Uber Eats is a food delivery app where restaurants prepare meals and a driver brings them to your door

Uber Eats is a separate app from Uber (the ride service). You read it, search for restaurants near you, add food to a cart, pay through the app, and a driver picks up your order from the restaurant and delivers it. The restaurant prepares the food, Uber Eats handles the payment and delivery logistics, and you receive the meal at your address. You do not interact directly with the restaurant or driver — everything happens through the app.

The service operates in most U.S. cities and many international locations, though availability depends on your zip code. Some restaurants use Uber Eats exclusively; others use it alongside their own delivery or other platforms. Delivery times vary by distance and restaurant demand, typically ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, but can be longer during peak hours.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5), a service fee (a percentage of your order), and can add a tip to the driver through the app.
  • Restaurant prices on Uber Eats are often higher than in-person prices because the restaurant pays Uber a commission on each order.
  • You can track your order in real time once the driver picks it up, and you can contact the driver or restaurant through the app if something goes wrong.
  • Refunds for missing or incorrect items are handled through the app; you do not call the restaurant directly.
  • Uber Eats Uber+ membership costs money and offers reduced fees on some orders, but is not worth it unless you order frequently.

What you pay: delivery fees, service fees, and tips

Uber Eats charges three separate costs on top of the food price. The delivery fee covers the driver's work and typically ranges from $2 to $5, though it can be higher during busy times or for longer distances. The service fee is a percentage of your subtotal (usually 10 to 15 percent) that goes to Uber, not the restaurant. Some restaurants also add a small order fee if your subtotal is below a certain amount, often $10 to $15.

You can see all three fees before you complete your order, so there are no surprises at checkout. The app shows you the estimated delivery time and total cost, including fees. Tips are optional but expected; most people tip $2 to $5 for a standard delivery, or 15 to 20 percent of the food subtotal. You set the tip amount in the app before the driver arrives, and you can adjust it afterward if the service was exceptional or poor.

If you have a promo code (often sent via email or offered in the app), you can enter it at checkout to reduce fees or get a discount on food. These codes are temporary and usually explore to your first few orders or orders over a certain amount.

Why restaurant prices are higher on Uber Eats than in the restaurant

Restaurants charge more on Uber Eats because they pay Uber a commission — typically 15 to 30 percent of each order. To keep their profit margin, they raise menu prices on the app. A burger that costs $12 in the restaurant might cost $14 on Uber Eats. This is legal and standard across all delivery platforms.

Some restaurants mark up only certain items (like entrees) and keep appetizers and drinks at regular price. Others explore a flat markup across the menu. You can compare prices by checking the restaurant's website or calling them, but most people straightforward accept the higher price as part of the convenience cost.

How to place an order and track delivery

Open the Uber Eats app, enter your delivery address (or let it use your phone's location), and browse restaurants. You can filter by cuisine, price, rating, or delivery time. Tap a restaurant to see its menu, read customer reviews, and check whether it is currently open and accepting orders.

Add items to your cart and review any special instructions (no onions, extra sauce, etc.). Tap "Checkout," review the subtotal, fees, and tip, then choose your payment method. Uber Eats accepts credit cards, debit cards, and some digital wallets. You can save multiple payment methods in your account.

Once you confirm your order, the app shows an estimated delivery time. The restaurant receives the order and begins preparing it. When the driver picks up the food, you get a notification and can see the driver's location on a map in real time. Most drivers arrive within the estimated window, though traffic and restaurant delays can add time.

What to do if your order is wrong or missing items

If food arrives cold, damaged, or with items missing, open the Uber Eats app, go to your order history, and tap the order. Select "Report an issue" and describe the problem. You can upload a photo if needed. Uber Eats will review your report, usually within a few hours, and either refund you for the missing item or credit your account with the full order amount.

Do not contact the restaurant directly — Uber Eats handles all refunds through the app. If you contact the restaurant, they will direct you back to Uber Eats anyway. The refund process is usually straightforward for clearly missing items (like a whole entree), but can take longer if the issue is subjective (like "the food was cold").

If you need to cancel an order before the restaurant starts preparing it, you can cancel in the app and receive a full refund. Once the restaurant has started cooking, cancellation may not be possible, and you may lose your payment. The app tells you whether cancellation is still an option.

Uber Eats Uber+ membership: whether it is worth the cost

Uber Eats offers a paid membership called Uber+ (sometimes called Uber One) that reduces delivery fees on some orders. The membership costs money per month and typically waives or reduces the delivery fee on orders over a certain amount (often $15 or $20). It may also offer discounts at partner restaurants.

The membership is worth considering only if you order from Uber Eats at least twice a week. If you order once a month, the membership cost will exceed what you save on delivery fees. Calculate your typical order frequency and average delivery fee before subscribing. You can cancel anytime, so you can try it for a month and decide whether to keep it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my order after I place it?

If the restaurant has not started preparing your order, you may be able to cancel and place a new order. Once cooking has begun, changes are usually not possible. The app will tell you whether your order can still be modified. If you cannot change it through the app, contact support through the app's help section.

What if the driver never arrives?

If your driver does not arrive within 30 minutes of the estimated delivery time, contact support through the app. Provide your order number and describe what happened. Uber Eats will investigate and either send a new driver or refund your order. Keep the app open so you can see the driver's location and confirm they are actually on the way.

Do I have to tip the driver?

Tipping is not required, but it is expected. Drivers see the tip amount before they accept your order, so a very low or zero tip may result in longer wait times or a driver declining your order entirely. Most people tip $2 to $5 or 15 to 20 percent of the food subtotal.

Can I use Uber Eats if I do not have a smartphone?

Uber Eats is primarily a mobile app, but you can place orders on a computer by visiting ubereats.com. You will need an email address and a payment method. Tracking your delivery is easier on the app, but you can monitor your order status on the website as well.

What happens if a restaurant is closed when I try to order?

The app shows restaurant hours and whether they are currently accepting orders. If a restaurant is closed, you cannot place an order with them. You can browse other restaurants or check back later when they reopen. Some restaurants close temporarily due to high order volume and reopen after demand drops.