# AI Restaurant Menu Parser (No AI Markup) + Allergens (`traveleat/ai-menu-parser`) Actor $0.1/1K dishes | Turn menu photos into dish JSON: translated names, prices, ingredients, dietary type and AI-estimated EU-14 allergens and nutrition in 15 languages. Runs on your own Gemini key. Not affiliated with Google. - **URL**: https://apify.com/traveleat/ai-menu-parser.md - **Developed by:** [Travel Eat](https://apify.com/traveleat) (community) - **Categories:** AI, Automation - **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks - **User rating**: No ratings yet ## Pricing from $0.05 / 1,000 dish extracteds This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events. Since this Actor supports Apify Store discounts, the price gets lower the higher subscription plan you have. Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/actors/running/actors-in-store.md#pay-per-event ## What's an Apify Actor? An Actor is a serverless cloud program that runs on the Apify platform. It has two run modes. In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours, and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store. In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server. Apify vocabulary and the platform model are defined once, in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md. ## How to integrate an Actor? If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects. You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready. Do not guess an integration path. Every one of them is in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md: the Apify MCP server, Agent Skills with the Apify CLI, the JavaScript and Python clients, the REST API, and the account-free path for an agent with no human to sign in. It also carries the rule on stating cost before the first paid run. For examples already wired to this Actor's own input schema, see the [API](#api) section below. Each client library has reference documentation the quickstart does not restate: [JavaScript/TypeScript](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md) (`npm install apify-client`) and [Python](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md) (`pip install apify-client`). # README ## AI Restaurant Menu Parser (No AI Markup) + Allergens $0.1/1K dishes | Turn menu photos into dish JSON: translated names, prices, ingredients, dietary type and AI-estimated EU-14 allergens and nutrition in 15 languages. Runs on your own Gemini key. Not affiliated with Google. ### AI Menu Photo to Dish JSON Parser Our parser reads photos of a restaurant menu and returns one JSON record per dish: the name in your language, the price as printed, atomic ingredients with EU-14 allergen flags, a dietary type and an estimated nutrition block. It runs on **your own Google AI Studio (Gemini) key**, so you control the AI spend and the quota. It is ideal for dietary-restriction apps, delivery and menu databases, and menu translation. - Don't want to manage a Gemini key? Use [AI Restaurant Menu Parser (No API Key) + Allergens](https://apify.com/traveleat/ai-menu-parser-managed): same parser, the AI cost is included, $0.20 per 1,000 dishes. - Mostly dense menus? [AI Menu Parser (Flat Price per Menu) + Allergens](https://apify.com/traveleat/ai-menu-parser-flat) charges one flat $0.02 per menu of up to 10 photos, however many dishes it holds; it beats the No API Key per-dish price on menus above roughly 100 dishes. - Have the menu and want dish photos? [Dish Photo Matcher (No AI Markup): Food Photos to Menu Items](https://apify.com/traveleat/dish-photo-matcher) matches guest photos to your menu items. - Only have a Google Maps place? Our [Google Maps Menu Scraper](https://apify.com/traveleat/google-maps-menu-scraper) finds the menu photos for you. - Browse all our scrapers: https://apify.com/traveleat #### Key Benefits - Your key, your cost: parsing runs on your Gemini key, so the AI bill and quota stay under your control (Google bills it separately). - Low pricing: $0.10 per 1,000 dishes, plus a $0.00005 start fee per run. - Free to try: Start on the prefilled form returns a clearly marked DEMO row at no charge, and your first live run waives up to 10 dish charges. - No charge for empty runs: unreadable photos produce a diagnostic row, not a bill. - Rich output: ingredients, EU-14 allergens, dietary type and estimated nutrition in 15 output languages. ### How It Works 1. Add your menu photos: upload JPEG, PNG or WebP files in the Console, or pass image URLs (API callers can also send base64). Up to 20 photos per run are parsed together as one menu, and each image can be up to 10 MiB. 2. Paste your Gemini key (get a free one at [aistudio.google.com/apikey](https://aistudio.google.com/apikey)) and pick the output language and Gemini model. 3. Run the Actor. Each readable dish becomes one dataset row; an empty or failed parse returns one diagnostic row instead. More settings: - `geminiModel` - the model that reads the photos. Default is `gemini-2.5-flash`. - `language` - output language for names, descriptions and allergen summaries. Default is `en`; ingredient database names stay English. The prefilled form (the sample menu photo with no Gemini key) is a deterministic preview: it returns one DEMO row, calls no model and bills nothing. Add your own photos and your key for a live parse. Limits: PDFs are not read, so convert menu pages to images first. Unreadable items are skipped rather than guessed, and AI output can be wrong on stylised or low-resolution menus. **Allergens, dietary type, ingredients and nutrition are AI estimates.** They can be wrong and do not reliably account for substitutions or kitchen cross-contact. Verify critical information with the restaurant, and never use this output as the only safeguard for a severe allergy. #### Data You'll Receive - Dish basics: `name` translated to your language, `originalName` as printed, `category`, `price` with currency as shown, `composition`, `description`. - Ingredients: atomic base ingredients, each with an English database name, a translated display name and EU-14 allergens with a confidence level (AI estimates). - Diet and nutrition: `dietaryType` (Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescetarian or Other) with an explanation, estimated serving size, calories, protein, fat and carbs, `isAlcoholic` for drinks. - Story: an origin or cultural note on some dishes (11 of 12 in our test menu). - Source: `sourceImageUrls` and `sourceImageRefs` point back to the photo each dish came from. #### Sample output data Here is an example dish from a live run of the same parser (language `es`; ingredients shortened to two): ```json { "recordType": "DISH", "name": "Desayuno estilo Cracovia", "originalName": "KRAKOWSKIE / CRACOW - STYLE BREAKFAST", "category": "Desayunos", "price": "34 zł", "composition": "Obwarzanek, pasta de huevo con cebollino, requesón con atún, hummus", "description": "Un desayuno variado que incluye un pan tradicional polaco, pasta de huevo, requesón con atún y hummus cremoso.", "ingredients": [ { "name": "wheat flour", "display_name": "Harina de trigo", "explanation": null, "allergens": [ { "name": "gluten", "confidence": "high" } ] }, { "name": "egg", "display_name": "Huevo", "explanation": null, "allergens": [ { "name": "eggs", "confidence": "high" } ] } ], "dietaryType": "Pescetarian", "dietaryTypeExplanation": "Este plato contiene atún, lo que lo clasifica como pescetariano. También incluye lácteos y huevos.", "allergens": "Gluten, Huevos, Leche, Pescado, Sésamo", "type": "dish", "isAlcoholic": false, "story": "El obwarzanek es un pan tradicional polaco, similar a un pretzel, originario de Cracovia y reconocido como producto regional protegido.", "nutritionInfo": { "serving_size_grams": "300g", "calories": "450-550 kcal", "protein": "25-35g", "fat": "15-25g", "carbs": "40-50g" }, "sourceImageUrls": [ "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg" ], "sourceImageRefs": [ "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg" ] } ``` ### Menu Parser API Results are stored in a dataset that you can export as CSV, JSON or Excel, or read on demand through the Apify API. #### Support and Feedback We improve these Actors from your feedback. If something breaks or you need a field: - Open an issue on the Actor's Issues tab - If this Actor saved you time, a short review on the Store helps other users find it. ### Run evidence #### Start with one input and output An Apify account is required. Use your Apify API token when calling the API; Console runs do not need that token pasted into the input. The unchanged default preview requires no provider key and makes no live AI or source call. A customized live run requires your own Gemini key; Maps/Outscraper collection also requires your own Outscraper key. Those providers bill separately. Free-tier event rates checked 2026-10-04: `actor-start` $0.00005; `result` $0.0001. **Cost:** Total = Actor event charges + platform usage if separately billed + any BYO-provider charges. See “Current costs” for your event rates, plan tiers and a calculation. A sample does not promise future billable volume. This matching input/output pair is a **marked DEMO preview**, observed in run `feRUIWM93MoYaIw7n` (immutable build `KGZ42ePpq0LTk11bR`). It demonstrates the output shape and makes no live source or AI-provider call. It does not verify a live parse or synchronization. Keep the preview unchanged; customize it and supply the documented credentials for live work. **Input JSON** ```json { "imageUrls": [ "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg" ], "geminiModel": "gemini-2.5-flash", "language": "en" } ``` **Matching output excerpt** Long strings and arrays are shortened for display; this is not a complete dataset fixture. ```json { "recordType": "DEMO", "isDemo": true, "demoSource": "owned-default-prefill", "demoNote": "Deterministic preview only: no live source, photo scrape, or Gemini call occurred, and the row was not billed. Customize the input for live output; BYOK listings also require their provider credentials.", "name": "DEMO SAMPLE — Margherita Pizza", "originalName": "Margherita Pizza", "category": "Pizza", "price": "$18.00", "composition": "Tomato, mozzarella and basil", "description": "Example structured menu record; not a live extraction.", "ingredients": [], "dietaryType": "Vegetarian", "dietaryTypeExplanation": "Example classification for preview only.", "allergens": "Milk (preview example)", "type": "dish", "isAlcoholic": false, "story": null, "nutritionInfo": null, "sourceImageUrls": [ "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg" ], "sourceImageRefs": [ "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg" ] } ``` Upload menu photos (or send URLs/base64 through JSON), get back the menu as **structured JSON** — one record per dish. Richer than generic menu-OCR actors: - `name` (translated to your language) + `originalName` (as printed) - `category`, `price` (with currency, as shown) - `ingredients` — atomic base ingredients (composite preparations like pesto or hummus are decomposed), each with an English database name, translated display name, and **EU-14 allergens with confidence levels** - `dietaryType` — Vegan / Vegetarian / Pescetarian / Other, with explanation - `nutritionInfo` — estimated serving size, calories, protein, fat, carbs - `story` — origin story / cultural significance - `isAlcoholic` for beverages 15 output languages. The prompt is the production pipeline of a dietary-restrictions travel app — battle-tested on real menus worldwide. #### Bring your own Gemini key Parsing runs on **your** Google AI Studio key ([get one free](https://aistudio.google.com/apikey)) — you control the AI cost and quota. Check this Actor’s **Pricing** tab for the current charges for your Apify plan. Actor charges are separate from usage on your Gemini account. Your first live run waives up to 10 per-dish charges; the actor-start charge still applies. Empty and failed parses produce a `diagnostic: true` row with a `message` and create no Apify billing events, although Gemini may charge your account for an attempted inference. #### Input example ```json { "imageUrls": ["https://example.com/menu-page-1.jpg", "https://example.com/menu-page-2.jpg"], "geminiApiKey": "AIza…", "language": "en" } ``` #### Notes - The untouched keyless Console run returns one deterministic row labelled `recordType: "DEMO"` / `isDemo: true`. It makes no image or Gemini call and is not billed. Customize the input and add your Gemini key to use the normal live path. - The Console accepts local JPEG, PNG, or WebP uploads directly. API callers may use HTTP(S) URLs, base64 data URIs, or raw base64 in `imageUrls`. - Each decoded image is limited to 10 MiB. Inline payloads and signed URL credentials are replaced with safe references in output records and logs. - **First live run allowance**: up to 10 per-dish charges are waived; the actor-start charge still applies. The untouched prefilled DEMO is separate and completely free. - Up to 20 images per run, parsed together as one menu. - Unreadable items are skipped rather than guessed; empty results produce a non-billed diagnostic row explaining why. - Don't have menu photos yet? The companion **Google Maps Menu Scraper** actor finds them from a Google Maps place URL and parses them in one run. #### Safety Allergen, dietary, ingredient and nutrition fields are AI-generated estimates. They can be wrong and do not account reliably for substitutions or kitchen cross-contact. Verify critical information with the restaurant; do not rely on this output as medical advice or as the sole safeguard for a severe allergy. #### Support & links - Questions, bug reports and FAQ: [github.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support](https://github.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support) - This actor runs the same menu pipeline as [Travel Eat](https://traveleat.app) — scan a menu, get allergens, ingredients and dietary filters in 36 languages. #### Product guides and related tools - [Product overview and public links](https://jobatlas.dev/actors/directory/menus-and-photos#nomad-agent-ai-menu-parser) - [Public setup guide](https://github.com/Exdenta/jobatlas/blob/main/docs/public-actors-setup.md) - [Travel Eat menu API guide](https://traveleat.app/blog/ai-menu-parser-api) - [Menu API documentation and support](https://github.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support) - [Restaurant Dish Photo Matcher — Photos to Menu Items](https://apify.com/traveleat/dish-photo-matcher) #### Current costs Current Actor event rates, checked 2026-10-04. USD; use the **Pricing** tab for your plan and later changes. | Event | Free | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum | Diamond | |---|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:| | Actor start (`actor-start`) | $0.00005 | $0.00005 | $0.00005 | $0.00005 | $0.00005 | $0.00005 | | Dish extracted (`result`) | $0.0001 | $0.0001 | $0.0001 | $0.0001 | $0.0001 | $0.0001 | For example, 1 × `actor-start`, 100 × `result` totals **$0.01005 in Actor event charges on Free**. This is an arithmetic example, before any waiver; actual charged events depend on the run and selected options. It is not a promise of output or a charge for simply setting an item cap. Your total is the charged Actor events, plus platform usage **only if this Actor’s Pricing tab bills it separately**, plus any external provider you use with your own key. Do not add platform usage twice when it is included. Apify credits and plan discounts affect your invoice. Set a run cost limit in Console before starting. As documented, the first successful live run waives up to ten per-dish events; the actor-start event still applies. The untouched prefilled sample is a marked demo, not a live parse. Empty/failed diagnostic output creates no Actor billing events. #### Agent setup skill Use the maintained [SKILL.md](https://github.com/Exdenta/jobatlas/blob/main/.agents/skills/public-apify-actors/SKILL.md) to configure the documented inputs, select `latest`, record the immutable build and distinguish source results from preview or diagnostic rows. Check the current Pricing tab before starting a run. *** **Independent tool.** We built and run this Actor ourselves. Google does not operate, sponsor or endorse it, and its name is used only to say which service the data is processed with. We are not affiliated with Google. # Actor input Schema ## `imageUrls` (type: `array`): Upload menu photos or provide direct image URLs (JPEG/PNG/WebP, 10 MiB per image). API/JSON callers may also pass base64 data URIs or raw base64 strings in imageUrls. All images are parsed as one menu — up to 20 per run. The untouched owned sample returns a free, clearly marked DEMO preview; replace it with your own images for a live parse. ## `geminiApiKey` (type: `string`): Required for live parses of your own images. Get a free key at aistudio.google.com/apikey. Parsing runs on your key, so you control the AI cost. Leave it empty only for the untouched free DEMO preview. ## `geminiModel` (type: `string`): Model used to read the menu photos. ## `language` (type: `string`): Language for dish names, descriptions, stories and allergen summaries (ingredient database names stay English). ## Actor input object example ```json { "imageUrls": [ "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg" ], "geminiModel": "gemini-2.5-flash", "language": "en" } ``` # Actor output Schema ## `items` (type: `string`): The run's dataset items (see the dataset schema for the field-by-field structure). # API You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup. ## JavaScript example ```javascript import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client'; // Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token // Replace the '' with your token const client = new ApifyClient({ token: '', }); // Prepare Actor input const input = { "imageUrls": [ "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg" ] }; // Run the Actor and wait for it to finish const run = await client.actor("traveleat/ai-menu-parser").call(input); // Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any) console.log('Results from dataset'); console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`); const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems(); items.forEach((item) => { console.dir(item); }); // 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs ``` ## Python example ```python from apify_client import ApifyClient # Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token # Replace '' with your token. client = ApifyClient("") # Prepare the Actor input run_input = { "imageUrls": ["https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg"] } # Run the Actor and wait for it to finish run = client.actor("traveleat/ai-menu-parser").call(run_input=run_input) # Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any) print(f"💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/{run.default_dataset_id}") for item in client.dataset(run.default_dataset_id).iterate_items(): print(item) # 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start ``` ## CLI example ```bash echo '{ "imageUrls": [ "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exdenta/traveleat-support/main/docs/assets/menu-demo-small.jpg" ] }' | apify call traveleat/ai-menu-parser --silent --output-dataset ``` ## MCP server setup ```json { "mcpServers": { "apify": { "type": "http", "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,traveleat/ai-menu-parser" } } } ``` The hosted server signs you in with OAuth on first connect, so no API token belongs in this config. Clients without OAuth support can send an `Authorization: Bearer ` header instead, using a token from API & Integrations in Apify Console (https://console.apify.com/settings/integrations). ## OpenAPI specification Download the OpenAPI definition: https://api.apify.com/v2/actors/9fdMO5WS6NQBWC9Z1/builds/6IbfaiiUAe4HVZjye/openapi.json