When food delivery apps were first introduced in Australia it is fair to say they were a real game changer.
Revolutionising the landscape for those who didn’t fancy cooking, but also didn’t want to leave the house to get a takeaway, they opened up a whole new culinary world for Australian consumers.
Nowadays, millions of Aussies have used these apps, some often three or four times a week. Offering speed, a delicious meal and the ultimate convenience, food can be delivered straight to your door in just a few clicks of your device.
Whether you fancy Thai, Chinese, Indian, Mexican or a classic burger the best food delivery apps and services in Australia offer extensive coverage throughout the major cities and many regional areas.
Here are six of the best of them.
1. Menulog
When it comes to food delivery, nobody can compare it with Menulog.
Founded by Kevin Sherman, Dan Katz and Leon Kamenev in 2006, the company has their headquarters in Sydney.
Backed by advertising campaigns that have featured everyone from Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton to The Wiggles and Katy Perry, they are far and away Australia’s biggest-reaching food delivery service. Reaching around 90% of residences in the country with their delivery capabilities.
Currently, they encompass more than 70 different genres of cuisine and over 11, 000 restaurants on their network – with more being added every day.
Whether you want to uncover new gastronomic delights or stick to your local favs, they have plenty of options for food lovers to choose from.
One of the best things about this app is that some of the restaurants offer a 25% discount to those who order from them for the first time.
You can also leave reviews on it for other users and if you happen to spot a cheaper price delivered by the same restaurant within 24 hours, no problem. Menulog will credit you not only the difference but an additional $10 as well.
2. Deliveroo
The brainchild of Will Shu and Greg Orlowski, Deliveroo is a popular food delivery app who are based out of London.
Launched in 2013, they offer an extensive range of foods that cover all tastes and budgets. Whether you want comfort food, healthy food or just something cheap from your local favourite, the company prides itself on being able to deliver it to you within a maximum of half an hour.
You will have to wait a little longer if you order something from a more upscale restaurant, but the food has a reputation of being brought to you in perfect condition.
Like with Menulog, these guys also enable you to add alcohol to your meal. You can even track your order in real time through their app.
Another unique selling point is they can offer businesses catering options for work events. While those making their first order will receive 1000 Qantas Points. Should you go on to make another four orders within the next calendar month, they’ll give you another 200 Qantas Points as well.
3. Uber Eats
Initially, a ride-sharing app, the launch of Uber Eats in 2014 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick was a natural progression.
Headquartered in San Francisco, the company aims to bring you the local foods you desire straight to your door at ‘Uber Speed’.
Offering a very user-friendly interface, their app allows you to search by dishes, cuisines or even the restaurant name.
You can even choose to pay for your meal through your Uber account, purchase alcohol and track your order in real time.
4. Hey You
Love coffee? Then you’ll want to check out Hey You.
Founded in 2014 in Sydney by Rebekah Campbell and Adam Theobald, Hey You is Australia’s most popular app for ordering coffee.
The beauty of this app is that it lets you discover new cafes, check out their menu and then beat the queues by ordering ahead.
Once you have placed your order you can then go and pick it up without having to line up. You can even pay in advance to speed up the process further.
This app is particularly useful if you are in a hurry, travelling or finding yourself in a new destination. It also allows you to accrue loyalty points and benefits without having to rely on cards.
5. Happy Cow
Happy Cow was launched in Santa Monica, California in 1999 by Eric Brent.
Specifically designed for vegetarians and vegans this app is also used by those who want healthier food options.
Unfortunately, Happy Cow does not offer the facility to deliver direct to your door. However, it does recommend local restaurants, as well as grocers, farmers markets and health food stores nearby for those who want to eat or create a delicious meatless dish.
Operating internationally, the app provides over 90,000 recommendations from all around the world. It also features over 850,000 photos and user reviews, all of which make eating healthily a breeze.
6. Open Table
Launched by Chuck Templeton in San Francisco back in 1998, Open Table provides you with access to more than 40,000 restaurants around the world.
Whether you want to find somewhere new or book a table at your favourite venue, this app enables you to do just that.
Aside from booking a table at a restaurant, they also enable you to browse menus, read through reviews and look at meal photos.
In the 25 years since it launched, Open Table has made a staggering one billion reservations for diners from all around the world.
Footnote:
You may be wondering why Foodora doesn’t feature on this list. Well, that is because it has stopped operating in Australia.
Likewise, Eat Now does not appear either, as it is represented down under by Menulog.