Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS system with online ordering, payroll, and analytics tailored for restaurants.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - All-in-one POS platform offering inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for restaurants.
- 3#3: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS designed specifically for full-service restaurants with table management and loyalty programs.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - Affordable, user-friendly POS with free software, team management, and integrated payments for small restaurants.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud POS with advanced reporting, kitchen display systems, and e-commerce integration for restaurants.
- 6#6: Restaurant365 - Unified operations platform combining accounting, inventory, and scheduling for multi-unit restaurants.
- 7#7: 7shifts - Employee scheduling and communication tool with labor forecasting and tip pooling for restaurant teams.
- 8#8: Resy - Reservation and table management software with guest data insights for upscale restaurants.
- 9#9: OpenTable - Global reservation network with marketing tools and diner insights for restaurant bookings.
- 10#10: Lavu - Mobile POS system with online ordering and delivery integrations for quick-service restaurants.
We evaluated tools based on feature completeness, usability, reliability, and value, prioritizing those that cater to diverse restaurant sizes and operational needs, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits for growth and efficiency.
Comparison Table
Discover a comparison table of top restaurant software tools, including Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Square for Restaurants, and Revel Systems, which outlines key features, usability, and standout benefits to help you identify the best fit for your operation.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS system with online ordering, payroll, and analytics tailored for restaurants. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant All-in-one POS platform offering inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for restaurants. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS designed specifically for full-service restaurants with table management and loyalty programs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants Affordable, user-friendly POS with free software, team management, and integrated payments for small restaurants. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud POS with advanced reporting, kitchen display systems, and e-commerce integration for restaurants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Restaurant365 Unified operations platform combining accounting, inventory, and scheduling for multi-unit restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | 7shifts Employee scheduling and communication tool with labor forecasting and tip pooling for restaurant teams. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Resy Reservation and table management software with guest data insights for upscale restaurants. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | OpenTable Global reservation network with marketing tools and diner insights for restaurant bookings. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Lavu Mobile POS system with online ordering and delivery integrations for quick-service restaurants. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS system with online ordering, payroll, and analytics tailored for restaurants.
All-in-one POS platform offering inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for restaurants.
iPad-based POS designed specifically for full-service restaurants with table management and loyalty programs.
Affordable, user-friendly POS with free software, team management, and integrated payments for small restaurants.
Cloud POS with advanced reporting, kitchen display systems, and e-commerce integration for restaurants.
Unified operations platform combining accounting, inventory, and scheduling for multi-unit restaurants.
Employee scheduling and communication tool with labor forecasting and tip pooling for restaurant teams.
Reservation and table management software with guest data insights for upscale restaurants.
Global reservation network with marketing tools and diner insights for restaurant bookings.
Mobile POS system with online ordering and delivery integrations for quick-service restaurants.
Toast
specializedComprehensive cloud-based POS system with online ordering, payroll, and analytics tailored for restaurants.
Seamless Online Ordering and Delivery integration that syncs orders directly to the POS, reducing errors and boosting revenue without third-party fees.
Toast is a leading cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and restaurant management platform tailored for the foodservice industry, offering seamless integration of payments, online ordering, inventory, payroll, and analytics. It empowers restaurants to handle front-of-house operations, back-office tasks, and customer engagement from a single dashboard. With robust hardware options and offline functionality, Toast ensures reliability even in high-volume environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite with restaurant-specific tools like menu management and kitchen display systems
- Excellent integrations with delivery services, payroll, and accounting software
- Powerful analytics and reporting for revenue optimization and operations insights
Cons
- Premium pricing that may strain small or independent restaurants
- Hardware often required, increasing upfront costs
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants needing a scalable, feature-rich platform for full operations management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Starter plan), scales to custom enterprise pricing; plus 2.49% + $0.15 per transaction processing and hardware costs from $799.
Lightspeed Restaurant
specializedAll-in-one POS platform offering inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for restaurants.
Unified Kitchen Display System (KDS) that optimizes order routing and fulfillment across multiple stations
Lightspeed Restaurant is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and foodservice businesses. It handles everything from front-of-house operations like table management and order taking to back-of-house functions such as inventory control, employee scheduling, and detailed analytics. The platform supports multi-location management, online ordering integrations, and seamless payment processing for efficient daily operations.
Pros
- Robust inventory and recipe management
- Strong multi-location support and reporting
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps and accounting software
Cons
- Higher pricing for smaller operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional customer support delays
Best For
Multi-location restaurants and chains seeking scalable POS with advanced inventory and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $109/month per location for the Restaurant Essential plan, up to $169/month for Retail, plus hardware costs and transaction fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS designed specifically for full-service restaurants with table management and loyalty programs.
Integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) that eliminates printers and enables real-time order routing with modifiers.
TouchBistro is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system tailored for restaurants, bars, and hospitality venues. It streamlines operations with features like tableside ordering, inventory management, staff scheduling, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting. The iPad-centric design enables mobility, offline functionality, and seamless integration with kitchen display systems for efficient service.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific tools like floor plan management and KDS integration
- Reliable offline mode and fast performance during peak hours
- Excellent customer support with dedicated onboarding
Cons
- Higher pricing for premium tiers and additional hardware costs
- Primarily iPad-dependent, limiting flexibility for other devices
- Some advanced integrations require extra fees
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars seeking a mobile, all-in-one POS with strong hospitality-focused features.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), up to $209/month (Premium); hardware and processing fees extra.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable, user-friendly POS with free software, team management, and integrated payments for small restaurants.
Visual floor plan and table management for effortless seat assignments and server handoffs
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for full-service and quick-service restaurants, handling everything from order taking and payment processing to kitchen display systems (KDS) and table management. It offers inventory tracking, online ordering integration, staff management, and detailed reporting to streamline restaurant operations. The platform emphasizes mobility with iPad and Android support, making it ideal for dynamic dining environments.
Pros
- No monthly software fees, only pay-per-transaction
- Intuitive setup and mobile-friendly interface
- Seamless integration with Square hardware and third-party apps
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume restaurants
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise competitors
- Customer support primarily email/chat, no phone for basic plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Core POS software is free; processing fees 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online/CNP); hardware from $0-$799; add-ons like Payroll $35+/mo + $6/employee.
Revel Systems
specializedCloud POS with advanced reporting, kitchen display systems, and e-commerce integration for restaurants.
Real-time cloud syncing with offline mode for uninterrupted service during internet outages
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform tailored for restaurants, providing tools for order processing, inventory management, table management, and customer loyalty programs. It operates primarily on iPads, enabling flexible, mobile setups for quick-service, full-service, and bar operations with real-time data syncing across multiple locations. Additional capabilities include kitchen display systems, online ordering integrations, and detailed reporting dashboards to optimize restaurant performance.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like kitchen display and table management
- Strong cloud-based reporting and multi-location support
- Wide range of integrations with delivery and payment services
Cons
- Higher monthly costs per terminal
- Reliance on Apple iPad hardware increases upfront expenses
- Some users report occasional software glitches during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and multi-location chains seeking a scalable, iPad-centric POS with robust analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Starter plan, up to $299/month for Enterprise; plus hardware, processing fees (2.3%+), and setup costs.
Restaurant365
enterpriseUnified operations platform combining accounting, inventory, and scheduling for multi-unit restaurants.
Seamless POS integration with automated accounting for real-time profit and loss visibility
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based all-in-one restaurant management platform that integrates accounting, operations, payroll, inventory management, and scheduling for multi-location restaurant groups. It automates back-office tasks like AP/AR, recipe costing, and labor forecasting, providing real-time financial visibility and reporting. The software connects with popular POS systems to streamline data flow and reduce manual entry errors across the enterprise.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of accounting, ops, and inventory in one platform
- Real-time reporting and analytics for multi-unit operators
- Strong recipe costing and labor management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for smaller teams
- Pricing is on the higher end for single-location restaurants
- Limited customization options for advanced workflows
Best For
Multi-location restaurant chains and groups needing robust back-office automation and financial control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$600 per location per month depending on users and features.
7shifts
specializedEmployee scheduling and communication tool with labor forecasting and tip pooling for restaurant teams.
Sales-integrated labor forecasting that predicts optimal staffing levels in real-time
7shifts is a restaurant-specific workforce management platform that specializes in employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost control. It enables managers to create optimized schedules, forecast labor needs based on sales data, and facilitate shift trades among staff via a mobile app. The software integrates seamlessly with popular POS systems like Toast, Square, and Lightspeed, providing real-time insights to minimize overtime and improve operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-optimization
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and communication
- Deep integrations with 30+ POS and payroll systems
Cons
- Advanced forecasting and reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location operations
- Some users report occasional sync delays with POS integrations
Best For
Mid-sized restaurant chains and multi-location operators focused on labor cost optimization and shift management.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Essential), $43.99 (Pro), $59.99 (Complete); annual billing required, free trial available.
Resy
specializedReservation and table management software with guest data insights for upscale restaurants.
Virtual waitlist and prepaid reservations that dramatically reduce no-shows and improve seating efficiency
Resy is a premium reservation and table management platform designed for restaurants, allowing diners to book tables online while equipping operators with tools for reservations, virtual waitlists, and guest management. It integrates with POS systems, offers prepaid bookings to reduce no-shows, and provides data insights via its Guestbook feature. Popular in upscale dining scenes, Resy streamlines operations and enhances customer experiences through a sleek interface.
Pros
- Powerful no-show prevention with credit card holds and prepaid options
- Intuitive interface for both diners and restaurant staff
- Comprehensive guest database and analytics for personalized service
Cons
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for small or independent restaurants
- Limited customization options for workflows
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Upscale and high-volume restaurants aiming to attract premium diners and optimize table turnover.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month per location for basic plans, scaling to custom enterprise pricing based on covers and features; per-cover fees may apply.
OpenTable
specializedGlobal reservation network with marketing tools and diner insights for restaurant bookings.
Massive proprietary diner network that guarantees exposure to millions of active users worldwide
OpenTable is a comprehensive restaurant reservation and management platform that connects diners with restaurants while equipping operators with tools for seamless booking management, table optimization, and guest data insights. It enables real-time reservation handling, automated waitlists, and personalized marketing to maximize table turnover and revenue. With integrations to popular POS systems, it streamlines front-of-house operations for busy establishments.
Pros
- Extensive global network drives high-volume reservations from diners
- Advanced table management and yield optimization tools
- Rich guest database for personalized marketing and loyalty programs
Cons
- High per-cover fees can erode margins for low-volume nights
- Limited customization options compared to newer competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced analytics features
Best For
High-traffic urban or tourist-heavy restaurants seeking a large diner marketplace and robust reservation tools.
Pricing
Monthly plans start at $249 for basic features, plus $1-$1.50 per cover from OpenTable bookings; enterprise tiers custom-priced.
Lavu
specializedMobile POS system with online ordering and delivery integrations for quick-service restaurants.
Seamless tableside ordering and payment acceptance directly on iPads for faster, contactless service.
Lavu is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, bars, and food trucks, providing tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and table service. It excels in mobile deployments using iPads and iPhones, with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. The platform supports offline operations and integrates with third-party delivery services for streamlined restaurant workflows.
Pros
- Highly mobile and intuitive iOS interface for tableside service
- Strong offline functionality ensures uptime during outages
- Comprehensive reporting and inventory management tools
Cons
- Limited to Apple devices, restricting hardware flexibility
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
Best For
Small to medium restaurants, bars, and food trucks needing an affordable, tablet-based POS with mobile ordering capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Starter), $99/month (Standard), $159/month (Ultimate) per location, billed annually; hardware and payment processing fees extra.
Conclusion
The top restaurant software tools reviewed deliver varied solutions, yet Toast stands as the top pick, integrating POS, payroll, and analytics seamlessly to meet diverse operational needs. Lightspeed Restaurant and TouchBistro are strong alternatives—Lightspeed for multi-location and inventory needs, TouchBistro for full-service table management and loyalty. Together, they highlight the best in streamlining restaurant operations.
Don’t overlook Toast, the leading choice; exploring its features can elevate your restaurant’s efficiency and success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison