10 Best Restaurant Payroll Software Reviewed in 2026

Best Restaurant Payroll Software Reviews

1. 

   1

   Justworks

   Best for customizable benefits plans

   • Free demo available
   • From $8/user/month

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:4.6/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   Justworks is a practical option for restaurants that need a payroll system with added HR support. It stands out for customizable benefits plans, giving restaurant owners more flexibility when offering health coverage and other employee perks. Alongside payroll processing and tax filings, it helps restaurants manage their teams while staying aligned with labor and compliance requirements.

   Why I Picked Justworks

   I picked Justworks because it addresses the unique challenges faced by restaurant owners, such as managing diverse employee roles and compliance with labor laws. Justworks offers full-service payroll processing, which ensures accurate and timely payment for both salaried and hourly employees, a crucial feature for restaurants with varying shift patterns. I also appreciate its robust compliance support, which helps your business avoid costly penalties by keeping you up to date on payroll regulations. These features make Justworks a practical choice for restaurant owners looking to streamline their administrative tasks.

   Justworks Key Features

   In addition to customizable benefits plans, Justworks offers:

   • Time Tracking: Includes tools to monitor employee hours, ensuring accurate payroll and helping manage overtime.
   • PTO Management: Simplifies tracking and managing paid time off, crucial for maintaining staff morale and scheduling.
   • Onboarding Support: Provides dedicated specialists to assist with setup, ensuring a smooth transition to the platform.

   Justworks Integrations

   Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, JazzHR, Guideline, and Mineral. An API is also available for custom integrations.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Automated payroll tax filings
   • Clear employee dashboard for benefits and pay information
   • Straightforward onboarding workflow for new hires

   Cons:

   • Reporting tools offer limited in-depth business insights
   • Fewer advanced HR features than larger enterprise platforms
   Learn more about Justworks:

   • Check out Justworks on their website
   • Read my in-depth review of Justworks
2. 

   2

   Deel Payroll

   Best for multi-location payroll with compliance

   • Free demo available
   • From $29/user/month

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:4.9/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   For restaurant owners looking for a multi-location payroll software that can support a distributed workforce, Deel provides tools to manage global teams while staying aligned with local labor laws. It is especially useful for restaurants operating across multiple countries, as it helps you handle international payments and region-specific compliance requirements in one platform. This can reduce the administrative burden of paying staff in different currencies and jurisdictions, so you can spend more time focused on running your restaurant.

   Why I Picked Deel

   I picked Deel because it helps you manage a mix of full-time staff and contractors across different regions without needing separate payroll systems. Its built-in compliance features can support adherence to local employment regulations, which is particularly important if you employ seasonal or international workers. I also like that automated payroll processing and multi-currency payments can reduce manual work, which may help you maintain efficiency during busy service periods.

   Deel Key Features

   In addition to its core functionalities, I also found several additional features that enhance Deel's suitability for restaurant payroll management:

   • Instant Hiring: Enables quick onboarding of staff in over 150 countries, helping you fill positions swiftly.
   • Automated Tax Calculations: Ensures accurate tax compliance across different jurisdictions, reducing the risk of errors.
   • Real-Time Insights: Provides analytics and reporting tools to help you make informed financial decisions.
   • Multi-Currency Support: Facilitates payments in various currencies, allowing for smooth transactions with international staff.

   Deel Integrations

   Integrations include Workday, SAP, NetSuite, Xero, QuickBooks, Gusto, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Lever, and Slack.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Integrates with major HR systems
   • Built-in compliance and contract management
   • Global payroll across 150 countries

   Cons:

   • Limited directory customization options
   • Reporting features lack advanced filtering
   Learn more about Deel Payroll:

   • Check out Deel Payroll on their website
3. 

   3

   Paylocity

   Best for automated payroll processing

   • Free demo available
   • Pricing upon request

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:4.3/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   For restaurant owners seeking a reliable payroll solution, Paylocity supports automated payroll processing in fast-paced hospitality environments. This platform helps restaurants of all sizes manage complex payroll needs, including tipped wages and multi-role pay rates. By reducing manual payroll work and supporting labor law compliance, Paylocity allows managers to focus more on daily operations and staff service.

   Why I Picked Paylocity

   I picked Paylocity for its support of automated payroll processing for restaurant teams. It handles calculations for tipped wages and multiple pay rates, which helps reduce manual work and payroll errors. Its POS integrations also make it easier to pull in accurate hours and tip data, keeping payroll records consistent and up to date.

   Paylocity Key Features

   In addition to automated payroll processing, Paylocity offers several features that enhance restaurant management.

   • Employee Scheduling: Allows managers to create and manage employee schedules, ensuring optimal staffing levels and reducing scheduling conflicts.
   • Time Tracking: Provides tools for accurately tracking employee hours, including overtime and breaks, which are essential for compliance and payroll accuracy.
   • Compliance Management: Helps restaurants stay compliant with labor laws and regulations, including minimum wage and overtime requirements.
   • Mobile App: Enables employees to access their schedules, pay stubs, and other HR information on the go, improving communication and engagement.

   Paylocity Integrations

   Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, Kronos, SAP, Oracle, ADP, and Workday.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Employee scheduling feature reduces staffing conflicts and inefficiencies
   • Integration with accounting software streamlines financial management
   • Offers built-in compliance support for labor regulations

   Cons:

   • Some users find the interface less intuitive than competitors
   • Limited customization options for specific restaurant needs
   Learn more about Paylocity:

   • Check out Paylocity on their website
   • Read my in-depth review of Paylocity
   • Explore best alternatives to Paylocity
4. 

   4

   Gusto

   Best for tip reporting

   • Free demo available
   • From $49/month

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:4.6/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   Gusto is a payroll and HR platform that combines automated payroll, tax filings, tip tracking, and basic HR tasks in one place, making it a strong choice for restaurants managing hourly staff, tipped employees, and compliance requirements.

   Why I Picked Gusto

   I picked Gusto because it lets restaurant owners handle payroll and compliance from one tool instead of juggling multiple apps. You can run unlimited payrolls and automatically calculate federal, state, and local taxes, which helps ensure your team gets paid accurately and on time.

   Built-in tip reporting and support for FICA credits means your tipped staff are processed correctly without manual adjustments. Time tracking data feeds directly into payroll, so hours worked flow into pay runs with fewer errors. Plus, Gusto’s employee self-service lets your team access pay stubs and tax forms without adding HR overhead.

   Gusto Key Features

   Here are some key features worth highlighting:

   • Automated Payroll & Tax Filing: Runs payroll and files federal/state/local taxes with no manual calculations.
   • Tip Reporting & FICA Credit Support: Tracks tips properly and supports relevant compliance calculations.
   • Time Tracking Integration: Associates employee hours with payroll to reduce errors.
   • Employee Self-Service: Lets staff view pay stubs and tax documents online or via app.

   Gusto Integrations

   Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, TSheets (QuickBooks Time), When I Work, Clover, Shopify, Expensify, BambooHR, and Deputy — plus 100+ others spanning accounting and time-tracking tools. 

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Employee self-service reduces HR workload
   • Built-in tip reporting meets restaurant payroll needs
   • Time tracking links directly to payroll runs

   Cons:

   • May require supplementary services for full HR management
   • The base price does not include all features
   Learn more about Gusto:

   • Check out Gusto on their website
   • Read my in-depth review of Gusto
   • Explore best alternatives to Gusto
5. 

   5

   Homebase

   Best for hourly workforce

   • Free plan + 30-day free trial + free demo available
   • From $99/month (billed annually)

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:4.2/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   Homebase is a workforce management platform specifically designed for small businesses with hourly employees, especially in restaurants, retail, hospitality, and service industries.

   Why I Picked Homebase

   I picked Homebase because it helps you reduce payroll friction by tying your actual hours worked directly to your pay runs, reducing manual errors through integrated timesheets and reporting.

   Its scheduling tools let you build and adjust shifts quickly using drag-and-drop calendars, ensuring you match coverage to demand without extra spreadsheets, and you can track employee time from mobile devices or shared clocks with GPS to verify where work actually happens, which keeps your labor records accurate.

   Homebase’s built-in messaging and shift alerts help your team stay aligned and updated on changes without juggling multiple apps. Finally, it supports compliance with wage, break, and overtime rules so you can manage workforce requirements with confidence.

   Homebase Key Features

   Here are some standout features worth highlighting:

   • Employee Scheduling: Drag-and-drop schedule builder with shift publishing and swap options.
   • Time Clocks & GPS Tracking: Clock in/out via mobile or kiosk with optional location verification.
   • Automated Timesheets: Hours, overtime, breaks, and PTO feed directly into payroll runs.
   • Team Messaging: Notify individuals or groups of schedule changes or announcements.

   Homebase Integrations

   Integrations include Square, QuickBooks, Gusto, Paychex, Rippling, Clover, Shopify, and Lightspeed.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Drag-and-drop scheduling with employee shift swap
   • Compliance with city, state, and federal labor laws
   • Automated time tracking and payroll integration

   Cons:

   • Requires the same EIN for multiple location payroll runs
   • Limited to US-based businesses
   Learn more about Homebase:

   • Check out Homebase on their website
   • Read my in-depth review of Homebase
   • Explore best alternatives to Homebase
6. 

   6

   OnPay

   Best for small business payroll

   • 30-day free trial available
   • From $49/month + $6/user/month

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:5/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   OnPay is a full-service payroll platform that handles tipped wage calculations, tip makeup, multi-state tax filings, and direct deposit for hourly and salaried restaurant workers.

   Who Is OnPay Best For?

   OnPay is a strong fit for independent restaurant owners and small business operators who want straightforward, affordable payroll with built-in tip wage handling and automated tax filings.

   Why I Picked OnPay

   OnPay earns its spot on my shortlist because it handles the payroll complexity that makes restaurant operations uniquely difficult—specifically, tip wage calculations and minimum-wage tip makeup across multiple states. I like that it tracks hourly wages, cash tips, and controlled tips as separate pay items, so your records stay clean and audit-ready. It also automatically calculates tip-makeup earnings when a worker's combined wages and tips fall short of the applicable state minimum, which is exactly the kind of compliance gap that catches small restaurant owners off guard.

   OnPay Key Features

   • Multi-state payroll support: Run payroll for employees across all 50 states with automatic state tax registrations and local withholding calculations included in every plan.
   • Garnishment deductions: Set garnishment deduction rules and configure goals for when deductions should automatically stop.
   • Custom report designer: Build custom payroll reports using more than 50 available fields and export them for recordkeeping or auditing.
   • Role-based access permissions: Configure user permissions to control which team members or external accountants can view and manage payroll data.

   OnPay Integrations

   OnPay offers native integrations with QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, QuickBooks Time, Deputy, and When I Work. It also provides an API for custom integrations and marketplace integrations, including Vestwell and JazzHR.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Reviewers praise helpful setup and payroll support
   • Multi-state tax filings reduce administrative work
   • Automated tip makeup supports minimum-wage calculations

   Cons:

   • Direct deposits can take several business days
   • Tip-pool distribution still requires manual handling
   Learn more about OnPay:

   • Check out OnPay on their website
   • Read my in-depth review of OnPay
   • Explore best alternatives to OnPay
7. 

   7

   RUN Powered by ADP®

   Best for scalable payroll packages for SMBs

   • Free demo available
   • Pricing upon request

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:4.1/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   RUN Powered by ADP is a cloud-based payroll and HR software designed for restaurants and hospitality businesses that need reliable payroll processing, automated tax compliance, tip management, and integration with point-of-sale and accounting tools.

   Who Is RUN Powered by ADP Best For?

   Payroll and HR managers at growing restaurant groups or hospitality businesses with expanding teams and multi-location needs.

   Why I Picked RUN Powered by ADP

   I picked RUN Powered by ADP as one of the best because I can set up flexible payroll packages for different-sized restaurant teams, manage tipped employee payrolls, and automate compliance as locations grow. That kind of scalability matters for expanding businesses.

   RUN Powered by ADP Key Features

   • Automated tax filing: Handles federal, state, and local payroll taxes for all employee types.
   • Employee self-service portal: Lets employees access paystubs, W-2s, and update personal details online.
   • Mobile payroll app: Allows restaurant staff and managers to process payroll and view information from their phones.
   • Tip credit calculation: Supports automated calculation and reporting for tipped wages and FICA tip compliance.

   RUN Powered by ADP Integrations

   RUN Powered by ADP offers native integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, Clover, and Square, and provides access to additional applications through the ADP Marketplace. An API is available for custom integrations.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Scalable for multi-location restaurant operations
   • Automated restaurant tax and labor compliance
   • Advanced support for tipped employee payroll

   Cons:

   • Requires manual page refreshes on some browsers
   • Standard report layouts cannot be modified
   Learn more about RUN Powered by ADP®:

   • Check out RUN Powered by ADP® on their website
   • Read my in-depth review of RUN Powered by ADP®
8. 

   8

   7shifts

   Best for automatic tip calculations

   • Free plan + 14-day free trial + free demo available
   • From $44.99/month

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:4.7/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   7shifts helps organizations run accurate payroll without manual tip tracking or spreadsheets. It’s especially well suited for tip-heavy operations like full-service restaurants and multi-location groups that want payroll to reflect real hours and real earnings.

   Why I Picked 7shifts

   I picked 7shifts because it handles restaurant-specific payroll challenges—especially tips—better than general payroll tools. You can automatically calculate cash and credit card tips based on actual hours worked, which reduces payroll errors and compliance risks.

   I like that employee hours flow directly from time tracking into payroll, so you’re not re-entering data or reconciling mismatched records. For managers, this means faster payroll runs; for staff, it means more accurate and timely pay. It’s a strong choice if tip accuracy is critical to your payroll process.

   7shifts Key Features

   Here are some key features worth highlighting:

   • Labor Forecasting Tools: Compare scheduled labor costs against sales to control payroll spend.
   • Manager Log Book: Keep shift notes and operational updates tied to specific days and locations.
   • Employee Engagement Tools: Let staff swap shifts, request time off, and communicate in one place.
   • Mobile Employee App: Employees clock in, view schedules, and track earnings from their phones.

   7shifts Integrations

   Integrations include Toast, Square, TouchBistro, Clover, CAKE, DoorDash, Gusto, QuickBooks, ADP Workforce Now, and UKG Pro.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Efficient scheduling process & labor reporting
   • Automated tip calculation & easy payouts
   • Compliance with labor regulations

   Cons:

   • Payroll features available only as an add-on
   • Limited to US-only businesses
   Learn more about 7shifts:

   • Check out 7shifts on their website
   • Read my in-depth review of 7shifts
9. 

   9

   Square Payroll

   Best for integrated payments

   • Free demo available
   • From $35/month + $6/person/month

   Visit Website

   Customer Rating:4.2/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

   

   Square Payroll is an online payroll service designed to streamline payroll processes and help restaurant owner manage payroll directly from their dashboard. 

   Why I picked Square Payroll:

   I chose Square Payroll for this list because of its comprehensive approach to payroll management, particularly its ability to integrate with other Square products. This integration simplifies the payroll process for restaurant owners who use Square POS.

   I believe Square Payroll is the best for integrated payments because of its capability to import timecards and tips directly from the Square POS system, ensuring accurate and efficient payroll runs.

   Standout features & integrations:

   Standout features for Square Payroll include automated tax filings, compliance support, and direct deposit options, which make payroll management easier. It also provides add-on support from certified HR experts and pay-as-you-go workers' compensation that syncs with payroll.

   Square Payroll integrates with QuickBooks Online, Square POS, Square Team App, Square Dashboard, Square Checking account, Cash App, and various health insurance, retirement, and accounting solutions.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Flexible pricing with unlimited pay runs and no long-term contracts
   • Automated tax filings and compliance support
   • Integrated with Square POS for easy payroll processing

   Cons:

   • Some features require additional add-on purchases
   • Pricing may be higher for businesses with many employees due to the per-person fee
   Learn more about Square Payroll:

   • Check out Square Payroll on their website
10. 

    10

    Toast

    Best for POS system integration

    • Free demo available
    • From $90/month

    Visit Website

    Customer Rating:4.2/5This rating combines scores from multiple user review sites to reflect overall customer sentiment about the product.

    

    Toast is best suited for restaurants that want payroll tightly connected to their point-of-sale system. It’s designed for operators who need wages, tips, and hours to flow directly from POS data into payroll without manual reconciliation.

    Why I Picked Toast

    I picked Toast because it connects payroll directly to POS timesheets, which reduces manual data entry and payroll errors for restaurant teams. You can automatically sync employee hours, tips, and overtime from the POS into payroll, so managers don’t have to cross-check multiple systems.

    I like that payroll runs faster because time tracking, wage calculations, and tip reporting are handled in one place, and Toast also supports restaurant-specific pay scenarios, such as tipped employees and multiple job roles, using POS-driven labor data. For operators already using Toast POS, this tight connection makes payroll far easier to manage week after week.

    Toast Key Features

    Here are some key features worth highlighting:

    • POS-Synced Payroll Processing: Pulls hours, tips, and wages directly from Toast POS timesheets.
    • Restaurant-Specific Tip Handling: Supports pooled tips, tip credits, and compliant tip reporting.
    • Mobile Employee Onboarding: Lets staff complete payroll setup from their phones.
    • HR Toolkit Access: Provides restaurant-focused HR templates and compliance resources.

    Toast Integrations

    Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, 7shifts, HotSchedules, Restaurant365, Tock, ADP, Paychex, Square, and Aloha.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Access to a comprehensive HR toolkit for restaurant-specific needs
    • Simplified employee onboarding and payroll management
    • Integrated payroll processing with POS timesheet data

    Cons:

    • Some features may be more tailored to larger operations rather than small businesses
    • The platform may have a learning curve for new users
    Learn more about Toast:

    • Check out Toast on their website