In the fast-moving digital world, the way we order food has completely changed. Gone are the days of calling restaurants to check menus. Today, people simply tap a few times on their phones and get food delivered at their doorstep. Among all the food delivery apps, Zomato has become one of the biggest players. It’s not just a food ordering app; it’s a complete experience that connects customers with restaurants, delivery agents, and even grocery stores in some locations.
But the interesting question is—what if you want to build an app like Zomato in 2025? What if you wish to make your own online food ordering app and compete in this growing market? This guide will walk you through the entire process, from features to app development cost, design, technology stack, and future opportunities.
Why Building an App Like Zomato in 2025 is a Great Idea
The food industry is evolving at lightning speed. Reports show that the online food delivery market is expected to grow massively in the next few years. Busy lifestyles, urban expansion, and the convenience of mobile apps have turned food delivery into an everyday habit.
When you develop an app like Zomato, you don’t just create an app for ordering food. You’re building a strong marketplace that connects restaurants and customers while managing delivery seamlessly. By studying the Zomato app, we can understand the key success factors and replicate them with innovation.
In 2025, the opportunity to launch a food delivery app or restaurant ordering app is bigger than ever. Customers want convenience, personalization, and fast delivery, which makes food delivery app development one of the hottest startup opportunities.
Ready to Build a Zomato-Like App? Let’s Get Started!
Core Features of a Food Delivery App Like Zomato
When you decide to create a food delivery app, the first step is to define its features. The right set of features can make your online food ordering app stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Customer App Features
The customer-facing side of a food ordering app should be simple, fast, and engaging. Customers should easily browse restaurants, check menus, place an order, and track deliveries.
Restaurant Partner App
Restaurants also need their side of the app to manage orders, update menus, and track payments. This restaurant app should be designed for speed and flexibility.
Delivery Partner App
The delivery partner plays a critical role in the Zomato delivery app ecosystem. Their interface should make it easy to accept or reject delivery tasks, navigate quickly, and receive instant payments.
Admin Panel
Every food delivery app needs a strong admin dashboard for monitoring transactions, managing users, and ensuring smooth operations across the system.
Technology Stack for Building an App Like Zomato
When you make an app like Zomato, technology becomes the foundation. The tech stack should ensure high performance, scalability, and security.
Frontend: React Native, Flutter for cross-platform flexibility.
Backend: Node.js, Python, or Java for strong backend systems.
Database: MySQL, MongoDB for data management.
Cloud: AWS or Google Cloud for hosting and scaling.
Payment Gateway: Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay integration.
Choosing the right tech stack ensures your restaurant delivery apps remain reliable even when handling millions of orders.
How to Design a Food Delivery App Like Zomato
Design plays a massive role in the success of an online ordering app. A cluttered interface will drive users away. On the other hand, a clean, engaging design will keep users coming back.
The Zomato food delivery app has mastered UI/UX with intuitive menus, smart search, and quick checkout flows. When you create a food ordering app, focus on:
Simple navigation
Personalized recommendations
Easy reordering
Real-time tracking visuals
In 2025, customers expect their delivery apps to feel like lifestyle companions, not just tools.
Cost of Building an App Like Zomato in 2025
One of the most common questions people ask is about app development cost. The budget to build an app like Zomato depends on several factors, including complexity, features, design, and region.
In India, developing a food delivery app can cost between $25,000 to $80,000, while in Western countries it might cross $150,000. Custom features like AI-driven recommendations or voice ordering can further increase the cost.
However, startups can reduce expenses by hiring a reliable custom app building agency that specializes in food delivery app development.
Revenue Model for Zomato-Like Apps
Why should you invest money in building a restaurant ordering app? Because the revenue potential is massive. The Zomato order online model shows multiple streams of income.
Commission per order from restaurants
Delivery charges from customers
Advertising revenue on the platform
Subscription models like Zomato Gold
Restaurant promotions
With a mix of these revenue channels, your food app can become a profitable business in just a few years.
Step-by-Step Process to Build an App Like Zomato
Research the Market
Before you create a food delivery app, you must analyze local competitors, customer expectations, and restaurant participation.
Define Features
Make a detailed list of customer, restaurant, and delivery-side features.
Choose Technology Stack
Pick the best framework and backend systems for building your food ordering app.
Design Wireframes
Plan the user journey before coding begins.
Development Phase
Hire developers or partner with an experienced food delivery app development company.
Testing & Launch
Extensively test your online food ordering app to ensure performance and security.
Marketing
Promote your ordering app with strong digital marketing campaigns.
Challenges in Developing a Food Delivery App
Even if you plan perfectly, building a Zomato food delivery app comes with challenges. Competition is fierce, logistics can be tricky, and user retention is difficult.
Some common issues include:
High app development cost
Partnering with restaurants
Maintaining delivery speed
Ensuring secure online payments
Overcoming these challenges requires innovation and constant updates to your restaurant delivery apps.
Future of Food Delivery Apps in 2025 and Beyond
The future of food ordering apps will be shaped by AI, drones, and personalization. Companies will use machine learning to recommend meals, track customer behavior, and optimize delivery routes.
Voice-based ordering will also grow, allowing users to say “Zomato order pizza” and get it delivered without opening the app. In addition, sustainability and eco-friendly packaging will become essential for delivery apps.
So, if you’re planning to create a food delivery app today, make sure you keep space for future innovations.
Why Choose a Professional Development Partner
While some startups think they can make app prototypes on their own, scaling requires professional help. Partnering with a reliable app building company ensures your online ordering app is built with security, scalability, and long-term support.
Professional agencies also help reduce custom app development cost by providing ready-made frameworks for restaurant apps.
Conclusion
The journey to build an app like Zomato in 2025 is both challenging and rewarding. With the rising demand for food delivery apps, startups and entrepreneurs have the perfect chance to create their own platforms.
By focusing on user experience, advanced technology, and revenue models, you can design a food ordering app that competes with the best in the market. The key is to balance app development cost with long-term growth potential.
If you’re ready to develop an app like Zomato, now is the right time. The market is hungry for innovation, and your idea could be the next big success story in the online food ordering app industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to build an app like Zomato in 2025?
Ans. The app development cost can range between $25,000 and $150,000 depending on complexity, features, and region.
Can I create a food delivery app without coding knowledge?
Ans. Yes, with the help of a custom app building agency, you can create a food delivery app even without technical expertise.
How does the Zomato delivery app make money?
Ans. The Zomato food delivery app generates revenue through commissions, delivery charges, ads, and premium subscriptions.
