Best Restaurant Reservation Software for 2024

Online reservation software helps restaurant owners manage both online and offline reservations. These types of platforms usually offer a variety of features, including reservation management, staff management, waitlist, online ordering, reporting, deposits, event management, and so on. Online reservation software simplifies the process of keeping track of reservations, saving restaurants huge amounts of time and optimizing efficiency. 

As you would expect, different platforms offer different features. The platforms we list here offer a full array of functionality and are mainly focused on reservation management. Keep in mind that there are also providers that offer a single feature and are completely focused on it – so if you only need waitlist management, for example, you might search for an alternative that completely focuses on waitlist features.

For reservation management, there is a long list of providers on the market, but only a handful stand out as being the most versatile and most popular, and these have the largest number of users. As such, they are considered the most reliable solutions that restaurant owners can rely on. 

With so many options to choose from, how do you select the platform that will be best for your business? There are a few key points to consider when looking for the right software for your business:

‍Features - The platform needs to offer the list of features you actually need and the possibility to turn off (or hide) the ones that you are not using.

‍Price - Needless to say, this is a very important factor to consider, especially because you might find that some providers are much more expensive than other more affordable providers. Just because a platform is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality is any better or that it offers more functionalities. Sometimes it’s even quite the opposite.  

‍Ease of use - When you move from pen and paper to a reservation management software, you need to keep in mind that it will be used by your entire staff, and not all of them are tech savvy. That’s why you need to make sure the new system is user friendly and intuitive enough that everyone can easily learn how to operate it. An important fact to check is whether the provider offers training sessions to your staff so that the burden does not fall on you. 

The 5 most popular restaurant reservation systems today are the ones listed below. Check out what each of them has to offer, their pros and cons, and decide for yourself which one you want to try out:

1. Hostme
2. OpenTable
3. Resy
4. SevenRoom
5. EatApp

Hostme

Overview

Hostme’s app is a highly intuitive and customizable software that provides several functionalities to restaurant owners including table, reservation, and waitlist management, a digital guestbook, event management, deposit and cancellation fee collection, and more. It can be used on an unlimited number of devices and is compatible with both iOS and Android systems. You can access your Hostme account from the app or browser from any location by using your computer, iPad, tablet, or phone. The system is currently available in several languages and has no limit to the number of users that manage the account. 

Key Features

• Online reservations with automatic or manual approval. Reservations can be made via the widget, Google button, Facebook or Instagram restaurant page, Hostme restaurant page, or direct links
• "Reservation Deposits" or "Cancellation Fees" collection to reduce no-shows
• Table management to track the restaurant occupancy in real-time and easily manage/add walk-in parties in two clicks
• Smart waitlist feature providing hosts with the most accurate wait times
• Online ordering – delivery, pickup, and pre-order services
• Server rotation and management to assign servers to tables based on predefined rules
• POS integration and advanced analytics reports to optimize restaurant performance
• Automated digital guestbook that belongs only to the restaurant
• Event management
• 24/7 support via chat

Pricing

Hostme offers two different flat pricing plans, with no hidden costs. All Hostme plans allow a two-week trial for free, with no credit card required. The plans are:

• $109 per month - Mezzo: A more comprehensive option that offers practically unlimited features and is the most popular plan
• $169 per month - Grande: For restaurants that need integration with their POS system, custom branding, and full customization
• Trial: A two-week free trial is available on the Mezzo plan by default (and on Grande per request)

Pros

• Flat rates with no hidden costs with a full suite of features, including responsive tech support (under 15 minutes average response time)
• Customer input is valued and results in new features being implemented
• 2-way sms communication with customers, both automated and manual
• Full guest history about their visits
• Ease of use
• Clear overview of current status
• Collect guest feedback after their visit
• Choice of four views: floor plan, reservation list, grid view, or timeline
• Multiple filters to show reservations, no-shows, late arrivals, or finished bookings
• Cover pacing feature to manage volume at the restaurant

Cons

• Requires a bit of tech support for initial setup; however, there is excellent team support and training included during the onboarding process. Support is available 24/7 in case of technical difficulties. 
• Lack of marketing tools to promote restaurants.

Conclusion

Hostme is a great platform and a perfect choice for restaurants that want to manage their reservations smoothly with no chance of becoming overbooked. It is one of the best solutions currently available on the market.

OpenTable

Overview
OpenTable is one of the most well-known restaurant reservation platforms, widely used by both independent restaurants and large chains. The platform helps restaurants manage reservations, streamline table assignments, and connect with diners via its popular app. OpenTable also has a marketplace that allows diners to browse and book at partner restaurants, increasing exposure.

Key Features

• Online reservation management with an extensive diner network for increased bookings.
• Table management for optimizing seatings and reducing wait times.
• Marketing tools, including email campaigns and visibility on OpenTable’s app and website, allowing restaurants to reach a broader audience.
• Customizable guest profiles and loyalty tracking.
• Advanced reporting and analytics for performance insights.
• Integration with POS systems for streamlined operations.

Pricing
OpenTable offers different pricing tiers, including a Basic plan starting around $39/month with very limited functionalities, but its most popular plan costs closer to $299/month, plus a booking fee per cover. There is also an Enterprise plan for larger establishments, with customized features and pricing.

Pros

• Large diner network increases exposure and potential reservations.
• Intuitive interface with powerful marketing tools.
• High-quality data on customer preferences and dining patterns.

Cons

• Booking fees on top of monthly fees can be costly for high-volume restaurants.
• Limited customization for the reservation widget.

Conclusion
OpenTable is ideal for restaurants looking to increase visibility and maximize booking volume, thanks to its extensive diner network and marketing features. However, costs can add up for restaurants with high booking numbers.

SevenRooms

Overview
SevenRooms is a customer experience and reservation platform focused on building stronger relationships with diners. It goes beyond simple reservation management, offering tools to personalize the dining experience and drive customer loyalty.

Key Features

• Reservation, waitlist, and table management with a customizable booking widget.
• Detailed guest profiles that include dining preferences, dietary restrictions, and past visits.
• Integrated marketing tools for personalized promotions and loyalty programs.
• Reporting and analytics for insights into customer behavior.
• Integration with POS and CRM systems for seamless data flow.
• Multi-location management, ideal for restaurant groups and chains.

Pricing
SevenRooms offers custom pricing based on the restaurant’s needs and size. Generally, pricing starts around $500/month, which includes a wide range of features without additional cover fees.

Pros

• Strong focus on guest profiles and customer loyalty.
• Advanced marketing capabilities, making it easier to retain customers.
• Suitable for multi-location brands and restaurants looking to build long-term relationships with diners.

Cons

• Higher cost may be prohibitive for smaller or single-location restaurants.
• Some features, like CRM integration, may require additional setup and training.

Conclusion
SevenRooms is a powerful solution for restaurants aiming to build customer loyalty and personalize the dining experience. While more costly, it’s ideal for restaurants prioritizing guest relationship management.

Resy

Overview
Resy is a streamlined reservation management platform known for its user-friendly design and straightforward approach. Backed by American Express, Resy has become popular among mid-to-high-end restaurants looking to offer seamless reservation experiences without overly complex features.

Key Features

• Reservation and table management with a focus on guest experience.
• Waitlist and notification system for managing peak times.
• Customizable guest notes to track diner preferences and requests.
• Marketing tools for managing guest communications and sending post-dining surveys.
• Integration with social media platforms to allow reservations through Instagram and Facebook.
• Reporting tools for tracking reservation and guest behavior.

Pricing
Resy offers tiered pricing starting at around $249/month with no cover fees, which includes most of its features.

Pros

• Clean, user-friendly interface.
• Simple pricing structure without per-cover fees.
• Strong social media integration for reservations directly from Instagram or Facebook.

Cons

• Limited customization compared to platforms like SevenRooms.
• Less robust reporting and analytics compared to some competitors.

Conclusion
Resy is an excellent choice for mid-sized restaurants focused on user-friendly reservations and social media integrations. Its straightforward pricing and ease of use make it particularly appealing for restaurants that value simplicity.

EatApp

Overview
EatApp is a flexible reservation and table management platform designed for a range of restaurant types. It is especially popular in regions like the Middle East and Asia, where it has built a strong presence. EatApp offers key features for managing reservations and optimizing table turnover.

Key Features

• Customizable reservation widget for online bookings.
• Waitlist and table management for efficient seatings.
• Real-time reporting and analytics to monitor reservations and diner behavior.
• Basic CRM functionality for building guest profiles.
• POS integration options to enhance operations.
• Marketing tools, including automated email reminders and notifications.

Pricing
EatApp offers a free plan with basic features, while paid plans start at $69/month, which includes core reservation management and reporting features. Many essential features are offered as à la carte add-ons, which may increase overall costs. Additionally, while the platform includes SMS notifications, the base plan includes only a limited number of SMS messages. For restaurants with high SMS usage, additional SMS credits must be purchased separately, which can lead to higher operational costs.

Pros

• Affordable with a free option for basic use.
• User-friendly interface, easy for staff to navigate.
• Simple pricing structure without complex fees.

Cons

• Limited functionality for customer relationship management compared to SevenRooms.
• Fewer integrations and marketing features than competitors like OpenTable.

Conclusion
EatApp is a budget-friendly choice for small to medium-sized restaurants seeking essential reservation and table management features. While it lacks advanced CRM or marketing tools, its affordability and usability make it an attractive option.