By replacing its paper menus with digital versions on the iPad last week, Global Mundo Tapas at Rydges in North Sydney is the first restaurant in Australia to come with this new concept.

The South Australian Company, NetStart that is behind the MenuPad technology, which runs the restaurant’s menus, hopes that others will catch the idea soon. MenuPad allows restaurants to show a visual menu though it’s a bit more high-tech than the visual menus.

The system also provides automatic suggestions for matching wines and food pairings, and allows you to personalize your meal simply by touching the iPad’s screen. It even comprises the ability to choose how you like your steak, which is sure to reduce the incidence of meals being sent back to the kitchen.

“MenuPad adds a new dimension to the dining experience and is extremely exciting to see it all come to life”, said Craig Simpson, Area General Manager of Rydges Hotels. The new MenuPad allows restaurants to quickly remove or add the items from the menu for avoiding the inconveniences.

It also includes variations to prices, such as public holiday surcharges or the market price of seafood. Restaurateurs can simply handle their menus from a simple web interface and orders can be faxed, emailed or texted directly to the kitchen. MenuPad can even be incorporated with point of sale systems, so you can pay for your meal via the iPad.