The top 5 made-in-Toronto dining apps for restaurants

The last 12 months have seen a number of Toronto-based start-ups enter the dining apps fray, and many Toronto restaurateurs have taken notice. No longer do restaurants only have the option between, say, Open Table and Bookenda to make dining experiences for their customers (and themselves) more streamlined.

Here are five made-in-Toronto apps that are starting to make inroads in the local restaurant scene.

Tab (iOS/Android)
This mobile payment app for restaurants solves a common dilemma for Toronto restaurant patrons: waiting for the bill. It lets users pay immediately without waiting for their bills. Users can also use the app the split the bill when dining with friends and tip their servers.

Maegan (iOS/Android)
Is slow service an issue? Maegan allows users to browse through menus, order, pay and post about their dining experiences all from their phone. The app also lets foodies order for home deliveries and for pick-up.

TouchBistro (iOS)
This iPad app allows wait staff to show off photos of the food on offer, send orders to the kitchen or bar while staying with the customer, and even split the bill by seating with just a swipe of the hand.

Higgins
This cloud-based mobile platform acts as "personal register" for businesses including restaurants, retailers, offices and more. It too allows patrons to pay for their meals directly from the app. Higgins also clocks inventory reports, and allows restaurants to keep track of orders and expense reports.

Pass The Table (iOS/Android)
This just-launched mobile app connects diners with one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Browse the app to find exclusive restaurant experiences (like a special prix-fixe menu not available to regular diners) or culinary events popping up at unique venues.

What did I miss? Let me know in the comments.

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Writing by Samuel Dunsiger.