As digital currencies gain mainstream traction, more forward-thinking restaurant owners are exploring how to accept crypto payments for restaurants. In 2025, embracing cryptocurrency isn’t just a tech trend—it’s a strategic move to attract new-age diners, streamline transactions, and stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re running a single-location café or a multi-unit chain, integrating crypto into your payment system can open up new revenue streams and enhance customer convenience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
As restaurant technologies evolve and change, restaurant owners need to consider each new trend and determine if it is right for their business. Right now, restaurant owners are faced with an adoption decision as it relates to accepting crypto payments with a crypto point of sale system.
More and more restaurants are accepting crypto as payment. From large chains to single locations, restaurants are testing new digital payment options. Now it’s time for restaurants to decide if crypto payments are at a tipping point or just a passing trend.
To help you decide what is right for you, here are some considerations for determining if accepting crypto payment is right for your business and if so, how you can get started.
What Are Crypto Payments and How They Help You Accept Crypto Payments for Restaurants
Crypto payments are a way for customers to make purchases using cryptocurrency as their payment method. Cryptocurrency is a form of virtual or digital currency. Unlike the U.S. dollar, cryptocurrency is not managed by a central authority, and it has no physical form. It is entirely digital. There are hundreds of types of cryptocurrencies, and the most well-known and frequently used cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
With the right technology, restaurants can offer crypto as an advanced payment method and allow customers to use digital currency as payment at check-out. But should you?
Should You Use a Crypto POS System to Accept Crypto Payments for Restaurants?
In early June 2022, Chipotle announced that they would begin accepting crypto payments at all of their locations across the United States. Chipotle customers can now pay with over 98 digital currencies. Other large, well-known brands such as Shake Shack, Subway, Burger King, and Starbucks have offered or still offer some form of digital currency payment options.
More and more brands see crypto as a technology that isn’t going anywhere. They are embracing or testing the option of accepting crypto payments at their restaurants. But, is it worth it? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of offering crypto payment at a restaurant.
Benefits of Using a Crypto POS System
- Offer customers more ways to pay
- Limit credit card payment processing fees
- Provide fast and easy transactions
- Differentiate your brand
- Attract early adopter customers
- Prevent chargebacks
- Settle payments faster
Cons of Crypto Point of Sale System
- Minor tech setup
- Potential learning curve for staff and customers
- Evolving regulations
- Tax and accounting implications
How to Accept Crypto Payments at Your Restaurant
If you decide you want to start accepting crypto payments at your restaurant, you can get what you need through Lavu’s restaurant POS system.
Lavu recently announced a new partnership with Verifone. The partnership enables Lavu POS systems to seamlessly integrate with Verifone’s FLEX payment solution, including its Advanced Payment Method platform which accepts crypto payments. Through the Lavu POS, restaurants can accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and several USD stablecoins using prominent crypto wallets, PayPal, Venmo, WeChat Pay, Klarna, Swish, and Vipps.
With the Lavu POS, customers can easily pay with crypto.
Unlike some other POS devices that accept crypto, Lavu’s POS system doesn’t require customers to download apps. Through a form of contactless payment, customers simply open their digital wallets and tap their phone on the receiver to pay.
Saleem S. Khatri, CEO of Lavu recently described the system to The St. Pete Catalyst, “It’s super clean and super easy. A very elegant solution, and there’s a lot of reasons why restaurants like it.”
Lavu makes it as easy as possible for restaurants who are ready to accept crypto payment to get started.
Why 2025 Is the Right Time to Accept Crypto Payments for Restaurants
“What we found is, the crypto thing has just taken off. That’s what is really resonating with people,” Khatri said. Lavu recognizes the popularity of crypto payments and wants to make it easy for restaurants to serve their customers in new ways. But, crypto payments are also about helping restaurants save money.
Lavu’s partnership with Verifone to offer additional payment options is a way to help restaurants keep more money in their business. Credit card processing fees are often the highest expense a restaurant has next to rent. Restaurants with $100,000 in monthly sales can spend around $3,000 in credit card fees.
Crypto payments offer a way to avoid costly credit card processing fees.
While there are still fees associated with crypto, they are lower than typical credit card processing fees, which can take 3-8% of every payment.
“We’re doing all of these things to help restaurants offset the staffing shortages and high costs with inflation,” said Khatri. In addition to Lavu’s cash discount program, offering crypto payment is another way to give restaurants options to cut down on expensive credit card processing fees.
Related: Cash Discounting for Restaurants: A Guide to Getting Started
How to Start Accepting Crypto Payments for Restaurants Quickly and Safely
There are pros and cons to accepting crypto at your restaurant, but if you find you are ready to embrace this technology, Lavu is here to help.
If your restaurant already uses Lavu’s iPad POS system, you’re ready to start accepting crypto payments. Talk to Lavu about how we can set your system to start accepting various cryptocurrencies.
If you’re looking for an option for accepting crypto payment at your restaurant, schedule a demo to see how Lavu’s POS system can expand your payment processing options and offer over 200 more POS system features that help you run your restaurant.
FAQs:
1. How can I accept crypto payments for restaurants in 2025?
To accept crypto payments for restaurants in 2025, you’ll need a reliable crypto POS system or a payment gateway that supports digital currencies. Start by choosing a trusted provider like Lavu that offers integrations with crypto wallets or payment platforms. Then, set up a compatible wallet, link it to your POS, and display accepted currencies at checkout. Training staff and informing customers about this new option will help drive adoption. Accepting crypto can position your restaurant as innovative and tech-forward.
2. What is a crypto payment gateway, and how does it work for restaurants?
A crypto payment gateway is a digital service that allows restaurants to accept cryptocurrency payments from customers. It converts crypto like Bitcoin or Ethereum into fiat currency (USD, EUR, etc.) in real time, reducing volatility risk. Gateways like BitPay or CoinGate integrate seamlessly with crypto POS systems. Lavu’s open ecosystem can work with multiple third-party crypto gateways, enabling restaurants to securely process transactions and expand their customer base.
3. Why should restaurants accept cryptocurrency payments?
Restaurants accepting crypto can tap into a growing base of digital-savvy customers, reduce payment processing fees, and receive near-instant settlement. Cryptocurrency for restaurants can also enhance brand perception by showcasing innovation. In 2025, with mainstream adoption rising and payment tools improving, crypto payments offer convenience, security, and global reach—making it a smart move for forward-thinking restaurants.
4. Is it safe to accept cryptocurrency payments at my restaurant?
Yes, it’s safe to accept cryptocurrency payments for restaurants, provided you use reputable wallets and secure crypto gateways. These platforms often include fraud protection, encryption, and real-time conversion to fiat currency. With Lavu-compatible systems, your restaurant can minimize risks by using verified third-party crypto processors that handle transactions securely and transparently.
5. Are customers actually using crypto to pay at restaurants
Yes, crypto adoption in restaurants is growing, especially in urban areas and among younger, tech-oriented customers. A 2025 trend report shows that more than 30% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer businesses that accept cryptocurrency. As major chains and local spots adopt this trend, it’s becoming a competitive advantage. Lavu’s flexible POS solutions allow restaurants to keep up with this growing demand.
