Quick Overview
- 1#1: OpenTable - Global online reservation platform that connects diners to restaurants with real-time table booking and management tools.
- 2#2: Resy - Modern reservation system offering waitlists, table management, and VIP booking for restaurants.
- 3#3: SevenRooms - Comprehensive guest experience platform with reservations, CRM, and marketing automation for hospitality venues.
- 4#4: Tock - Reservation and prepaid ticketing software designed for restaurants and special dining events.
- 5#5: ResDiary - Cloud-based reservation and table management system with real-time availability and reporting for restaurants.
- 6#6: Eat App - User-friendly online booking and table management software tailored for restaurants worldwide.
- 7#7: TheFork - Reservation platform integrated with TripAdvisor for attracting diners and managing bookings efficiently.
- 8#8: Toast - All-in-one restaurant POS with seamless online reservations, waitlists, and floor management.
- 9#9: Lightspeed Restaurant - Restaurant management POS featuring online reservation integration and table service tools.
- 10#10: Square for Restaurants - POS solution with built-in online ordering and reservation capabilities for small to mid-sized restaurants.
These tools were selected based on a focus on feature richness (reservation management, CRM integration, real-time analytics), ease of use, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse restaurant sizes and workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table helps restaurants evaluate top online reservation software, including OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms, Tock, ResDiary, and more. Readers will learn key features, pricing, integration options, and user experience to find the best fit for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OpenTable Global online reservation platform that connects diners to restaurants with real-time table booking and management tools. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Resy Modern reservation system offering waitlists, table management, and VIP booking for restaurants. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | SevenRooms Comprehensive guest experience platform with reservations, CRM, and marketing automation for hospitality venues. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Tock Reservation and prepaid ticketing software designed for restaurants and special dining events. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | ResDiary Cloud-based reservation and table management system with real-time availability and reporting for restaurants. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Eat App User-friendly online booking and table management software tailored for restaurants worldwide. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | TheFork Reservation platform integrated with TripAdvisor for attracting diners and managing bookings efficiently. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Toast All-in-one restaurant POS with seamless online reservations, waitlists, and floor management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Lightspeed Restaurant Restaurant management POS featuring online reservation integration and table service tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Square for Restaurants POS solution with built-in online ordering and reservation capabilities for small to mid-sized restaurants. | other | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
Global online reservation platform that connects diners to restaurants with real-time table booking and management tools.
Modern reservation system offering waitlists, table management, and VIP booking for restaurants.
Comprehensive guest experience platform with reservations, CRM, and marketing automation for hospitality venues.
Reservation and prepaid ticketing software designed for restaurants and special dining events.
Cloud-based reservation and table management system with real-time availability and reporting for restaurants.
User-friendly online booking and table management software tailored for restaurants worldwide.
Reservation platform integrated with TripAdvisor for attracting diners and managing bookings efficiently.
All-in-one restaurant POS with seamless online reservations, waitlists, and floor management.
Restaurant management POS featuring online reservation integration and table service tools.
POS solution with built-in online ordering and reservation capabilities for small to mid-sized restaurants.
OpenTable
specializedGlobal online reservation platform that connects diners to restaurants with real-time table booking and management tools.
Unrivaled diner network of over 1 billion annual reservations, ensuring instant visibility and high fill rates
OpenTable is the leading online reservation platform that connects millions of diners with restaurants worldwide, enabling seamless table bookings via its website and app. For restaurants, it provides comprehensive back-end tools like GuestCenter for managing reservations, waitlists, floor plans, and guest data to optimize operations and personalize service. Its vast network and marketing features help drive direct bookings, increase covers, and provide actionable analytics for revenue growth.
Pros
- Massive global diner network driving high-volume bookings and visibility
- Advanced table management, waitlist, and CRM tools for operational efficiency
- Integrated analytics, marketing automation, and POS integrations for data-driven decisions
Cons
- High subscription costs and per-cover commissions can strain small restaurants
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and custom floor plans
- Limited customization options compared to niche competitors
Best For
Busy, high-volume restaurants in competitive urban markets looking to maximize bookings and guest loyalty through a proven, large-scale platform.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at $299/month (Core) up to $1,499+/month (VIP), plus 3-6% per-cover fees; pay-per-booking options available for lower commitment.
Resy
specializedModern reservation system offering waitlists, table management, and VIP booking for restaurants.
VIP Priority Reservations with Magic Tokens, enabling diners to secure exclusive access to sold-out tables
Resy is a leading online reservation platform tailored for restaurants, allowing diners to book tables via web and mobile apps while equipping operators with tools for inventory management, waitlists, and customer insights. It excels in handling high-demand scenarios through features like virtual waitlists, prepaid reservations, and VIP priority access, making it popular among upscale and trendy venues. Backed by American Express, Resy offers seamless integrations with POS systems and provides data-driven analytics to optimize seating and reduce no-shows.
Pros
- Advanced waitlist management that texts diners for real-time availability
- Comprehensive guest profiles and analytics for personalized marketing
- Strong no-show protection via credit card holds and prepaid options
Cons
- Premium pricing may strain smaller or casual restaurants
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Less flexibility for highly customized reservation rules
Best For
Upscale and high-demand restaurants looking to manage peak times and foster VIP customer loyalty.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month for Essentials plan (up to 100 covers/day), $599/month for Professional, and custom Enterprise pricing with full support and integrations.
SevenRooms
enterpriseComprehensive guest experience platform with reservations, CRM, and marketing automation for hospitality venues.
Unified Guest CRM that captures and leverages data from every interaction for hyper-personalized experiences
SevenRooms is an all-in-one restaurant management platform specializing in online reservations, guest CRM, and revenue optimization for hospitality venues. It provides tools for seamless online booking, intelligent table management, personalized marketing campaigns, and detailed guest insights to enhance loyalty and operations. Ideal for high-volume restaurants, it integrates with POS systems and offers analytics to maximize covers and revenue.
Pros
- Powerful guest CRM with detailed profiles and history tracking
- Advanced marketing automation and loyalty tools
- Intelligent seating and waitlist optimization
Cons
- High pricing not suitable for small independents
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Custom setup can take time
Best For
Upscale restaurants, hotels, and groups prioritizing guest data-driven personalization and revenue growth.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $500/month plus per-cover fees based on volume; annual contracts common.
Tock
specializedReservation and prepaid ticketing software designed for restaurants and special dining events.
Guaranteed prepaid reservations that require deposits to secure bookings and eliminate no-shows.
Tock is a sophisticated reservation and table management platform tailored for restaurants, particularly fine dining and experiential venues. It specializes in prepaid bookings, event ticketing, and dynamic pricing to reduce no-shows and maximize revenue. The system includes waitlist management, POS integrations, and analytics for optimized operations.
Pros
- Prepaid reservations drastically reduce no-shows
- Powerful revenue tools like dynamic pricing and events
- Strong integrations with major POS systems
Cons
- Expensive for small or casual restaurants
- Complex initial setup and customization
- Limited options for basic reservation needs
Best For
Upscale restaurants and event-focused venues seeking advanced revenue management and no-show prevention.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at around $199/month for Essentials, scaling to custom enterprise pricing; includes 3% fee on prepaid bookings.
ResDiary
specializedCloud-based reservation and table management system with real-time availability and reporting for restaurants.
Dynamic yield management that automatically optimizes table availability and pricing to maximize revenue per cover
ResDiary is a comprehensive restaurant reservation and table management software that enables online bookings via a customizable widget, real-time table allocation, and guest profiling. It includes advanced features like yield management for revenue optimization, CRM tools for marketing, and integrations with POS systems and delivery platforms. Widely used in Europe and beyond, it supports multi-site operations and provides mobile apps for staff and diners to streamline operations.
Pros
- Powerful yield management and revenue optimization tools
- Strong CRM and marketing automation for customer retention
- Reliable integrations with major POS and delivery services
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for smaller venues
- Occasional reports of interface glitches and slow support response
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurant chains seeking advanced revenue management and multi-location support.
Pricing
Starts at £149/month for Essentials plan (up to 1,000 covers), scaling to £299+ for Pro/Enterprise with per-cover fees; custom quotes for larger operations.
Eat App
specializedUser-friendly online booking and table management software tailored for restaurants worldwide.
AI-powered no-show prediction and dynamic pricing to minimize losses and maximize table turnover
Eat App is a comprehensive restaurant reservation platform that streamlines online bookings, table management, and guest interactions for hospitality businesses. It features automated waitlists, no-show protection, a unified guest database, and marketing tools to drive direct reservations and optimize seating. The software integrates with POS systems and offers mobile apps for both staff and diners, making it suitable for modern restaurant operations.
Pros
- Advanced table optimization and waitlist management
- Robust guest database with personalization tools
- Strong analytics and reporting for revenue insights
Cons
- Higher pricing for smaller venues
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited integrations with some niche POS systems
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains seeking an all-in-one platform with AI-driven optimization and guest engagement features.
Pricing
Starts at €59/month per location for the Starter plan, with Pro at €119/month and Enterprise custom pricing; no free plan but 14-day trial available.
TheFork
specializedReservation platform integrated with TripAdvisor for attracting diners and managing bookings efficiently.
YIELD dynamic pricing system that automatically adjusts availability and promotions to maximize revenue and minimize no-shows
TheFork is a comprehensive online reservation platform primarily serving restaurants in Europe, enabling diners to book tables directly while providing restaurant managers with tools for handling bookings, optimizing table occupancy, and running promotions. It features a user-friendly dashboard for real-time reservation management, guest data analytics, and integration with websites and Google. The platform leverages a large network of users from its TripAdvisor affiliation to drive traffic and increase bookings.
Pros
- Extensive diner network boosts visibility and fills tables
- Intuitive dashboard for reservation and table management
- Built-in promotional tools like discounts to attract customers
Cons
- Commission-based pricing (typically 5-10% per cover) can add up for high-volume restaurants
- Limited customization options for branding and workflows
- Stronger focus on Europe, less effective in other regions
Best For
Mid-sized urban restaurants in Europe seeking to increase occupancy through a large booking network without heavy upfront development.
Pricing
Commission per booking (around 5-10% of cover value) with optional premium tiers starting at €49/month for advanced features like yield management.
Toast
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant POS with seamless online reservations, waitlists, and floor management.
Real-time reservation syncing with interactive POS floor maps for instant table turnover and management
Toast is a comprehensive POS and restaurant management platform that includes integrated online reservation capabilities, allowing guests to book tables via the restaurant's website, Toast Guest app, or third-party sites. It features real-time table availability synced with digital floor plans, waitlist management, and automated notifications. The system seamlessly connects reservations to POS operations, enabling efficient check-ins, no-show tracking, and upsell opportunities at the table.
Pros
- Deep integration with POS, payments, and inventory for streamlined operations
- User-friendly guest app and website booking tools
- Advanced floor plan visualization and waitlist automation
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs and custom pricing
- Overkill and complex for restaurants needing only reservations
- Limited standalone flexibility without full Toast ecosystem
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants wanting an all-in-one platform that unifies reservations with POS and operations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $165/month per location for core POS including reservations, plus required hardware (terminals from $799) and transaction fees.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseRestaurant management POS featuring online reservation integration and table service tools.
Drag-and-drop visual floor plan for real-time seating and reservation management
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system with integrated online reservation tools designed for full-service restaurants. It enables customers to book tables via a customizable website widget, Google integration, or mobile app, while providing staff with real-time availability, waitlist management, and visual floor plans. The platform syncs reservations directly with POS operations for efficient table turnover and revenue tracking.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS for unified operations
- Intuitive visual floor plan and table management
- Reliable online booking with Google and website support
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for small venues
- Requires additional hardware like iPads for full functionality
- Advanced customization may need professional setup
Best For
Mid-sized to large full-service restaurants needing an all-in-one POS and reservation system.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Essentials plan), up to $229/month (Premium); annual billing discounts apply, plus transaction fees and custom quotes.
Square for Restaurants
otherPOS solution with built-in online ordering and reservation capabilities for small to mid-sized restaurants.
Resy-powered reservations fully integrated with Square POS for real-time table management and payments
Square for Restaurants is a full-service POS platform designed for the hospitality industry, with built-in online reservation capabilities powered by Resy. It enables restaurants to offer seamless table bookings via a customizable booking widget on their website, manage waitlists, floor plans, and prepaid deposits directly from the dashboard. Integrated with Square's ecosystem, it streamlines operations by linking reservations to payments, inventory, and staff scheduling for efficient restaurant management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for unified operations
- User-friendly setup with no coding required for booking widgets
- Unlimited free reservations with optional deposit features
Cons
- Fewer advanced customization options than dedicated reservation platforms
- Relies on Square's ecosystem, limiting flexibility for non-Square users
- Additional fees apply to prepaid deposits and no-show protection
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants already using Square POS that want simple, integrated online reservations without extra software costs.
Pricing
Free core software including unlimited reservations; 2.6% + 10¢ processing fees on deposits, with Plus ($60/mo per location) and Premium (custom) tiers for advanced features.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 tools reveals OpenTable as the clear winner, boasting a global reach and real-time table booking that seamlessly connects diners and restaurants. Resy follows with modern features like waitlist and VIP management, while SevenRooms completes the top three, offering a comprehensive guest experience with integrated CRM and marketing. Each tool meets unique needs, but OpenTable shines for its versatility and widespread adoption.
Take the first step to elevate your restaurant’s operations—try OpenTable to streamline bookings, engage diners, and boost your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison