Quick Overview
- 1#1: OpenTable - Comprehensive reservation, seating, and guest management platform for restaurants worldwide.
- 2#2: Resy - Intelligent reservation system with real-time table management and guest insights.
- 3#3: SevenRooms - Guest experience platform offering reservations, CRM, and personalized marketing tools.
- 4#4: Tock - Reservation and prepaid ticketing software for experiential dining and events.
- 5#5: Toast - Cloud POS with integrated reservation, waitlist, and host management features.
- 6#6: ResDiary - Global reservation and table management system with dynamic pricing capabilities.
- 7#7: Eat App - Mobile-first reservation platform with waitlist, seating, and analytics tools.
- 8#8: Hostme - AI-powered waitlist and automated table management app for efficient hosting.
- 9#9: NoWait - Virtual waitlist tool that texts guests and optimizes table turnover.
- 10#10: TableAgent - Simple online reservation system with floor plans and customer database.
Tools were ranked based on feature robustness, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of modern dining businesses.
Comparison Table
Effective restaurant host software streamlines guest management, and this comparison table simplifies choosing the right tool. It covers popular options like OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms, Tock, Toast, and more, highlighting key features to help readers understand usability, integration, and support. By comparing these solutions, you can identify the best fit for your establishment's operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OpenTable Comprehensive reservation, seating, and guest management platform for restaurants worldwide. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Resy Intelligent reservation system with real-time table management and guest insights. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | SevenRooms Guest experience platform offering reservations, CRM, and personalized marketing tools. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Tock Reservation and prepaid ticketing software for experiential dining and events. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Toast Cloud POS with integrated reservation, waitlist, and host management features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | ResDiary Global reservation and table management system with dynamic pricing capabilities. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Eat App Mobile-first reservation platform with waitlist, seating, and analytics tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Hostme AI-powered waitlist and automated table management app for efficient hosting. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | NoWait Virtual waitlist tool that texts guests and optimizes table turnover. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | TableAgent Simple online reservation system with floor plans and customer database. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive reservation, seating, and guest management platform for restaurants worldwide.
Intelligent reservation system with real-time table management and guest insights.
Guest experience platform offering reservations, CRM, and personalized marketing tools.
Reservation and prepaid ticketing software for experiential dining and events.
Cloud POS with integrated reservation, waitlist, and host management features.
Global reservation and table management system with dynamic pricing capabilities.
Mobile-first reservation platform with waitlist, seating, and analytics tools.
AI-powered waitlist and automated table management app for efficient hosting.
Virtual waitlist tool that texts guests and optimizes table turnover.
Simple online reservation system with floor plans and customer database.
OpenTable
enterpriseComprehensive reservation, seating, and guest management platform for restaurants worldwide.
Unrivaled global reservation network connecting millions of diners for direct, high-conversion bookings
OpenTable is the premier restaurant reservation and table management platform, enabling hosts to handle online bookings, real-time seating charts, waitlists, and guest profiles efficiently. It optimizes table turnover with intelligent algorithms and provides actionable insights through analytics dashboards. Integrated with major POS systems, it streamlines front-of-house operations for restaurants worldwide.
Pros
- Vast global network drives high reservation volume
- Advanced table management with visual floor plans and auto-optimization
- Robust mobile app for on-the-go host management
Cons
- Premium pricing and per-cover fees can be costly for smaller venues
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Dependency on OpenTable's ecosystem limits flexibility
Best For
Busy, high-volume restaurants aiming to maximize bookings and efficiency through a proven industry-leading platform.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month for basic plans plus $1-2 per seated cover; scales to custom enterprise pricing.
Resy
enterpriseIntelligent reservation system with real-time table management and guest insights.
Intelligent Waitlist with predictive no-show adjustments and automated notifications to fill tables efficiently
Resy is a leading reservation and table management platform tailored for restaurants, enabling seamless online bookings, real-time host stand operations, and optimized seating. It provides tools like dynamic waitlists, VIP guest tagging, and revenue forecasting to maximize table turns and covers. Integrated with POS systems and offering guest insights, Resy enhances the front-of-house experience for high-demand venues.
Pros
- Intuitive real-time table mapping and auto-seating suggestions
- Robust guest database with preferences and history tracking
- Powerful analytics for no-show prediction and revenue optimization
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit small or low-volume restaurants
- Occasional integration glitches with certain POS systems
- Advanced features require staff training
Best For
Upscale or high-traffic restaurants needing sophisticated reservation handling and data-driven host operations.
Pricing
Custom tiered subscriptions starting at ~$250/month for Essentials, scaling to Enterprise with per-cover fees (typically 2-4%) based on volume.
SevenRooms
enterpriseGuest experience platform offering reservations, CRM, and personalized marketing tools.
Full ownership of guest data platform, allowing restaurants to own and leverage first-party customer insights unlike aggregator models
SevenRooms is a comprehensive hospitality CRM and reservation platform tailored for restaurants, enabling seamless management of bookings, waitlists, table assignments, and guest interactions. It captures detailed guest data across visits to create rich profiles, supporting personalized marketing, loyalty programs, and revenue optimization. Ideal for high-volume operations, it integrates with POS systems and offers analytics to drive repeat business and VIP treatment.
Pros
- Powerful guest CRM with lifetime data tracking and personalization
- Advanced reservation tools including waitlist and virtual queuing
- Robust integrations with POS, delivery, and marketing platforms
Cons
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for small restaurants
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Setup and customization require dedicated support
Best For
High-end, multi-location restaurants and hospitality groups prioritizing data-driven guest loyalty and revenue growth.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500–$1,000+ per month per location, scaling with reservation volume and features.
Tock
specializedReservation and prepaid ticketing software for experiential dining and events.
Prepaid guest deposits that secure reservations and enable dynamic pricing
Tock is a premium reservation and table management platform tailored for restaurants, enabling deposit-secured bookings, waitlist management, and dynamic pricing to optimize seating. It offers tools for events, private dining, and guest relationship management, with robust analytics for revenue insights. Primarily designed for upscale establishments, it helps reduce no-shows and maximize table turnover.
Pros
- Highly effective deposit system drastically reduces no-shows
- Advanced analytics and reporting for revenue optimization
- Seamless integration with POS systems and guest CRM
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Pricing is premium and custom, not ideal for small venues
- Limited customization for casual or quick-service restaurants
Best For
Upscale and fine-dining restaurants prioritizing revenue protection and sophisticated guest management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $500/month based on covers and features; enterprise plans higher.
Toast
enterpriseCloud POS with integrated reservation, waitlist, and host management features.
Real-time interactive floor maps with drag-and-drop table assignments
Toast is a comprehensive restaurant management platform with dedicated hosting tools including digital floor plans, waitlist management, and reservation integration via partnerships like OpenTable. Hosts can visualize table status in real-time, manage guest seating efficiently, and communicate via SMS notifications for wait times. As part of an all-in-one POS system, it streamlines operations from front-of-house to back-of-house for full-service restaurants.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Toast POS for real-time data syncing
- Interactive digital floor plans for quick table management
- Automated waitlist and SMS guest notifications
Cons
- Higher pricing tied to full platform subscription
- Steeper learning curve for non-Toast users
- Limited standalone use without hardware commitment
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants seeking an integrated POS and hosting solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$165/location/month for software, plus hardware and per-user fees.
ResDiary
specializedGlobal reservation and table management system with dynamic pricing capabilities.
Dynamic yield management that intelligently controls availability and pricing to maximize table turnover and revenue
ResDiary is a robust restaurant reservation and table management platform designed to streamline online bookings, real-time seating, and guest interactions for hospitality venues. It offers an interactive floor plan for host staff, waitlist management, and a detailed CRM to track preferences and history. The software also includes marketing automation, yield management tools, and integrations with major POS systems to enhance operational efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time floor plan and table optimization
- Powerful guest CRM with personalization and no-show prevention
- Wide range of integrations with POS, delivery, and payment systems
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit small independent restaurants
- Steep learning curve for advanced yield management features
- Customer support response times can vary by region
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants or chains with high reservation volumes needing advanced table and guest management.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at around £150-£300/month based on covers, seats, and add-ons; free trial available.
Eat App
specializedMobile-first reservation platform with waitlist, seating, and analytics tools.
AI-driven Auto-Seat optimizer that automatically assigns tables based on party size, duration, and revenue potential
Eat App is a cloud-based restaurant management platform focused on reservations, table management, and guest engagement for the front-of-house. It enables online bookings, digital waitlists, automated seating optimization, and personalized guest communications via SMS and email. The software integrates with POS systems like Lightspeed and Toast, providing data-driven insights to reduce no-shows and maximize table turnover.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for hosts to manage reservations and seating on the go
- Robust guest CRM with preferences tracking and automated marketing
- Strong integrations with popular POS and delivery platforms
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for higher tiers with advanced features
- Limited customization options for very small or independent venues
- Reporting dashboard could be more granular for enterprise users
Best For
Mid-sized upscale restaurants and chains aiming to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency through digital reservations.
Pricing
Starter plan at $99/month (up to 500 covers), Pro at $199/month (unlimited covers), Enterprise custom pricing.
Hostme
specializedAI-powered waitlist and automated table management app for efficient hosting.
AI-powered seating optimizer that provides real-time table assignment suggestions to maximize turnover and revenue
Hostme is a cloud-based restaurant reservation and table management platform designed to streamline host stand operations. It offers online booking widgets, real-time floor plan management, waitlist handling, and automated seating suggestions to optimize table turnover. The software integrates with popular POS systems like Toast and Square, providing guest profiles and basic analytics for better service.
Pros
- Intuitive iPad-based floor plans with drag-and-drop seating
- Smart waitlist and reservation management to reduce no-shows
- Affordable pricing with solid POS integrations
Cons
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise tools
- Limited customization for complex floor layouts
- No built-in phone reservation system
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent restaurants needing an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution for reservations and table management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Starter (1 location, basic features), $199/month for Pro (advanced tools), and custom Enterprise pricing.
NoWait
specializedVirtual waitlist tool that texts guests and optimizes table turnover.
Pager-free text notifications that let guests wait off-site and arrive precisely when called
NoWait is a mobile-first waitlist management platform designed for restaurants to streamline host operations by digitizing waitlists and sending automated text notifications to guests when tables are ready. It allows customers to join the waitlist remotely via text, app, or host input, providing real-time estimated wait times and reducing no-shows through guest profiles and reminders. While focused primarily on walk-ins and wait management, it integrates with some POS systems for basic table turnover insights but lacks comprehensive reservation booking.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app reduces host station clutter and pager dependency
- Real-time text notifications improve guest satisfaction and cut no-shows by up to 50%
- Remote waitlist joining via text or app minimizes lobby crowding
Cons
- Limited reservation capabilities compared to full-service platforms like OpenTable
- Integrations with POS and other tools are basic and not universal
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume locations without proportional advanced features
Best For
Busy casual dining restaurants with high walk-in traffic that prioritize efficient waitlist management over formal reservations.
Pricing
Starts at $135/month per location for up to 5,000 annual covers, with tiers up to $395/month for 50,000+ covers; custom enterprise pricing available.
TableAgent
otherSimple online reservation system with floor plans and customer database.
Autonomous AI agent that handles reservations and seating decisions 24/7
TableAgent is an AI-driven restaurant host software that automates reservation management, waitlist handling, and table optimization to streamline front-of-house operations. It uses intelligent algorithms to predict no-shows, maximize table turnover, and communicate with guests via text or email. Designed for busy restaurants, it reduces manual work for hosts while improving seating efficiency and revenue.
Pros
- AI-powered table optimization boosts turnover and revenue
- Automated waitlist and no-show predictions save host time
- Seamless guest communication via SMS/email enhances experience
Cons
- Limited integrations with some POS systems
- Higher pricing may not suit very small venues
- Occasional AI inaccuracies require oversight
Best For
Medium-sized restaurants seeking AI automation to optimize seating without a full-time host team.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month per location, with enterprise plans scaling up based on covers and features.
Conclusion
This review of top restaurant host software showcases tools designed to simplify reservations, guest management, and operational efficiency. At the forefront, OpenTable clearly emerges as the top choice, offering a comprehensive platform trusted globally. Resy and SevenRooms follow as strong alternatives—Resy for intelligent real-time insights and SevenRooms for personalized guest engagement. Each tool meets unique needs, but OpenTable excels with its well-rounded capabilities.
Explore OpenTable today to elevate your restaurant's hosting experience, leveraging its robust features to streamline operations and delight guests.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison