouchBistro handling most restaurant management functions internally rather than requiring complex third-party setups. However, this also means fewer options if you have specific integration requirements with specialized software.
Core Features Deep Dive
Table and Floor Plan Management
TouchBistro’s visual floor plan system lets you drag and drop tables to match your actual restaurant layout. The system tracks table status in real-time, showing which tables are occupied, need cleaning, or are ready for new guests.
The iPad interface makes it natural for hosts to manage seating and for servers to see their section status at a glance. Color-coding and visual indicators help staff prioritize tasks during busy periods.
Tableside Ordering and Mobile POS
Staff can take orders and process payments directly at tables using handheld iPads, reducing trips to fixed terminals and improving service speed. The mobile functionality integrates seamlessly with kitchen display systems and reporting.
The iPad’s built-in capabilities, like camera and signature capture, enhance the payment process while maintaining security and compliance standards.
Menu Management and Customization
Real-time menu management allows you to update prices, add seasonal items, or mark items as unavailable instantly across all terminals. The system handles complex menu structures with modifiers, variations, and special instructions.
Menu engineering features help identify high-margin items and track popularity, enabling data-driven decisions about menu optimization and staff upselling training.
Hybrid POS and Offline Capabilities
TouchBistro’s hybrid architecture ensures your restaurant continues operating even during internet outages. The system maintains full POS functionality offline, including order taking, payment processing, menu editing, and staff management.
Once connectivity returns, all offline transactions automatically sync to the cloud, ensuring no data loss and maintaining accurate reporting across all systems.
Reporting & Analytics
TouchBistro provides comprehensive reporting capabilities that give restaurant operators real-time visibility into their business performance. The cloud-based system ensures data is accessible from anywhere, allowing owners to monitor operations remotely and make informed decisions.
The reporting system exports data in multiple formats for integration with accounting software and third-party analytics tools, ensuring restaurant operators can use their preferred analysis methods.
Sales & Revenue Reports
Track daily, weekly, and monthly sales performance with detailed breakdowns by location, server, menu item, and time period. Revenue reports help identify peak hours, popular items, and seasonal trends that inform staffing and inventory decisions.
🔍 View All Key Reporting Features (Click to Expand)
Menu Performance Analytics
Detailed item-level reporting shows which menu items drive profitability and which underperform. The system tracks item popularity, average order values, and profit margins to support menu engineering and pricing optimization.
Staff Performance Tracking
Monitor individual server performance including sales per hour, average ticket size, and customer satisfaction metrics. These insights help with staff training, scheduling optimization, and performance-based incentives.
Inventory & Cost Control
Real-time inventory tracking integrates with sales data to provide food cost analysis and waste tracking. Automated alerts notify managers when items are running low or when food costs exceed target percentages.
Customer Insights
Built-in customer analytics track repeat visits, average spend per customer, and loyalty program engagement. This data supports targeted marketing campaigns and customer retention strategies.
Multi-Location Reporting
For restaurant groups, consolidated reporting provides comparative analysis across locations while maintaining individual site performance tracking. Standardized metrics help identify best practices and underperforming locations.
Customer Support & Training
TouchBistro provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat, recognizing that restaurant operations don’t follow typical business hours. The support team focuses specifically on restaurant needs rather than serving multiple industries.
Onboarding includes dedicated specialists who help with initial setup, menu configuration, and staff training. The company provides comprehensive training materials and ongoing education resources to help restaurants maximize their system investment.
Support channels include:
- 24/7 phone support with restaurant-focused agents
- Email support with typical response within hours
- Live chat during business hours
- Comprehensive online knowledge base
- Video tutorials and training workshops
The combination of proactive onboarding and responsive ongoing support helps restaurants avoid common implementation pitfalls and operational disruptions.
Security & Compliance
TouchBistro maintains PCI DSS compliance and leverages iOS’s built-in security architecture for payment processing and data protection. The iPad platform receives regular security updates directly from Apple, ensuring consistent protection across all terminals.
Data encryption and secure cloud storage protect sensitive customer and business information. The system includes user access controls and audit trails to monitor staff actions and maintain operational security.
TouchBistro’s payment processing integration includes tokenization and encryption to protect card data, while the hybrid architecture ensures secure offline payment processing when needed.
Who Should Use This?
✅ Ideal for:
- iPad-comfortable restaurants that want to leverage familiar technology
- Operations prioritizing reliability and need strong offline capabilities
- Restaurants wanting payment flexibility rather than being locked into one processor
- Multi-location businesses seeking centralized management tools
- Establishments focused on core functionality without excessive complexity
❌ Consider alternatives for:
- Operations with tight hardware budgets that need to minimize upfront Apple device costs
- High-volume environments requiring maximum stability where system crashes or connectivity issues could be costly
- Businesses preferring month-to-month flexibility over contract commitments
- Organizations needing immediate deployment without consultation and setup time
- Restaurants requiring extensive integration capabilities with specialized third-party systems
Real-World Success Stories
La Bartola – Flexible Restaurant Management
This Toronto-based vegan Mexican restaurant needed a POS system that could adapt to COVID-19 restrictions and complex restaurant layouts. TouchBistro’s flexible licensing and mobile capabilities helped them navigate lockdowns while the reporting features enabled data-driven menu decisions.
Key results:
- Flexible licensing scaled with changing restrictions
- Mobile POS handled complex three-section layout
- POS reports identified best-sellers and guided menu expansion
Read the full La Bartola case study
Café Crêpe – Multi-Location Inventory Management
This French-inspired café chain with locations in Vancouver and Hong Kong needed better inventory control across their commissary kitchen system. TouchBistro POS with MarketMan integration transformed their operations.
Key results:
- 85% reduction in inventory troubleshooting time
- Significant staff turnover reduction due to intuitive interface
- Real-time visibility across international locations
Read the full Café Crêpe case study
TouchBistro User Reviews
TouchBistro consistently receives mixed feedback from restaurant operators, with ratings averaging 4.1 out of 5 stars across major review platforms. Users particularly praise ease of use but report concerns about system stability and support quality.
What Users Say
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| “Very easy and quick to change products and prices” | “System often crashes. Still no resolution in sight” |
| “iPad interface is intuitive for all staff levels” | “Menu items, groups, modifiers disappear and change” |
| “Excellent offline capabilities during internet issues” | “Takes 5-10 minutes to do a simple cash transaction” |
| “Drag-and-drop floor plans are very helpful” | “Thousands of dollars of Apple hardware required” |
| “Cloud-based features work well when stable” | “Support lacks knowledge and reads from script” |
| “Good for restaurants familiar with Apple products” | “Constant crashing and connectivity issues” |
Common themes in user feedback:
- Positive: Users consistently praise the familiar iPad interface and ease of menu management
- Negative: System stability issues and support quality are recurring concerns, particularly for high-volume operations
- Mixed: While many appreciate the Apple ecosystem integration, hardware costs and replacement challenges are frequently mentioned
FAQ
Can I use my existing iPads with TouchBistro?
Yes, TouchBistro is compatible with most recent iPad models. They’ll verify compatibility during setup and can help determine if your existing hardware meets their requirements for optimal performance.
Does TouchBistro work without internet connection?
Yes, TouchBistro is a hybrid system that maintains full POS functionality offline, including order taking, payment processing, and menu management. All data syncs automatically when connectivity returns.
Can I use my own payment processor with TouchBistro?
Yes, TouchBistro supports third-party payment processors in addition to their integrated TouchBistro Payments solution. This gives you flexibility to choose processing rates and terms that work for your business.
What kind of customer support does TouchBistro provide?
TouchBistro offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat, specifically focused on restaurant operations. They also provide dedicated onboarding specialists and comprehensive training resources.
How does TouchBistro pricing work?
TouchBistro uses a consultative pricing approach starting at $69/month per terminal. Final pricing is customized based on your specific feature needs and restaurant requirements, ensuring you only pay for functionality that adds value.
Final Verdict
TouchBistro succeeds by focusing on what restaurants actually need: reliable, intuitive technology that doesn’t get in the way of service. The iPad-based approach leverages familiar technology while adding restaurant-specific functionality that addresses real operational challenges.
The system’s strength lies in its balance of sophistication and simplicity. While it may not have every cutting-edge feature available in the market, it delivers the core functionality restaurants depend on with exceptional reliability and support.
For restaurants that value stability, prefer flexible payment processing options, and want technology that staff can master quickly, TouchBistro represents a smart investment in operational efficiency and customer service quality.
Related Resources
- Compare POS Systems
- Best POS Systems for Restaurants
- Best POS Systems for Small Business
- Best POS Systems for Bars
- POS System Pricing Guide
POS systems expert and founder of POSUSA.com, a trusted industry resource since 2011. With over a decade of hands-on experience testing and reviewing point-of-sale systems, he helps business owners choose solutions that actually fit their needs.
Specification: Touchbistro
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Videos: Touchbistro
Photos: Touchbistro
2 reviews for Touchbistro
Add a review
Julie E –
Using this at my bar since April and it seems to be a good system. It has a few kinks, but so far most have been user error. Customer service is mostly off-shore, and in my opinion, should be US or Canada based, but they are helpful and have resolved any issues in a timely manner. Waiting to set up for my soon to be open kitchen but expect the same results.
Chris Schaefer –
Constant glitches, several redundant aspects of table service, no signature line on credit card receipts, they made several unauthorized charges to my credit card for services I wasnt even able to use then I had to fight them for refunds, sales man lied to me about what the POS could and couldnt do to get me to sign on then another lengthy battle to get out of the contract. They claimed they cannot give refunds, which they can and did, and they claimed they never cancel contracts, which they can and did. Now Im just stuck in my main locations contract.