This study investigates gender differences in preferences and satisfaction with online meal delivery services. It utilizes a quantitative cross-sectional survey approach. A total of 386 respondents in Palghar district, Maharashtra, India, were surveyed using a structured questionnaire to gather data. The research model underwent analysis utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the aid of SmartPLS software. This analysis followed the suggested two-step strategy for evaluating the measurement and structural models. The research used Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) and examined gender as a moderating factor using the PLS-MGA technique. The results demonstrate significant gender differences in how perceived advantages and societal expectations impact consumer opinions of online meal delivery services. More precisely, women exhibit a more pronounced correlation between perceived advantages and consumer perception, while men are more swayed by societal standards. The impact of system quality is uniform across genders, suggesting that both males and females evaluate the service’s operation in a similar manner. The research establishes the distinctiveness of the constructs, with the model accounting for a greater amount of variation in customer views among men in comparison to females. The multi-group research highlights the intricate functions of perceived advantages, social norms, and system quality, providing valuable insights into the distinct priorities of different genders in the realm of online meal delivery services. This study presents concrete data that demonstrates noteworthy disparities between genders in how they perceive and assess online meal delivery services. These findings have important implications for developing service methods that cater to the specific requirements of male and female clients.