Look, choosing a restaurant POS system isn't exactly the most thrilling part of running a restaurant. But get it wrong, and you'll be dealing with slow service, frustrated staff, and customers who won't come back. We've spent the past few months actually using Toast, Epos Now, and SumUp in real restaurant environments, and we're here to tell you what actually matters.
No fluff. No corporate nonsense. Just honest opinions from people who've actually used these systems during busy lunch rushes and chaotic Friday nights.
Quick Comparison: The TL;DR
Before we dive into the details, here's the quick breakdown:
- Toast POS: Best for established restaurants wanting an all-in-one solution with brilliant support
- Epos Now: Best for multi-site operations and restaurants needing serious customisation
- SumUp: Best for cafés, pop-ups, and small eateries on a tight budget
Now, let's get into the proper details.
Toast POS: The Restaurant-Specific Powerhouse
Toast has made serious waves in the UK restaurant scene, and after testing it for three months, we get why. This is a system built specifically for restaurants, and it shows.
What We Loved About Toast
The Android-based tablets are fast and reliable. Unlike some iPad-based systems that can feel clunky, Toast's hardware just works. During our testing, we didn't experience a single crash during service – which is honestly impressive.
The kitchen display system (KDS) is brilliant. Orders flow from front of house to the kitchen seamlessly, with real-time updates that actually reduce mistakes. Your chefs will thank you.
Toast's 24/7 support is genuinely excellent. We rang them at 11pm on a Saturday (on purpose, to test them), and got through to a knowledgeable person in under three minutes. They also offer Toast Classroom and University with unlimited training resources, which is perfect if you've got high staff turnover.
The Downsides
It's not cheap. Toast's pricing sits at the premium end, and whilst there's a starter plan, you'll likely need additional features that push costs up. The contract terms can also feel a bit restrictive compared to more flexible options.
The system is very restaurant-focused, which is brilliant if you're running a restaurant, but less ideal if you're planning to diversify into retail or other ventures.
Epos Now: The Flexible All-Rounder
We've written extensively about Epos Now because, honestly, it's one of the most versatile systems on the UK market. For restaurants, it offers serious bang for your buck.
Why Epos Now Stands Out
The customisation options are unmatched. You can configure Epos Now to work exactly how your restaurant operates, from table management to complex modifiers for dishes. We love how you can set up upsell products to boost average order values – it's properly clever stuff.
For multi-site operators, Epos Now is exceptional. The cloud-based system means you can monitor all your locations from your phone whilst you're on holiday in Spain. Real-time reporting across multiple venues is seamless.
The integration ecosystem is massive. Whether you're using Deliveroo, Just Eat, or your own delivery drivers, Epos Now connects with pretty much everything. According to UK hospitality trends data, delivery integration is now essential, and Epos Now handles this brilliantly.
The Reality Check
The upfront hardware costs can be higher than alternatives. You're looking at purchasing or leasing terminals, and whilst the investment often pays off, it's worth noting if you're bootstrapping.
The learning curve is steeper than simpler systems. With all that customisation comes complexity. You'll want to dedicate proper time to training your team. The good news is Epos Now offers extensive integrations that can extend functionality as you grow.
SumUp: The Budget-Friendly Option
SumUp has positioned itself as the affordable option, and after testing it in a busy café environment, we can confirm it's excellent for specific use cases.
What SumUp Does Well
The pricing is transparent and affordable. There's no monthly fee for the basic package – you just pay transaction fees. For smaller operations, this can save you hundreds of pounds monthly.
Setup is incredibly simple. We had SumUp running in under 30 minutes. If you're not particularly tech-savvy, this is a massive advantage.
The hardware is compact and portable. Perfect for food trucks, market stalls, or restaurants that do off-site catering. The card readers are reliable and accept all major payment methods, including contactless and Apple Pay.
Where SumUp Falls Short for Restaurants
The restaurant-specific features are limited. There's no proper table management, the kitchen display options are basic, and reporting isn't as detailed as Toast or Epos Now.
For busy, full-service restaurants, SumUp will feel restrictive quite quickly. It's genuinely brilliant for cafés and counter-service venues, but it's not built for the complexity of a proper restaurant operation.
Head-to-Head: What Actually Matters
Let's compare these systems on the stuff that actually impacts your daily operations:
Speed of Service
Winner: Toast. During peak service, Toast's purpose-built interface meant our test staff were consistently faster. Epos Now was close behind, whilst SumUp's simpler interface sometimes meant more taps to complete orders.
Reporting and Analytics
Winner: Epos Now. The depth of reporting is exceptional. You can track everything from staff performance to ingredient costs. Toast offers excellent reporting too, but Epos Now edges it for sheer detail. SumUp's reporting is basic but adequate for smaller operations.
Value for Money
Winner: Depends on your size. SumUp wins for tiny operations. For small to medium restaurants, Epos Now offers the best overall value, especially when you factor in the integration options. Toast is worth the premium if you're doing serious volume.
Customer Support
Winner: Toast. The 24/7 support with actual restaurant experts is outstanding. Epos Now's support is good but not quite as comprehensive. SumUp's support is slower and less specialised.
Integration Options
Winner: Epos Now. The ecosystem is massive, and the flexibility to connect with accounting software, delivery platforms, and loyalty programmes is unmatched.
Our Honest Recommendation
After three months of testing, here's what we'd recommend:
If you're running a full-service restaurant with table service, busy peak times, and plans to scale, you really can't go wrong with either Toast or Epos Now. Toast is slightly better if you want something that works brilliantly out of the box. Epos Now is our pick if you want maximum flexibility and better long-term value.
If you're running a café, sandwich shop, or counter-service operation, SumUp is genuinely excellent. Don't overpay for features you won't use.
If you're operating multiple sites or planning to expand, Epos Now is the clear winner. The cloud-based management and reporting across locations is unbeatable.
Key Features to Prioritise in 2026
Based on our testing and current UK hospitality trends, here's what your restaurant EPOS system absolutely needs:
- Cloud-based access – Managing your business remotely isn't a luxury anymore, it's essential
- Contactless payments – Over 60% of UK transactions are now contactless
- Kitchen display integration – Paper tickets are outdated and error-prone
- Delivery platform integration – Whether you like it or not, delivery is here to stay
- Real-time reporting – You need to know what's happening right now, not tomorrow
All three systems tick most of these boxes, but Epos Now handles them all exceptionally well, which is why it's consistently our top recommendation for UK restaurants.
The Bottom Line
There's no single "best" EPOS system – it depends on your specific needs. Toast is exceptional for dedicated restaurateurs who want a premium, restaurant-first experience. SumUp is brilliant for smaller, simpler operations on a budget.
But if we're being totally honest, for most UK restaurants reading this, Epos Now offers the best combination of features, flexibility, and value. The ability to scale as you grow, the extensive integrations, and the solid UK-based support make it the all-rounder champion.
Don't just take our word for it though. If you're serious about upgrading your POS system, request demos from all three. Use them during a busy service period if possible. See which one your staff actually prefer using.
And if you want more detailed information about what to look for in a restaurant POS system, we've got plenty more guides on the site. Your future self (and your stressed-out Saturday night staff) will thank you for making the right choice now.
Ready to upgrade? Check out our complete Epos Now review to see why it's our top pick for UK restaurants in 2026.