Restaurant chain wagamama has launched an iPhone application which allows customers to place takeaway orders direct from their mobile phones.

The free to download app has been created with IT specialists Micros Systems and allows users to find their nearest wagamama, browse its menu and place their order.

Customers can then pay for their order in the app itself, by credit or debit card, and specify at what time they want to collect it.

Their order is then transmitted straight to the kitchen, in a similar way to the wireless hand-held devices used by wagamama restaurant staff.

Wagamama's CEO, Steve Hill, said: "At wagamama we have always embraced the newest technology, so we're proud to be first-to-market in the restaurant sector with our new iPhone app."

To coincide with the launch of its iPhone app, the restaurant chain has relaunched its online take-out site, wagamamatakeout.com, which features a revamped ordering system.