Complete guide: How to create a menu category in your app
Learn step by step how menu category creation works on the Menivo platform — from logically structuring your offer, to publishing a QR-scannable digital menu for customers in just a few seconds.
Try Menivo freeClear structure for customers
Well-defined categories — Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts — help customers quickly find what they want, without browsing an endless list of products.
Quick menu management
Add, rename, or reorder categories with drag-and-drop, no technical knowledge required. Changes are instantly visible in your restaurant's QR menu.
Multilingual support included
Each category can be named in both Romanian and English, so foreign tourists can navigate the menu as easily as local customers.
Creating a menu category in Menivo — step-by-step guide
Follow these simple steps and you'll have your first category active in less than 3 minutes. If you don't have an account yet, check our guide on how to create an account on the Menivo platform.
Register or log in on menivo.ro
Visit menivo.ro and create a free account with your email address, or log in if you already have an active account. Registration takes less than a minute and doesn't require a credit card for the starter plan.
Add or select your restaurant
From the admin panel, go to the Restaurants section and add your location by completing the name, address, operating hours, and logo. If you already have a restaurant set up, select it from the list. You can also check the detailed guide on how to create your restaurant on the Menivo platform for full details.
Navigate to the "Menu" section
From the restaurant page, press the Menu button in the sidebar. You'll see a list of existing categories (if any) or an empty screen inviting you to create your first category. This is the main area for menu category creation in the app.
Click "Add category" and fill in the fields
Click the + Add category button. A simple form will open with the following available fields:
- Name (RO) — required: the category name in Romanian, for example Appetizers, Main Courses, Soft Drinks or Desserts. Maximum 255 characters.
- Name (EN) — optional: the English translation of the category name, useful if you have international customers. Leave blank if you don't need the bilingual version.
- Description (RO) — optional: a short description of the category, visible to customers in the menu. You can use this field to highlight specialties or seasonal ingredients.
- Description (EN) — optional: the English version of the description.
Save the category and verify the order in the menu
Click Save to complete category creation. It will appear immediately in your restaurant's category list. You can reorder categories using drag-and-drop — drag and place each category in your desired position, without pressing any extra button. The order saves automatically.
Add products to your newly created category
After you've created the categories, enter each one and add products with photos, prices, descriptions, portions, allergen information and nutritional values. A complete and visually attractive product significantly increases conversion rates. Learn more about how to correctly add allergens to each product and how to use the Menivo nutritional values calculator to complete mandatory information.
Generate the QR code and display it in your restaurant
Once your menu is complete, navigate to the QR Code section in your restaurant panel. Menivo automatically generates a unique QR code linked to your digital menu. Download it in high resolution and print it on table stands, at the entrance, or on packaging. Customers scan it with their phone and instantly access the menu — no app, no friction. Also read our article on how to create a digital menu for a restaurant in 10 minutes for full context.
What you need to create a menu category in Menivo
Quickly check if you have everything you need before starting your digital menu setup.
- An active account on menivo.ro — registration is free and doesn't require a credit card
- At least one restaurant added to your account, with name and operating hours completed (mandatory fields in Romanian)
- Category names prepared in Romanian — the English field is optional, but recommended for restaurants in tourist areas
- A logical menu structure planned in advance: categories reflect types of dishes (Appetizers, Soups, Main Courses, Desserts, Drinks, etc.)
- The category limit available according to your subscription plan — check the maximum number of categories allowed in the Subscription section of your account
- Products prepared with prices, descriptions, and if applicable, food allergen information according to legal obligations in Romania — see the complete guide on food allergens
- Product photos in JPG, PNG or WebP format, with maximum size of 10 MB per image — the platform automatically resizes and converts them
- A stable internet connection for saving and previewing changes in real time
The number of categories you can create depends on your active subscription plan. The basic plan includes a limited number of categories and products. For restaurants with an extended offer, upgrading to a higher plan gives you unlimited categories and products, plus advanced features like Excel import and priority support.
Why does your menu category structure matter?
Creating a menu category isn't just a technical step — it's a strategic decision for customer experience.
Intuitive navigation = satisfied customers
A digital menu organized into clear categories reduces customer decision time. The faster customers find what they're looking for, the better the experience — and the chances of them returning increase significantly. Also discover the top 10 reasons why a digital menu is worth it.
Categories influence sales
The order of categories and how they're named directly influences what customers order. Place high-profit-margin dishes in visible categories with attractive names. Read how you can increase your restaurant sales with Menivo.
Compliance with legislation
Organizing the menu by categories also facilitates correct display of allergens and nutritional values for each dish — a legal obligation for restaurants in Romania and the EU. Learn more about legal obligations regarding food allergens.
Quick updates without printing costs
Unlike physical menus, you can add or modify a category instantly, without extra costs. Seasonally, daily, or whenever you need — the digital menu stays always updated. Read about why modern restaurants are giving up printed menus.
Ready to create your first menu category?
Sign up free on Menivo and set up in minutes a professional QR digital menu — with categories, products, allergens and nutritional values, all in one place.
Create your menu free on Menivo